The Right Tack

Contractors vs. Employees: What Practice Owners Need to Know with Sam Major

What’s the real difference between hiring contractors vs. employees in private practice? In this episode of The Right Tack, Paul and Jim sit down with Sam Major of Apollo Counseling and Fenris Inc. to unpack the legal, financial, and cultural trade-offs practice owners need to understand. From control and flexibility to misclassification risk and team dynamics, this conversation offers a practical, real-world look at one of the biggest staffing decisions behavioral health leaders face.

Structured Flexibility: Thriving in Private Practice Without Burning Out with Sarah Leitschuh

In this episode of The Right Tack, Paul and Jim sit down with licensed therapist and practice owner Sarah Leitschuh for an honest conversation about burnout, boundaries, and building a sustainable private practice through structured flexibility. Together, they explore how burnout shows up for therapists — from sleep disruption to irritability — and why balancing clinical work with the demands of running a business can quietly erode well-being. Sarah shares practical strategies for creating structure without rigidity, setting clear client expectations, staying on top of documentation, and making intentional decisions that protect both energy and clinical quality. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, behind on notes, or simply rethinking how your practice fits into your life, this episode offers thoughtful insight on prioritizing therapist well-being, strengthening boundaries, and designing a practice that supports both you and your clients for the long term.

Solo, Collective, or Agency? Choosing the Right Therapy Practice Model

In Episode 14 of The Right Tack, Paul and Jim Jonas are joined by licensed therapist, practice owner, and business coach Amber Priestley for a candid conversation about therapy practice models and what it really takes to grow sustainably. Together, they explore the key differences between solo practices, small collectives, and agency or group models, breaking down how each structure impacts autonomy, income, burnout, and long-term viability. Amber shares real-world insights on knowing your numbers, avoiding growth mistakes, navigating hiring decisions, and understanding the hidden risks of gig-style therapy platforms. Whether you’re just starting out, feeling stuck as a solo practitioner, or considering expanding your practice, this episode offers practical guidance to help you grow with intention, without losing control of your business or your values. 🎙️Listen now to Episode 14 of The Right Tack.

The Role of Medication in Mental Health Management — with Dr. Talha Baloch

In this episode of The Right Tack, Paul and Jim Jonas are joined by returning guest Dr. Talha Baloch, a triple board–certified psychiatrist in general psychiatry, addiction psychiatry, and addiction medicine. The conversation focuses on the role medication plays in mental health management, including when it may be helpful, when it may not be necessary, and how thoughtful evaluation and diagnostic clarity guide treatment decisions. Dr. Baloch also discusses common concerns about psychiatric medication, the importance of collaboration between therapists and prescribers, and how medication optimization and consolidation can improve safety and outcomes. This episode offers a balanced, informative look at how medication fits into modern behavioral health care for therapists, practice owners, and clinicians alike.

Running Your Practice With Your Values at the Center

In Episode 12 of The Right Tack, Paul and Jim sit down for a hosts-only conversation about something every behavioral health practice owner needs to consider early and often: your values. Drawing from their experiences at BreezyBilling, Phoenix Credentialing, and The Jonas Center, they explore how to define your values, communicate them clearly, and actually use them as a guide for decisions, leadership, boundaries, and the culture you want to build. They also touch on authenticity, emotional energy, self-care, and what it really looks like to run a business that aligns with the life you want to live. In this episode: • Why values matter more than mission statements • How to create values that truly reflect your practice • Living your values inside and outside the office • How values influence staff retention and trust • Authenticity, boundaries, and avoiding burnout • What Paul and Jim wish they had done sooner If you're starting a practice or refining one, this episode gives you a grounded, honest framework for setting your direction. Listen now and keep your eyes on the horizon.