Episodios

  • How to Leave a Group Practice and Start Your Own (The Right Way) with Zack Ufland | WP 179

    How to Leave a Group Practice and Start Your Own (The Right Way) with Zack Ufland | WP 179
    Mar 31 2026

    Thinking about leaving your group practice… but not sure when (or how) to actually do it?

    In this episode, Whitney sits down with Zack Ufland to talk through what it really looks like to step out on your own and build a private practice that actually supports your life. From timing your exit to managing risk and setting up your foundation, this conversation goes beyond logistics and gets into the mindset required to make it work.

    Zack shares how he knew it was time to leave, how he prepared financially, and the practical steps he took to create a smooth transition for both himself and his clients. He also opens up about the emotional side of starting a business, including fear, uncertainty, and the determination it takes to follow through.

    If you've been wondering whether private practice is the right move, or you're in the early stages of planning your exit, this episode will help you think more clearly about your next step.

    7:53 How to Know When It's Actually Time to Leave
    9:31 The Question Most Therapists Skip: Why Are You Leaving?
    11:08 Calculated Risk: Can You Afford to Make the Leap?
    13:30 What to Do Before You Put in Your Notice
    15:49 Making the Transition Seamless for Your Clients
    17:17 Startup Costs: It's Simpler Than You Think
    21:26 The Mindset You Need to Make It Work
    24:42 Fear vs. Values: What's Driving Your Decision?
    25:16 Faith, Risk, and Trusting the Process

    Sponsor Wise Practice Summit 2026

    If you're in a season of big decisions, feeling stuck, or carrying the weight of leadership, the Wise Practice Summit was created for you. It's a space for faith-based practice owners to step away from the day-to-day, gain clarity, and realign their practice with their life and calling.

    Right now, you can grab $100 off your ticket with our Early Bird pricing through May 1.

    You don't have to figure this out alone.

    Meet Zack Ufland, LMFT

    Zack Ufland is a private practice owner, consultant, and leader who is passionate about helping therapists build sustainable, thriving practices. After transitioning out of agency work, Zack successfully built a private pay practice—Paradigm Therapy in Raleigh, North Carolina—and later expanded into a group practice alongside his wife. He's known for his focus on creating strong systems, healthy boundaries, and a positive team culture that actually supports both clinicians and clients. Today, Zack helps practice owners grow with intention so their business can support the life they truly want, and he also serves as a consultant with Wise Practice Consulting.

    Zack's Resources

    Private Practice Start-Up Checklist

    Website

    Links and Resources

    Get my book, The Practice of Becoming

    Looking for support and connection: Join the Wise Practice Community

    Learn More about Wise Practice Consulting

    Connect with Wise Practice on Instagram

    Connect with Whitney Owens on Facebook

    Check out all of the podcasts on the PsychCraft Network

    Wise Practice Masterminds
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    32 m
  • Caring for the Vulnerable While Building a Sustainable Practice with Susan Melendez Doak, LPC | WP 178

    Caring for the Vulnerable While Building a Sustainable Practice with Susan Melendez Doak, LPC | WP 178
    Mar 24 2026

    What does it look like to care for vulnerable clients without burning out your team or compromising the sustainability of your practice?

    In this episode, I'm joined by Susan Melendez Doak, LPC, a group practice owner in rural Oregon who has built a practice centered on serving her local community, including Medicaid clients and other often-overlooked populations.

    Susan shares how she created a model that reflects her values while still making financial sense. We talk about the real challenges of serving high-need clients, what makes this work sustainable, and why alignment matters so much when you're building a practice that's meant to last.

    We also talk about diversifying payer sources, supporting clinicians who do heavy trauma work, improving access to care, and creating a practice culture that attracts people who care deeply about the mission.

    This is a thoughtful conversation about business, faith, values, and what it means to build a practice that serves people well.

    08:50 From Solo To Group Practice + Serving Rural Clients
    10:02 Medicaid Misconceptions + Financial Sustainability
    16:49 Diversifying Income + Building A Balanced Practice
    23:06 Preventing Burnout + Supporting Your Team
    26:10 Hiring For Values + Long-Term Alignment
    29:25 What's Next + The Power Of Community

    In this episode, we cover:

    • Why Susan chose to build her practice in a rural community
    • Common misconceptions about working with Medicaid clients
    • How to create a financially sustainable practice model
    • Ways to support clinicians working with complex trauma
    • Why values alignment matters in hiring and retention
    • How increasing access can transform who your practice reaches

    If you've ever wondered how to run a healthy practice while staying connected to the heart of the work, this episode is for you.

    Sponsor Wise Practice Community

    Running a private practice can feel lonely. You're making big decisions, trying to grow, and wondering if you're doing it right.

    That's why I created the Wise Practice Community.

    It's a membership for faith-based practice owners who want support building a healthy, sustainable practice. Inside, we focus on marketing, hiring, systems, finances, and leadership, with live trainings, accountability, and a community that gets it.

    We've recently revamped everything to make it simpler and more effective.

    Enrollment opens on March 25th and is only open for three days.

    If you want more clarity, support, and connection, this is for you.
    Join at wisepracticeconsulting.com for $89/month.

    Meet Susan Melendez Doak, LPC

    Susan Melendez Doak is a licensed professional counselor, clinical supervisor, and the group practice owner at Newberg Counseling & Wellness in Newberg, Oregon. Susan and her team provide compassionate counseling services with a mission to empower our local community with the skills and the courage to handle the challenges of life.

    Susan Melendez Doak's Resources

    Website
    Instagram

    Links and Resources

    Looking for support and connection: Join the Wise Practice Community

    Learn More about Wise Practice Consulting

    Connect with Wise Practice on Instagram

    Connect with Whitney Owens on Facebook

    Check out all of the podcasts on the PsychCraft Network
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    35 m
  • Scaling to Multiple Locations with Todd Call | WP 177

    Scaling to Multiple Locations with Todd Call | WP 177
    Mar 17 2026
    What does it actually look like to grow a group practice across multiple locations? In this episode, I'm joined by Todd Call, co-owner of Triology, a Christian counseling group practice based in Kalispell, Montana. Todd has nearly three decades of experience as a therapist, and today his work focuses on visionary leadership and building organizations that help people thrive. Todd shares how Triology began with a simple conversation between two therapists whose caseloads were full and whose waiting lists kept growing. Instead of continuing to turn people away, they started asking a bigger question: What would it look like to keep saying yes to the people who need help? That question eventually led them to hire therapists, expand their team, and build a practice that now serves multiple communities across Montana. We talk through what it's really like to grow beyond a single office. Todd shares the early days of running two locations, navigating long travel distances between towns, and figuring out how to keep a team connected when people aren't working under the same roof. Todd also opens up about the leadership shifts that came with growth. Early on, he realized that simply having an open-door policy wasn't enough to support a growing staff. As the practice expanded, he and his partner had to create more structure, strengthen their leadership systems, and clarify the mission driving their work. We also discuss how faith plays a role in Triology's mission and how Todd and his team partner with churches and communities to support mental health in a holistic way. In this episode, we discuss: Why does expanding to a new location often require a completely different marketing strategyThe leadership changes that happen when a practice grows beyond one officeHow culture evolves when teams are spread across multiple locationsWhat Todd learned after losing $40,000 in early billing mistakesWhy staying connected in person still matters when managing a growing team If you're thinking about opening a second location or wondering what it takes to scale a practice across cities or states, this conversation will give you a realistic look at the opportunities and challenges that come with expansion. 13:06 Early Multi-Location Challenges: Mileage, Meetings, And Systems 15:22 Traction + The Shift To Real Leadership Systems And A Bigger Vision 17:00 Faith In The Practice: Helping People Thrive (Mind, Body, Soul) 19:12 Current Setup: Four Locations And How They're Structured 20:04 Big Warning: Marketing Changes When You Expand Past An Hour 22:35 Keeping Culture Strong: In-Person Training, Weekly Supervision, Travel 24:19 Billing Lessons: $40K Mistake And Why In-House Billing Matters 26:14 Microcultures Are Real: How To Scale Without Losing Your Values 29:12 Why Todd Joined Wise Practice (And What He Gets From Community) Free Webinar March 24th @ 12:00 PM If you've ever looked at your calendar and thought, "I know I'm a good therapist… so why isn't my caseload fuller?" — you're not alone. Many of us were trained to provide excellent clinical care, but we were never taught how to consistently generate referrals or build a steady financial foundation. And when your caseload is inconsistent, it's not just frustrating — it can create real stress around income and stability. I'm Whitney Owens — private practice consultant and owner of a thriving private-pay group practice — and I'm hosting a free live training called "Why Your Caseload Isn't Full (Even Though You're a Great Therapist)" on Tuesday, March 24th at 12:00 PM Eastern. In this webinar, I'll walk you through the five key areas that determine whether your practice feels steady or unpredictable — and what you can begin adjusting immediately to create a more consistent, sustainable caseload. If you're a solo or group practice owner ready to stop guessing and start building with confidence, I'd love for you to join me. Go to wisepracticeconsulting.com/events to register. I'll see you on March 24th at noon Eastern. Meet Todd Call, MS, LMFT LCPC Todd is the co-owner of Thrivology, a Christian group practice based in Kalispell, Montana. Todd has 29 years experience as a therapist, and is now focused on the visionary leadership of people and organizations. He is married with 7 children and 7 pets, so please pray for his wife! Todd's Resources Website Facebook Links and Resources Looking for support and connection: Join the Wise Practice Community (Doors close March 27th) Learn More about Wise Practice Consulting Connect with Wise Practice on Instagram Connect with Whitney Owens on Facebook Check out all of the podcasts on the PsychCraft Network Wise Practice Masterminds
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    34 m
  • How to Build a Specialty Practice That Attracts the Right Clients with David Sanchez | WP 176

    How to Build a Specialty Practice That Attracts the Right Clients with David Sanchez | WP 176
    Mar 10 2026
    ​​Have you ever asked yourself, Should I niche down… or am I going to lose clients if I do? I hear this question all the time from practice owners. We're trained to treat a wide range of issues, so choosing a specialty can feel risky. But what if clarity is actually the thing that creates momentum in your practice? In this episode, I sit down with David Sanchez, founder of Charlotte Counseling Associates, to talk about how he built a highly specialized, faith-based group practice focused on sex addiction, betrayal trauma, and couples healing. What began as a general solo practice slowly evolved into a clear niche — and that decision transformed his referrals, marketing, and long-term vision. Inside this conversation, we talk about: • How David discovered his niche and knew it was the right fit • What changed in his caseload once he specialized • How to research whether your niche is needed in your city • Hiring and training associates within a specialty model • Why clarity in your messaging makes marketing easier, not harder We also discuss the deeper layer behind niching — passion. When you care deeply about the work, it fuels your energy, your leadership, and your sustainability as a business owner. If you've been wondering whether it's time to specialize your solo or group practice, this episode will help you think strategically and confidently about your next steps. And if you're looking for ongoing support as you grow, doors to the Wise Practice Community are open now through March 27th. I'd love to support you inside that space. Listen in and start building a practice that attracts the right clients — on purpose. 10:28 When a General Practice Becomes a Niche Practice 12:42 Hiring for a Specialty Model 14:48 Training and Maintaining Clinical Excellence 15:55 How to Research Demand in Your City 17:34 Marketing a Niched Practice Clearly 18:39 The Role of Passion in Sustainability 20:13 Shifting from 1099 to W2 22:33 What Changed After Joining the Mastermind 26:03 The Power of Community for Practice Owners 28:00 How to Connect with David Free Webinar March 24th @ 12:00 PM If you've ever looked at your calendar and thought, "I know I'm a good therapist… so why isn't my caseload fuller?" — you're not alone. Many of us were trained to provide excellent clinical care, but we were never taught how to consistently generate referrals or build a steady financial foundation. And when your caseload is inconsistent, it's not just frustrating — it can create real stress around income and stability. I'm Whitney Owens — private practice consultant and owner of a thriving private-pay group practice — and I'm hosting a free live training called "Why Your Caseload Isn't Full (Even Though You're a Great Therapist)" on Tuesday, March 24th at 12:00 PM Eastern. In this webinar, I'll walk you through the five key areas that determine whether your practice feels steady or unpredictable — and what you can begin adjusting immediately to create a more consistent, sustainable caseload. If you're a solo or group practice owner ready to stop guessing and start building with confidence, I'd love for you to join me. Go to wisepracticeconsulting.com/events to register. I'll see you on March 24th at noon Eastern. Meet David Sanchez, MS, LCMHCS, CSATS, Brainspotting Certified, EMDR Trained, DARTT Trauma Trained In October 2014, David Sanchez started his solo practice, Charlotte Counseling Associates, out of a strong desire to serve others dealing with mental health and addictions. In 2017, Charlotte Counseling Associates PLLC moved to a larger location in beautiful South Park on Fairview Rd. By 2018, he remembered his vision to create a group practice as there was a deep need in the community, and he wanted to work alongside intelligent and talented therapist professionals. As of January 2026, David is grateful to have five therapist professional associates (specialized in sex and porn addiction and betrayal trauma), a payroll specialist, and a new client coordinator and office admin as part of his staff. David is planning to hire at least two more therapists in 2026. CCA's mission is to help individuals, couples, and families heal, recover, and move forward from affairs, sex addiction, betrayal, trauma, and more in Charlotte, North Carolina, and surrounding areas. The ultimate goal is not only stopping the acting out behavior, but improving trust, connection, communication, vulnerability, empathy, and overall intimacy in the relationship and family system. David's Resources WebsiteCharlotte Counseling Associates on FacebookCharlotte Counseling Associates on Instagram Links and Resources Looking for support and connection: Join the Wise Practice Community (The doors close on March 27th) Learn More about Wise Practice Consulting Connect with Wise Practice on Instagram Connect with Whitney Owens on Facebook Check out all of the podcasts on the PsychCraft Network Wise Practice Masterminds
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    30 m
  • How to Get Insurance Companies to Raise Your Rates with Jeremy Hinote, LPC, NCC, CPCS | WP 175

    How to Get Insurance Companies to Raise Your Rates with Jeremy Hinote, LPC, NCC, CPCS | WP 175
    Mar 3 2026

    What if your lowest-paying insurance panel is costing you thousands a year… and you didn't even realize you could ask for a raise?

    In this episode, I sit down with Jeremy Hinote, owner of Savannah River Counseling in Augusta, Georgia, to break down exactly how he negotiated a major reimbursement increase with one of the most notoriously difficult payers: Tricare.

    And yes, it worked.

    Jeremy shares the step-by-step process he used to:

    • Identify his lowest reimbursement rate
    • Research what others in his area were being paid
    • Prepare a compelling renegotiation letter
    • Push back (professionally) multiple times
    • Secure a $20 per session increase

    We also talk through the emotional side of the process. The fear of losing a panel. The tension between serving clients and running a sustainable business. And the mindset shift required to advocate for your value.

    If you're insurance-based, considering joining panels, or wondering whether you're being underpaid, this conversation will give you practical tools and the confidence to start asking better questions.

    Jeremy also shares specific resources, negotiation tips, and what insurance companies actually care about when reviewing rate increase requests.

    If you've ever thought, "I guess this is just what they pay," this episode may change your perspective.

    06:15 How we met (and why he joined Wise Practice right away)
    09:42 The real problem: insurance rates that don't make sense
    12:42 Credentialing lesson: what he'd do differently next time
    15:28 Tricare's rules + who to contact to renegotiate
    17:55 The negotiation play-by-play (and why he kept pushing)
    20:16 The win: about $20 more per session
    22:56 How much of his caseload was Tricare (high stakes)
    23:45 My takeaway: your business has to survive to keep serving
    26:35 When to ask for increases (and put it on your calendar)
    27:39 The resource that helped: The Insurance Maze
    33:24 Don't overload your practice with low-paying panels
    35:38 Is Wise Practice worth it? Jeremy's honest answer

    Jeremy's Resources

    Website
    Facebook
    X
    Instagram
    LinkedIn

    Links and Resources

    Navigating the Insurance Maze

    Get my book, The Practice of Becoming

    Looking for support and connection: Join the Wise Practice Community

    Learn More about Wise Practice Consulting

    Connect with Wise Practice on Instagram

    Connect with Whitney Owens on Facebook

    Check out all of the podcasts on the PsychCraft Network

    Wise Practice Masterminds
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    40 m
  • Making Space for the Sacred in Your Practice with Jordan Raynor | WP 174

    Making Space for the Sacred in Your Practice with Jordan Raynor | WP 174
    Feb 24 2026

    Running a successful practice can slowly crowd out the very faith that called you to this work in the first place.

    In this episode of the Wise Practice Podcast, I sit down with Jordan Raynor to talk about how to make space for the sacred in your practice without adding more to your plate. We explore what it looks like to shift from working for God to working with God, and how that simple change can transform the way you lead, care for clients, and experience your work.

    This conversation felt especially timely during the Lenten season, a time that invites reflection, awareness, and slowing down even in the middle of a busy practice. Rather than focusing on doing more, this episode centers on noticing God's presence in the work you're already doing.

    Jordan and I also talk about the importance of community for faith-based practice owners, the role of vulnerability in leadership, and why sustainable work requires rest, connection, and play.

    If you've been feeling stretched thin or disconnected from your faith in your work, this episode offers a grounding reminder that you don't have to carry it all alone.

    09:00 You don't have to lead with God to be led by God
    11:30 Simple daily practices that increase awareness of God's presence
    14:00 How identity in Christ changes the way you lead and take risks
    17:00 Why secure faith leads to healthier ambition, not less
    19:45 The loneliness of leadership for therapists and practice owners
    23:30 Why the church community isn't always enough for practice owners
    26:45 How to find or create a faith-based vocational community
    30:30 Rest, play, and sustainability in the life of a therapist
    34:00 What it takes to go the distance in sacred work

    Show Sponsor Berries

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    Jordan Raynor's Resources
    Website
    LinkedIn
    Instagram
    Facebook

    Links and Resources

    Get my book, The Practice of Becoming

    Looking for support and connection: Join the Wise Practice Community

    Learn More about Wise Practice Consulting

    Connect with Wise Practice on Instagram

    Connect with Whitney Owens on Facebook

    Check out all of the podcasts on the PsychCraft Network

    Wise Practice Masterminds
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    36 m
  • Embracing Lent as a Practice Owner | WP 173

    Embracing Lent as a Practice Owner | WP 173
    Feb 17 2026

    Lent doesn't have to feel rigid, heavy, or like one more thing you're failing at as a practice owner. In this episode, I'm talking about how to actually practice Lent in a way that's gentle, meaningful, and realistic for the season of life and leadership you're in.

    We're moving away from rules and performance and toward relationship—creating space for God in the middle of running a practice, making decisions, caring for clients, and juggling real life. I walk through practical ways to approach fasting, letting go of distractions, and filling that space with what truly restores you, whether that's prayer, reflection, giving, or simply slowing down.

    If you've ever wondered how Lent can support both your faith and your work as a practice owner—without comparison, shame, or pressure—this episode is for you.

    01:53 How Practice Owners Can Actually Practice Lent
    03:20 Moving from Performance to Relationship
    05:09 Lent as a Practice of Becoming
    06:21 Comparison, Fasting, and Letting Go of "Shoulds"
    08:39 What Fasting Is (and What It Isn't)
    11:22 Fasting Beyond Food: Work, Social Media, and Busyness
    13:32 Filling the Space You Create
    15:00 Lent as a Season of Giving
    16:54 Sundays, Mini Easters, and Grace
    18:18 Using a Devotional to Stay Grounded During Lent

    Links and Resources

    Get my book, The Practice of Becoming

    Looking for support and connection: Join the Wise Practice Community

    Learn More about Wise Practice Consulting

    Connect with Wise Practice on Instagram

    Connect with Whitney Owens on Facebook

    Check out all of the podcasts on the PsychCraft Network

    Wise Practice Mastermind
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    22 m
  • Why Lent Matters for Practice Owners | WP 172

    Why Lent Matters for Practice Owners | WP 172
    Feb 10 2026

    If you're a practice owner, chances are you're reading this while doing something else—answering emails, moving between sessions, or thinking about what still needs to get done today. I know that pace well, and I also know how easy it is for even meaningful things to become "just one more thing" on a full plate.

    This episode isn't about adding another strategy or asking you to work harder. It's an invitation to slow down and reflect on why Lent matters for practice owners—especially in the middle of a season when everything feels like it's speeding up. As client needs increase and leadership demands grow heavier, we don't need more noise. We need grounding, intention, and space to notice what's really happening in us and around us.

    In this conversation, I talk about Lent as a rhythm of reflection rather than a task to complete. Whether you've practiced Lent for years or are just beginning to explore it, my hope is that this episode helps you see it not as something extra, but as a way to lead your practice—and your life—from a steadier, more faithful place.

    If you've ever felt like you're doing all the right things on the outside but longing for deeper grounding on the inside, this episode is for you.

    01:31 If you're multitasking right now, I see you
    02:12 This isn't another tip, it's a breather
    03:03 Why everyone's saying the same thing, I'm busy
    05:51 February and March are about to get wild
    07:28 Ash Wednesday is Feb 14, so here comes Lent
    08:38 Lent 101 what it is and what it's for
    10:42 Fasting isn't punishment, it's making space
    12:20 Slowing down shows you what needs to come off your plate
    15:10 How this devotional helps when urgency is loud

    Links and Resources

    Get my book, The Practice of Becoming

    Looking for support and connection: Join the Wise Practice Community

    Learn More about Wise Practice Consulting

    Connect with Wise Practice on Instagram

    Connect with Whitney Owens on Facebook

    Check out all of the podcasts on the PsychCraft Network

    Wise Practice Mastermind
    Más Menos
    18 m