The Right Tack

What’s the real difference between hiring contractors vs. employees in private practice? In this episode of The Right Tack, Paul and Jim sit down with Sam Major of Apollo Counseling and Fenris Inc. to unpack the legal, financial, and cultural trade-offs practice owners need to understand. From control and flexibility to misclassification risk and team dynamics, this conversation offers a practical, real-world look at one of the biggest staffing decisions behavioral health leaders face. 

In this episode of The Right Tack, Paul and Jim sit down with licensed therapist and practice owner Sarah Leitschuh for an honest conversation about burnout, boundaries, and building a sustainable private practice through structured flexibility.Together, they explore how burnout shows up for therapists — from sleep disruption to irritability — and why balancing clinical work with the demands of running a business can quietly erode well-being. Sarah shares practical strategies for creating structure without rigidity, setting clear client expectations, staying on top of documentation, and making intentional decisions that protect both energy and clinical quality.Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, behind on notes, or simply rethinking how your practice fits into your life, this episode offers thoughtful insight on prioritizing therapist well-being, strengthening boundaries, and designing a practice that supports both you and your clients for the long term.

In Episode 14 of The Right Tack, Paul and Jim Jonas are joined by licensed therapist, practice owner, and business coach Amber Priestley for a candid conversation about therapy practice models and what it really takes to grow sustainably.Together, they explore the key differences between solo practices, small collectives, and agency or group models, breaking down how each structure impacts autonomy, income, burnout, and long-term viability. Amber shares real-world insights on knowing your numbers, avoiding growth mistakes, navigating hiring decisions, and understanding the hidden risks of gig-style therapy platforms.Whether you’re just starting out, feeling stuck as a solo practitioner, or considering expanding your practice, this episode offers practical guidance to help you grow with intention, without losing control of your business or your values.🎙️Listen now to Episode 14 of The Right Tack.

In this episode of The Right Tack, Paul and Jim Jonas are joined by returning guest Dr. Talha Baloch, a triple board–certified psychiatrist in general psychiatry, addiction psychiatry, and addiction medicine.The conversation focuses on the role medication plays in mental health management, including when it may be helpful, when it may not be necessary, and how thoughtful evaluation and diagnostic clarity guide treatment decisions. Dr. Baloch also discusses common concerns about psychiatric medication, the importance of collaboration between therapists and prescribers, and how medication optimization and consolidation can improve safety and outcomes.This episode offers a balanced, informative look at how medication fits into modern behavioral health care for therapists, practice owners, and clinicians alike.

In Episode 12 of The Right Tack, Paul and Jim sit down for a hosts-only conversation about something every behavioral health practice owner needs to consider early and often: your values.Drawing from their experiences at BreezyBilling, Phoenix Credentialing, and The Jonas Center, they explore how to define your values, communicate them clearly, and actually use them as a guide for decisions, leadership, boundaries, and the culture you want to build.They also touch on authenticity, emotional energy, self-care, and what it really looks like to run a business that aligns with the life you want to live.In this episode: • Why values matter more than mission statements • How to create values that truly reflect your practice • Living your values inside and outside the office • How values influence staff retention and trust • Authenticity, boundaries, and avoiding burnout • What Paul and Jim wish they had done soonerIf you're starting a practice or refining one, this episode gives you a grounded, honest framework for setting your direction.Listen now and keep your eyes on the horizon.

In this episode of The Right Tack, Paul and Jim sit down with Sara Ranssi, Owner and Mental Health Therapist at Hope and Healing Family Counseling. Sara is a Registered Play Therapist who has spent nearly two decades serving children, families, and the deaf community.Sara shares how defining a clear clinical niche helped her build a meaningful and sustainable practice. She walks through her early years in children’s mental health, her transition into play therapy, and why being intentional about who you serve can strengthen both your client outcomes and your business.You’ll hear practical advice on: • How to choose and refine a niche that aligns with your strengths • Why specialization can prevent burnout • How to create better client-therapist matches through thoughtful intake processes • What it looks like to scale a niche practice with integrity and purposeWhether you are just starting out or looking to refocus your established practice, Sara’s story offers encouragement and actionable steps that can help you build a practice grounded in skill, passion, and clarity.Listen in and learn how a niche can be the key to helping your practice grow while keeping your work deeply fulfilling.

What does it take to build a thriving group practice while staying grounded in your values? In this episode of The Right Tack, Paul and Jim Jonas talk with Kelly Evans, Founder of Down to Earth Therapy, about the art of hiring, supervision, and leadership in behavioral health.Kelly shares honest advice for practice owners—especially those hiring for the first time—on navigating difficult conversations, creating a supportive supervision model, and balancing the dual roles of therapist and business owner.You’ll hear:How to set the tone for open communication and trust in your teamThe value of mentorship and collaboration in leadershipWays to create an inclusive, diverse practice cultureHow supervision benefits both students and seasoned cliniciansIf you’re growing your practice or stepping into leadership, this conversation is full of wisdom and heart.🎧 Listen now and follow The Right Tack wherever you get your podcasts.

In this follow-up to our popular business banking episode, hosts Paul and Jim Jonas sit down with Tim Sery (VP Commercial Lender) and Kari Schurmann (SVP SBA Officer) from BankVista to talk about what behavioral health practice owners need to know about SBA loans, conventional loans, and financing strategies for sustainable growth.You’ll learn:The key differences between SBA and conventional loansWhy SBA loans are often ideal for behavioral health practicesWhat recent SBA program updates mean for business ownersHow “preferred lender” status speeds up the loan processReal-world insights on how practices grow—and when they outgrow SBAWhether you’re opening your first office or expanding your team, this episode breaks down the financial tools that can help you reach the next level.🎧 Listen to Episode 9 of The Right Tack — where we help private practice owners face the headwinds of the healthcare industry.The information shared in this podcast reflects the views of Tim Sery and Kari Schurmann as guests and is intended for general informational purposes only. It should not be construed as legal, financial, or business advice, nor does it constitute an offer to lend. Listeners should consult their own advisors before making any financial decisions. Any discussion of SBA programs is based on current understanding and may not reflect the most recent guidance or eligibility criteria. BankVista is Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender.

It’s one of the most common sources of confusion for mental health professionals: What’s the difference between credentialing and contracting?In this episode of The Right Tack, hosts Paul Jonas and Jim Jonas explain how these two processes work together (and why mixing them up can lead to serious payment delays). From managing CAQH profiles to understanding payer denials and supervision rules, they share insights every private practice owner needs to know.👉 Tune in to learn:How credentialing validates you as a providerWhy contracting defines how your practice gets paidCommon mistakes that lead to claim denials, and how to avoid them!Brought to you by BreezyBilling, helping behavioral health practices stay organized, compliant, and profitable.

What was it like to start a private practice decades ago — and how has it changed today? In this episode, Jim (therapist) and Paul (business leader) Jonas explore the history of private practice ownership, from billing by paper form and battling HMOs, to today’s compliance-heavy environment.They share personal stories, struggles, and insights that highlight how much the field has evolved — and what remains the same: the courage to start and the challenges of growing a practice.If you’re thinking about starting your own practice — or just curious about how far the industry has come — this episode will give you perspective, context, and encouragement.🎧 Listen now and subscribe to The Right Tack for more real talk on building and growing your behavioral health practice.

Should your private practice rent office space or take the leap into ownership? In this episode of The Right Tack, we sit down with real estate expert Nils Snyder to unpack the shifting landscape of commercial real estate and what it means for behavioral health providers.Nils explains how the office market has evolved since COVID, why renting offers flexibility while ownership builds long-term wealth, and the importance of working with a commercial broker to navigate the process. He also highlights why your growth plan—not just your current needs—should drive your real estate decisions.Whether you’re a solo therapist or leading a growing group practice, this conversation offers practical insights to help you make the right choice for your future.

Where you work from as a private practice owner is more than just a location — it’s a strategic decision that can shape your budget, workflow, and client experience. In this episode of The Right Tack, Paul and Jim Jonas are joined by Dr. Talha Baloch, Psychiatrist, practice owner, and co-founder of Mindful Spaces, a coworking and office share community for mental health professionals.Talha shares his journey from burnout in private equity-backed clinics to building his own thriving practice, and how coworking played a pivotal role in his success. You’ll hear the pros and cons of coworking versus leasing, what to look for in a space, and practical tips to help you choose the right fit — whether you’re just starting out or planning to expand.

In this episode of The Right Tack, Paul and Jim sit down with Tim Sery, Vice President and Commercial Lender at BankVista, to talk about what private practice owners need to understand when it comes to working with a bank. Whether you’re looking to expand your practice, refinance existing debt, or simply build a stronger relationship with your financial institution, Tim shares candid insights from a lender’s perspective.He walks us through what banks are really looking for in a borrower, why relationships matter more than you think, and how behavioral health providers can better position themselves for financing—especially when exploring options like SBA loans. Tim also sheds light on common mistakes practice owners make when applying for credit, and how to avoid them.With decades of experience helping small businesses grow, Tim reminds us that your bank shouldn’t just be a gatekeeper—it should be a partner in your success.The information shared in this podcast reflects the views of Tim Sery as a guest and is intended for general informational purposes only. It should not be construed as legal, financial, or business advice, nor does it constitute an offer to lend. Listeners should consult their own advisors before making any financial decisions. Any discussion of SBA programs is based on current understanding and may not reflect the most recent guidance or eligibility criteria. BankVista is Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender.

Starting your own private practice? You’ll need more than just clinical expertise—you’ll need a solid business foundation. In this episode of The Right Tack, BreezyBilling CEO Paul Jonas and Co-Founder Jim Jonas sit down with CPA and Attorney Devon Liljenquist to unpack one of the biggest early decisions practice owners face: choosing the right business structure.Devon shares expert guidance on entity types like LLCs, S Corporations, and sole proprietorships, and explains how these decisions impact taxes, liability, and long-term growth. Whether you’re just launching or reevaluating your setup, this conversation will help you understand how to align your business structure with your goals—and avoid common pitfalls.Tune in for practical, plain-English insights you can use right away.

Thinking about starting your own behavioral health private practice? In this episode of The Right Tack, hosts Paul and Jim Jonas are joined by BreezyBilling’s Director of Operations and Phoenix Credentialing President and Co-Founder Carrie Ripley to walk through the 10 essential steps to getting your practice off the ground.From finding office space and setting your rates to getting credentialed, contracted, and protected with the right liability insurance—this episode offers a high-level roadmap for launching a practice with confidence.Whether you're in the planning phase or need to double-check that your bases are covered, this conversation is packed with must-know guidance, drawn from real conversations with providers just like you.

In this inaugural episode of The Right Tack, host Paul Jonas, CEO and Co-Founder of BreezyBilling and Phoenix Credentialing, is joined by Therapist and BreezyBilling Co-Founder Jim Jonas. Together, they reflect on the foundational "Ground Rules" that shape how they operate and what it really takes to thrive in the behavioral health space.From lessons learned through years of working with private practice owners to the values that guide their teams today, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how strong operations, clear leadership, and a commitment to doing the right thing can help any behavioral health business grow and thrive.Whether you're launching your first practice or leading a growing team, this episode is packed with insight, perspective—and a few stories you won’t want to miss.