Medical necessity—a term that seems straightforward—often becomes a complex hurdle in the world of healthcare, especially in mental health. Joe Feldman, founder of Cover My Mental Health, sheds light on the disconnect between clinical care and legal frameworks, and shares how his nonprofit empowers patients and clinicians to navigate these challenges effectively.

What is Medical Necessity?

Contrary to what many assume, "medical necessity" is not a clinical term; it’s a legal one. As Feldman explains, most healthcare professionals are trained in safe, effective care aligned with ethical standards, not in decoding the legal intricacies of medical necessity. This disconnect often leads to insurance denials, leaving patients stranded without the care they need.

Feldman highlights a key concern: insurance companies often deny claims for higher levels of care, such as intensive outpatient programs or residential treatment, by deeming them “not medically necessary.” This decision-making process frequently prioritizes cost-cutting over patient well-being.

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

• Read the full show notes here
• Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free
• Start Consulting with Gordon
• The PsychCraft Network
• The Practice of Therapy Community
• Mental Health Wear TN
• Full Focus Planner
• Cover MY Mental Health
• LinkedIn

Meet Joe Feldman

Cover My Mental Health President and Founder Joe Feldman began advocating for access to mental health care after overcoming denials for his daughter’s residential care, including with a successful federal lawsuit.

Feldman developed Cover My Mental Health based on his own success overcoming insurance obstacles, with input from leading litigators, appeals experts, clinicians, insurance regulators, and former insurance industry insiders.

His advocacy work has included policy-driven discussions with legislators and regulators, a board role with The Kennedy Forum Illinois, presentations to parent groups, and publication of actionable guidance, such as a 2021 article in the Journal of Psychiatric Practice on medical necessity letters.

Feldman also serves on the board of Thresholds, a Chicago-based firm providing support to those living with mental illness, and Acadian Kitchens, a for-profit seasonings business in Louisiana.

Starting and running a private practice is a journey filled with challenges, growth opportunities, and the potential for both professional and personal fulfillment. Gordon Brewer, a seasoned mental health professional and founder of The Practice of Therapy, reflects on his journey into private practice, sharing insights that are both inspiring and practical for current and aspiring private practitioners.

The Journey to Autonomy

Gordon began his private practice journey in 2006 after gaining extensive experience working in nonprofit agencies. While he credits his nonprofit work for providing invaluable clinical training, he found himself drawn to private practice for its autonomy and financial potential. Transitioning to full-time private practice in 2010 marked a pivotal moment in his career, one that required him to embrace the challenges and opportunities of running his own business.

Mindset Matters: Developing a Business Perspective

A recurring theme in Gordon’s advice is the importance of adopting a business mindset. To thrive in private practice, clinicians must view their work not just as a therapeutic endeavor but as a business venture. This includes understanding:

• Return on Investment (ROI): Assessing where to invest time and money to maximize success.
• Profitability: Ensuring income exceeds expenses to sustain and grow the practice.
• Systems and Processes: Establishing efficient workflows to optimize operations.

“Clarity around your ‘why’ is essential,” Gordon emphasizes. For many, the “why” includes achieving autonomy, earning more, and escaping the bureaucracy of agency work.

Don't miss Gordon's invaluable advice on starting and scaling a private practice, overcoming challenges, and building a supportive network. Tune in now to take your practice to the next level! 🙌

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

Read the full show notes here

Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free

Start Consulting with Gordon

The Practice of Therapy Collaborative

The PsychCraft Network

The Practice of Therapy Community

Mental Health Wear TN

Full Focus Planner

Productive Therapist: https://productivetherapist.com/

GreenOak Accounting: https://www.greenoakaccounting.com/

In this episode of The Practice of Therapy Podcast, Keith Kurlander opens up about growing his therapy practice in Boulder, Colorado, navigating high competition and high demand. From door-knocking to diving into the digital world with paid advertising, Keith shares how embracing online marketing and specializing in sought-after areas helped him stand out in a crowded field. He also offers strategies for new and growing practitioners, from networking basics to expanding into group practices. Plus, Keith dives deep into the future of psychedelic therapy, exploring its transformative potential for treating trauma and treatment-resistant conditions like PTSD and depression, with promising results from MDMA, ketamine, and psilocybin. Don’t miss this fascinating conversation about the intersection of traditional therapy and cutting-edge treatments!

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

• Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free
• Start Consulting with Gordon
• The PsychCraft Network
• The Practice of Therapy Community
• Mental Health Wear TN
• Full Focus Planner
• Keith’s Website
• Keith on LinkedIn
• Integrative Psychiatry Institute on Facebook
• Keith on Instagram

Meet Keith Kurlander

Keith Kurlander, MA, LPC, is the Co-Founder of the Integrative Psychiatry Institute, the largest professional education company specializing in integrative mental health and psychedelic therapy, listed in Inc. 5000 as one of the 100 fastest-growing startups in the U.S., top 10 in healthcare, and top 3 in education.

He also co-hosts the Higher Practice Podcast for Optimal Mental Health and co-founded the Integrative Psychiatry Centers, a clinic revolutionizing mental healthcare with cutting-edge psychedelic therapy and integrative psychiatry treatments.

With over 20 years of experience in psychotherapy and coaching individuals, couples, and families, Keith’s journey began after nearly committing suicide at age 19 following a psilocybin mushroom experience. His battle with severe mental illness persisted into adulthood until he overcame it through decades of trial and error.

Now a successful entrepreneur, Keith is passionate about teaching methods that can eradicate mental illness and empower people to reach their full potential.

In this episode of The Practice of Therapy podcast, host Gordon Brewer talks with Nicole McCance, who shares her insights on scaling a therapy practice through effective systems and strategic hiring. Nicole emphasizes the importance of systemizing processes before bringing new hires on board, helping therapists avoid the overwhelm of constant questions and task management. She reveals that many therapists dive into hiring without setting up essential workflows, which can quickly turn them into “chief question answerers” rather than effective leaders. 

Nicole discusses the power of documenting every step of your practice in a Google Doc, which not only streamlines daily operations but also fosters team independence and enables automation. Reflecting on her own journey, she explains how hiring a business coach early on was instrumental to her success, giving her the clarity and direction to create her own coaching program, where she now teaches therapists the systems and marketing strategies that fueled her rapid growth. From crafting SOP manuals with tools like Loom and ChatGPT to making your first hire a “mini-me” who mirrors your style, Nicole shares a practical and empowering guide for therapists ready to grow their practice with intention and efficiency.

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

• Read the full show notes here
• Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free
• Start Consulting with Gordon
• The PsychCraft Network
• The Practice of Therapy Community
• Mental Health Wear TN
• Full Focus Planner
• Nicole’s Website
• Nicole’s Instagram
• Nicole’s Facebook Group
• Nicole’s Free Masterclass

Meet Nicole McCance

Nicole is a Psychologist (retired) turned Business Coach for therapists scaling to a group practice. She expanded her private practice to 55 therapists and multiple seven figures in 3 years (with toddler twins at home). Nicole sold her clinic in her 4th year and then retired as a Psychologist in her 5th year. She now teaches therapists how to help more people, make more money, and have more freedom following her proven method.

Crystal Adams-Scott shares the powerful story behind Hope Unite, a movement born from her and her son’s act of kindness. Driven by the message “You matter,” which she believes could have saved her husband’s life, Crystal discusses how simple cards adorned with a purple rose serve as reminders of worth and invitations to spread kindness. With volunteers distributing these cards across the U.S. and beyond, the initiative not only promotes kindness but also connects individuals in crisis to vital resources like the National Suicide Prevention hotline. 

Crystal emphasizes the importance of community involvement and outlines two key volunteer roles that support their mission. By fostering a holistic network of vetted therapists, healers, and community services, Hope Unite aims to address mental, physical, and spiritual health in a comprehensive way. Crystal encourages listeners to embrace daily acts of intentional kindness, highlighting their profound impact on mental well-being and the potential for collective action to create meaningful change. Don’t miss this episode that blends personal healing with a powerful call to action for kindness and community support.

Resources Mentioned In This Episode:

• Read the full show notes here
• Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free
• Start Consulting with Gordon
• The PsychCraft Network
• The Practice of Therapy Community
• Mental Health Wear TN
• Hope Unite
• The Hope Unite Story
• See the Impact of Hope Unite

Meet Crystal Adams-Scott:

Crystal Adams-Scott is the founder of Hope Unite International, their mission is dedicated to providing hope and support for individuals facing life's most challenging moments. After losing her husband to suicide, Crystal found herself grappling with unimaginable grief, but it was through this personal loss that she discovered her calling to help others navigate their own darkest times.

Driven by a deep commitment to break the silence around mental health and create a community of understanding, Crystal founded Hope Unite International with the vision of offering compassionate resources, emotional support, and a safe space for those struggling with mental health challenges, grief, and personal hardship. Hope Unite's Kids for Kindness initiative is dedicated to help our youth in the early developmental years to gain healthy social and emotional development tools alongside academic learning to help reduce teen depression and suicide rates. 

Navigating the world of therapy payments can be a maze for both therapists and clients, especially when insurance and out-of-network benefits come into play. Sanjana from Thrizer breaks down how their platform simplifies this process and how it helps make therapy more accessible for clients while ensuring clinicians get paid their full rate.

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

• Read the full show notes here
• Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free
• Start Consulting with Gordon
• The PsychCraft Network
• The Practice of Therapy Community
• Mental Health Wear TN
• Start your free trial and enjoy waived credit card fees for your first $2,500 in charges: https://join.thrizer.com/practiceoftherapy
• Thrizer’s Instagram
• Thrizer’s LinkedIn

Meet Sanjana Sathya

Sanjana is a co-founder at Thrizer. She is passionate about helping people access quality and affordable mental healthcare. Thrizer’s mission is to make cash-pay therapy more accessible. Clients just pay a copay for sessions, while clinicians get their full cash pay rate upfront, creating a win-win for both. She is a long-time therapy-goer herself who credits much of her own growth to therapy. She is excited to share more about her story and how it led her to Thrizer.

In this episode of The Practice of Therapy Podcast, Tiffany dives deep into the intricate relationship between anxiety and gut-brain interactions. She explains how anxiety can affect the gut in ways that aren’t always obvious, with some people experiencing clear GI issues, while others may have subtle gut disturbances without noticeable anxiety. Through relatable examples, Tiffany illustrates how thoughts, self-talk, and physical symptoms are interconnected, highlighting the bidirectional communication between the brain and the gut. Beyond the science, Tiffany also shares key insights for private practice owners on building a meaningful, community-focused business, offering evidence-based services that meet unaddressed needs. Whether you're curious about the mind-body connection or looking for entrepreneurial advice, this episode offers valuable takeaways.

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

• Read the full show notes here
• Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free
• Start Consulting with Gordon
• The PsychCraft Network
• The Practice of Therapy Community
• Mental Health Wear TN
• Tiffany’s Website
• Tiffany’s Instagram
• Tiffany’s Facebook

Meet Tiffany Duffing

Tiffany Duffing, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist, U.S. Army Veteran, and the co-founder of GI Psychology, a practice specializing in treating children, adolescents, and adults with various GI disorders. With a passion for serving her community, Dr. Duffing specializes in the integrative framework that pulls from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Clinical Hypnosis. She has successfully achieved therapeutic goals with children aged nine and above, adolescents, adults, and couples. Her areas of focus include gastrointestinal disorders, chronic pain, insomnia, and anxiety.

For Tiffany, empowering patients to create comfort is her biggest priority. Starting from the first intake session, Dr. Duffing focuses on listening actively and relaying what they have said to them to ensure complete understanding. In her career, Dr. Duffing has embraced the health psychology model, emphasizing the collaboration between psychologists, physicians, dietitians, and nurses to address the whole person.

Dr. Duffing maintains active involvement in the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis (ASCH) and the Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis (SCEH). She is also a volunteer Board member of the Association of Northern Virginia Clinical Psychologists (NVCP). In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Duffing serves as president of GI Psychology and ensures the practice's commitment to providing comprehensive mental health services for patients with complicated gastro-psychological conditions.

Guided by her dedication to the field, Dr. Duffing's professional commitments lie within her innovative treatment approach and the importance of her patients' well-being. She continues to inspire and benefit individuals seeking relief from their symptoms, contributing to a healthier and more hopeful future for patients and the mental health community.

To learn more about Dr. Duffing and her work at GI Psychology, visit the website or connect with her on LinkedIn. Her professional journey continues to inspire and benefit individuals seeking relief from their symptoms, contributing to a healthier and more hopeful future for patients and the mental health community. For more information on Dr. Duffing or to learn more about GI Psychology’s unique approach, please visit gipsychology.com.

Do you need help with your private practice website? Jenn Fredette joins us to discuss the transformative power of strong copywriting and how it can elevate your online presence.

When it comes to crafting compelling copy for your website, having a clear niche is crucial. By defining your niche, you can tailor your message to resonate deeply with your ideal client, making your marketing efforts more effective and targeted. Jenn Fredette, an expert in copywriting for private practices, shares valuable insights on refining your website’s copy to attract and engage the clients who are the perfect fit for your services.

Meet Jenn Fredette

Jenn journeys with others to develop a deep understanding of themselves and the world around them. She is passionate about connecting the curious and brave with therapeutic guides who can lead the way into the wild adventure of self-knowledge.

As a former minister, practicing psychotherapist, adjunct graduate professor, and host of “A Thinker’s Guide to…” Podcast Jenn brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in translating the profound into everyday language. Learn more at therapyforthinkers.com or follow her on Instagram at @athinkersguide.

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

• Read the full show notes here
• Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free
• Start Consulting with Gordon
• The PsychCraft Network
• The Practice of Therapy Community
• Mental Health Wear TN
• Jenn’s Podcast
• Jenn’s Website
• Jenn on Instagram
• Jenn on Facebook

In this episode of the Practice of Therapy Podcast, Mike Michalowicz dives into a transformative approach to the hiring process: recruiting workshops. Traditional interviews, as it turns out, have proven less effective than anticipated, with a mere 10% of candidates hired through this method turning out to be great performers within organizations. This often results in mishires and mismatches that hinder a company’s growth. We explore how recruiting workshops can revolutionize talent acquisition, elevate organizational success, and foster a paradigm shift in hiring, emphasizing unproven abilities and task-centric talent matching. Join us for an eye-opening discussion on the future of effective hiring practices.

Meet Mike Michalowicz

By his 35th birthday, MIKE MICHALOWICZ (pronounced mi-‘kal-o-wits) had founded and sold two multi-million dollar companies.

Confident that he had the formula to success, he became a small business angel investor… and proceeded to lose his entire fortune. Then he started all over again, driven to find better ways to grow healthy, strong companies. Mike has devoted his life to the research and delivery of innovative, impactful entrepreneurial strategies to you.

Mike is the creator of Profit First, which is used by hundreds of thousands of companies across the globe to drive profit. He is the creator of Clockwork, a powerful method to make any business run on automatic. In Fix This Next, Mike details the strategy businesses can use to determine what to do and in what order to ensure healthy, fast, permanent growth (and avoid debilitating distractions). Get Different will give you the tools to stand out in any market.

Today, Mike leads two new multi-million-dollar ventures as he tests his latest business research for his books. He is a former small business columnist for The Wall Street Journal and a business makeover specialist on MSNBC. Mike is a popular main-stage keynote speaker on innovative entrepreneurial topics and is the author of All In, Get Different, Fix This Next, Clockwork, Profit First, Surge, The Pumpkin Plan, The Toilet Paper Entrepreneur, and My Money Bunnies.

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

• Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free
• Start Consulting with Gordon
• The PsychCraft Network
• The Practice of Therapy Community
• Mental Health Wear TN
• Mike’s Website
• Mike’s Instagram
• Mike’s Facebook
• Profit First
• All In: How Great Leaders Build Unstoppable Teams

In this episode of The Practice of Therapy podcast, Gordon Brewer welcomes Kati Morton, a licensed therapist and YouTube sensation whose channel has become a sanctuary for many seeking mental health support. Kati’s journey is unique; she has not only provided education through her videos but also built a thriving online community. Her dedication to fostering a safe and supportive space has allowed individuals to feel connected and seen, even when traditional therapy may feel isolating.

Listen in as Kati shares the behind-the-scenes of her YouTube channel, how she balances her online presence with private practice, and why community is essential in the mental health journey. Whether you're a mental health professional or simply curious about how Kati’s approach has helped countless individuals, this episode offers valuable insights into the power of connection and the delicate balance between online influence and in-person therapy.

Meet Kati Morton

Kati Morton, LMFT, is a licensed marriage and family therapist and a highly sought-after public speaker in the field of mental health. Starting with a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University, she has built a vast & vibrant online community.  Her YouTube channel - with over 1.4 million subscribers and 130 million views, has made her a prominent figure in translating complex mental health concepts into accessible language. Through her dynamic presence on social media and appearances on top-rated shows such as The TODAY Show, Dr. Phil, Alex Cooper’s Call Her Daddy, E! News, CBS The Doctors, and The Dr. Drew Show, Kati successfully spreads awareness, reduces stigma, and empowers individuals to prioritize their mental well-being. As an accomplished author of two best-selling books "Are u ok?: A Guide to Caring for Your Mental Health," and “Traumatized: Identify, Understand and Cope with PTSD and Emotional Stress”, Kati's dedication to dismantling barriers to mental health services and fostering a supportive global community is unmatched. 

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

• Read the full show notes here
• Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free
• Start Consulting with Gordon
• The PsychCraft Network
• The Practice of Therapy Community
• Mental Health Wear TN
• Kati’s Website
• Kati on Instagram
• Kati on YouTube

In this episode, Lisa Mustard, a seasoned Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with over 15 years of experience, opens up about her journey through burnout, rediscovery, and the pursuit of purpose. Lisa shares a relatable story of feeling drained by the demands of her high-pressure job, balancing family life, and maintaining self-care, leading her to question her future in the field of therapy. She recounts a pivotal moment at the Lowcountry Mental Health Conference that sparked her curiosity about how continuing education (CE) could better engage younger, tech-savvy therapists. This curiosity led her to create a podcast platform that offers engaging, portable CE courses. Throughout her journey, Lisa faced challenges, including navigating imposter syndrome, but she ultimately leaned into her strengths and reignited her passion for helping others. Her story is an inspiring reminder to therapists that it’s never too late to explore new paths, follow your passions, and embrace growth.

Meet Lisa Mustard

Lisa Mustard is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Life Coach based in South Carolina. She is a dedicated wife to her husband, Billy, and a loving mother to two daughters. With a passion for health, wellness, and fitness, Lisa also enjoys wrangling her puppies and diving into personal development. At the age of 40, she experienced a pivotal moment that sparked a desire for change. No longer content with going through the motions in her life and career, Lisa began exploring new ideas and business ventures—some leading to success and others offering valuable lessons.

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

• Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free
• Start Consulting with Gordon
• The PsychCraft Network
• The Practice of Therapy Community
• Mental Health Wear
• Lisa’s Website
• The Therapy Show
• Podcourses
• Lisa on Instagram