Why FaceTime Should Absolutely Never Be Used for Teletherapy

The short answer? No! Unlike the secure and HIPAA-compliant telehealth video platform provided by TheraNest, Apple’s FaceTime is not HIPAA compliant and therefore should never be used to see clients or complete telehealth sessions. Safety, security, and professionalism are all factors that should be considered when determining what platform you will use to see your […]

Five Powerful Ways To Improve Your Website And Get More Patients (Part 1)

This post has been authored by Dr. P. Forrest Talley as part of our guest post series and is Part I in a series to help therapists get the most out of their marketing and SEO. Learn more about Dr. Talley at the bottom of this post. Owning a private practice means you depend on […]

Deciding Which Mental Health Software is Best for You - TheraNest Blog

How To Decide Which Mental Health Practice Software is Right for You

How to Select the Best Mental Health Practice Software for Your Practice Choosing mental health software for electronic health records (EHR) can be tricky. There are many things to consider when determining if a product is right for your practice’s needs. From practice size to growth trajectory to deciding to do your own billing–every detail […]

5 Tips To Make Your Online Presence Pop as a Therapist

Marketing Tips for Mental Health Professionals

This post has been guest-authored by Zencare as part of our guest post series. Learn more about Zencare at the bottom of this post.

For many therapists launching a new private practice, online marketing isn’t exactly top of mind. Finding an office space, getting malpractice insurance, and setting up a billing system? Definitely. But when it comes to getting that first client through the front door, virtual impressions matter.

Online marketing is an effective way to jumpstart your caseload– and if done well, it can attract new clients seeking a therapist with your specific expertise.

A Few Things I Know for Sure

Lessons Learned From My First Private Practice

This post has been authored by Elizabeth Shoop, LPC as part of our guest post series. Learn more about Elizabeth at the bottom of this post.

On December 8, 2014, the testing center attendant casually handed me the piece of paper and wished me a nice day before turning to her other tasks. It was just a regular day for her. For me, it was a landmark moment. I passed the licensure exam, and would soon be fully credentialed to embark on the adventure of opening my own private practice. This document affirmed that I had what it took in terms of clinical skill and ethical knowledge to serve my clients well. Yet, I stood under the shadow of a looming question; did I have what it would take to run a business? Could I really be a successful entrepreneur? I had that roller coaster feeling, like when you’re lurching up the track toward the crest of the first hill, without a view of what’s ahead.

Top ICD-10 Codes for Mental and Behavioral Health

ICD-10 Codes Used By Therapists

Insurance billing is no easy task. It is made even more confusing by the vast amount of terminology (and acronyms) used for even the most simple of tasks. There are thousands of codes you have to juggle — CPT, ICD-10, and DSM 5, just for starters. It is easy to choose the wrong code but it can be a costly mistake. In this post, we’re breaking down and defining what ICD, DSM, and CPT mean and how you, as a therapist, use them every day.

Printable CMS 1500 Forms & Superbill Templates

Simplified & Printable Superbills & CMS 1500 Forms To Save You Time

In this post, we’re doing a deep dive into two billing words you’ll hear often as a therapist in private practice: superbills and CMS-1500 forms. We’ll be outlining what superbills and CMS 1500 forms are, while also explaining what purpose both of these documents serve in your private practice and in the medical billing world at large.

For many therapists, generating superbills for clients and printing claims forms (CMS-1500, formerly known as HCFA) serve as the backbone of their income, meaning that efficiency and reduced costs in this area, can have a significant impact on their practice and sanity.

How To Go Paperless In Your Therapy Office

How To Save Time & Resources: Go Paperless

Going paperless at your therapy private practice might seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Having the right tools and processes in place before you begin transitioning to a paperless practice can save you both time and headache. Not to mention, taking the time to go paperless now will help set your private practice up for future success in the future.

Don't Make These Mistakes When Starting Your Private Practice - TheraNest Blog

Don’t Make These Mistakes When Starting Your Private Practice in Counseling

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Starting a Private Practice

Finally, you’re in business for yourself. Congratulations! Starting a private practice can be one of the best decisions you’ll ever make. There’s something so satisfying about being your own boss and providing a much-needed service for your community. You have the freedom to work with whomever you choose, whenever you choose.

But before you can start celebrating, there are a few things you must consider when opening your private practice. Let’s look at the most common mistakes that private practitioners make, especially within the first year of starting up. We’ll also share some tips on how to avoid making these mistakes in the future.

2017 in Review: TheraNest’s Top Ten Blog Posts of the Year

A Year in Review: Top Blog Posts of 2017

As the end of the year quickly approaches, we thought it would be a good time to reflect on what’s been happening on the TheraNest blog over the past year. 2017 has been a very exciting and busy year for us, we’ve published over 30 articles ranging in subject from SEO for your therapy website to figuring out how to take a vacation with your busy schedule. Not only that, but we’ve also launched a guest posting series that we’re excited to keep building on in 2018.