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Clinicians

How Thrizer is Helping Me Grow My Group Practice

Jack Irmas, LCSW
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August 14, 2024
Read Jack Irmas story about growing a group practice. See the hurdles he had to cover and how Thrizer helped when expanding his therapy practice.

Transitioning from solo to group practice is downright intimidating.

At Beacon Psychotherapy, this journey started with a vision of creating a practice that provides high-quality therapy and a collaborative environment where clinicians are supported and well-paid.

This has been greatly facilitated by our partnership with Thrizer. Here’s how Thrizer has played a crucial role in our growth and the lessons we've learned.

The Mission to Provide High-Quality Therapy

Starting a solo practice was both exciting and challenging.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), my passion for providing high-quality, depth-oriented psychotherapy (like the kind I learned to provide in my post-graduate training) drove me to embark on this journey early in my career.

I rented an office in the Beverly Hills area of Los Angeles and started to get my name out there that I was taking on new clients.

However, I soon realized that working independently limited my opportunities for collaboration with other therapists, which I found essential for my professional growth, my own mental health, and my clients' well-being.

While I had been thinking for some time about my desire to work in a more collaborative workplace, I felt at a loss about how exactly to do it.

I struggled to find a group practice that:

At this point, what would become Beacon Psychotherapy was just a fantasy.

How a Client Transformed My Approach

It was only after working with one client that I more clearly saw how to tackle this issue.

I had been working with a depressed young adult client who was struggling to find the motivation to build a life for himself.

In our work together, we delved into his lack of self-confidence, anxieties, and fears, allowing him to better understand how they were keeping him stuck.

Seeing how his lack of necessary risk-taking was keeping him safe in a way that prevented his growth was a surprise to him.

It helped him be more aware of when he was getting in his way and allowed him to take some chances socially that he had until then avoided. This was a huge step for him.

When he discussed with me, how this had helped him do something he long wanted to do but had felt too scared and how taking that risk had made him feel so good I was so moved.

Reflecting on that session, I realized how closely I could relate to his experience. In my own private practice, I had been avoiding taking the necessary risks to build and expand my vision for the practice.

My hesitation mirrored the very issues my client was facing: an avoidance of challenges and a reluctance to step out of my comfort zone. It wasn’t until I had this conversation with my client that I understood how much I needed to listen to my own advice.

This insight was a turning point, illuminating the path forward for both my practice and personal growth, reminding me that embracing risk and facing challenges are crucial steps toward building confidence and achieving our goals.

Building a Group Practice from the Ground Up

Building a group practice involves many components, from incorporating as a legal entity to branding and marketing to finding the right team.

One of the biggest challenges in running the business side of a psychotherapy practice, however, is dealing with insurance.

I chose to build an out-of-network practice to ensure we could prioritize personalized care over administrative constraints.

By not being tied to insurance company mandates, we have the flexibility to tailor our therapeutic approaches to each client's unique needs, without the limitations often imposed by insurance guidelines.

However, I still wanted to support clients with insurance benefits who struggle with the complexities of insurance claims. 

To uphold my commitment to providing a higher level of care and support than other practices, I sought ways to enhance the client experience. This is where Thrizer came in.

Thrizer allows us to efficiently manage out-of-network insurance claims and payments for our clients, which allows us to focus on delivering the highest quality therapy without the administrative burden.

It also relieves our clients of the stress associated with navigating the insurance issues that we know are all too common.

Improving the Therapist Experience

For therapists, the ability to focus on client care without the constant worry of administrative tasks is a game-changer. The support provided by Thrizer not only enhances the therapist’s experience but also contributes to better client outcomes.

By reducing the time spent on insurance-related tasks, our therapists can dedicate more time to direct client care and professional growth.

Thrizer has also enabled us to reach clients who might have thought they needed to see a lower-fee provider, unaware of their out-of-network benefits.

This has allowed us to help more people by making our services accessible to those who need financial help.

With Thrizer managing the complexities of insurance, we can ensure that more clients receive the high-quality care they need and deserve.

Embracing Risk and Growth

Building a group practice requires not only a willingness to take risks but also a commitment to personal growth.

Before launching Beacon, I was apprehensive about public speaking, a challenge that had long held me back from putting myself and what I offer out there.

However, recognizing that growth often comes from stepping outside of one’s comfort zone, I pushed myself to face this fear.

Earlier this year, I created and delivered a presentation on a subject I'm deeply passionate about: working with couples facing mismatched sexual desire.

Despite my previous anxieties, the experience was incredibly rewarding and marked a significant milestone in my journey toward embracing change and taking bold steps to expand my practice.

Throughout, Thrizer has been a key partner in this journey. They’ve provided the necessary support to manage the financial and administrative aspects of our practice.

This partnership has allowed us to take calculated risks, expand our services, and ultimately provide better care to our clients.

The Future of Beacon

As we look to the future, our partnership with Thrizer remains a cornerstone of our growth strategy.

The efficiency and reliability of their services give us the confidence to continue expanding and improving our practice. We are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead and are committed to leveraging Thrizer’s support to achieve our goals.

Their support has enabled us to streamline our administrative processes, enhance client accessibility, and foster a collaborative and supportive environment for our therapists.

For any practice looking to grow and improve, Thrizer offers tools like the benefits estimator, which tells clients how much they will be required to pay out of pocket. This brings clarity and transparency to a process that is typically confusing and complicated.

Reflecting on the transition from solo practice to founding Beacon Psychotherapy, the journey has been filled with valuable lessons and rewarding experiences.

At Beacon, our commitment to providing high-quality therapy in a collaborative and supportive environment remains our driving force. This vision, combined with the exceptional support from Thrizer, has enabled us to create a practice where both clients and therapists thrive.

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This blog post is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal, business, medical, or insurance advice. Laws relating to health insurance and coverage are complex, and their application can vary widely depending on individual circumstances and state laws. Similarly, decisions regarding mental health care should be made with the guidance of qualified health care providers. We strongly recommend consulting with a qualified attorney or legal advisor, insurance representative, and/or medical professional to discuss your specific situation and how the laws apply to you or your situation.

About the Author
Jack Irmas, LCSW

Jack Irmas, LCSW, is the founder of Beacon Psychotherapy, a group practice dedicated to offering high-quality mental health care in Los Angeles and throughout California. Trained in depth-oriented psychodynamic psychotherapy, couples therapy, and sex therapy, Jack established Beacon Psychotherapy to provide a collaborative and supportive environment for both therapists and clients. His mission is to deliver comprehensive, compassionate care and foster a thriving community within the field of psychotherapy.