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I would love to hear from you!

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❤️Comment the word “COSTS” and I’ll send

❤️Comment the word “COSTS” and I’ll send you my FREE Private Practice Start-Up Cost Guide where I walk you through how to calculate this for yourself.

There’s a myth that you need $10,000 saved to launch a private practice.
That’s just not true.

You can start small, scrappy, and part-time—with a DIY website, basic supplies, and a rented office by the hour. The key is to know your financial situation and make intentional, aligned decisions from there.

I launched my therapy practice at 27 years old with no financial support from a spouse, parents, or anyone else.
I didn’t own a home.
I didn’t have savings.
And I definitely didn’t have a fancy office or website.

But I started anyway—and built it step-by-step.

Here’s a breakdown of the actual start-up costs I cover in the guide:

📍 Office space (sublet or hourly): $0–$100/month
🛡️ Malpractice insurance: $300–$500/year
📃 Business license: under $150 (varies by city)
🗂️ EHR (SimplePractice): $50–$100/month (get 2 months free with my link)
☎️ Business phone: free or low-cost options
✉️ HIPAA-compliant email: $50–$100/year
🖥️ DIY website: ~$30/month
🌐 Website hosting: ~$5/month
🪑 Basic supplies (chair, lamp, white noise machine, etc.): thrifted or second-hand!

You don’t need to go all-in at once.
You can grow at your own pace—with confidence and clarity.

Want help calculating YOUR actual costs?
Comment “COSTS” and I’ll send you my FREE Start-Up Cost Guide.

Ready to go all-in and want step-by-step help?
❤️Comment “ROADMAP” and I’ll send you the link to my Private Practice Roadmap Course.

You’ve got this.

❤️
Kelley

I'm just gonna leave this riiiiiiiiiight here…

I'm just gonna leave this riiiiiiiiiight here…

✨ First—comment “April webinar” to snag on

✨ First—comment “April webinar” to snag one of the limited spots in my free April training all about how to make physicians your #1 referral source for your private practice. ✨

❤️ One thing most people don’t know about me? I spent five years as the Marketing Director for a group practice—and one of the biggest parts of my job was generating referrals from doctors. I’ve taught hundreds of therapists how to do the same.

Here’s what I don’t recommend:
Sending emails that never get opened or mailing letters that go straight into the trash.

The key to getting referrals from physicians?
✅ Actually getting in the door of their office.

Save this exact script—and use these words exactly:

“Hi, my name is Kelley Stevens. I have an office just down the street from [doctor’s office]. I refer a lot of clients to [specialty], and I’d love to bring in lunch for your team and schedule a quick time to connect with the doctor about any of our shared clients. Would it be possible to set that up?”

It’s a numbers game—you won’t get every office, but this ONE strategy helped me build consistent clinical partnerships and fill my private practice with cash-pay clients.

And I’m walking you through my entire process—step-by-step—in my free April webinar.

✨ Last month, we hit capacity—so if you want a spot, comment “April webinar” now and I’ll DM you the link! ✨

#PrivatePracticeTherapist #TherapistMarketing #TherapistTips #TherapistBusinessCoach #TherapyMarketing #PrivatePracticeGrowth #TherapistLife #TherapistTools #GrowYourPractice #MarketingForTherapists #TherapyReferrals #MentalHealthMarketing #CashPayTherapist #PrivatePracticeTips #TherapistCommunity

Therapists, I want you to tell me what you’re ve

Therapists, I want you to tell me what you’re very first thought was when you saw this video 👇

Please SHARE. (caption in first comment for easier

Please SHARE. (caption in first comment for easier reading.)

As therapists, many of us take on huge student loans, work 3,000+ unpaid or low-paid hours, and take jobs at underfunded nonprofits… all while showing up, day after day, for clients who are hurting.

We do this because we genuinely love this work—and care deeply about the people we serve.

But one thing I see over and over again is therapists being made to feel selfish for wanting to be paid fairly.
And to be honest? Sometimes, that pressure comes from within our own community.

Scroll the comments on any of my reels that mention money and you’ll see it—the shame, the judgment, the discomfort we still carry around this topic.

And here’s the thing—so many of the therapists I know are already doing everything they can to fill the gaps:
They’re on insurance panels.
They offer sliding scale spots.
They volunteer, consult with nonprofits, and pour themselves into this work.

All while trying to care for their own families, pay their bills, and move toward their own financial goals.

We’re each doing the best we can based on our circumstances.
But individual generosity isn’t the solution to a broken system.
We can’t keep asking therapists to carry the weight of underfunded mental health care.

We need systemic change.

That starts with us supporting one another—not judging each other for how we set our rates, whether we take insurance, or how we build sustainable practices.

One of the hardest things I see on social media is therapists judging other therapists for making choices that protect their long-term well-being.
And honestly? That keeps us stuck. It keeps us small. And it keeps us isolated.

Let’s shift the conversation away from shame and toward collective action.
Mental health is healthcare.
And therapists deserve sustainable, ethical, well-supported careers—without guilt.

If you agree, share this.

Tag a therapist who needs this reminder.

Want to start getting more referrals from doctors?

Want to start getting more referrals from doctors?Comment “APRILWEBINAR” to snag a spot in my free live training all about how to build sustainable and professional referral relationships with doctors.

Last month, we hit the max number of seats in my Zoom room—so if you want to join us live, be sure to register early! (Can’t make it live? No worries—recordings go out the next day.)

One thing a lot of people don’t know about me: I spent 4 years as the Marketing Director of a large group private practice, PHP, and IOP. My entire job was to meet with doctors, form clinical partnerships, and teach therapists how to build referral pipelines.

Oh—and I’m also married to a doctor (so I’ve seen both sides of the relationship!).

In this training, I’ll walk you through exactly how to connect with doctors and form long-term referral relationships that actually stick.

Hope to see you there!

Comment “Aprilwebinar” and I’ll send you the link!

Please SHARE. (caption in first comment for easier

Please SHARE. (caption in first comment for easier reading.)

As therapists, many of us take on huge student loans, work 3,000+ unpaid or low-paid hours, and take jobs at underfunded nonprofits… all while showing up, day after day, for clients who are hurting.

We do this because we genuinely love this work—and care deeply about the people we serve.

But one thing I see over and over again is therapists being made to feel selfish for wanting to be paid fairly.
And to be honest? Sometimes, that pressure comes from within our own community.

Scroll the comments on any of my reels that mention money and you’ll see it—the shame, the judgment, the discomfort we still carry around this topic.

And here’s the thing—so many of the therapists I know are already doing everything they can to fill the gaps:
They’re on insurance panels.
They offer sliding scale spots.
They volunteer, consult with nonprofits, and pour themselves into this work.

All while trying to care for their own families, pay their bills, and move toward their own financial goals.

We’re each doing the best we can based on our circumstances.
But individual generosity isn’t the solution to a broken system.
We can’t keep asking therapists to carry the weight of underfunded mental health care.

We need systemic change.

That starts with us supporting one another—not judging each other for how we set our rates, whether we take insurance, or how we build sustainable practices.

One of the hardest things I see on social media is therapists judging other therapists for making choices that protect their long-term well-being.
And honestly? That keeps us stuck. It keeps us small. And it keeps us isolated.

Let’s shift the conversation away from shame and toward collective action.
Mental health is healthcare.
And therapists deserve sustainable, ethical, well-supported careers—without guilt.

If you agree, share this.

Tag a therapist who needs this reminder.

A love letter to motherhood on the fifth birthday

A love letter to motherhood on the fifth birthday of my oldest son ❤️

Comment “Simple” for 65% off—this code is on

Comment “Simple” for 65% off—this code is only available through the end of the week.

I found SimplePractice back in ❤️2016❤️ and I’ve been using it ever since. As my practice has grown, they’ve grown right alongside me—adding new tools and improving the platform in ways that genuinely support therapists like us.

Some of the biggest changes I’ve seen lately?
💕AI-assisted charting that helps me finish notes faster
🍀Automated intake flows so I’m not chasing down paperwork
💯Streamlined billing, reminders, and scheduling
😉Better mobile access so I can manage things even when I’m not at my desk.

I know there’s been a lot of chatter online lately about the cost of EHRs. And I get it. Every dollar matters when you’re running a small practice.

But as someone who remembers the pre-EHR days—and who spent too many late nights charting on systems that barely functioned (seriously!) I’ll tell you this: the money I spend on SimplePractice is more than gained back in time with my family… and in the extra clients I can actually see, because I’m not fighting with my software.

Sometimes, cheaper isn’t better.

If you’re looking for an EHR that supports you, not slows you down—comment “Simple” and I’ll DM you my link for 65% off your first few months.

This offer is only good through the end of the week.

#ad | Sponsored by SimplePractice—but this is a tool I’ve personally used and trusted for nearly a decade.

Save this script—and comment the word “scripts

Save this script—and comment the word “scripts” to grab the updated version of my Scripts Book for tricky private practice situations like this one.

✨ Full caption in first comment to increase readability ✨

OK, let’s be honest—there’s no one right way to handle client texting. At different times in my practice, I’ve handled it differently.

✨

But here’s the big thing: texting isn’t HIPAA-compliant in most cases. If you’re going to do it, it needs to be through a secure, HIPAA-compliant app.

I’m not recommending a specific one—but if you love the one you use, drop it in the comments so others can check it out!

✨

Once that’s covered, it really comes down to your comfort level.

✨

Earlier in my practice:
When I saw mostly teens and college students, I allowed occasional texts. Parents could send quick updates, and most teens didn’t want to text much anyway.

✨

Now, as a parent with limited time on my phone:
I don’t text with clients at all—it’s written in my intake paperwork.

If someone asks, here’s what I say:

✨

“That’s a great question. Unfortunately, texting isn’t HIPAA-compliant, so I’m not able to do it. The best way to reach me between sessions is via email (for scheduling only). If you need more support, we can talk about increasing sessions.”

✨

That’s what works for me right now—but it may not be what works for you.

✨

Here are a few other ways I’ve seen therapists handle it:
— HIPAA-compliant app with office hours
— EHR messaging only
— One check-in message per week
— Fee for in-between support
— Journaling between sessions instead

✨

Comment “scripts” and I’ll send you my updated Scripts Book with responses for tricky moments like this.

♥️
Kelley

Comment the word “scripts” to steal my newly u

Comment the word “scripts” to steal my newly updated Scripts Book for tricky private practice conversations like this one.

⸻

✨ “I found a different therapist who takes my insurance, and I’m going to try working with them instead of you.”

I remember the first time a client said that to me.
My face stayed calm, but inside? Total panic.
Was my fee too high?
Should I have joined a panel?
Was I doing something wrong?

⸻

🌟 It’s a moment that feels personal—even when it’s not.

But over time, I learned something really important:
How I responded mattered just as much as how I felt.

⸻

💫 Here’s what I say now:

“Thank you so much for sharing this with me.
If you’ve already found someone you feel is a good fit, just let me know—I’m more than happy to get a release signed or update them on anything you’d like me to share.

If you haven’t found someone yet and want help, I’m always happy to help you find someone who takes your insurance.

My goal is always to help you find the best fit for you—even if that person isn’t me.”

⸻

✨ Why do I respond this way?

Because it’s the truth.
And because clients remember how we treat them—especially in moments when they’re walking away.

⸻

🌟 You’d be surprised how often those clients come back.
Or send a friend.
Or think of you months later when life throws them something new.

⸻

💫 The way you show up in these little moments? It matters.
It builds trust. Reputation. Integrity.
And honestly—it just feels better than panicking or shrinking.

⸻

✨ I created my Scripts Book to help you navigate moments like this with confidence and clarity—so you never have to sit there wondering what to say again.

Comment “scripts” and I’ll send it your way.

(Caption also in comments for easier reading). Com

(Caption also in comments for easier reading). Comment the word “scripts” to steal my newly updated Scripts Book for tricky private practice conversations like this one.

I remember the first time a client said that to me.My face stayed calm, but inside? Total panic.Was my fee too high?Should I have joined a panel? Was I doing something wrong?

🌟 It’s a moment that feels personal—even when it’s not.

💫 Here’s what I say now:

“Thank you so much for sharing this with me.
If you’ve already found someone you feel is a good fit, just let me know—I’m more than happy to get a release signed or update them on anything you’d like me to share.

If you haven’t found someone yet and want help, I’m always happy to help you find someone who takes your insurance.

My goal is always to help you find the best fit for you—even if that person isn’t me.”

✨ Why do I respond this way?

Because it’s the truth.And because clients remember how we treat them—especially in moments when they’re walking away.

🌟 You’d be surprised how often those clients come back.Or send a friend.
Or think of you months later when life throws them something new.

💫 The way you show up in these little moments? It matters.
It builds trust. Reputation. Integrity.
And honestly—it just feels better than panicking or shrinking.

✨ I created my Scripts Book to help you navigate moments like this with confidence and clarity—so you never have to sit there wondering what to say again.

Comment “scripts” and I’ll send it your way.

❤️Comment the word TEMPLATES, and I’ll DM yo

❤️Comment the word TEMPLATES, and I’ll DM you the link to 10 FREE Instagram Templates ❤️ You must sell it correctly for my automation to work 🙌

My 2024 New Year’s resolution was to give away a FREE monthly resource for private practice owners! Each month there is a new freebie!

But make sure to snag them because once they are gone they become paid resources in my online store!

🤷🏻‍♀️What’s been the hardest part of

🤷🏻‍♀️What’s been the hardest part of starting your practice?

Drop it in the comments or DM me (seriously!) I’m creating free resources just for you, and I want to make sure they actually help with what you’re going through right now.

⭐️ Are you in your very first year of private practice?

If so—deep breath. I see you.

🌙 I remember that season SO SO clearly.
I kept wondering if I’d made a huge mistake by leaving my agency job. I missed having coworkers. A supervisor down the hall. Someone to talk things through with.

I questioned literally everything:
→ Should I go in-network just to get clients in the door?
→ Should I lower my fees? 💸
→ Why isn’t anyone reaching out?
→ Am I even cut out for this?
→ What the heck do say that doesn’t feel awkward?
→ How do I balance being a therapist and a business owner when no one ever taught me how to do that? ⚖️

✨ If you’re sitting with those same questions, please know:

You’re not alone. I’ve been there.
And I’m here now—cheering you on and creating support that’s actually useful.

You’ve got this.
And I’ve got you.

Kelley
♥️

Comment RECESSION and I’ll DM you the link to my

Comment RECESSION and I’ll DM you the link to my new Youtube Video that walks you though every step you need to take to maintain a successful private practice even in an economic recession.

Comment RECESSION and I’ll DM you the link to my

Comment RECESSION and I’ll DM you the link to my new Youtube Video that walks you though every step you need to take to maintain a successful private practice even in an economic recession.

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About

Private practice is simpler than you think.
Let's build your dream practice.
I'll show you how.

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150 Sanderling Lane
Goleta, CA 93117
[email protected]
805-243-8241

© 2025 The Private Practice Pro | Kelley Stevens, LMFT

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