Episode 141: The Journey to Private Practice: Taking Strategic Risks [featuring Jorge Fernandez]

All Things Private Practice Podcast

Jorge Fernandez, an LCSW and private practice owner, joins me to discuss facing fears and embracing the journey of entrepreneurship in the mental health field.

3 key takeaways:

1. Face Your Fears Head-On: Jorge and I 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.

• Website: nuevodiafw.com
• Facebook: facebook.com/nuevodiafw

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A Thanks to Our Sponsors: The Receptionist for iPad & Freed

✨ The Receptionist for iPad:

I would also like to thank The Receptionist for iPad for sponsoring this episode.

The Receptionist offers an iPad list check-in option where clients can scan a QR code to check in, which negates the need for you to buy an iPad and stand. Go to thereceptionist.com/privatepractice and sign up for a free 14-day trial. When you do, you'll get your first month free. And don't forget to ask about our iPad list check-in option.

✨ Freed:

I would also like to thank Freed for sponsoring this episode.

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Go to getfreed.ai and use code ATPP for your first month for free.