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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.

❤️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!

❤️ Please share ❤️ I’d love to hear your

❤️ Please share ❤️ I’d love to hear your thoughts and musings in the comments. This is a complex issue with no simple solution, so please be respectful as you discuss ⬇️

Sometimes, we have to think creatively to get clie

Sometimes, we have to think creatively to get clients into our private practice! SAVE THIS

1. 🍕🍓☕Host a BYO lunch club at your office: Therapists are notoriously lonely in their offices. Once a month, ask a group of therapists if they want to come hang out in your office, bring their lunch, and just chitchat. You’d be surprised by how many people might want to join.

2. 📲SEND A TEXT! Sometimes, I text my existing referral sources like this: “OMG, I just saw this article, and it’s EXACTLY what we discussed! Sending it your way (link).”

3. If you are a parent, join some Parent Facebook groups in your community. When people ask for a referral for a therapist, refer to some of your colleagues. Tag them, and you’ll be surprised by how they reciprocate in the group. 👫👭👬

❤️Want a six-month step-by-step plan for marketing your cash pay practice? Click the word GROW to get started.

Therapists, tell me the most awkward thing a stran

Therapists, tell me the most awkward thing a stranger said to you ⬇️😂
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#LMFT #counselorshelp #counselorsofinstagram #therapist #therapistlife #psychologist #cbt #therapistsofig #clinicalpsychology #smallbusiness #psychologistsofinstagram #privatepractice #lifecoach #therapy #LPC #TherapistsConnect #mftofinstagram

How would you handle this tricky Private Practice

How would you handle this tricky Private Practice situation?

I absolutely love the automated reminder system in Simple Practice—it has significantly reduced no-shows in my private practice!

If you’re tired of last-minute cancellations and missed sessions, this might be the game-changer you need. The best part? You can customize reminders to fit your practice’s needs seamlessly.

Want to try it out? Comment “simple” for a free trial with them!

And don’t forget to save this post so you’ll have these scripts and prompts ready when you need them!

#PrivatePracticeTips #TherapistLife #NoShowSolutions

Therapists, how do you think they did with portray

Therapists, how do you think they did with portraying anxiety? Super curious to know your thoughts! Follow @theprivatepracticepro

Comment the word LATE and I’ll DM you my step by

Comment the word LATE and I’ll DM you my step by step process for communicating my late cancellation and no show policy to clients so that you can enter into these tricky dynamics with clinical skill and professional confidence.

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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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