Joe Feldman | Navigating Insurance Denials: Changing the System for Mental Health | TPOT 361
The Practice of Therapy Podcast with Gordon Brewer
Release Date: 12/16/2024
Jessica Patching-Bunch | Small Shifts That Take Us To Big Impact In Private Practice | TPOT 365
The Practice of Therapy Podcast with Gordon Brewer
In this episode of The Practice of Therapy Podcast, Jessica Patching-Bunch shared her insights on how small, intentional changes in daily habits can significantly improve mental health, stress management, and overall well-being. Through her expertise in breathwork, movement, and mind-body connection, Jessica outlined actionable steps we can take to regain balance in our lives. Jessica’s key message is clear: You have the power to create meaningful change in your life. Whether through breathwork, movement, or a shift in mindset, small, intentional actions can make a big difference. As Gordon...
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Dr. Jen Blanchette | Rethinking Therapist Burnout: Addressing Systemic Issues and Prioritizing Recovery | TPOT 364
The Practice of Therapy Podcast with Gordon Brewer
Are you ready to take a deep dive into the complex, multifaceted nature of therapist burnout? In this episode, Dr. Jen Blanchette unpacks the hidden costs of caring, from compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma to the systemic issues that perpetuate burnout in the field. You’ll hear about the unique challenges therapists face, like navigating moral injury and the struggle to prioritize their own well-being amidst clinical and personal demands. Dr. Blanchette doesn’t just stop at prevention—she shares actionable insights for recovery, emphasizing the importance of financial...
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Reflecting Back and Moving Forward in Private Practice | TPOT 363
The Practice of Therapy Podcast with Gordon Brewer
As the calendar turns to a new year, it’s natural to take stock of where you’ve been and where you want to go. In this episode of The Practice of Therapy Podcast, Gordon Brewer invites us into a deeply personal and insightful reflection on the past year while guiding us to set meaningful intentions for 2025. This isn’t your typical “New Year’s resolutions” conversation. Gordon’s experiences in 2024—a year shaped by profound personal loss and transformative growth—serve as a powerful foundation for exploring how reflection and purpose-driven planning can lead to real change....
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TJ Slattery | From Chaos to Clarity: Building a Roadmap for Private Practice | TPOT 362
The Practice of Therapy Podcast with Gordon Brewer
What’s the secret to bridging the gap between big business goals and actually achieving them? In this episode of The Practice of Therapy, TJ unpacks the often-missed “step two” in business planning, using the hilarious (and surprisingly insightful) “underpants gnomes” analogy from South Park. With practical advice on building detailed, actionable roadmaps for growth, TJ explains how breaking goals into manageable steps—like analyzing financial data, aligning marketing with intake targets, and systemizing operations—can transform a business. From learning to let go and delegate...
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Joe Feldman | Navigating Insurance Denials: Changing the System for Mental Health | TPOT 361
The Practice of Therapy Podcast with Gordon Brewer
Medical necessity—a term that seems straightforward—often becomes a complex hurdle in the world of healthcare, especially in mental health. Joe Feldman, founder of Cover My Mental Health, sheds light on the disconnect between clinical care and legal frameworks, and shares how his nonprofit empowers patients and clinicians to navigate these challenges effectively. What is Medical Necessity? Contrary to what many assume, "medical necessity" is not a clinical term; it’s a legal one. As Feldman explains, most healthcare professionals are trained in safe, effective care aligned with ethical...
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The Challenges of Private Practice | TPOT 360
The Practice of Therapy Podcast with Gordon Brewer
Starting and running a private practice is a journey filled with challenges, growth opportunities, and the potential for both professional and personal fulfillment. Gordon Brewer, a seasoned mental health professional and founder of The Practice of Therapy, reflects on his journey into private practice, sharing insights that are both inspiring and practical for current and aspiring private practitioners. The Journey to Autonomy Gordon began his private practice journey in 2006 after gaining extensive experience working in nonprofit agencies. While he credits his nonprofit work for providing...
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Keith Kurlander | The Power and Potential of Psychedelic Therapy in Private Practice | TPOT 359
The Practice of Therapy Podcast with Gordon Brewer
In this episode of The Practice of Therapy Podcast, Keith Kurlander opens up about growing his therapy practice in Boulder, Colorado, navigating high competition and high demand. From door-knocking to diving into the digital world with paid advertising, Keith shares how embracing online marketing and specializing in sought-after areas helped him stand out in a crowded field. He also offers strategies for new and growing practitioners, from networking basics to expanding into group practices. Plus, Keith dives deep into the future of psychedelic therapy, exploring its transformative potential...
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Nicole McCance | Systemizing: Setting Your Private Practice Up for Success | TPOT 358
The Practice of Therapy Podcast with Gordon Brewer
In this episode of The Practice of Therapy podcast, host Gordon Brewer talks with Nicole McCance, who shares her insights on scaling a therapy practice through effective systems and strategic hiring. Nicole emphasizes the importance of systemizing processes before bringing new hires on board, helping therapists avoid the overwhelm of constant questions and task management. She reveals that many therapists dive into hiring without setting up essential workflows, which can quickly turn them into “chief question answerers” rather than effective leaders. Nicole discusses the power of...
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Crystal Adams-Scott | Connecting Communities: The Power of Intentional Kindness | TPOT 357
The Practice of Therapy Podcast with Gordon Brewer
Crystal Adams-Scott shares the powerful story behind Hope Unite, a movement born from her and her son’s act of kindness. Driven by the message “You matter,” which she believes could have saved her husband’s life, Crystal discusses how simple cards adorned with a purple rose serve as reminders of worth and invitations to spread kindness. With volunteers distributing these cards across the U.S. and beyond, the initiative not only promotes kindness but also connects individuals in crisis to vital resources like the National Suicide Prevention hotline. Crystal emphasizes the...
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Sanjana Sathya | Simplifying Payments from Clients With Superbills | TPOT 356
The Practice of Therapy Podcast with Gordon Brewer
Navigating the world of therapy payments can be a maze for both therapists and clients, especially when insurance and out-of-network benefits come into play. Sanjana from Thrizer breaks down how their platform simplifies this process and how it helps make therapy more accessible for clients while ensuring clinicians get paid their full rate. Resources Mentioned In This Episode Start your free trial and enjoy waived credit card fees for your first $2,500 in charges: Meet Sanjana Sathya Sanjana is a co-founder at Thrizer. She is passionate about helping people access quality and...
info_outlineMedical necessity—a term that seems straightforward—often becomes a complex hurdle in the world of healthcare, especially in mental health. Joe Feldman, founder of Cover My Mental Health, sheds light on the disconnect between clinical care and legal frameworks, and shares how his nonprofit empowers patients and clinicians to navigate these challenges effectively.
What is Medical Necessity?
Contrary to what many assume, "medical necessity" is not a clinical term; it’s a legal one. As Feldman explains, most healthcare professionals are trained in safe, effective care aligned with ethical standards, not in decoding the legal intricacies of medical necessity. This disconnect often leads to insurance denials, leaving patients stranded without the care they need.
Feldman highlights a key concern: insurance companies often deny claims for higher levels of care, such as intensive outpatient programs or residential treatment, by deeming them “not medically necessary.” This decision-making process frequently prioritizes cost-cutting over patient well-being.
Resources Mentioned In This Episode
- Read the full show notes here
- Use the promo code "GORDON" to get 2 months of Therapy Notes free
- Start Consulting with Gordon
- The PsychCraft Network
- The Practice of Therapy Community
- Mental Health Wear TN
- Full Focus Planner
- Cover MY Mental Health
Meet Joe Feldman
Cover My Mental Health President and Founder Joe Feldman began advocating for access to mental health care after overcoming denials for his daughter’s residential care, including with a successful federal lawsuit.
Feldman developed Cover My Mental Health based on his own success overcoming insurance obstacles, with input from leading litigators, appeals experts, clinicians, insurance regulators, and former insurance industry insiders.
His advocacy work has included policy-driven discussions with legislators and regulators, a board role with The Kennedy Forum Illinois, presentations to parent groups, and publication of actionable guidance, such as a 2021 article in the Journal of Psychiatric Practice on medical necessity letters.
Feldman also serves on the board of Thresholds, a Chicago-based firm providing support to those living with mental illness, and Acadian Kitchens, a for-profit seasonings business in Louisiana.