Private Practice Elevation with Daniel Fava

Many therapists in private practice want to run a solid, ethical business—but the idea of “compliance” can feel confusing, overwhelming, or even downright scary. Between HIPAA requirements, proper documentation, and ever-changing policies, it’s tough to know what you don’t know… and easy to put it off for another day. In this episode of the Private Practice Elevation Podcast, Daniel Fava sits down with Dr. Tiana Kelly to demystify compliance and make it feel manageable—even if you're just getting started. Tiana shares how she built the compliance program at Move Forward Counseling (with over 60 therapists!) and now helps other private practices do the same through her consulting business, Private Practice By Design. You’ll learn why compliance is not a one-time checklist but an ongoing process—and how to prioritize the most important changes without overwhelming your team. Tiana also explains: Why “go slow” is key when rolling out compliance updates The biggest mistakes she sees practices make (and how to avoid them) What therapists really need to be trained on from day one How to build a culture of learning, accountability, and ethical care Whether you’re a solo therapist or running a growing group practice, this episode will help you think more clearly about compliance—and feel more confident taking your next step. 🎧 Tune in now and learn how to protect your practice without burning out your people.  Key Takeaways: Start slow, go steady: Trying to overhaul everything at once can lead to staff burnout. Prioritize the most urgent needs and build from there. Train early and often: Don’t assume new hires know your expectations. Provide clear, specific training on documentation and HIPAA best practices. Stay curious: Compliance isn’t a “set it and forget it” system. Keep learning, stay updated on regulations, and be open to evolving your protocols. Don’t do it alone: Whether you’re a solo practice or a large group, there’s support available—from trainings to audits to 1:1 consultations. Links mentioned in this episode: Learn more about Dr. Tiana Kelly’s compliance consultation services: privatepracticebydesign.com Move Forward Counseling’s Website Book a free 15-minute call to improve your online presence: privatepracticeelevation.com/kickoff This Episode Is Brought To You By Alma is on a mission to simplify access to high-quality, affordable mental health care by giving providers the tools they need to build thriving in-network private practices. When providers join Alma, they gain access to insurance support, teletherapy software, client referrals, automated billing and scheduling tools, and a vibrant community of clinicians who come together for education, training, and events. Learn more about building a thriving private practice with Alma at helloalma.com/elevation. About Tiana Kelly Dr. Tiana Kelly has been working in a clinical capacity in counseling since 2017 and has dedicated several years to developing and strengthening Move Forward Counseling’s compliance program.  She has most recently worked alongside Alison Pidgeon to establish Private Practice By Design, LLC – a business focused on providing consultation to other private practice owners.   Tiana brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in her consultant role related to compliant documentation practices and policy development, HIPAA standards, and chart auditing. In addition, Tiana has a Doctorate Degree in Prevention Science, which has equipped her with the skillset necessary to identify and promote protection against compliance risks. About Daniel Fava Daniel Fava is the owner and founder of  Private Practice Elevation, a website and SEO agency focused on helping private practice owners create websites that increase their online visibility and attract more clients. Private Practice Elevation offers web design services, SEO (search engine optimization), and WordPress support to help private practice owners grow their businesses through online marketing.  Daniel lives in Atlanta, GA with his wife Liz, and two energetic boys. When he’s not working he enjoys hiking by the river, watching hockey, and enjoying a dram of bourbon.  

Optimizing Operations: Building a Strong Foundation for Private Practice Growth Running a private practice often means wearing multiple hats—therapist, admin, marketer, and CEO. Without the right systems in place, the behind-the-scenes responsibilities can quickly become overwhelming, leading to burnout and limited growth.  This episode of Private Practice Elevation explores how creating strong backend systems can help practice owners move from survival mode to sustainable growth. Daniel Fava is joined by Bri Chrisman, founder and CEO of BossCo, an operations-focused agency that partners with mental health practices to improve internal workflows and strategy.  With a background in event management and marketing, Bri shares how she transitioned into the mental health space to help therapists build more efficient, profitable businesses. The conversation dives into the most common operational challenges private practice owners face—especially when scaling—and how systems, automation, and clear processes can dramatically reduce stress while improving client outcomes.  From onboarding to software audits, Bri offers practical advice for building a practice that runs as beautifully behind the scenes as it looks online. 🎙 Tune in to learn how creating a solid backend infrastructure can transform a private practice from chaotic to confidently scalable. Key Takeaways: A clear growth plan that aligns with long-term goals is essential for sustainable success. Regular audits of expenses and software can uncover hidden savings and improve profitability. A well-designed, standardized client onboarding process boosts conversion rates and enhances the client experience. Streamlined operations and automation can significantly reduce the burden on practice owners. Systems should be customized to each practice—avoiding a one-size-fits-all approach ensures long-term efficiency and success.   Links mentioned in this episode: https://heybossco.com/     Watch The Video:   This Episode Is Brought To You By   Alma is on a mission to simplify access to high-quality, affordable mental health care by giving providers the tools they need to build thriving in-network private practices. When providers join Alma, they gain access to insurance support, teletherapy software, client referrals, automated billing and scheduling tools, and a vibrant community of clinicians who come together for education, training, and events.   Learn more about building a thriving private practice with Alma at helloalma.com/elevation. About Brie Chrisman   Brie Chrisman is the founder and CEO of Boss Co, an operations management company that works 100% virtually. With over 15 years of experience in the project management and operations fields, Brie has taken a different approach to making an impact on businesses. She has revolutionized the way businesses operate by introducing a  solution for overwhelm for CEOs. Her commitment to being human-first has led her to serve CEOs in the mental health field.    About Daniel Fava   Daniel Fava is the owner and founder of  Private Practice Elevation, a website and SEO agency focused on helping private practice owners create websites that increase their online visibility and attract more clients. Private Practice Elevation offers web design services, SEO (search engine optimization), and WordPress support to help private practice owners grow their businesses through online marketing.    Daniel lives in Atlanta, GA with his wife Liz, and two energetic boys. When he’s not working he enjoys hiking by the river, watching hockey, and enjoying a dram of bourbon.  

Therapists spend years building relationships with their clients—but what happens if a therapist suddenly can't show up anymore due to illness, injury, or even death?  This episode of the Private Practice Elevation Podcast tackles a topic that’s often overlooked but absolutely vital: how to prepare your practice and protect your clients in case of an emergency.  While many therapists focus on running their practice day-to-day, far fewer have a plan in place for what happens if they suddenly can’t be there.  This episode explores the difference between professional and business wills, the ethical and legal implications of emergency planning, and the practical steps therapists can take to create a secure plan. With expert insight from Dr. Robyn Miller, co-founder of Thera Closure, this conversation shines a light on ethical responsibilities and offers real, practical solutions to ensure continuity of care, peace of mind, and protection for both clients and families. Dr. Miller shares how her own personal loss shaped her passion for helping therapists plan for the unexpected. Through Thera Closure, she provides a clear path forward so that therapists can rest easy knowing their clients will be cared for—even in worst-case scenarios. Whether you're a solo therapist or running a group practice, this episode will help you take proactive steps to plan for the unexpected—so you can focus on your work today while preparing responsibly for tomorrow. Key Takeaways: Understand Professional and Business Wills: Learn the differences between professional and business wills, their ethical significance, and practical applications for therapists. Importance of Preparedness: Discover why therapists need to plan for emergencies to ensure patient care continuity and practice responsibility. Thera Closure Service: Gain insight into how Thera Closure offers innovative solutions for managing practice affairs and patient care in unexpected situations. Ethical and Legal Obligations: Recognize the ethical and legal obligations therapists have towards patient care and medical record security during emergencies. Practical Steps: Explore the practical steps and tools recommended by Dr. Miller to create a professional will and secure peace of mind.   Links mentioned in this episode:  Thera Closure Website   Watch The Video:   This Episode Is Brought To You By   Alma is on a mission to simplify access to high-quality, affordable mental health care by giving providers the tools they need to build thriving in-network private practices. When providers join Alma, they gain access to insurance support, teletherapy software, client referrals, automated billing and scheduling tools, and a vibrant community of clinicians who come together for education, training, and events.   Learn more about building a thriving private practice with Alma at helloalma.com/elevation.  

In this episode of The Private Practice Elevation Podcast, we’re going to talk about your website content and specifically, what content and pages need to be on your website in order for it to be successful. Most therapists would agree that they need a website to market their private practice online and help them gain clients. The problem is that most private practice websites lack the proper pages and content to make a big impact on the business. And it’s this lack of content that is one of the biggest things I see holding back most therapists who want to get organic traffic and clients using their therapy website. I see it often when I perform website audits or coaching calls… the website just doesn’t have enough content to resonate with the ideal client and allow Google to pick up the website and rank it high in search results. So, let’s talk about your website content and make sure you have what you need in order to hit your goals for online marketing. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: How to define what makes your website “successful” and how knowing this can help you make important decisions with your online marketing The content and pages that I recommend as a bare minimum for a therapy website in order for it to be effective A basic sitemap for a therapy website for those who are just getting started How to expand your sitemap over time in order to improve your search engine optimization and get more organic traffic in the future This Episode Is Brought To You By Alma is on a mission to simplify access to high-quality, affordable mental health care by giving providers the tools they need to build thriving in-network private practices. When providers join Alma, they gain access to insurance support, teletherapy software, client referrals, automated billing and scheduling tools, and a vibrant community of clinicians who come together for education, training, and events. Learn more about building a thriving private practice with Alma at helloalma.com/elevation.

In this episode of The Private Practice Elevation Podcast, you’re going to learn how to write copy for your website that speaks directly to your ideal client. I’m sure you know that the copy on your website has the power to connect with your ideal client. And when a potential client feels connected, and that you understand their challenges on a deep level, they’re more likely to take that next step and actually become a client of yours. But most therapists struggle with what words they should actually use that will resonate with those potential clients. What are the words you can use to connect with them? How do you create an entire website that speaks to them? And if you don’t know those words, how can you find out what they are? Our guest, Laura Long LMFT/S, is going to teach you her 3 C’s of copywriting for your private practice website: Clear, Compelling, and Conversational. As a business coach, Laura has been teaching therapists how to create copy for therapist websites for years. If you’ve been wondering or struggling with the words you need to use on your own private practice website, this episode will give you exercises, tips, and simple actions you can take to write copy that truly resonates with your ideal client.  In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Laura’s 3 C’s of copywriting How to avoid watering down your copy so that it speaks directly to your ideal clients The difference between your ideal client and a niche Exercises to help you get into the mind of your ideal clients’ fears, hopes and expectations How to write copy for your ideal client even if you haven’t worked with them or are changing niches Four places you can go to do market research and uncover the exact words your ideal clients are using so you can write copy that connects with them Mindset shifts to help you get unstuck and kill writer’s block This Episode Is Brought To You By Alma is on a mission to simplify access to high-quality, affordable mental health care by giving providers the tools they need to build thriving in-network private practices. When providers join Alma, they gain access to insurance support, teletherapy software, client referrals, automated billing and scheduling tools, and a vibrant community of clinicians who come together for education, training, and events. Learn more about building a thriving private practice with Alma at helloalma.com/elevation.

Many therapists in private practice feel overwhelmed by all the marketing options available today.  Between managing a full caseload, trying to keep up with social media trends, and maintaining a personal life, blogging often ends up at the bottom of the priority list—or gets abandoned altogether.  And with the rise of video, reels, and short-form content, it’s easy to wonder: Is blogging even still worth it? In this episode of the Private Practice Elevation Podcast, host Daniel Fava sets the record straight.  He dives into the current state of blogging in 2025 and why, despite the ever-evolving digital landscape, blogging remains one of the most effective and underutilized marketing tools for private practice owners. Daniel explores how blogging supports your long-term marketing strategy by improving SEO, keeping your website active and visible in Google, and helping potential clients connect with your voice and expertise.  He breaks it down in simple, therapist-friendly terms, making it clear how blogging actually works to drive traffic and build trust over time. Listeners will also learn practical ways to overcome common blogging roadblocks—like lack of time, perfectionism, and not knowing what to write about.  Whether you're new to blogging or you've let it fall by the wayside, this episode will give you the motivation and tools to use blogging more effectively—and without the overwhelm. What You’ll Learn: Why blogging is still one of the best ways to build trust with potential clients How blogging improves your website’s SEO by keeping it fresh and keyword-rich The importance of internal linking for both user experience and search rankings Tips for coming up with blog post ideas and staying consistent How blogging fits into a long-term content strategy that drives sustainable growth Key Takeaways: Blogging isn’t dead—it’s still highly relevant and effective when done intentionally Fresh, consistent content signals to Google that your website is active and useful AI tools like ChatGPT can help generate ideas and outlines to save you time Internal linking from blog posts boosts both navigation and SEO performance Your blog can help potential clients build a connection with you before they reach out Links mentioned in this episode: 163. SEO Success Story: How One Therapist Achieved a Fully Booked Calendar with Steve Cuffari Monthly SEO for Private Practice

In this episode, listeners will discover how one psychologist’s frustration with practice management sparked the creation of Zanda—a platform designed to streamline operations and reduce burnout for mental health professionals.  Whether you're a solo practitioner or building a group practice, this conversation offers fresh insight into using technology to simplify the business side of therapy. Daniel Fava chats with Damien Adler, a clinical psychologist turned tech entrepreneur and co-founder of Zanda Health.  Damien shares the story behind Zanda’s development—from managing a busy practice in Australia to launching a software solution that now supports clinicians across the globe.  With a strong focus on user experience, innovation, and solving real-world problems, Damien and his team are transforming how therapists manage their practices. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The Origin of Zanda: How Damien’s firsthand experience in private practice inspired the creation of a more efficient and integrated practice management system. A Global Solution: Zanda now serves practices in Australia, the UK, the US, and Canada—showing how universal the need is for better admin tools. Built for Therapists, by Therapists: Damien shares how clinician feedback plays a key role in shaping the platform’s evolution. AI in Practice Management: Learn how Zanda leverages artificial intelligence to automate tasks like note-taking and reporting. Lessons in Scaling: Damien opens up about the challenges and rewards of building a health tech company while staying grounded in the therapy world. This episode is a must-listen for therapists, group practice owners, and anyone curious about the intersection of mental health and technology. Links mentioned in this episode:  Zanda Health Website  This Episode Is Brought To You By Alma is on a mission to simplify access to high-quality, affordable mental health care by giving providers the tools they need to build thriving in-network private practices. When providers join Alma, they gain access to insurance support, teletherapy software, client referrals, automated billing and scheduling tools, and a vibrant community of clinicians who come together for education, training, and events. Learn more about building a thriving private practice with Alma at helloalma.com/elevation. About Damien Adler Damien Adler is a registered psychologist, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Zanda Health, a global practice management software company. He has a background in health administration, having held senior positions in the public health sector. He later founded a successful group private practice, and it was here that Damien discovered his passion for using technology to make life easier for health practitioners. These days, Damien dedicates his time to improving healthcare practices through technology. His unique insights stem from working closely with thousands of practitioners worldwide, from hospital settings to private practices, allowing him to identify universal challenges and opportunities within allied health. Damien's unique blend of practical experience and technological insight makes him a respected figure in advancing healthcare practice efficiency and effectiveness. About Daniel Fava Daniel Fava is the owner and founder of  Private Practice Elevation, a website and SEO agency focused on helping private practice owners create websites that increase their online visibility and attract more clients. Private Practice Elevation offers web design services, SEO (search engine optimization), and WordPress support to help private practice owners grow their businesses through online marketing.  Daniel lives in Atlanta, GA with his wife Liz, and two energetic boys. When he’s not working he enjoys hiking by the river, watching hockey, and enjoying a dram of bourbon.

Growing a private practice can be incredibly rewarding—but it can also feel really lonely.  When you’re the one making all the decisions, managing a team, and trying to grow your business, it’s easy to feel isolated and overwhelmed.  And without a trusted community to lean on, progress often feels slow, confusing, and more challenging than it needs to be. In this episode of the Private Practice Elevation Podcast, host Daniel Fava chats with two powerhouse group practice owners, Christy Pennison and Steph Korpal, who know firsthand how transformational it can be to have the right people in your corner.  As the co-founders of The Practice Collab, Christy and Steph are on a mission to help practice owners find connection, collaboration, and clarity through community. They dive into the power of building meaningful business relationships, joining mastermind groups, and having honest conversations with people who just get it.  Whether you're just starting to grow your team or already leading a multi-location practice, this conversation will remind you that you don’t have to figure everything out alone—and in fact, you’ll go further, faster, when you don’t. Key Takeaways Connection Fuels Growth: Success in private practice doesn’t have to happen alone. Community and collaboration can unlock new ideas, solutions, and energy. Masterminds Matter: Regularly connecting with others who understand the ups and downs of practice ownership can help you move forward faster. Support Builds Resilience: Having trusted peers can make all the difference when facing emotional and logistical challenges as a business owner. Implementation is Key: Don’t just learn—act. Change happens when you take what you’ve learned and immediately apply it to your business. Every Practice is Unique: There’s no one-size-fits-all strategy. The best advice takes your specific context into account. 🎧 Tune in now to hear how you can build deeper, more strategic relationships to help your practice grow with more ease and purpose.

In this episode of the Private Practice Elevation podcast, Daniel Fava shares a behind-the-scenes snippet from a live coaching call inside his SEO Basecamp program.  The conversation kicks off with a thoughtful question from a member about staying on top of SEO trends without getting lost in constant updates and shiny new strategies. Brian, a private practice owner, asks: “How do you stay up-to-date with all the SEO changes without feeling overwhelmed or distracted from your main work?”  Many therapists struggle with the need to ensure their marketing efforts are effective without being pulled in too many directions. As therapists and private practice owners, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the endless stream of marketing advice, AI advancements, and industry changes. You want to do things right—show up online, reach more clients, and see results. But with everything else on your plate, how do you stay consistent and actually make progress? Daniel dives into his personal journey of building SEO expertise over the years, starting from a simple blog to running a successful web design and SEO agency. Along the way, he’s learned what to focus on, what to ignore, and how to strike a balance between learning and taking action. If you’ve ever felt torn between trying to keep up with the latest SEO trends and just wanting someone to handle it for you, this episode will provide clarity and direction. Key Takeaways: Consistency is Key: Understand the importance of writing valuable content regularly for effective SEO rather than getting overwhelmed by constant updates in the industry. Client-Centric Websites: Create websites that serve as helpful resources for clients to ensure long-term success and visibility. Balancing Learning and Application: Keeping abreast of SEO advancements without getting distracted from core business activities is essential for long-term growth. Delegation in SEO: Knowing enough about SEO allows practitioners to delegate tasks effectively while maintaining control over their digital marketing strategy. Professional Networking: Building connections through podcasts and other mediums can enhance authority and aid in successful SEO strategies.

Self-sabotage is something almost everyone experiences at some point, whether it’s procrastination, self-doubt, or avoiding opportunities that could lead to growth.  But why does it happen, and how can we break free from it?  In this episode, Daniel Fava sits down with Dr. Audrey Schnell to explore the deeper roots of self-sabotage and how to move past it. Dr. Schnell explains that self-sabotage isn’t a personal failing but a defense mechanism rooted in fear and past experiences, often dating back to childhood.  She shares how awareness, relationships, and small, intentional actions can help shift these patterns and foster growth. Dr. Schnell’s insights offer a roadmap for shifting away from self-doubt and into action. Whether it’s identifying hidden patterns, leaning on supportive relationships, or making small mindset shifts, this episode provides practical takeaways for anyone ready to move past self-sabotage and step fully into their potential. Key Takeaways: Self-sabotage stems from fear and past trauma, not a lack of willpower. Trusted relationships provide valuable feedback for overcoming b lind spots. Small, manageable steps help break self-sabotaging patterns without overwhelm. Curiosity—rather than self-judgment—is key to overcoming self-doubt. Self-love isn’t always a prerequisite for growth—sometimes, being supported by others is what helps us heal.