Productive Therapist Podcast

Tired of being the chief fire-putter-outer in your practice? In this episode Emily Ferguson shows you how to stop living in the weeds and start leading like the visionary you're meant to be. What Emily Does She helps practice owners stop firefighting and start running profitable practices. Get out of the weeds, be the visionary. Services: Operations manager services (temporary or long-term)Intake coordinator training (50%+ conversion rates)Client retention training (aiming for 90%+ retention)Comprehensive business coaching (rates, metrics, hiring, SOPs, the works) The Big Mistake You're stuck doing admin tasks instead of leading your practice. Solution: Get an operations manager who actually knows the therapy business. Do This Week Calculate your retention rate. Under 90%? Figure out why some therapists retain clients better than others. (Hint: therapeutic alliance + smart processes) The Real Talk Hire someone with expertise who solves problems, not just someone who follows instructions. Short-term investment, potentially hundreds of thousands in long-term profit. Reach out to Emily at confidentprivatepractice.com for a free consultation + resources.

Meet Your New AI Receptionist (No Benefits Required) 🤖 After 7 years of saying "sorry, we don't do live answering," we are announcing SimpleIntake, our AI-powered solution that finally answers your phones 24/7. The backstory: Every since Productive Therapist began in 2018, practice owners have been asking if we can live answer their phones. It was never possible, until now. Enter SimpleIntake: The AI receptionist that never sleeps, never takes lunch breaks, and definitely never calls in sick with "food poisoning" after a long weekend. Here's what it actually does: Answers calls 24/7 with full knowledge of your practiceKnows your fees, insurance, specialties, and policiesBooks consultation calls directly with your human intake coordinatorIncludes an AI chatbot for your website (that people actually want to use!)Comes with a full HIPAA-compliant CRM if you want the whole enchilada Most importantly: This isn't replacing your intake team, it's making their lives better and their jobs easier. The AI handles the "Do you take Blue Cross?" questions at midnight. Your human coordinator handles the heart-to-heart connection work during business hours. The numbers: $97/month + 19¢ per minute vs. $2-4 per minute for call centers. Yup, the math checks out. Ready to never miss another call? Listen to demo calls and sign-up at productivetherapist.com This is an exciting time for the team at Productive Therapist. And we are excited to help more therapists connect with more clients. Thanks for listening!

People need your help. Every day they're calling, texting, searching... and landing in voicemail purgatory. 🤦🏻‍♂️ Picture this: Sarah calls at 11 PM after a panic attack. Your AI receptionist answers immediately, gets her info, and schedules her with your intake coordinator first thing tomorrow morning. How It Works: AI receptionist answers 24/7Human intake coordinator connects and schedulesYour practice is there when people need you most The AI knows EVERYTHING about your practice—fees, insurances, modalities, policies. It answers their questions AND seamlessly hands them off to your caring human team. They called 10 practices. Yours was the only one that answered. That's a win-win. ✨ Listen to a few demo calls: productivetherapist.com/info

Tired of avoiding your practice numbers? Nate Hendrikse from Navigator Bookkeeping gets it & he's here to help therapists turn financial fear into financial confidence. What we cover: Why therapists dodge their financials (hint: it's not about being bad at math)The 15-minute monthly check-in that changes everythingSimple tracking that actually works This week's action step: Start a basic dashboard. Track visits, cash in, cash out. That's it! 🎯 The money quote: "I can't tell you how many times therapists thought they had a terrible month, then we looked at the numbers and it was actually pretty good." Connect with Nate: Website: navigatorbookkeeping.usYouTube: Free therapist-specific resourcesLinkedIn: Nate Hendrikse

AI Voice Dictation Apps: My New Secret Weapon for Getting Stuff Done Ready to 4x your writing speed? (Yeah, I said 4x!) 🚀 In this episode, I'm geeking out about AI-powered voice dictation apps that have completely changed how I work. Spoiler alert: I literally can't function without these anymore. What You'll Learn: Why AI dictation apps beat regular voice-to-text (hint: they actually make you sound smart)My honest comparison of Super Whisper vs. Wispr FlowHow I use these tools for everything from emails to AI conversationsAn easy HIPAA-compliant way to write therapy notes fasterLive demo of how ridiculously fast this actually works Key Takeaways: ✅ Super Whisper (Mac only) vs. Whisper Flow (all devices) are both game-changers ✅ Auto-formatting and grammar fixes happen on the fly ✅ Perfect for collaborating with AI tools like Claude and ChatGPT ✅ Wispr Flow has a free tier with 2,000 words/week ✅ HIPAA-ready option available for therapy notes The Bottom Line: If you're still hunting and pecking your way through emails, you're doing it wrong. This isn't just about typing faster, it's about thinking out loud and letting AI clean up the mess. Trust me, once you try this, there's no going back. Links Mentioned: Super WhisperWispr Flow Pro Tip: Start with the free version of Whisper Flow and see how it feels. Your keyboard might get jealous, but your productivity will thank you! 😉

In this episode of the podcast, Uriah chats with Greg Higdon, owner of Grow The Books, a bookkeeping service dedicated to helping therapists manage their finances with confidence. Greg shares the most common financial mistakes he sees therapists making, the benefits of having regular check-ins with a knowledgeable bookkeeper, and how outsourcing your books can actually give you more clarity, confidence, and peace of mind as a practice owner. Whether you’re a solo practitioner or run a group practice, this conversation is full of valuable tips and simple steps you can take to get a better handle on your cash flow—all so you can focus on what you do best. Ready to stop guessing about your business finances? Listen in for practical advice and insights you can implement right away! Resources mentioned: Grow the BooksProductive Therapist Directory Don’t forget to subscribe, leave us a review, and check out more support resources at ProductiveTherapist.com.

📊 If you've ever lost a potential client in a Google Sheet maze, this one's for you. In this episode, I'm chatting with Brent Stutzman from TheraSaaS—a guy who watched his wife's therapy practice drown in spreadsheets and said, "Nope, there's gotta be a better way." Spoiler alert: there was. We're talking about the moment when 80 people on a waitlist and color-coded chaos became a streamlined, lead-converting machine. But this isn't just another "buy our software" pitch. It's a real conversation about the mistakes that are costing you $4-6K monthly (yep, that's what falling through the cracks looks like), why 85-90% of your leads are closing via text (not email, friends), and how your intake coordinator could save an hour daily with the right system. Plus, we dive into why transparency matters, how to stop playing hide-and-seek with your leads, and why flying blind on your conversion data is like driving with a blindfold on. 🚗💥 If you're tired of wondering "Did they ever call that lead back?" or watching your intake team drown in manual tasks—this episode's your wake-up call and solution, rolled into one. ▶️ Hit play and let's turn that spreadsheet chaos into CRM clarity. Find out more about Brent Stutzman and TheraSaaS: Check out TheraSaaS at https://therasaas.com Schedule a demo and see what's possible for your practice

🤖 If you’ve ever opened ChatGPT and thought, “Wait... is this cheating?”—you’re not alone. In this episode, I’m sitting down with Greg Goodman—founder of Goodman Creatives, marketing wizard, and one of the first folks in the therapy space to say, “Yep, AI’s here, and it’s actually kinda amazing.” But this convo? It’s not a “rah-rah robots are taking over” fest. It’s a grounded, nuanced, actually kind of inspiring exploration of how AI (specifically large language models like ChatGPT) is changing the way therapists show up in the online world—ethically, intentionally, and maybe even… joyfully? 😄💻 We also talk transparency, consent, HIPAA (yep, that again), and how your philosophical stance on AI might shift once you realize it can give you your Saturday back.  So if you’re a therapist who wants to market ethically and efficiently, or you’re still feeling a little icky about handing over your writing to a robot—this episode’s your warm hug and reality check, all in one. Grab your favorite beverage and get comfy. Let’s decode the ethics, artistry, and opportunities of AI—together. ▶️ Hit play and let’s dive in. Find out more about Greg Goodman and the work he is doing: Check out Greg’s Website https://goodmancreatives.com Goodman Creatives on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/GoodmanCreatives/ Follow Goodman Creatives on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/goodmancreatives Connect with Greg on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/greggoodman10044/ Subscribe on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@goodmancreatives

Have you ever felt allergic to networking events?  Allergic to being “the brand,” or just plain overwhelmed by the loud, shiny world of online business… you’re gonna want to hear this one. 👀✨ Because in this episode, I’m sitting down with Dr. Melvin Varghese—psychologist, podcaster, and the original Quiet Builder. Now, Melvin didn’t take a single business or marketing class. No MBA. No corporate blueprint. Just a deep love for meaningful work, a steady commitment to service, and a whole lotta curiosity. And yet—he built one of the most respected platforms in the therapist world. (Hi, Selling the Couch fam 👋) So, how did he do it? Spoiler: no dance reels required. 💃🚫 Instead, Melvin shares the story of how growing up between two cultures—India and the U.S.—shaped his perspective on legacy, leadership, and building a business with roots and reach. He talks about the power of building around your energy (not your ego), why margin is the unsung hero of a sustainable business, and what it means to grow something that outlives you. From seeing a man handcraft combs on the side of the road in India, to reflecting on his great-grandfather’s selfless act of feeding an entire village during wartime, Melvin threads it all together in a way that’ll make you pause… and maybe even tear up a little. (I did. No shame.) This episode isn’t a pep talk—it’s a grounded conversation with someone who’s been through the hustle, hit pause, and chose to build something sustainable instead. Think of it as a gentle nudge to look inward, reassess what you really want, and maybe start planting something of your own. So whether you’re burned out from client work, exploring new offers, or just craving a business model that doesn’t drain your soul... this one’s for you. To find out more about Melvin and the work he's doing, check out the following links: Selling The Couch https://sellingthecouch.com Listen to Melvin’s Podcast https://selling-the-couch.captivate.fm/listen Connect with Melvin on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/melvinvarghesephd/

Let’s be real - most therapists were trained to be the calm in the storm. Stay grounded. Stay humble. Stay in your neatly labeled little lane. 🙃 But what happens when a therapist doesn’t play small? When she starts questioning shady practices, calling out corporate nonsense, and using her voice online to shake things up? Well, it looks a lot like Candice Thompson. In this episode, Candice shares how a casual preschool drop-off convo turned into a deep dive into LinkedIn... and how LinkedIn turned into a platform for advocacy, viral posts, and a growing chorus of therapists who are done being quiet. Candice is a licensed marriage and family therapist in CA & OR. She considers herself a well-rounded generalist, with twenty years of experience in the field of mental health; fifteen practicing psychotherapy.  This episode is your permission slip to take up space. To speak your truth. To remember that you are the expert—and your voice matters. Whether you're curious about dipping your toe into LinkedIn, dreaming of private practice, or just trying to keep your head on straight in a loud (and sometimes sketchy) industry, this convo is a breath of fresh air. So grab your coffee (or LaCroix—we don’t judge) and get ready to feel fired up. 💬✨ Find out more about Candice here: https://candicecandelaria.com https://candicecandelaria.com/dateology https://www.linkedin.com/in/candice-thompson-lmft/

What if the structure of your group practice is actually holding you back? The hierarchy. The unspoken rules. The way you’ve always done things. It might be time to shake it up. In this episode, I talk with therapist, consultant, and unicorn-in-human-form Sarah Buino about the dysfunction that shows up behind the scenes in group practices — and what to do about it. Sarah runs Group Practice Revolution, a bold new platform that supports both practice owners and employees.  She’s on a mission to rebuild group practice culture from the ground up — with more transparency, collaboration, and heart. We dig into the real issues: power struggles, trust breakdowns, and why doing your own inner work isn’t optional if you want to lead well. Whether you're a seasoned owner or just starting your group practice journey, this conversation will stretch your thinking — and maybe even spark your own mini-revolution. To find out more about Sarah and the work she’s doing, check out the following links: https://grouppracticerevolution.com/ https://www.headheartbiztherapy.com/

Consent isn't just paperwork. It's protection, prevention, and partnership. You might be surprised to hear this, but informed consent is your #1 risk management tool. It's also an underrated way to provide better care to your clients. This is your invitation to revisit your informed consent process. Maybe even rethink the way you're using it in your practice. What happens when a social worker turned lawyer teams up with a clinical psychologist? Listen to this episode to find out. Clinical experts Dr. Karen Pavlidis and Fran Schopick from The Working Alliance share powerful insights on creating consent processes that are intentional, relational, and legally sound. Whether you're a solo therapist or leading a group practice, this conversation will change the way you think about consent—and help you sleep better at night. You’ll learn: Why consent is more than a signature—it's the foundation for trust, boundaries, and safer client relationshipsHow transparent onboarding and over-communication can protect your practice and prevent future rupturesHow ongoing consent conversations support clarity and safety when working with teens, families, or in high-conflict cases Visit https://theworkingalliance.com/ to learn more and use coupon code PTFANS25 to get 25% off their document package.

Sometimes, strangers from the internet make the best business besties. Sounds weird, but it’s true. Growing a private practice can be super lonely. And super hard. But the right community? It can make all the difference. Like the old saying goes: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” That’s exactly what I talked about with my friends Christy Pennison and Stephanie Korpal from The Practice Collab. In this episode, we dive into the power of community, collaboration, and accountability for practice owners—and why you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. We cover: How authentic relationships can fuel your business growthPractical tips for finding your people—online and IRLWhy advice from people who get it beats anonymous internet threads every time Oh—and there were plenty of laughs mixed in with the strategy. Hope you enjoy this one!

What if you could replace ALL your marketing with a single story? And grow your practice with less effort. Yes, please. Sign me up. If that sounds awesome and almost too good to be true, give this episode a listen. I interviewed Kris Jones, a storytelling expert who turns expertise into sales success.  She has a background working with major brands like Adidas, Nike and Guinness. She was also hand selected for mentorship by StoryBrand's Donald Miller.  Kris explains how a single, compelling story can transform your marketing efforts and significantly increase your revenue.  And she shares her proven story selling system that helps businesses scale effectively without the need for endless content. Don't miss this one. Hope you enjoy the episode! Find out more about Kris Jones and her services at Red Door. And of course, check out the amazing resources over at productivetherapist.com.

This is one of my favorite frameworks. The 3 keys to productivity EliminationAutomationDelegation I've been talking about this for years. All the way back to episode 10 of the Productive Therapist Podcast!  But now it's 2025 and I have an update. The 3 keys . . . powered by AI.

You're a caring therapist and you love connecting people to helpful resources. Especially counseling services that can change their lives. Me too! In this episode I break down an almost perfect intake call that I did a few years back. Grab our FREE resource, the Magic Call Script to learn the exact words to say to turn more callers into happy therapy clients. Also, text a friend or colleague and tell them about the Productive Therapist Podcast!

Fake it until you make it. Not great advice when it comes to business finances. For many years, I was just winging it. Using my undeveloped instincts to make financial decisions. Oh boy! That is until I built my money team and gained the financial knowledge I needed. It has made all the difference in the world. In this episode I interview Carla Titus, the CEO of Wealth & Worth Within. Our conversation was both fun and informative. Here are the 4 things you will learn: Understanding gross margins and net profitEffective compensation structures for group practicesHow accountability drives profitabilityHow a CFO can help you grow your business Visit Carla's website to learn more and sign up for her email newsletter.

Working with a virtual assistant can be a huge hassle. Or it can change your life. Listen to this episode to avoid the most common mistakes and find success working with a virtual assistant. Also, learn how Uriah used Notebook LM to create this engaging podcast episode from his online course, The Virtual Advantage.

An effective follow-up process will absolutely increase your conversion rates! People are busy and life is full. Also, many people are somewhat ambivalent about starting therapy. Your consistent helpful follow-up might be just the nudge they need to follow through on getting help. This episode provides some simple tips to improve your follow-up process. For access to our full course on streamlining your intake process, check out Intake Accelerator.

At Productive Therapist our virtual assistant team turns calls & clicks into clients. Every single day. Therapists want to know how we do it. We get asked all the time for our secret sauce. Here’s the thing. Creating a great first impression is vital. A potential client’s first interaction with your practice is key to helping them know, like and trust you. A good call script is an important first step in optimizing your intake process. In this episode Uriah breaks down the 7 elements of the Magic Call Script and explains the intention and importance of each one. It's a short listen, but a good one! Download our Magic Call Script HERE.