Sit and Stay: Run a Successful Mental Health Practice

Parker and Tom discuss how patient-provider communication in mental health care has changed over the past 30 years, from pagers all the way to AI.Provider-patient communication outside of session can affect multiple sectors including the clinical relationship, patient experience, boundaries, and operations, so we found it extremely relevant to dive into how much the dynamic has changed as a result of technology.

When should a growing mental health practice start offering employee benefits?In this episode, Parker and Tom discuss how practice owners can think about PTO, health insurance, retirement plans, disability insurance, and other benefits without overextending the business.They also cover how benefits affect recruiting, retention, budgeting, and the shift from 1099 contractors to W2 employees.0:00 Introduction4:00 At what point should a practice owner consider providing employee benefits?9:28 What are the best employee benefits to provide, and what are required?16:55 What can you tell us about health insurance employee benefits?24:30 What are some unconventional employee benefits that are worth mentioning?30:57 How do mental health practice owners procure and provide employee benefits?32:32 What common mistakes do practice owners make when providing benefits? 39:11 Is there anything else you want to mention about employee benefits?41:09 A word from Rai42:05 The Mental Health Business Moment45:23 Conclusion

Nearly two decades after federal mental health parity law passed, why is access to care still so difficult?In this episode, we break down how insurance rules, low reimbursement rates, ghost networks, and weak enforcement continue to limit mental health care access. We also discuss Illinois’ new behavioral health legislation, including a minimum commercial insurance reimbursement floor tied to Medicare rates.0:00 Introduction3:00 What is mental health parity law?7:56 Why do many barriers to care still exist when there are parity laws?13:46 What are some real-life examples regarding parity laws?30:36 What else is important to understand about parity laws?34:24 A word from Rai35:10 Mental Health Business Moment44:22 Conclusion

This week, we discuss why mental health clinicians should pay attention to legislation, insurance policy, and mental health parity laws. Tom explains how federal and state laws can directly affect access to care, reimbursement, authorization requirements, and a provider’s ability to deliver clinically appropriate treatment.We also cover the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, state-level protections, Medicare’s influence on commercial insurance, and why providers may need to get more involved in advocacy when policies threaten patient care.0:00 Introduction2:31 Why should clinicians care about legislation regarding mental health?7:00 What past example do you have of legislation affecting your care for patients?16:55 How much does access to care depend on the policies surrounding mental health?22:44 What should clinicians be paying attention to when a new law or policy is proposed?27:45 A word from Rai28:27 Mental Health Business Moment30:11 Conclusion

We return for part two of our conversation on how insurance barriers affect mental health care. We discuss the fight for single case agreements, ghost networks, delayed approvals, and why these systems can leave patients without the care they need even when the rules are supposedly on their side.This episode also explores how insurers create friction for providers, why continuity of care becomes so hard to protect, and what it looks like when a clinician keeps pushing anyway.0:00 Introduction5:29 Frustrating insurance incident10:17 Single case agreement battle38:44 A word from Rai39:28 Mental Health Business Moment40:31 Conclusion

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Insurance companies keep finding new ways to make mental health care harder to provide and harder to access.In this episode, we break down frustrating new tactics affecting psychiatrists, therapists, and patients, from stricter psychotherapy billing requirements to misleading out-of-network reimbursement practices.We also discuss why these changes matter, how they can push providers away from accepting insurance, and why the fight over mental health coverage is far from over.0:00 Introduction5:18 What insurance company-based incident pushed you over the edge?12:58 Does some fault lie with providers for the broken insurance system?16:50 What is another example of a frustrating insurance company-based incident?24:14 Is there a unique trend in mental health where most providers are out-of-network?32:06 Raiminder32:53 Conclusion

Tom breaks down the hard conversations friends and partners need to have before starting a mental health practice together. We cover ownership, leadership, profit, long-term goals, and how to handle disputes before they become real problems. If you’re thinking about going into business with someone else, this episode is a strong reality check.0:00 Introduction4:43 What are some expectations partners need to align on before opening a practice? 9:38 How can partners in a practice decide who will run the clinic's operations? 12:03 How can disagreements between partners be resolved effectively?15:43 What are the different roles and titles that partners in a company can assume? 18:18 What happens when one partner starts underperforming on obligations?23:02 How well should you know someone before partnering with them?28:03 What are some key points to discuss as partners before starting a practice?29:20 A word from Rai30:00 The Mental Health Business Moment Of The Week33:25 Conclusion

How do you start a psychiatry practice and make insurance work?Child psychiatrist David Balyozian joins us to discuss how he built an insurance-based child psychiatry practice from the ground up. We cover negotiating reimbursement rates, building referral networks, managing multiple roles, and growing a practice while keeping access to care at the center.Along the way, David makes the case that insurers’ “final” rates are often anything but final.

Many mental health providers who accept insurance don’t actually know their contracted reimbursement rates.In this episode, we explain what a fee schedule is, why so many clinicians don’t know their rates, and how this can lead to underpayments, billing errors, and poor financial planning.0:00 Introduction2:41 What is a fee schedule, and why do they matter?6:31 Why don't providers often know the rates they have with insurance companies? 9:53 Can providers assume the payouts by insurance will be reliable?15:14 How can providers check to see if their insurance rates are being honored?22:52 What do practices need to provide to patients regarding insurance rates?26:49 What's your perspective on the ecosystem of taking insurance as a provider?30:03 Conclusion

We’re joined by Sarah Dosanjh (MSc, CTA, MBACP), a UK psychotherapist specializing in binge eating recovery, to talk UK vs US private practice, ethical self-disclosure, sustainable marketing through YouTube, and what GLP-1 weight-loss injections may mean for eating-disorder treatment going forward.0:00 Introduction3:01 What inspired you to pursue a career in the mental health field?6:31 Do you face challenges when sharing your personal journey online?9:34 Are you exclusively working with eating disorder clients?11:20 What's it like starting a private practice in the UK?21:15 Why do you advertise your service to clients all over the world except the US?26:25 How have your marketing strategies affected the success of your practice?31:21 What is your preferred balance of time for patient care versus business operations?35:58 What would you change about the state of the mental health field?42:55 What does therapist documentation look like in the UK?46:16 Conclusion

Child and adolescent psychiatrist Tom Tarshis goes head-to-head with Alexa to answer real-world medical questions.What did she get right? What did she get wrong?--0:00 Introduction6:29 What are some scientifically proven therapies for treating depression in kids?12:24 What is the right dosing and time to take melatonin to help with falling asleep?17:20 I am taking 50 milligrams of Zinc a day. How does that sound?27:58 Magnesium and vitamin D ought take my anxiety away. Should I do that?34:22 What is the correct starting dose for Prozac for a child and an adult? 37:57 A word from Rai38:38 What's your take on patients sharing mental health issues with AI?40:19 Conclusion

Should your mental health practice be non-profit or for-profit?Your structure shapes your practice for years, so this week we break down the differences: taxes, salaries, grants, boards, loans, and control.

Insurance authorization is a major—and often underestimated—challenge in mental health practice management.In this episode, we unpack a real-world IOP authorization case and explore how insurers process these requests, where delays almost always occur, and what practice owners should be prepared for when offering higher levels of care.Hope you're ready for a clear, honest look at the process.

Insurance contracts can have major consequences for a mental health practice. In this episode of the Sit and Stay Podcast, we break down the insurance contract language clinicians should actually pay attention to: Common “gotcha” clauses, reimbursement rates, documentation requirements, and what to watch for when insurers change terms.If you’re in-network (or considering it), this episode will help you understand what you’re agreeing to and how to avoid costly surprises.

Mentorship and supervision aren’t just for academic clinicians. We unpack how mental health providers can mentor students, supervise trainees, stay current on best practices, and build real community without overcommitting. Plus: what supervision actually means, how payment works in different models, and why being upfront with clients about training level matters.0:00 Introduction1:13 In what ways can providers continue to supervise or mentor over time? 3:10 In what meaningful ways can providers engage in supervision or mentorship?8:07 How can providers early in their careers find mentorship opportunities?11:31 What is the difference between supervision and mentorship? When do they occur?16:07 Do supervisors and mentors usually get paid, or is it a public service?20:11 What are the personal and professional benefits of supervising and mentoring? 25:08 What is a realistic way of fitting supervision and mentoring into your schedule?29:17 The Mental Health Business Moment Of The Week. 35:31 Conclusion

In this episode, Tom explains what credentialing actually is, how CAQH fits into the process, and why timelines can vary wildly. We cover the difference between credentialing and contracting, common mistakes that cause delays, what the upcoming 90-day California law means, and how practices can avoid getting stuck in months-long wait times.0:00 Introduction1:48 The Mental Health Business Moment Of The Week. 5:29 What does credentialing with an insurance company mean? 9:47 What does CAQH stand for, and how does it fit into the credentialing process?18:22 How long can someone expect the credentialing process to take?21:04 Should you push the start date for providers out to when they are credentialed? 23:49 Are there ways to speed up the credentialing process?27:15 What is left to do after getting credentialed and contracted as a provider? 32:05 The benefits of using RipsyTech's billing services!36:42 Conclusion

Thinking about offering ownership or partnership at your mental health practice? In this episode of the Sit and Stay Podcast, we explore four ways to structure partnership tracks for clinicians — including profit sharing, phantom equity, traditional buy-ins, and sweat equity.Dr. Tom Tarshis, founder and CEO of RipsyTech, breaks down how each model works, what to consider legally and financially, and how to decide which structure fits your clinic best. Whether you’re a practice owner looking to reward and retain clinicians or a provider curious about paths to ownership, this episode offers clear, practical insight drawn from years of real-world experience in behavioral health.🎙️ Brought to you by RipsyTech — behavioral health EHR and business support for mental health professionals.

Recorded live at AACAP 2025 in Chicago, we’re catching up after another incredible year connecting with providers, fellows, and clinic leaders from across child and adolescent psychiatry. Parker and Tom share what stood out most at the conference—from the ongoing buzz around AI to the practical realities of running a mental health practice today. We also reflect on what keeps us coming back to AACAP each year: the conversations, the community, and the shared mission to improve care for young people.

In this episode, we break down ownership and partnership structures for private practices: when to offer ownership, how to balance control and profit, and why options like “phantom shares” can motivate without giving up decision-making power.We also touch on legal considerations, attracting top talent, and avoiding pitfalls when adding partners.

Learn the scheduling strategies that keep your mental health practice clinically sound and sustainable. Tom explains how to set smart blocks for intakes vs. follow-ups, choose between 30/45/60-minute sessions, and protect after-school slots without burning out. We also cover when to split parent-only check-ins, why every-other-week therapy can expand access, and how AI-assisted notes change the math on session length and revenue.

In this episode, we break down how to offer reduced fees without risking the health of your practice. Tom explains the difference between sliding scale and other discounts, the pros and cons of income-based models, and alternatives like automatic discounts or referral credits.We also cover the legal and ethical guardrails every provider should know, from documenting requests to setting time limits, and how to budget a realistic “charity care” pool. Finally, we discuss how to communicate these options clearly so patients understand what’s available.

What is a payer mix and why does it matter? In this episode, we unpack how the balance of insurance plans and revenue sources affects your practice’s financial health. Tom shares how he sets fair caps on low-reimbursing plans, explains why transparency with patients matters, and breaks down the pros and cons of accepting more insurers versus negotiating single-case agreements.

Building a budget for your mental health practice isn’t just about tracking numbers—it’s about creating a plan that helps your practice thrive. In this episode of the Sit and Stay podcast, we talk through the key components of a practice budget, how to estimate revenue and expenses, plan for seasonal changes, avoid common mistakes, and use data like payer mix and RVUs to make better business decisions.0:00 Introduction5:55 What are the key components of a mental health practice budget? 16:30 What are the nuances of the components of a mental health practice budget?20:05 How does accounting for salaries and benefits affect budgeting? 23:33 How do you prepare your budget for seasonal variability? 30:25 How can differing patient insurance reimbursements affect the budget?34:06 How do you decide how to divide up your payer mix appropriately?39:35 What budgeting mistakes should be avoided at all costs? 47:47 The Mental Health Business Moment Of The Week. 50:10 Conclusion

Running a mental health practice without a budget? You’re not alone—but it’s costing you more than you think.In this episode, we explore why every mental health practice—whether solo or group—needs a budget. From reducing stress to planning for growth, Tom shares real stories and practical insights about what most providers miss when they skip this crucial step. We also discuss the financial blind spots that can derail your practice and how a budget can give you peace of mind when life throws a curveball.Whether you’re just getting started or looking to grow, this episode will help you build a foundation for long-term success.0:00 Introduction2:41 Why is a budget important for a mental health practice? 7:12 What are some common blind spots when it comes to budgeting? 11:54 How can clinical care improve from budgeting at your practice? 17:17 What are some common mistakes people make when putting together a budget?21:57 Should budgets be reviewed and updated frequently? 25:54 The Mental Health Business Moment Of The Week. 29:04 Conclusion

In this episode of the Sit and Stay podcast, we’re joined by therapist Ida Milani, LMFT, who recently transitioned from a group practice to running her own private practice full time. Ida shares how her early experiences shaped her passion for working with teens and young adults, and opens up about the realities of starting a practice from scratch. We talk about marketing, money, social media, authenticity in the therapy room, and how AI might actually help therapists do more of what they love.

How should you divide the revenue your mental health practice brings in?In this episode of the Sit and Stay Podcast, we explore how to allocate income across clinician pay, operational costs, and business savings, whether you're a solo provider or running a group practice.Tom breaks down his recommended percentages, the psychology behind pay splits, and why clarity around revenue is essential for long-term sustainability.

In this episode, we sit down with Farokh Herfat, Head of Channel Partnerships at Twingate, to explore why modern cybersecurity is essential for mental health providers handling sensitive patient data. Farokh breaks down the real-world risks facing small practices today, from phishing emails to password reuse and unsecured Wi-Fi. He explains how Twingate’s Zero Trust model helps protect both clinicians and their patients without the clunky frustrations of traditional VPNs. We also talk about what sets Twingate apart, why small practices are increasingly targeted by hackers, and how even one wrong click can lead to devastating consequences for your business and your clients. To learn more about Twingate, visit twingate.com.

In this episode, we break down why time-based billing might be hurting your practice, especially if you're a prescriber. Tom explains how using complexity-based billing (with E/M and psychotherapy add-on codes) can significantly improve patient reimbursement and reduce audit risk, even in cash-only practices. We also touch on how therapists can take advantage of interactive complexity codes, and why it's worth explaining this to patients.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Anna Yusim, an award-winning psychiatrist, executive coach, and author of Fulfilled: How the Science of Spirituality Can Help You Live a Happier, More Meaningful Life: https://www.amazon.com/Fulfilled-Science-Spirituality-Happier-Meaningful/dp/1455596795She shares how her path began with studying math at Stanford, then shifted to pre-med, followed by medical school at Yale, and psychiatry residency at NYU. That journey ultimately led her to develop a private practice that blends clinical care with spiritual insight, shaped in part by her experiences studying healing traditions across more than 70 countries.We also discuss her work as an executive coach, her efforts to build a new center for spirituality and mental health at Yale in collaboration with the Divinity School, and what the future of psychiatric care might look like.

For our 50th episode of the Sit and Stay Podcast, we’re doing something a little different—spotlighting our own EHR software for the first time. In this special episode, we walk through two new features designed to make documentation easier for mental health providers: the AI Document Generator and AI Note Scribe. We discuss why we built these tools, how they help clinicians reclaim time in their day, and the guardrails we’ve put in place to ensure they’re used responsibly. We also share early feedback from users and real-life examples of how these features are already making an impact.

How do you ethically end care with a patient and how do you know when it’s time? In this episode, we unpack why maintaining your patient list isn’t just good business but also good care. From unreachable patients to poor therapeutic fit to non-payment, we cover the most common reasons for termination and how to handle each one ethically, legally, and compassionately.

In this episode of Sit and Stay, we explore why being self-employed as a mental health provider may offer more stability during economic downturns than you'd expect. Tom shares insights on job security, cash vs. insurance-based practices, and why clinicians often weather recessions better than most.

Parker and Tom unpack what private equity and venture capital really mean for mental health practices. From outlining the core differences between these two funding sources to weighing their potential pros and cons, this conversation shines a light on how outside investment can shape clinical care.UC Berkeley Report - "The Impact of Private Equity on Healthcare": https://publichealth.berkeley.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/AAI-Petris-Private-Equity-Healthcare-Report.pdf0:00 Intro2:14 How do private equity and venture capital influence mental health practices? 3:54 What is the difference between private equity and venture capital funding8:56 Who funds private equity and venture capital groups? 13:20 What do private equity and venture capital entities target mental health practices? 16:12 What are the disadvantages of taking private equity and venture capital funding? 19:04 Does accepting private equity and venture capital funding affect the quality of care? 25:57 Does accepting private equity and venture capital funding affect control?30:46 Do you have any real-life stories about private equity and venture capital funding? 33:16 The Mental Health Business Moment Of The Week. 38:22 Conclusion

When major events impact entire communities—like the COVID-19 pandemic or economic uncertainty—mental health providers often find themselves navigating the same stressors as their patients. How do clinicians maintain professional boundaries while addressing collective anxiety? In this episode, we explore how providers can manage these challenges, avoid burnout, and support their patients effectively.

In this week's episode, we talk with licensed sex therapist and couples counselor, Christina Nail. She shares how her early work in a psychiatric hospital shaped her passion for strengthening relationships and improving sexual health, as well as her transition into private practice. From women’s support groups and healthy boundary-setting strategies to the essential role of clinician self-care, Christina offers real-world guidance on cultivating a therapy practice that fosters genuine connection.

In this episode, Parker Anderson and Dr. Tom Tarshis explore a New York Times article by Ellen Barry that reveals how the pandemic-era boom in online therapy has mainly benefited more privileged communities, leaving lower-income and underserved groups behind. They discuss why telehealth hasn’t lived up to its promise of greater access and examine potential strategies—like improved insurance reimbursement and targeted outreach—to make mental health services more equitable.

In this episode of the Sit and Stay Podcast, host Parker Anderson and RipsyTech founder & CEO, Dr. Tom Tarshis, continue their deep dive into Open Notes. They explore common misconceptions about sharing mental health documentation with patients, discuss best practices for handling sensitive issues (like trauma, psychosis, and substance use), and highlight key legal and ethical considerations.0:00: Introduction4:00: How can the myths and misconceptions around Open Notes be debunked?7:16: How can providers navigate writing honest notes and sharing them with patients? 12:38: Are there certain linguistic strategies that providers should use for Open Notes? 14:54: How can providers sensitively navigate Open Notes in cases of trauma?17:50 How can providers sensitively navigate Open Notes in cases of abuse to a minor?21:09 How can providers sensitively navigate Open Notes in cases of substance abuse?25:08 What legal or ethical considerations should providers remember for Open Notes?29:20 How might the introduction of AI affect the landscape of Open Notes?36:21 The Mental Health Business Moment Of The Week. 37:45 Conclusion

In this episode, Parker Anderson and RipsyTech founder/CEO Dr. Tom Tarshis discuss how Open Notes originated, why it was championed by the VA, and the unique questions it raises for mental health providers (including strategies for documenting sensitive information). You’ll also hear about special considerations for adolescent records, the rise of AI-assisted scribing, and how transparency in medical notes can foster stronger patient engagement. 0:00 Introduction 2:09 What is Open Notes and what could it change for patients? 11:45 How does Open Notes affect providers and other fields of medicine? 16:38 What is something that could justify not showing a note to a patient? 19:34 Since the law changed, have you seen a change in how providers word their notes? 24:23 How does writing a note change for couples or group therapy situations? 31:57 The Mental Health Business Moment Of The Week. 33:13 Conclusion

In this episode of the Sit and Stay podcast, Parker Anderson and Dr. Tom Tarshis address the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles and the devastating impact large-scale disasters can have on mental health. They explore how traumatic events can lead to conditions like PTSD, share the importance of early support and “mental health first aid,” and discuss ways communities can build resilience in the aftermath. 0:00 Introduction 8:27 What are some early signs of trauma negatively affecting mental health? 14:22 What counts as a mental health service during or after a tragedy? 16:22 What therapeutic approaches can help people process recent traumatic events? 19:12 Can mental health providers and local leadership work together in times of crisis? 24:37 Will we soon see more government assistance to mitigate mental health issues? 30:23 Conclusion

In this episode, we explore the challenges and opportunities of expanding mental health services across state lines. Join Parker Anderson and Dr. Tom Tarshis as they discuss licensing, insurance, business regulations, and strategies for building trust in new markets. Whether you're considering telehealth or setting up an in-person clinic, this episode provides valuable insights to help you navigate the complexities of expansion. 0:00 Introduction 1:36 Why might someone consider expanding their Services into A new state? 8:21 What are the financial costs and logistics of expanding services into a new state? 14:48 What steps are needed to expand in other states? Can you expand to all states? 18:36 What is a good strategy for building brand awareness in another state's market? 20:29 What are some common challenges or difficulties associated with expansion? 25:23 The Mental Health Business Moment Of The Week. 27:32 Conclusion

In this episode, we delve into the complexities of evidence-based prescribing practices. Dr. Tom Tarshis shares insights on balancing patient needs with evidence, the art of selecting medications, and the challenges of off-label use in psychiatry. From navigating the influence of pharmaceutical companies to addressing common prescribing pitfalls, we discuss practical strategies for ensuring patient safety and effective treatment. 0:00 Introduction 1:45 What are some of the problematic situations associated with prescribing? 6:30 According to the evidence, what are some of the best practices for prescribing? 10:07 How can providers weigh the evidence for the medications they prescribe? 16:43 Have you ever had to question the effectiveness or safety of a prescription? 23:02 What patient-specific factors do you consider when choosing a prescription? 26:53 What can providers do if patients request a prescription you would not prescribe? 32:56 The Mental Health Business Moment Of The Week. 35:35 Conclusion

In this episode of the Sit and Stay Podcast, Parker Anderson and Dr. Tom Tarshis explore the fascinating world of evidence-based therapy treatments. The discussion delves into the challenges of conducting therapy research, how providers can choose the best treatment for their patients, and the importance of staying up to date with the latest evidence-based practices. 0:00 Introduction 4:26 What are the most researched therapy modalities for mental health treatment? 13:05 Is talk therapy supported by a lot of research? 15:54 How can providers deal with patients hiding the truth in fear of judgment? 17:35 What are some other well researched therapy modalities? 22:51 What is the standard of care for adults with ADHD who just got diagnosed? 24:00 How do providers decide which therapy modality to use for their patients? 26:48 Should providers use a therapy modality that shows results but lacks evidence? 30:48 What role do randomized control trials have on the effectiveness of a therapy? 37:06 How can a provider stay current on the newest evidence-based therapy? 43:08 The Mental Health Business Moment Of The Week. 45:50 Conclusion

In this episode of the Sit and Stay Podcast, Parker Anderson and Dr. Tom Tarshis introduce the core concepts of evidence-based medicine—especially how it applies to mental health. They discuss the difference between “gut feeling medicine” and research-backed practice, explore common barriers to implementing evidence-based methods, and highlight the importance of balancing patient preferences, provider expertise, and measurable outcomes. 0:00 Introduction 3:49 What is evidence-based medicine and why is it important? 6:28 What resources should providers refer to for evidence-based medicine sources? 9:49 How do you evaluate the quality of evidence behind a treatment? 17:44 How do you deal with treatments for conditions that conflict or cause each other? 24:15 How do you assess all forms of evidence and use them into your decision-making? 28:36 How can providers overcome any barriers to evidence-based medicine? 33:20 The Mental Health Business Moment Of The Week 35:17 Conclusion

Following the shocking assassination of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson, Sit and Stay Podcast hosts Parker Anderson and Dr. Thomas Tarshis, joined by Dr. Sara Heron, explore public frustration with the healthcare system, the struggles providers face with insurance companies, and what this means for the future of mental health care. 0:00 Introductions 5:40 Why did so many people react to the CEO assassination with indifference? 14:50 What causes the distrust and anger people have for health insurance companies? 18:11 Do you think this incident will lead to any change to the status quo? 19:52 How can healthcare providers play a role in advocating for systemic change? 24:14:00 Will this incident impact providers' choice to accept insurance at their practice? 28:35 Could providers see a shift in how patients view their insurance coverage? 32:07 Do providers have a responsibility to understand how insurance billing works? 36:12 Conclusions

Join us for this insightful episode of the Sit and Stay podcast as we welcome Virginie Goldstein, founder of Tech Connect Reset and a seasoned marriage and family therapist specializing in screen addiction treatment. Virginie shares her journey from Paris to California, her passion for understanding human behavior, and how she built a thriving mental health practice focused on supporting kids, teens, and families through evidence-based approaches, emphasizing parental engagement, effective communication, and business development with compassion and efficiency. 0:00 Introductions 3:25 What inspired you to pursue a career in the mental health field? 7:21 What led you to pursue your specialties in the mental health field? 12:42 How has your psychoanalytical background helped with cases of screen addiction? 17:32 What was the process of starting a practice like for you? 23:37 What was the process of scaling your practice like? 26:15 Why were you hesitant to hire fully licensed clinicians? 35:03 How has your role as a boss become more well-defined as time goes on? 35:27 What would you change about the state of the mental health field? 38:51 What's something you're excited about in the mental health field right now? 42:25 What advice would you give a young mental health professional starting their practice? 44:59 Do you prefer to do telehealth sessions for patients you've already seen in person? 46:39 What kind of marketing strategies do you use to promote your practice? 50:13 Conclusions

What happens when close relationships mix with professional ones? In this episode of the Sit and Stay Podcast, Parker Anderson and Dr. Thomas Tarshis dive into the dynamics of working as a mental health provider alongside a spouse, family member, or close friend. From navigating ethical concerns and boundaries to balancing personal and professional lives, they explore the unique challenges and rewards of these partnerships. 0:00 Introductions 1:18 In what circumstances might a provider work with their partner, family, or friends? 6:29 How can the inclusion of friends and family in your business get complicated? 13:35 Should patients be made informed on major relationships between employees? 21:03 How can you balance personal and work dynamics when working with a spouse? 29:02 The Mental Health Business Moment Of The Week 31:07 Conclusions

Thinking of employing trainees at your mental health practice? In this episode of Sit and Stay, we explore the benefits, challenges, and practicalities of bringing trainees into a clinical setting. Join Parker Anderson and Dr. Thomas Tarshis as they discuss setting up a supportive learning environment, managing the financial impact, and navigating billing and supervision requirements. Perfect for practice owners looking to foster new talent and elevate their practice culture. 0:00 Introductions 2:25 What is the experience of hiring a trainee like at a clinic? 7:38 How can hiring a trainee benefit your practice? 12:23 What is the typical environment a trainee will operate in at a clinic? 14:55 What are the financial considerations of hiring a trainee for a clinic? 21:36 Can you validate with patients that trainees are capable of providing quality care? 24:08 What considerations go into finding and acquiring trainees for your clinic? 29:09 The Mental Health Business Moment Of The Week 31:32 Conclusions

In this episode of the Sit and Stay Podcast, we break down single case agreements—a useful yet complex way for patients to access out-of-network providers under their insurance. We discuss how mental health providers can advocate for single case agreements, the two-step process of authorization and rate negotiation, and practical advice for families seeking coverage. Learn why in-person services and patient advocacy play a crucial role and get tips on overcoming common obstacles with insurance companies. 0:00 Introductions 1:34 What is a single-case agreement? 3:02 What are some of the use cases for a single-case agreement? 5:05 What is the reason for going the single-case agreement route over other options? 7:10 How can providers educate patients on the option of a single-case agreement? 15:20 How are single-case agreement negotiations with providers and insurance done? 21:02 How long can the duration of single-use agreements be before they are exhausted? 23:33 What can patients do when single-case agreements don't pan out with insurace? 27:30 The Mental Health Business Moment Of The Week 30:45 Conclusions

In this episode of the Sit and Stay podcast, we discuss the challenges and strategies of managing a waitlist in mental health practices. Tom shares insights from his years of experience, from weighing the pros and cons of a waitlist to setting realistic expectations with clients. Together, we explore how prioritizing urgent cases, managing intake timing, and balancing ethical considerations can help practitioners make the best decisions for their practice and clients. 0:00 Introductions 2:22 What are some tips for balancing the demand and availability of a practice? 7:03 How can providers balance using a waitlist and the urgency of patient needs? 9:52 How have the strategies of managing a waitlist changed over time? 14:01 Can the size, style, or reputation of a practice affect the structure of the waitlist? 17:50 How can providers set realistic expectations on their waitlist for their patients? 21:38 How can providers help patients with inconvenient schedules book their sessions? 24:33 Should providers hire staff or refer patients elsewhere when their waitlist is full? 30:51 The Mental Health Business Moment Of The Week 36:02 Conclusions