Private Practice Elevation With Daniel Fava

In this episode of the Private Practice Elevation podcast, we delve into the significant recent changes in the SEO landscape due to Google's latest core update.    If you've relied heavily on optimizing for specific keywords or building backlinks, sorry, but it's time to reevaluate your strategy. Google's new focus pivots towards content that is genuinely useful, relevant, and expertly crafted to serve users' needs.   Understanding these shifts is crucial for private practice owners aiming to maintain or improve their website rankings.    Daniel provides an in-depth look at how these updates could affect your SEO efforts and offers expert advice on adapting to these changes.    By emphasizing the importance of creating high-quality, relevant content and a seamless user experience, he guides listeners through what it takes to stay ahead in the evolving SEO game. Key Takeaways: Relevance Over Keywords: Google's algorithm now prioritizes understanding the user's intent and providing relevant answers over just

In this episode of The Private Practice Elevation Podcast, Daniel breaks down an important but often overlooked topic: why you should register your domain separately from your website builder. First, he explains the difference between a domain and web hosting in easy-to-understand terms.  Think of your domain like the address of your practice online, while your web hosting is like the actual building where everything is stored.  Keeping your domain registration separate from your website builder (like Squarespace or Wix) is a smart move, giving you more control over your online presence. Daniel shares why using a dedicated domain registrar, like GoDaddy or Namecheap, is better than bundling everything with your website platform.  The biggest reasons? You’ll have more flexibility to switch platforms when your practice grows or changes, and you’ll get better security and support along the way. He also shares a real-life story about a client who ran into big problems when they needed to move their domain. Their

In today’s fast-paced world, therapists often find themselves juggling various systems for billing, progress notes, treatment planning, and administrative tasks.    This inefficiency can lead to burnout and suboptimal care.    In this episode, Ryan Fuller, co-founder of My Best Practice, discusses these challenges and how their electronic health record (EHR) system addresses them.  Ryan shares his journey from juggling multiple systems for clinical work, research, and administrative tasks to creating a seamless, integrated solution for mental health professionals.  We discuss the challenges faced by therapists and the significant improvements My Best Practice brings to clinical practice, administration, and research. Ryan explains the early stages of developing My Best Practice, outlining the key functionalities they aimed to address—clinical documentation, research integration, and business administration.  The discussion moves to the onboarding process, emphasizing the platform's user-friendly migration ser

In this episode of the Private Practice Elevation Podcast, Daniel Fava welcomes Nate Hendrikse, founder of Navigator Bookkeeping, to discuss the journey of scaling a private practice from a financial perspective.  Nate shares his background as a former teacher and how his passion for personal finance led him to start his own bookkeeping business.  With an empathetic understanding of the struggles private practice owners face, Nate breaks down key strategies for understanding and improving their financial stories. Nate delves into the importance of having a clear financial story and how it can alleviate stress and confusion for practice owners.  He emphasizes the need for tracking essential metrics and creating a dashboard to maintain a comprehensive view of the business's financial health.  As therapy practices grow, Nate highlights the challenges of optimizing clinician pay structures and provides practical tools and tips to ensure that practices remain profitable and sustainable.  Knowing some of the blind

In this episode of the Private Practice Elevation podcast, Daniel Fava sits down with Michael J. Silva to discuss strategies for building a successful private practice without heavily relying on low-paying insurance contracts.    Silva shares his journey from experiencing early career burnout in corporate healthcare to establishing a flourishing cash-based sports medicine practice.    Alongside offering practical advice for navigating the transition to a cash-based model, Silva highlights the importance of finding your niche and over-delivering value to clients.   Michael details his process of identifying and eliminating unprofitable insurance contracts, emphasizing the importance of knowing your numbers.    By focusing on a motivated and health-conscious clientele, Silva and his team were able to build a thriving practice with a low cancellation rate and highly satisfied clients.    Silva’s insights provide valuable lessons for mental health therapists, physical therapists, and other healthcare providers ai

In this episode of the Private Practice Elevation podcast, host Daniel Fava sits down with Dr. Elisabeth Morray to delve into the critical topic of niching in therapy.  As they discuss the journey from being a generalist to identifying and embracing a niche, Elisabeth provides actionable insights for private practice owners looking to grow their businesses authentically.  They explore the balance between general practice and specialization, how continuing education plays a critical role, and the fear of potentially losing clients by narrowing one’s focus. Throughout the conversation, Elisabeth shares her career journey, from her early focus on eating disorders and women's health to her current roles at Alma and her private practice.  This episode is packed with website ideas and insights related to niching down in therapy, the importance of finding a niche that resonates deeply with one's values, and how to market authentically.  By highlighting real-world applications and personal experiences, Daniel and Eli

In this episode of The Private Practice Elevation Podcast, Daniel Fava chats with David Frank, founder of Turning Point Financial Planning, about the intricate relationship between money and psychology.    Both professionals share their journeys, showing how their careers transitioned towards serving the mental health community.   David provides insights into his role in assisting therapists with their financial planning, covering both personal finance and business structures.   Throughout the episode, David Frank delves into the psychology of money and common mindsets that arise for business owners, particularly therapists.    He explains how deep-seated beliefs and patterns from childhood influence financial behaviors and decisions. David also discusses the crucial role of conversation and speaking with trusted individuals in overcoming financial shame and anxiety. The importance of community, having professionals like financial planners on your team, and maintaining a stance of curiosity and non-judgment a

In this episode of the Private Practice Elevation podcast, host Daniel Fava dives deep into the differences between WordPress.com and WordPress.org, helping private practice owners make informed decisions about their website platforms.    Daniel seeks to remove the confusion that many people face when choosing between these two WordPress platforms.   In fact, some don’t even know that WordPress has TWO options for building a website with their platform.   But there are, and many folks get confused or choose the wrong platform when building their first website for their private practice.   In this episode, Daniel demystifies WordPress by breaking down the four main differences between Wordpress.com and Wordpress.org: ownership and control, cost, customization and flexibility, and maintenance and security.    Each aspect is crucial for private practice owners to consider as they plan their online presence.    With insightful comparisons and real-world examples, he guides listeners through the complexities of Wo

In this episode of the Private Practice Elevation podcast, your host, Daniel Fava, dives deep into the simple essence of content marketing plans tailored for private practice growth.    In the ever-evolving landscape of private practice, engaging with and attracting clients goes beyond face-to-face therapy sessions.    An integral part of this modern approach to building a successful practice lies in a solid content marketing strategy. This means that you’re consistently publishing and sharing new content on your website.   But content marketing is not just about producing content; it's about creating a strategic roadmap to reach and engage with your target audience effectively.    Daniel breaks down the concept into an easily digestible 3-step plan, showcasing the importance of having a structured approach to increase website traffic and highlight your services.   Daniel underscores the key reasons for adopting a content marketing plan, emphasizing trust-building, client education, attracting the right clien

In this episode of the Private Practice Elevation podcast, host Daniel Fava welcomes David Sturgess, a seasoned mental health professional and business consultant, to discuss the pivotal shifts required when transitioning from therapist to business owner.  The journey from being an agency therapist or employee to becoming a business owner of your private practice is filled with unique challenges and opportunities.    For therapists considering this path, understanding the nuances of business, the value of time and money, and the intricacies of marketing can be the difference between thriving and merely surviving.   David Sturgess has a compelling background in mental health, with over 16 years of experience in the field. His journey began as a 911 operator and first responder, which unfolded into a strong interest in psychology and led his current career.    David worked for several years in youth residential treatment facilities and transitioned into private practice six years ago as a result of desiring to

In this episode of the Private Practice Elevation podcast, host Daniel Fava interviews special guest Steve Cuffari, a marriage and family therapist and current client of Private Practice Elevation about his experience investing in SEO for his private practice.   Daniel and the Private Practice Elevation team have been helping Steve expand his practice’s visibility through SEO (Search Engine Optimization) for about two years now.    Steve shares his journey of transitioning from working at an organization to starting his own private practice - without taking insurance from the get-go.    He discusses the importance of investing in a website and SEO to attract clients and shares valuable insights on honing your message, tracking numbers, and staying competitive.    Steve's story is a testament to the power of facing fears and investing in yourself to achieve success in private practice.    Tune in to learn from his experiences and gain valuable tips for your own practice. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: What l

Work-life balance is a myth! But rhythms of life and the changing of seasons are something that we can all embrace. In this episode, I sit down with Amy Dover, a seasoned therapist and successful group practice owner.  Amy has an inspiring story of transitioning from various practice settings to building her own flourishing group practice in Enterprise, Alabama. Throughout our conversation, Amy opens up about the rapid growth of her practice and the different seasons she's experienced as an entrepreneur.  We dive into the challenges of maintaining a healthy work-life balance and why Amy prefers to think in terms of finding a rhythm rather than balance. Because, honestly, balance never comes and only creates frustration.  She shares her insights on how to adapt to the changing demands of personal life and business, providing valuable advice for anyone looking to grow their practice while staying grounded. Key Takeaways Rethinking Balance: Amy encourages us to move away from the rigid idea of work-life balanc

In this episode of The Private Practice Elevation Podcast, Daniel Fava and Dr. Joshua Rosenthal dive deep into the transformative journey from solo practice to a thriving group enterprise.    Dr. Rosenthal shares his pearls of wisdom on leadership, emphasizing the importance of clarity in your professional and personal goals. He advocates for creating roles that align with your passions and strengths, a strategy that has proven successful for both him and his team.   Discover how Dr. Rosenthal navigated the complexities of scaling a business, from the inception of the Big Apple Day program—a summer camp for children ages 6-12 with developmental, social and/or learning difficulties.—to fostering a culture of continuous improvement and reflection within his team of over 300.    He candidly discusses the challenges of retention and the financial balancing act required to sustain growth.   Dr. Rosenthal also unveils his evolved leadership approach, where he focuses on growth and empowering a core leadership team,

In this conversation with Steve Bisson, you’ll learn all about mentorship - both giving and receiving - within private practice.  Steve discusses both his personal experience and the broader implications of mentorship in the professional development of therapists and mental health workers.  The episode delves into the core facets of finding and offering guidance in an often complex and challenging career path. Throughout the episode, we unpack the nuanced differences between mentorship and other forms of professional development tools such as business coaching, as well as the organic nature of establishing pivotal mentoring relationships.  The discussion emphasizes the importance of authenticity and trust in these relationships, illustrating how mentorship can significantly influence personal growth and career progression.  The episode is filled with anecdotes and strategic advice, inviting both new practitioners and experienced professionals to consider the impact of mentorship on their journey through the m

In this special episode of the Private Practice Elevation Podcast, Liz Fava, wife of host Daniel Fava, flips the tables around and interviews Daniel. If you’ve listened to this podcast for some time, you’ve likely gotten a small glimpse into Daniel’s life and Private Practice Elevation.  But have you ever wondered how this all got started? What was Daniel doing prior to helping therapists level up their private practices? What did it look like in 2016 when Daniel took a leap of faith and started his business?  What does the PPE team look like now and what services do they offer and why? What does the future look like for PPE? And, of course, what are some of Daniel’s favorites? Such as food, drink, books, etc. In a candid conversation with his wife Liz Fava on his podcast, Daniel Fava, the founder of Private Practice Elevation, opens up about the origins of his online marketing agency, the services it offers, and his journey through entrepreneurship and life.  Daniel also reveals his favorite aspects of his r

In this episode of the Private Practice Elevation podcast, host Daniel Fava dives deep into the significance of establishing core values for your private practice.    Crafting core values goes beyond traditional marketing—these guiding principles shape the culture, decision-making, and strategic direction of your therapy practice.   After sharing about what core values are, Daniel transitions into a solo discussion on the essence of core values and their profound impact on business operations.    He delves into the purpose of having core values, including aligning your team's actions, enhancing company culture, and influencing how you serve clients.    Through three main tips, Daniel illuminates the process of creating actionable and meaningful core values.    In the candid sharing of Private Practice Elevation's own set of core values, you’ll gain insights not only into building your own values but also into the ethos that guides Daniel's successful team at PPE.   Tune in to the full episode for a dive into

In this episode of the Private Practice Elevation podcast, host Daniel Fava interviews Brent Stutzman on how to position yourself as the number one trusted therapy practice in your area.    With around seven years of experience, Brent ventured into the marketing realm when his wife, a therapist, decided to start her own private practice.    His journey began with branding and marketing, which he mastered through self-learning due to budget constraints. He successfully launched 'Kid Matters Counseling' with his wife, achieving a waiting list status before its onset.    Eventually, Brent expanded his expertise to help other therapists establish and grow their practices, learning the critical importance of positioning as a trusted authority in the market. He also has launched TheraSaas, a powerful CRM for private practices.   His work is significantly impacted by the StoryBrand framework, which he has adeptly applied to launch over twelve practices across the country. As a certified Storybrand Guide, Brent empha

In this episode of the Private Practice Elevation podcast, host Daniel Fava sits down with Shannon Heers to discuss the topic of cultivating clinical confidence in private practice.    This conversation offers an in-depth look into the struggles that therapists often face, including impostor syndrome and the feeling of isolation when stepping out into the entrepreneurial world of private practice.    Together, they unpack strategies for growing confidence as a clinician, providing high-quality service to clients, and finding the necessary support systems.   Shannon Heers shares insights from her extensive experience in the realm of clinical supervision, highlighting the common issue of impostor syndrome among private practice therapists and the importance of developing a solid theoretical framework to guide interventions.    She emphasizes the value of connecting with others to overcome feelings of being overwhelmed or isolated within the practice.    With practical tips and relatable anecdotes, this episode

The digital age has opened up a plethora of opportunities for private practice owners to expand their reach and refine their marketing strategies.    Yet, with an overwhelming array of tools and resources available, deciphering which ones truly bolster one’s online presence can be a daunting task.    So, in this episode of the Private Practice Elevation podcast, we shed light on the most effective platforms and strategies for private practice marketing—straight from an agency that uses them.   We’ll dive deep into the treasure trove of tools and platforms that can significantly ease the journey of building a private practice website and mastering online marketing.    These insights are not just mere tips but are used by the Private Practice Elevation team to optimize and streamline processes both internally and for clients.    From website-building basics to advanced SEO tactics, we’ll outline the comprehensive lineup of resources that power successful online presences for private practices.    Whether it's W

In this episode of The Private Practice Elevation Podcast, Daniel Fava had a conversation with Jane Carter, a therapist and business coach for solopreneurs.    The episode focused on the importance of bringing fun and self-compassion into the process of building a business.    While building a business can be hard and challenging, finding ways to make it fun is essential to avoid burnout and maintain motivation.    Throughout the conversation, Jane and Daniel discussed the significance of self-awareness, reframing negative thoughts, and seeking support from others in navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.    The themes discussed in this conversation provide valuable insights and strategies for entrepreneurs to build successful businesses while maintaining their well-being and sense of self.  Key Takeaways:   Building a business should be fun, as it helps solopreneurs avoid burnout and stay motivated. Storytelling is an effective marketing strategy that can make business more engaging and enjoya