Jorge Fernandez, an LCSW and private practice owner, joins me to discuss facing fears and embracing entrepreneurship in the mental health field.
3 key takeaways:
- Face Your Fears Head-On: We delve into common fears therapists have about liability and financial stability when considering private practice. We emphasize the importance of betting on oneself and not allowing these fears to hold you back from building a fulfilling career.
- Know Your Business Inside and Out: Whether it's understanding the nitty-gritty of billing or the broader aspects of business management, knowing every part of your practice is crucial before you can effectively delegate or outsource tasks.
- Embrace Imperfection: As small business owners, it's easy to get bogged down by the desire for perfection. Jorge highlights the value in focusing on serving clients to the best of our ability and not being paralyzed by the minutiae of every decision.
Note from Jorge:
My parents both emigrated from Cuba as teenagers to flee from Fidel Castro’s rule. My father worked incredibly hard to ensure I had what I needed for my education, while my mother was present for every school event that needed a volunteer. They taught me the value of helping others and showing respect.
My career began in the Little Havana section of Miami in the late 1990s providing therapy to children and families in their homes in the exclusively immigrant population. I then moved to New York City, where I provided individual and group therapy to teenagers in two high schools. I later oversaw therapy with both families of teens abusing drugs and alcohol and families accused of abuse or neglect of their children. I also helped bring yoga classes for kids and Spanish-language parenting classes to these communities. I came to Connecticut in 2014 and, before private practice, ran one of only three programs in the state providing therapy inside the home for families of adolescents who were demonstrating inappropriate sexual behaviors.
I now run a solo private practice serving all of Connecticut through in-person and telehealth sessions with individuals and families. I also offer clinical supervision and coaching to therapists.
I have training from the Ackerman Institute for the Family, the Salvador Minuchin Center for the Family, the Jewish Board of Family & Children’s Services’ Advanced Training Program, and problem sexual behavior training from MST Associates.
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✨ The Receptionist for iPad
Thanks to The Receptionist for iPad for sponsoring this episode.
The Receptionist for iPad is a HIPAA-ready digital check-in system that eliminates the need to walk back and forth from your office to the waiting room to see if your next appointment has arrived. Clients or patients can check in for their appointments, and you'll be immediately notified by text, email, or your preferred channel. Break free from interruptions and make the most of your time, because it is valuable. Start a free 14-day trial of the Receptionist for iPad by going to thereceptionist.com/privatepractice. Make sure to start your trial with that link to get your first month free if you decide to sign up.
Free Gifts for Our Listeners
✨ Free Podcasting Workbook
Get a practical podcasting workbook for therapists considering starting a podcast, created by Patrick Casale, host of the podcasts All Things Private Practice and Divergent Conversations.
You'll get a practical structure for therapists who want to start a podcast but don’t want to rush, perform, or build something they can’t sustain.
Grab your free copy of the Podcasting Workbook: atppod.com/free-podcasting-workbook
✨ Move Beyond Private Practice As A Neurodivergent Entrepreneur
Move Beyond Private Practice As A Neurodivergent Entrepreneur is a FREE 5-part mini-course designed for therapists who want sustainable financial independence beyond one-on-one work.
Access your free mini-course here: atppod.com/move-beyond-private-practice-free
Mentioned in this episode:
The Receptionist for iPad
The Receptionist for iPad is a HIPAA-ready digital check-in system that eliminates the need to walk back and forth from your office to the waiting room to see if your next appointment has arrived. Clients or patients can check in for their appointments, and you'll be immediately notified by text, email, or your preferred channel. Break free from interruptions and make the most of your time, because it is valuable. Start a free 14-day trial of the Receptionist for iPad by going to https://thereceptionist.com/privatepractice. Make sure to start your trial with that link to get your first month free if you decide to sign up.
