Beyond State Lines: Expanding Your Therapy Practice to Maximize Your Potential
Join me in this episode of The Private Practice Pro Podcast to explore the dynamic world of therapy and business expansion with two remarkable guests, Kym and Lisa. Kym, a globetrotting therapist, and Lisa, the visionary behind a thriving online group therapy practice, have teamed up to create a game-changing course for therapists looking to expand their private practice across state lines.
Their revolutionary course, designed to empower therapists, covers vital topics such as licensing, insurance, and navigating tax complexities. They share their journeys and offer private practice guidance for therapists interested in growing their practice to multiple states, whether through an online group practice or by becoming a traveling therapist.
Kym’s nomadic lifestyle adds a unique dimension to the conversation, showcasing that virtual therapy can be practiced from anywhere in the world. She and Lisa encourage therapists to embrace their authentic selves, including their deepest goals and desires. Their overarching message? Yes, the life and career you’ve been dreaming of is possible!
Kym Tolson, LCSW, The Traveling Therapist: As a therapist who has transformed my love for travel into an exciting digital nomad lifestyle, I’ve been on a thrilling journey of exploration while residing in Airbnb’s around the world. Along the way, I created a close-knit community called “Bill Like A Boss,” where insurance-based therapists come together to learn and elevate their practices. In addition to that, I’ve curated a vibrant membership community specifically tailored to support therapists who are balancing work and travel.
Website: www.thetravelingtherapist.com
Email: info@kymtolson.com
Lisa Lovelace, PsyD, LP, Synergy eTherapy: Dr. Lisa is a licensed clinical psychologist and founder of Synergy eTherapy, one of the first fully remote group practices that began way back in 2017! Dr. Lisa has over 20 years of post graduate level clinical experience working with children, adolescents and adults who suffer from a wide range of mental health concerns. She now teaches other therapists how to expand their online practices AND is also a new author of a children’s book called, “Bubble Breathing Adventures: Find Your Superpower!”
Website: www.SynergyEtherapy.com
Instagram: @synergyetherapy
Email: DrLisa@SynergyEtherapy.com
How to Build, Expand, and Thrive Across States
In today’s evolving mental health landscape, more therapists are exploring ways to start a private therapy practice that aligns with both their professional goals and personal lifestyles. Whether you're interested in becoming a digital nomad, running a multi-state group therapy practice, or growing your solo therapy practice, the good news is: there’s no one-size-fits-all blueprint. Instead, there’s a growing community of therapists forging new paths—often through online marketing for therapists, cash-pay therapy practices, and creative private practice tools for therapists.
In a recent episode of the Private Practice Pro Podcast, host Kelley Stevens sat down with Lisa Lovelace and Kim Tolson, two trailblazers who have successfully navigated the complexities of building expansive, multi-state practices. Their insights offer a roadmap for clinicians who are ready to grow their private practice while maintaining flexibility, compliance, and client care.
Building a Private Practice That Reflects Your Lifestyle
Starting a private practice can be daunting, especially with licensing, insurance billing, and state-specific laws. But according to Kim Tolson, also known as The Traveling Therapist, it’s all about asking the right questions: “What do I want my life to look like?”
Tolson only sees five clients at a time, prioritizing multiple income streams and flexibility. She helps clinicians understand the intricacies of being licensed in one state while physically practicing in another. This is essential for anyone wanting to build an out-of-network therapy practice or private pay therapy model while traveling or relocating often.
“There’s no right way to build a practice,” she says. “It starts with asking yourself what kind of life you want to lead and structuring your practice to match that.”
Multi-State Expansion: What You Need to Know
Expanding a practice across state lines brings both opportunities and challenges. Therapist Lisa Lovelace founded Synergy eTherapy, a virtual group therapy practice that now operates in nearly every U.S. state. Her team includes psychologists and licensed therapists with multiple state licenses and telehealth capabilities, many participating in PSYPACT—a compact that allows licensed psychologists to practice across participating states.
This type of group therapy practice model is gaining traction as therapists realize the potential of digital care. Lisa explains, “You can start with one state and scale up using collaborative models that support clinicians as they build within a larger structure.”
For those asking how to start a private therapy practice that includes group members, mentorship, or collaboration, Lovelace’s approach offers a great example of scalability.
The Legal & Ethical Landscape of Telehealth and Mobility
From soap notes to business registrations and tax filings, there are many moving parts when building a therapy practice across multiple states. Each state's board has its own rules regarding licensure, mandated reporting, and insurance billing.
Tolson warns that state regulations are constantly shifting. For example, therapists can no longer sit in Oregon, Texas, or Oklahoma while seeing clients unless licensed there—even if their clients reside elsewhere. Out-of-network therapy also has its own quirks depending on where the therapist is physically located.
Their solution? A comprehensive online course titled The Nitty-Gritty of Multi-State Private Practice Expansion. It covers everything from sliding scale therapy fees and marketing ideas for therapists to tax laws and liability coverage, with expert interviews from lawyers, accountants, and insurance billers.
Marketing for Therapists: Creating Visibility Across States
Effective marketing for therapists can make or break a growing practice. Whether you’re just learning how to start your private practice or are an experienced clinician seeking more clients, your digital footprint matters.
Tolson and Lovelace recommend building a marketing system that evolves with your goals. “We include a module on marketing therapy private practice in our course,” Lovelace shares. “Therapists need practical, therapist-approved marketing strategies that reflect their values and attract the right clients.”
Resources like a marketing guide for therapists or tools like SimplePractice (a HIPAA-compliant EHR) can help streamline both operations and outreach. From SEO to online marketing for therapists, a strategic online presence helps connect with clients beyond local referrals.
Supporting Your Practice with the Right Tools
Running a cash-pay therapy practice or expanding into a group practice model requires robust systems. Tools like EHRs, private practice tools for therapists, and platforms for insurance billing (like Mentaya) can lighten the administrative load.
If you're worried about setting therapy fees, managing therapy office logistics, or documenting sessions correctly, Lisa and Kim stress the importance of community and training. “Having the right systems and peer support,” Kim says, “can prevent burnout and build confidence.”
Their community groups on Facebook—including insurance billing for telehealth, online therapy practice, and The Traveling Therapist—serve as hubs for support, advice, and staying up-to-date on rapidly evolving laws.
Your Therapist Roadmap: From Start to Growth
If you're asking, how do I go from idea to implementation?, the answer is: take it step by step. Whether you're building a private therapy practice, working within a sliding scale model, or interested in out-of-network therapy practice, the foundation lies in knowledge and adaptability.
Here’s a quick roadmap to help:
Start your private practice by clarifying your goals, licensing status, and practice model.
Choose between solo therapy practice, group therapy practice, or a hybrid model.
Invest in tools for client management, documentation, and billing.
Set therapy fees based on your location, clientele, and service model (insurance vs. cash-pay).
Learn marketing for therapists, including SEO, directories, and referral building.
Explore online marketing for therapists and grow your digital presence strategically.
Stay current with state laws, licensing compacts, and telehealth requirements.
Connect with peer communities for feedback and continued learning.
Is a Holiday in Private Practice Possible?
Absolutely. One of the main takeaways from this discussion is that flexibility is not only possible but sustainable. Whether you’re taking a holiday in private practice, working abroad, or scaling back for parenting or passion projects, the autonomy of private practice makes it achievable.
Kim Tolson models this lifestyle with grace—traveling every two weeks and maintaining an active income through various streams. Meanwhile, Lisa Lovelace balances a robust multi-state therapy practice while raising children and mentoring clinicians.
Final Thoughts
If you're a therapist dreaming of freedom—whether that means starting a private practice, building a group therapy practice, or becoming a traveling therapist—you’re not alone. The tools, communities, and training exist to support your growth.
The message is clear: you can grow your therapy practice ethically, legally, and in alignment with your values.
"Sit with yourself,” Kim advises. "Ask what kind of life you want—and then build your private practice to support that life."
Ready to explore what’s next for your practice? Whether you need a therapist guide, marketing support, or legal clarity, this growing therapist community has your back.