Mental Health Business Mentor

Hosted by Dr. Margo Jacquot

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Oct 2026

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About the show

Are you a clinician looking to find the balance between providing compassionate client care and business agility for your mental health practice? Tune in for all things YOU need to know to start or grow your practice and better serve clients across the board. Topics range from back-office fundamentals, professional networking and teletherapy to current brain science modalities, LGBTQ inclusion and more. Join your host, Margo Jacquot, PsyD, a long time veteran and business owner of The Juniper Center, one of the largest women-owned counseling practices serving Chicagoland and all of Illinois with teletherapy. Margo shares her thought leadership, lessons learned, trends in mental health and lead powerful discussions with industry and business experts, all to help more clinicians fulfill their dream of creating a thriving practice.

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October 7, 202631 min

Own Your Visibility: Why Your Website Matters More Than Your Referral Network with Alexandria Theordor

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we explore the difference between renting and owning your visibility as a private practice owner. While referrals, networking, and social media can be powerful tools for attracting clients, they are ultimately platforms and relationships you don't fully control. Our guest, Alexandria Theordor, explains why a strong website and online presence should serve as the foundation of your marketing strategy—and how relying too heavily on any single referral source or platform can leave your practice vulnerable. Together, we discuss the modern client journey, from receiving a referral to searching online for reviews, websites, and social media profiles before making a decision. You'll learn why your website is one of the most valuable marketing assets you can own, how to create a digital presence that reflects your brand and speaks to your ideal clients, and why successful practices use referrals and social media as supporting channels rather than their primary source of visibility. Whether you're launching a practice or looking to strengthen your marketing strategy, this conversation will help you build a more sustainable, resilient, and discoverable business. What You'll Learn: The difference between renting your visibility and owning your visibility as a private practice owner Why relying solely on referrals, networking, or social media can create vulnerabilities in your marketing strategy The role that Google searches, online reviews, and digital presence play in building trust with potential clients Practical steps you can take to strengthen your online visibility and build a more sustainable marketing foundation Bio: Alex Theodor spent over a decade as a mental health therapist before she noticed a pattern. The clinicians doing the best work often had the hardest time getting found. So she built Stress Less Digital Marketing Agency to close that gap: conversion-focused copywriting and SEO content strategy made for health and wellness practitioners, written by someone who’s sat in the room with clients and knows what actually earns trust. Her book, Stay Booked , walks practice owners through building a website that fills their calendar without sacrificing their voice. Connect with Alexandria: https://stresslessdigitalmarketingagency.com/ https://www.instagram.com/alextheocopywriting/ https://www.facebook.com/alexandria.theordorlcsw Dr. Margo Jacquot is the award-winning founder and Chief Care Officer of The Juniper Center, one of the largest woman-owned counseling and therapy practices in the Chicago area. With over 20 years of experience, she specializes in trauma recovery, addiction treatment, and LGBTQ-affirming therapy. Dr. Jacquot is also the host of the "Mental Health Business Mentor" podcast, where she shares insights on running a successful mental health practice. thejunipercenter.com Connect with Dr. Margo Jacquot: Website: thejunipercenter.com Instagram: @thejunipercenter Facebook: The Juniper Center

September 16, 202646 min

Scaling With Purpose: Building a Practice Aligned by Mission, Values, and Culture with Kim Long

Send us Fan Mail As a mental health practice grows, maintaining alignment across teams, departments, and leadership can become just as important as increasing revenue or expanding services. In this episode, we sit down with Kim Long to explore the often-overlooked foundations of sustainable growth: a clear mission, well-defined values, and behavioral pillars that guide everyday decisions. Together, we discuss why organizational health matters, how leaders can create alignment as their teams expand, and what happens when culture is left to chance. Our guest, Kim Long, shares practical insights on translating mission and values from words on a page into behaviors that shape hiring, onboarding, leadership, accountability, and team development. Whether you're leading a small group practice or preparing for your next stage of growth, this conversation will help you build a stronger, more cohesive organization—one that can scale successfully without losing the heart of the work that inspired it in the first place. What You'll Learn: Why mission, values, and culture become increasingly important as a mental health practice grows How clearly defined values can guide decision-making, leadership, hiring, and team development Common challenges practices face when scaling and how misalignment can impact team morale, retention, and organizational health Strategies for hiring and onboarding team members who align with the organization's mission and values Bio: Kim Long is a Registered Psychologist and the founder and director of Dóchas Psychological Services in Spruce Grove, Alberta. Known for her honest, down-to-earth approach, Kim brings warmth, humor, and practical insight to conversations about mental health. Kim grew up a military base brat before spending a decade as a teacher and eventually earning her Master’s in Counselling. This patchwork background has given her a unique appreciation for the different ways people experience and respond to life’s challenges. Whether she’s working with clients or speaking to an audience, Kim has a gift for making complex psychological concepts feel relatable and approachable. She leaves people with a deeper understanding of themselves, a fresh perspective, and practical strategies they can use long after the conversation ends. Connect with Kim Long: https://www.dochaspsych.com/ https://www.instagram.com/dochaspsych/ https://www.facebook.com/DochasPsych/ Dr. Margo Jacquot is the award-winning founder and Chief Care Officer of The Juniper Center, one of the largest woman-owned counseling and therapy practices in the Chicago area. With over 20 years of experience, she specializes in trauma recovery, addiction treatment, and LGBTQ-affirming therapy. Dr. Jacquot is also the host of the "Mental Health Business Mentor" podcast, where she shares insights on running a successful mental health practice. thejunipercenter.com Connect with Dr. Margo Jacquot: Website: thejunipercenter.com Instagram: @thejunipercenter Facebook: The Juniper Center

September 2, 202626 min

When It's Time for a Change: Leaving Clinical Work and Redefining Success with Carly Hill

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we explore what happens when a mental health professional realizes that the career path they've built no longer aligns with who they are or where they want to go. Our guest, Carly Hill, shares her personal journey of stepping away from clinical work, including the factors that influenced her decision, the challenges she faced along the way, and the lessons she learned during the transition. Together, we discuss how clinicians can evaluate whether they're experiencing temporary burnout or a deeper desire for change, and how to thoughtfully approach a career pivot without feeling like they're abandoning their training, experience, or purpose. Whether you're considering a new professional direction or simply curious about the many ways a mental health career can evolve, this conversation offers practical guidance, honest reflection, and encouragement for anyone navigating a season of change. Success doesn't always mean staying on the same path—it can also mean having the courage to create a new one. What You'll Learn: The emotional challenges clinicians often face when considering a transition away from direct clinical work. How to navigate feelings of guilt, uncertainty, or fear when contemplating a major career change. Why leaving clinical work does not mean abandoning your training, expertise, or impact. Examples of alternative career paths and opportunities available to mental health professionals beyond traditional clinical roles. Bio: Carly Hill is a licensed clinical social worker and 7-figure business mentor for therapists and coaches. She’s worked with thousands of students, helping them achieve freedom and security by teaching them how to successfully build an online coaching business that has led them to triple their revenue. Carly is also a Reiki master, NLP practitioner, and the author of the #1 Amazon best-selling book Therapreneur™- a guide to make the transition from therapist to coach. Carly has appeared on various podcasts and in numerous publications, including Forbes, Entrepreneur, NBC, CBS, & Fox News. Connect with Carly Hill: https://carlyhillcoaching.com/ https://www.instagram.com/carlyhillcoaching/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/carly-hill-6815a1122/ Dr. Margo Jacquot is the award-winning founder and Chief Care Officer of The Juniper Center, one of the largest woman-owned counseling and therapy practices in the Chicago area. With over 20 years of experience, she specializes in trauma recovery, addiction treatment, and LGBTQ-affirming therapy. Dr. Jacquot is also the host of the "Mental Health Business Mentor" podcast, where she shares insights on running a successful mental health practice. thejunipercenter.com Connect with Dr. Margo Jacquot: Website: thejunipercenter.com Instagram: @thejunipercenter Facebook: The Juniper Center

July 8, 202633 min

Empowered Clinicians, Stronger Practices: The Role of Culture and Leadership with Brie Chrisman

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Mental Health Business Mentor , we explore the powerful connection between leadership, workplace culture, and clinician success. Our special guest, Brie Chrisman, returns to the podcast to share why building a thriving practice requires more than strong systems and sound business strategies—it requires creating an environment where clinicians feel supported, valued, and empowered to grow. Together, we discuss the leadership approaches, communication practices, and cultural foundations that help teams flourish while reducing burnout and increasing engagement. Whether you're leading a group practice or aspiring to build a stronger team, this conversation offers practical insights into how investing in your people can strengthen your culture, improve retention, and create a more sustainable practice for everyone involved. What You'll Learn: Why company culture is one of the most important factors in clinician satisfaction, retention, and long-term practice success. How effective leadership can empower clinicians to grow professionally while feeling supported personally. Common leadership mistakes that can unintentionally contribute to clinician burnout and disengagement. Practical strategies for building trust, psychological safety, and open communication within a clinical team. Actionable steps practice owners and leaders can take to begin strengthening their culture immediately. Bio: 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 a human-first approach has led her to serve CEOs in the mental health field. Connect with Brie Chrisman: https://heybossco.com/ https://www.instagram.com/hey_bossco/ https://www.facebook.com/heybossco Dr. Margo Jacquot is the award-winning founder and Chief Care Officer of The Juniper Center, one of the largest woman-owned counseling and therapy practices in the Chicago area. With over 20 years of experience, she specializes in trauma recovery, addiction treatment, and LGBTQ-affirming therapy. Dr. Jacquot is also the host of the "Mental Health Business Mentor" podcast, where she shares insights on running a successful mental health practice. thejunipercenter.com Connect with Dr. Margo Jacquot: Website: thejunipercenter.com Instagram: @thejunipercenter Facebook: The Juniper Center

July 1, 202636 min

Nervous System Capacity in Business: What You Can’t Hold Will Break You with Linda Hunt

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Mental Health Business Mentor , we sit down with Linda Hunt to explore the often-overlooked connection between nervous system capacity and business success. As therapists and practice owners grow their caseloads, expand their teams, and take on new opportunities, it's easy to focus on strategy while overlooking the internal capacity required to sustain that growth. Linda shares how nervous system overload can impact decision-making, leadership, confidence, and resilience—and why what you can't emotionally, mentally, or physically hold will eventually create challenges in your business. Together, we discuss how clinicians can recognize when they've exceeded their capacity, build greater resilience, and create sustainable growth without relying on hustle, chronic stress, or burnout. Whether you're launching a practice, leading a team, or navigating a season of expansion, this conversation offers valuable insights into how strengthening your internal foundation can help you build a healthier, more sustainable business. What You'll Learn What nervous system capacity is, and why it plays a critical role in business growth and leadership. How chronic stress and nervous system overload can impact decision-making, confidence, and effectiveness as a practice owner. The difference between burnout and exceeding your current capacity—and why that distinction matters. Practical strategies for building resilience and expanding your ability to navigate challenges without becoming overwhelmed. Bio: Linda Hunt is the founder of SumSolutions and the author of The Money Conversation: Speak the Truth. Set the Standard. Get Paid Without Apology. Linda helps service-based entrepreneurs build the financial and operational structure that sustains their brilliance. With a background in corporate, and as an early pioneer of remote accounting services, she brings decades of financial and operational expertise — paired with a deep understanding of how structure, clarity, and nervous system capacity shape sustainable business success. From pricing and delivery to systems, boundaries, and communication, Linda’s work strengthens the business behind the service — so entrepreneurs can profit sustainably, lead with confidence, and stop second-guessing their worth. Her clients learn to hold calm, grounded money conversations — not because they’ve memorized a script, but because their business is built to support their value. Connect with Linda: https://www.sumsolutions.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindaahunt/ https://www.instagram.com/sumsolutionsllc BOOK: The Money Conversation explores how pricing, financial structure, and communication intersect—and why most service professionals struggle to hold value in real time. It provides a framework for aligning how you relate to money with how your business is built to support it, so that pricing, delivery, and decision-making become clearer and more consistent. https://www.sumsolutions.com/the-money-conversation-book/ Dr. Margo Jacquot is the award-winning founder and Chief Care Officer of The Juniper Center, one of the largest woman-owned counseling and therapy practices in the Chicago area. With over 20 years of experience, she specializes in trauma recovery, addiction treatment, and LGBTQ-affirming therapy. Dr. Jacquot is also the host of the "Mental Health Business Mentor" podcast, where she shares insights on running a successful mental health practice. thejunipercenter.com Connect with Dr. Margo Jacquot: Website: thejunipercenter.com Instagram: @thejunipercenter Facebook: The Juniper Center

June 24, 202631 min

Less Time Charting, More Time Helping: How Mentalyc Supports Modern Clinicians with Maria Szandrach

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Mental Health Business Mentor , we explore how technology is reshaping the way therapists manage documentation, treatment planning, and clinical workflows. Our guest, Maria Szandrach, introduces Mentalyc, an AI-powered platform designed specifically for mental health professionals, and shares how it helps clinicians spend less time on paperwork and more time focused on client care. We discuss how the platform supports the creation of progress notes and treatment plans, reduces administrative burden, and provides valuable clinical insights while maintaining a strong commitment to privacy and compliance. Whether you're curious about integrating AI into your practice or looking for ways to improve efficiency and reduce documentation fatigue, this conversation offers a thoughtful look at how technology can support both clinicians and the clients they serve. What You'll Learn: How Mentalyc uses AI to support therapists, counselors, and mental health professionals with clinical documentation. Why documentation is one of the leading contributors to clinician stress and burnout—and how technology can help. The importance of maintaining HIPAA compliance, security, and ethical standards when incorporating AI into clinical work. What the future of clinical documentation may look like as technology continues to evolve within the mental health field. Bio: Maria is an experienced entrepreneur with over 10 years of experience and an MSc degree from London Business School. She co-founded Mentalyc as her third startup (the previous ones were solving problems in the Mental Health and Insurance industries). As a teenager, Maria went to therapy for an eating disorder. She switched therapists 5 times before she eventually recovered. She devoted her career to making therapy more effective and efficient. Nowadays, Maria spends most of her days talking to clinicians, other entrepreneurs, and decision-makers in various mental health organizations. As an ex-patient, she deeply values therapeutic relationships and therapy as such. She aims at making clinical work more rewarding and less stressful, the connection between clients and clinicians less disturbed, and the intuitively applied interventions recognized for their therapeutic impact. Please visit https://www.mentalyc.com/ and use this discount code: MHBM50OFF. It will give 50% off the first month for new clients, after the free 14-day trial. Connect with Maria Szandrach: https://www.facebook.com/Mentalyc https://www.instagram.com/mentalyc_inc/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/mentalyc/ Dr. Margo Jacquot is the award-winning founder and Chief Care Officer of The Juniper Center, one of the largest woman-owned counseling and therapy practices in the Chicago area. With over 20 years of experience, she specializes in trauma recovery, addiction treatment, and LGBTQ-affirming therapy. Dr. Jacquot is also the host of the "Mental Health Business Mentor" podcast, where she shares insights on running a successful mental health practice. thejunipercenter.com Connect with Dr. Margo Jacquot: Website: thejunipercenter.com Instagram: @thejunipercenter Facebook: The Juniper Center

May 27, 202626 min

From Clinician to Speaker: Sharing Your Expertise Beyond the Therapy Room with Carrie Severson

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Mental Health Business Mentor podcast, we explore how therapists and helping professionals can expand their impact by turning their expertise into meaningful speaking opportunities. Our guest, Carrie Severson, shares how clinicians can identify their unique “zone of genius,” build confidence in their voice, and begin sharing their knowledge beyond the therapy room. We discuss mindset shifts, practical steps, and visibility strategies that turn lived experience and clinical insight into workshops, presentations, and speaking engagements that connect with audiences. Whether you’re curious about public speaking or ready to take the stage on bigger stages, this conversation will encourage you to see your expertise as something worth sharing. What You'll Learn: How to identify your unique “zone of genius” and turn it into meaningful speaking opportunities. Why therapists and helping professionals are uniquely positioned to educate, inspire, and lead through public speaking. Common fears clinicians experience around visibility and how to move through them with confidence. Practical steps for getting started with workshops, presentations, podcasts, and speaking engagements. Bio: Carrie Severson—author of Unapologetically Enough and The Enoughness Method, a keynote speaker, and recovering from burnout. As someone who experienced burnout firsthand as a business leader and again as a family caregiver, Carrie helps professionals retrain their nervous systems, recover their energy, and rediscover joy at work and home as a keynote speaker and trainer. She’s the host of the podcast I Saved You, Now Do the Dishes and the author of Unapologetically Enough. Her written work has appeared in Huff Post, Redbook, and SheKnows.com. She’s been a burnout expert featured in the Miami Herald as well. When she isn’t on the road delivering keynotes on burnout recovery, she hangs out with her husband and their bloodhound, Huckleberry, in Phoenix, Arizona. Connect with Carrie Severson: http://www.carrieseverson.com/ https://www.facebook.com/carrieseverson.storyteller https://www.instagram.com/authorcarrieseverson/ Dr. Margo Jacquot is the award-winning founder and Chief Care Officer of The Juniper Center, one of the largest woman-owned counseling and therapy practices in the Chicago area. With over 20 years of experience, she specializes in trauma recovery, addiction treatment, and LGBTQ-affirming therapy. Dr. Jacquot is also the host of the "Mental Health Business Mentor" podcast, where she shares insights on running a successful mental health practice. thejunipercenter.com Connect with Dr. Margo Jacquot: Website: thejunipercenter.com Instagram: @thejunipercenter Facebook: The Juniper Center

May 20, 202633 min

From Stuck to Sustainable: Navigating Internal Resistance in Clinical and Business Work with Kam Knight

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Mental Health Business Mentor , we explore the often unseen force that can quietly shape both clinical work and business growth: internal resistance. Our guest, Kam Knight, shares how fear, self-doubt, perfectionism, and avoidance can show up for therapists in ways that impact decision-making, confidence, creativity, and sustainability. Together, we discuss how clinicians can begin recognizing these patterns with greater awareness and compassion, while also learning practical ways to move through them without burning themselves out. This conversation offers a grounded and honest look at what it means to shift from feeling stuck to building a more aligned, sustainable practice and professional life. What You'll Learn: How internal resistance can show up in both clinical work and private practice growth. The connection between fear, perfectionism, avoidance, and professional stagnation. Why therapists often experience resistance during periods of growth, change, or visibility. Practical tools for recognizing and working through self-limiting patterns with greater awareness and compassion. Bio: Kam Knight is a coach, international speaker, and bestselling author of a dozen books in the area of mental, emotional, and physical performance. He is known for bringing fresh solutions and insights that are a rare departure from traditional ideas. Because of his fresh perspective, his books have become the gold standard for their respective topics, which have helped over 500,000 people. When he is not coaching or writing, he is traveling, having traveled to over 100 countries around the world. Connect with Kam Knight: https://kamknight.com/ https://www.instagram.com/ikamknight/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ikamknight/ Dr. Margo Jacquot is the award-winning founder and Chief Care Officer of The Juniper Center, one of the largest woman-owned counseling and therapy practices in the Chicago area. With over 20 years of experience, she specializes in trauma recovery, addiction treatment, and LGBTQ-affirming therapy. Dr. Jacquot is also the host of the "Mental Health Business Mentor" podcast, where she shares insights on running a successful mental health practice. thejunipercenter.com Connect with Dr. Margo Jacquot: Website: thejunipercenter.com Instagram: @thejunipercenter Facebook: The Juniper Center

May 13, 202634 min

Burnout Recovery: How to Reset, Rebuild, and Sustain Your Well-Being with Carrie Severson

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Mental Health Business Mentor , we take an honest look at burnout—how it develops, how it impacts clinicians, and what it truly takes to recover. Our guest, Carrie Severson, shares their personal journey through burnout and the pivotal moments that led to meaningful change. Together, we explore practical tools for resetting your nervous system, rebuilding sustainable routines, and cultivating resilience that lasts. This conversation offers both reflection and actionable insight for therapists who are ready to move beyond survival mode and reconnect with their work in a healthier, more grounded way. What You'll Learn: How to recognize the early warning signs of burnout before it becomes overwhelming. What burnout can look like emotionally, physically, and professionally for clinicians. The key steps involved in resetting your nervous system and daily routines. Practical tools to help you rebuild energy, boundaries, and sustainable work habits. Bio: Carrie Severson—author of Unapologetically Enough and The Enoughness Method, a keynote speaker, and recovering from burnout. As someone who experienced burnout firsthand as a business leader and again as a family caregiver, Carrie helps professionals retrain their nervous systems, recover their energy, and rediscover joy at work and home as a keynote speaker and trainer. She’s the host of the podcast I Saved You, Now Do the Dishes and the author of Unapologetically Enough. Her written work has appeared in Huff Post, Redbook, and SheKnows.com. She’s been a burnout expert featured in the Miami Herald as well. When she isn’t on the road delivering keynotes on burnout recovery, she hangs out with her husband and their bloodhound, Huckleberry, in Phoenix, Arizona. Connect with Carrie Severson: http://www.carrieseverson.com/ https://www.facebook.com/carrieseverson.storyteller https://www.instagram.com/authorcarrieseverson/ Dr. Margo Jacquot is the award-winning founder and Chief Care Officer of The Juniper Center, one of the largest woman-owned counseling and therapy practices in the Chicago area. With over 20 years of experience, she specializes in trauma recovery, addiction treatment, and LGBTQ-affirming therapy. Dr. Jacquot is also the host of the "Mental Health Business Mentor" podcast, where she shares insights on running a successful mental health practice. thejunipercenter.com Connect with Dr. Margo Jacquot: Website: thejunipercenter.com Instagram: @thejunipercenter Facebook: The Juniper Center

April 8, 202629 min

Profitable Without Burnout: Building a Practice That Supports You and Your Team with Brie Chrisman

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Mental Health Business Mentor , we explore what it really takes to build a profitable practice without sacrificing your well-being or the health of your team. Our guest, Brie Chrisman, shares how practice owners can move away from hustle-driven growth and instead create systems that support both financial stability and clinician sustainability. We discuss the importance of thoughtful leadership, aligned business models, and intentional boundaries that protect against burnout. You’ll walk away with practical insights on how to grow your practice in a way that feels ethical, balanced, and truly supportive for everyone involved. What You'll Learn: What “true profitability” looks like when it includes both financial health and clinician well-being. Why burnout often becomes the hidden cost of growth—and how to avoid it. How to structure your practice in a way that supports both you and your therapists. The role of leadership, boundaries, and culture in creating a sustainable work environment. Bio: 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 the solution for overwhelm for CEOs. Her commitment to a human-first approach has led her to serve CEOs in the mental health field. Connect with Brie Chrisman: https://heybossco.com/ https://www.instagram.com/hey_bossco/ https://www.facebook.com/heybossco Dr. Margo Jacquot is the award-winning founder and Chief Care Officer of The Juniper Center, one of the largest woman-owned counseling and therapy practices in the Chicago area. With over 20 years of experience, she specializes in trauma recovery, addiction treatment, and LGBTQ-affirming therapy. Dr. Jacquot is also the host of the "Mental Health Business Mentor" podcast, where she shares insights on running a successful mental health practice. thejunipercenter.com Connect with Dr. Margo Jacquot: Website: thejunipercenter.com Instagram: @thejunipercenter Facebook: The Juniper Center