The Instagram Hustle: A Raw Dive into Social Media Entrepreneurship
In this latest episode of The Private Practice Pro Podcast, host Kelley Stevens welcomes back the inspiring Stassi Betcher. Stassi is a therapist and content creator who candidly shares her journey in the world of Instagram and online business. Diving deep into the intricacies of social media entrepreneurship, including the challenges of balancing various roles in a private therapy practice, the importance of self-care, and unlocking secrets of monetizing Instagram with patience and persistence, this episode offers a genuine account of the trials and triumphs of the digital landscape. Staci’s story is a testament to resilience, passion, and the unwavering determination to transform dreams into reality.
In this episode of The Private Practice Pro Podcast, we check in with our returning guest, Stassi Betcher. She shares her experiences, struggles, and triumphs in the realm of Instagram and online business as a therapist and content creator, growing her solo therapy practice.
Throughout this informal conversation, we cover various topics related to the multifaceted world of social media entrepreneurship, offering invaluable insights for listeners building a cash-pay therapy practice or navigating online marketing for therapists. We discuss the challenges of balancing roles, emphasizing the importance of self-care, and combating burnout. This conversation highlights the patience and persistence required to monetize Instagram, underscoring its long-term investment. We also discuss strategies for sustainable growth, emphasizing the significance of outsourcing tasks and taking breaks. We wrap up our conversation by unraveling the complexities of brand partnerships and affiliate deals, offering practical tips for effective collaborations.
If you’re seeking an honest account of social media entrepreneurship, this episode is for you. Stassi’s journey is more than just a narrative of Instagram success. It is a tale of resilience, passion, and the unwavering determination to transform dreams into reality. By revealing her secrets, setbacks, and successes, she offers a roadmap for anyone aspiring to conquer the digital realm one step at a time!
Stassi is a Feminist Therapist and Women’s Wellness Coach based out of Portland, OR. Stassi is passionate about bringing awareness to the ambitious, “rushing woman’s” functioning and disentangle her self-worth from her achievements. Stassi’s dream is to shine a light on over-functioning so women can freely access ease and joy in everyday life. Find her on Instagram @BossyStassi and her website at www.EvergreenWellnessTherapy.com.
Website: www.EvergreenWellnessTherapy.com
Instagram: @BossyStaci
Email: betcher@evergreenwellnesstherapy.com
Building a Sustainable and Profitable Private Practice Presence
In the world of private practice, building a strong foundation offline is only part of the story. The other half? Creating an authentic, visible, and sustainable presence online—particularly on platforms like Instagram. In this blog, we dive deep into how therapists can build and grow their private therapy practice by tapping into the power of social media, without burning out. Based on the candid conversation from the Private Practice Pro Podcast, we’ll explore Instagram marketing strategies, business sustainability tips, and how to navigate the challenges of doing it all.
Instagram: The Modern-Day Marketing Tool for Therapists
If you’re a private practice therapist, it’s no secret that word-of-mouth referrals aren’t always enough. Especially for those starting a private practice, online marketing for therapists is key to getting found, building trust, and standing out in a competitive field. Instagram, with its highly visual and personal format, offers a unique opportunity to engage directly with your ideal client, share your authentic voice, and create a powerful digital footprint.
But while it might look effortless, the truth behind building a solo therapy practice on Instagram involves strategy, planning, and sometimes—total exhaustion.
When Hustle Turns to Burnout
Many therapists begin their Instagram journey with a few spare minutes during lunch breaks or nap times—especially those juggling motherhood and a full caseload. Over time, that quick post here and there can evolve into another full-time job. One therapist interviewed on the podcast shared how her quick-start Instagram journey rapidly grew from 500 followers to over 5,000 in just a few months.
That kind of growth in your therapy practice is exciting, but also demanding. Between recording Reels, writing captions, managing DMs, and planning content, she found herself working 40-hour weeks—on top of her existing private practice work and parenting responsibilities. It’s a stark reminder that while Instagram can help grow your private practice, it can also drain your energy if not managed carefully.
Sustainable Marketing for Therapists
Whether you're running a group therapy practice or managing a cash-pay therapy practice, sustainable marketing is non-negotiable. Therapists often struggle with questions like: Am I making money doing this? Is this really worth my time? And most importantly—How do I keep going without losing myself in the process?
Here are therapist-approved marketing strategies that can help you stay consistent and avoid burnout:
1. Outsource What You Can
Bring on help for the tasks that don’t require your personal touch. That could be someone to help with story editing, scheduling posts, or even replying to DMs. Hiring support allows you to focus on the content creation that only you can do.
2. Batch and Schedule Your Content
Instead of posting on the fly, try blocking out time each week to create a week's worth of content. This method reduces daily decision fatigue and allows for more intentional messaging that connects with your ideal client.
3. Start Small and Scale Gradually
You don’t need to post daily to grow. Focus on quality over quantity. Even three Reels per week and consistent stories can move the needle in your marketing therapy private practice efforts.
4. Don’t Ignore the Back-End of Business
In the rush to grow an Instagram following, it’s easy to let foundational business needs slide. Renewing licenses, updating therapy fees, reviewing SOAP notes, or building out your therapy office systems should remain a priority.
Turning Content into Cash: When to Monetize
Many therapists building a private pay therapy or out-of-network therapy practice use Instagram for visibility, but few see it as a direct revenue stream early on. That’s okay.
There’s no magic number of followers before you can monetize—but having a solid foundation (like 5K–10K followers) helps. More importantly, you’ll need clarity around what you’re offering. Here are some options to consider:
Launch a digital course or workshop related to your specialty
Create a downloadable lead magnet to grow your email list
Pitch brands you already love using and start collaborations
Offer consulting services for other therapists starting out
Remember, marketing is only one tool in your roadmap to private practice growth. You don’t need to monetize right away—but laying the groundwork is essential.
How to Take a Break Without Losing Momentum
One of the biggest fears therapists face is the idea that stepping away will undo all their progress. In reality, growing your therapy practice requires pacing, not pushing. Taking a strategic break can be a smart move.
Here’s how to hit pause without going silent:
Post passively (share a casual image or repost a quote)
Prep evergreen content in advance and schedule it
Tell your audience you’re taking a break—they’ll respect it
Repurpose your best posts instead of creating from scratch
The key is consistency, not perfection.
Balancing Real Life with the Therapy Practice Hustle
You’re a therapist, a business owner, a parent, a partner, and maybe even a friend who hasn’t answered a text in weeks. The juggle is real.
Instagram can be an incredible tool for growing your brand and making an impact, but it shouldn't cost you your peace. If you find yourself spending more time on Instagram than on your clients, family, or your own self-care, it might be time to rethink your systems.
Final Thoughts: Playing the Long Game
Whether you’re just beginning to start your private practice, exploring marketing ideas for therapists, or already managing a full private practice, Instagram can serve as both a creative outlet and a powerful business tool. But like any good therapy journey—it requires boundaries, support, and a long-term vision.
Instagram may not bring instant results, but if done with intention and authenticity, it can help you build trust, grow your audience, and expand your impact far beyond your local community.
So take a break when you need to. Reconnect with your purpose. Then get back to sharing your story—on your own terms.