Episode 168: Bridging Therapy Accessibility and Profitability with Tech [featuring Christine Li]

In this episode, I talk with Christine Li, the inspiring founder of Mentaya. Christine shares her journey from Google to founding Mentaya, as well as insights about starting private pay practices, leveraging technology in mental health, and the future of AI in our field.

Here are 3 key takeaways:

1. Navigating Insurance and Benefits: As we approach the end of the year, insurance benefits reset, and verifications need to be updated. Whether you're a private pay practice or considering it, staying on top of these changes ensures seamless client support and consistent revenue flow.
2. AI and Mental Health: Artificial Intelligence is advancing rapidly, but the essence of therapy—true human connection—remains irreplaceable. While AI may offer support or access in some areas, the therapeutic relationship and the genuine human connection it offers cannot be fully replicated by machines.
3. Embracing Change and Entrepreneurship: The journey of transitioning from a secure job to founding a startup is both thrilling and challenging. Christine's experience of leaving Google to create Mentaya highlights the importance of taking risks to pursue what you truly care about. It's about making an impact and bringing valuable change to the community.

More about Christine:

Christine is the founder and CEO of Mentaya – a company that helps private practice therapists collect their full cash rate by taking advantage of out-of-network (OON) benefits. Mentaya instantly calculates clients’ benefits and automatically files OON claims to help your clients get reimbursed (70% on average!). Christine is a strong advocate for mental health and left her job as a Google Product Manager to start Mentaya.

• Try out Mentaya FOR FREE at mentaya.com – therapists get 30 days free of our benefits checker! Promo code: PATRICK

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Thanks to Our Sponsors: The Receptionist for iPad, Alma, & All Things Private Practice + Empowered Escapes 2025 Retreats & Summits!

✨ The Receptionist for iPad

Thanks to 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.

✨ Alma

Thanks to Alma for sponsoring this episode.

Building and managing the practice you want can be challenging. That’s why Alma offers tools and resources to help you build not just any practice, but your private practice. They’ll help you navigate insurance, access referrals who are the right fit for you, and efficiently manage administrative tasks — so you can spend less time on the details, and more time delivering great care. You support your clients. Alma supports you. Visit helloalma.com/ATPP to learn more.

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.

Alma

I want to thank Alma for sponsoring this episode. Building and managing the practice you want can be challenging. That’s why Alma offers tools and resources to help you build not just any practice, but your private practice. They’ll help you navigate insurance, access referrals who are the right fit for you, and efficiently manage administrative tasks — so you can spend less time on the details, and more time delivering great care. You support your clients. Alma supports you. Visit helloalma.com/ATPP to learn more.