Episode 195: Centering Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility in Group Practice [featuring Erica Smith]

In this episode, Patrick Casale speaks with Erica Smith about creating equitable and accessible workplaces in private practice. Erica shares candid, real-life stories of navigating the mental health field as someone living with chronic illness, and discusses the imperative of designing work environments that are truly supportive and accessible.Top 3 takeaways:Accessibility Goes Beyond Ramps: It means considering everything from office seating and safe, convenient entryways to virtual work options and clear communication about what your space does (and doesn't) offer.Culture Starts with Transparency: Erica models being upfront with staff and clients about values, policies, and decision-making—including the challenges and financial realities of running an equitable group practice.Intentionality Drives Inclusion: From pronouns on the website to supporting community initiatives and hosting know-your-rights cards in the lobby, every detail signals who you want to welcome and support in your practice.More about EricaErica, a North Carolina native and clinical social worker, specializes in trauma, particularly interpersonal violence, racial trauma, and chronic/invisible illness, drawn from her personal experiences. She was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis and then Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) at age 12 in 2003—also the year she experienced the sudden loss of her father—followed by Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) later in life. These events spurred her desire to help others, leading to international volunteering, non-profit work, and over 10 years as a therapist. Navigating chronic illness and being a Black woman taught her strategies to adapt and advocate. She now leads Whole Mentality, a Raleigh-based group practice focused on accessible and affirming mental health services.From Solo to Collective: Leading an Equitable Therapy Practice - for group practice consultation: itsericakendra.com/consultationWebsite: wholementality.comSocial media: @wholementality and @itsericakenddra–––––––––––––––––––––🎙️Listen to more episodes of the Neurodivergent Entrepreneur Podcast🎙️Spotify: https://ndpod.org/Spotify🎙️Apple: https://ndpod.org/Apple-Podcast🎙️ YouTube: https://ndpod.org/YouTube🧠 Neurodivergent Entrepreneur Freebie Vault: https://ndpod.org/Freebie-Vault✈️ Learn about Retreats🗨️ Join the free Empowered Escape FB Community–––––––––––––––––––––Thanks to Our Sponsors: The Receptionist for iPad!✨ The Receptionist for iPadThanks to The Receptionist for iPad for sponsoring this episode.The Receptionist for iPad is a HIPAA-ready digital check-in system that eliminates the need to walk back and forth from your office to the waiting room to see if your next appointment has arrived. Clients or patients can check in for their appointments, and you'll be immediately notified by text, email, or your preferred channel. Break free from interruptions and make the most of your time, because it is valuable. Start a free 14-day trial of the Receptionist for iPad by going to thereceptionist.com/privatepractice. Make sure to start your trial with that link to get your first month free if you decide to sign up.Free Gifts for Our Listeners✨ Free Podcasting WorkbookGet a practical podcasting workbook for therapists considering starting a podcast, created by Patrick Casale, host of the podcasts All Things Private Practice and Divergent Conversations.You'll get a practical structure for therapists who want to start a podcast but don’t want to rush, perform, or build something they can’t sustain.Grab your free copy of the Podcasting Workbook: https://ndpod.org/Free-Podcasting-Workbook✨ Move Beyond Private Practice As A Neurodivergent EntrepreneurMove Beyond Private Practice As A Neurodivergent Entrepreneur is a FREE 5-part mini-course designed for therapists who want sustainable financial independence beyond one-on-one work.Access your free mini-course here: https://ndpod.org/Neurodivergent-EntrepreneurMentioned in this episode:The Receptionist for iPad The Receptionist for iPad is a HIPAA-ready digital check-in system that eliminates the need to walk back and forth from your office to the waiting room to see if your next appointment has arrived. Clients or patients can check in for their appointments, and you'll be immediately notified by text, email, or your preferred channel. Break free from interruptions and make the most of your time, because it is valuable. Start a free 14-day trial of the Receptionist for iPad by going to https://thereceptionist.com/privatepractice. Make sure to start your trial with that link to get your first month free if you decide to sign up.