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. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 🎙️Listen to more episodes of the All Things Private Practice Podcast 🎙️Spotify 🎙️Apple 🎙️YouTube Music ▶️ YouTube ✈️ Learn about Retreats 🗨️ Join the free Empowered Escape FB Community 🗨️ Join the free All Things Private Practice FB Community ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Thanks to Our Sponsors: The Receptionist for iPad, Alma, & Therapy Notes ✨ The Receptionist for iPad: 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. ✨Therapy Notes 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.