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In this episode of the Colleague Down the Hall Podcast, Lisa Lovelace joins me to talk about how to know when you are ready to expand into a group practice. Lisa shares how she was able to expand from an online therapy practice to creating an online group practice. We will delve into the challenges and opportunities in expanding into an online group practice, legal considerations such as 1099 vs. W2 employment classifications, building a sense of community and cohesion among therapists in an online setting, and strategies for fostering connectedness among team members. Remember, creating a positive and cohesive team culture takes time and consistent effort. By investing in your team's well-being and professional growth, you can foster a strong sense of community and collaboration within your online group practice.
"You know, I think that when you're more visible, you're elevated in the social media and therapy land, right, people probably know your name. And it's important for people to understand that we are all very similar. Nobody really knows 100% of what they're doing, or how to do it, but we learn from others. And we learned from trying ourselves and practice and that's kind of what helps propel you along. And then you kind of become expert in something as you learn and grow and do."- Lisa Lovelace
The key highlights from this episode:
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The origin of Synergy eTherapy which started as a solo practice, but expanded it into an online group practice after colleagues expressed interest in joining her venture. The idea was to create a supportive community and collaborate online.
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The evolution of online therapy, the significant shift in the mental health field towards online therapy which was accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Exploration of therapists' diverse motivations for expansion into a group practice.
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The importance of understanding legal considerations when structuring an online group practices, such as determining the employment status of therapists (1099 vs. W-2). It's crucial to consult legal experts to navigate these complexities.
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The entrepreneurial mindset of many therapists, who are creative and adaptable, willing to try new approaches and learn from each other. Being open to evolving business models and embracing change is key to success and growth in this field.
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The importance of active participation, authenticity, and creating opportunities for therapists to interact, share experiences, and support each other. In-person events, even occasional ones, can strengthen the sense of community among therapists.
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The idea of embracing change, staying adaptable, and not fearing the unknown. Therapists are encouraged to take calculated risks, support each other, and find innovative ways to evolve their practices to meet the changing demands of the mental health landscape.
About the Guest:
Dr. Lisa Lovelace is the founder of Synergy eTherapy, which is one of the first fully online mental health group practices in the US! She is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in Minnesota, Wisconsin, New York and is registered as a tele-health provider in Florida. Dr. Lisa is also a part of PSYPACT, which allows psychologists to see clients who are physically located in any state that has joined PsyPact! Dr. Lisa has over 20 years of post graduate level clinical experience working with children, adolescents and adults who suffer from a wide range of mental health concerns including anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, substance abuse and other emotional or behavioral disorders.
Connect with Lisa Lovelace:
@synergyetherapy
@how to build an online therapy group practice
Course Information:
https://synergyetherapy.vipmembervault.com/
Connect with Jeanene:
Join a clinical consultation group: https://oasisfortherapists.thrivecart.com/enrollment
Learn more about clinical consultation groups: https://collaboasis.com/
Join my free therapist Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/oasispcgt
Connect on LInkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jeanene-wolfe-lcsw-64042220a/
Join the waitlist for TheraBundle: https://therabundle.com/jeanene
