Episode 113: I'd Rather Work At Rikers: The Journey Of The Bad Indian Therapist [featuring Tracy Vadakumchery]
Imagine working at a group practice that treated you so poorly that you decided to quit, and take a job at Rikers Island.
During this episode of the All Things Private Practice Podcast, I talk with Tracy Vadakumchery, A.K.A. The Bad Indian Therapist.
Tracy shares their story about working in Rikers during COVID and starting a private practice to prioritize her own mental health.
We talk about the struggles of a South Asian therapist trying to create a thriving practice, without any small business knowledge. We talk about cultural differences and expectations, and how to prioritize your own needs. "It's not selfish to charge for services—it's necessary," says Tracy Vadakumchery.
Tracy understands that the financial challenges of being a small business owner can be tough. But she reframes the idea of charging fees as necessary, not selfish or greedy. This allows her to offer free resources and affordable services to those who can't afford her fee.
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Thanks to Our Sponsors: The Receptionist for iPad, Alma, & Therapy Notes
I want 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.
✨ Alma:
I want to thank Alma for sponsoring this episode.
Alma makes it easy and financially rewarding to accept insurance. When you join their insurance program, you can get credentialed within 45 days and access enhanced reimbursement rates with major payers. They also handle all of your paperwork from eligibility checks to claim submissions, and they guarantee payment within two weeks of each appointment. You can also attract clients who are the right fit for your practice with a free profile in Alma's searchable directory. Additionally, Alma offers time-saving tools and administrative support, so you can spend less time on paperwork and more time delivering great care to your clients.
Get your first month free with Alma by visiting helloalma.com/ATPP.
I want to thank Therapy Notes for sponsoring this episode.
TherapyNotes™ is a complete practice management system with everything you need to manage patient records, schedule appointments, meet with patients remotely, create rich documentation, and bill insurance, right at your fingertips. Their streamlined software is accessible wherever and whenever you need it. Go to therapynotes.com and get 2 free months when you use code ATPP.
Mentioned in this episode:
The Receptionist for iPad
I want to thank The Receptionist for iPad for sponsoring this episode. From new patients faced with an empty lobby and no idea where to find their therapist to clinicians with a session running over time and the doorbell ringing, some of the most anxiety-ridden moments of a therapy appointment happen before a session even starts. The Receptionist for iPad, helps you tackle some of that pre-appointment apprehension and anxiety. The Receptionist for iPad is an easy-to-use digital client check-in system that helps your visitors check in securely to their appointments and notify their practitioners of their arrival via SMS, email, or your preferred channel. No more confusion, and less lobby checking or having clients sign in on paper logbooks. It can even help you upgrade and update your demographic information for your clients as well and even validate parking. Start a 14-day free trial of the Receptionist for iPad by going to thereceptionist.com/privatepractice. Make sure to start your trial with that link and you'll also get your first month free if you decide to sign up.
