So many therapists feel rattled when they hear about free or government-funded mental health services popping up in their area. The fear is real: “Who would pay me when they can go down the road for free?” In this episode, I share the truth about these services, why they’re not new, and most importantly, why they don’t threaten your private practice.

If you’ve ever wondered whether bulk-billed or free services will make it impossible for you to get clients, this episode is for you. I’ll walk you through the history of funded models, who they’re designed for, why they’re capped and generalist, and how private practice continues to thrive despite their existence. You’ll hear the difference between short-term evidence-based interventions and the deep, tailored, person-centred work you get to do in your own practice.

By the end of this episode, you’ll feel lighter and more empowered to own your place in the therapy landscape. You’ll see that clients who want personalized, longer-term, holistic support aren’t searching “free counselling near me.” They’re searching for you. And when they invest in their growth, they show up more, implement more, and get better outcomes.

Your quick win action step: Rewrite a short section on your website or social media where you highlight the value of working with you compared to generalized or capped services. Lean into your niche and the personal experience you create—this is what clients are actually searching for.

If you’d love to have expert, on-demand help building your practice, check out Practice Momentum, my 12-month high-touch program for women in private practice.

Also explore:

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  Booked & Better Monthly Tools

  
  


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  The Ultimate Private Practice Community

  
  


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  Website Wellness Check

  
  

Timestamps:

00:22 – Why I created Practice Momentum

02:01 – The real fear behind free services

03:15 – Free services are not new

05:04 – Who these services are really for

08:50 – The generalist model vs your private practice

09:53 – How funding cycles work

12:32 – Why sessions are capped

13:01 – Evidence-based models and why they’re limiting

18:34 – Why quick interventions don’t fix deeper issues

24:54 – Why free services don’t threaten your practice

27:14 – The freedom of tailoring therapy in private practice

34:27 – What clients say about funded vs private practice services

38:33 – Why people pay when free exists

42:09 – Why clients get better outcomes when they invest

54:43 – If you’re still scared, here’s why

58:23 – Shine your light and let clients find you

59:15 – Behind-the-scenes update on Booked & Better and Practice Momentum

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