188. Planning for Therapist Emergencies: Professional Wills and Client Care

Private Practice Elevation with Daniel Fava

Therapists spend years building relationships with their clients—but what happens if a therapist suddenly can't show up anymore due to illness, injury, or even death?

This episode of the Private Practice Elevation Podcast tackles a topic that’s often overlooked but absolutely vital: how to prepare your practice and protect your clients in case of an emergency.

While many therapists focus on running their practice day-to-day, far fewer have a plan in place for what happens if they suddenly can’t be there.

This episode explores the difference between professional and business wills, the ethical and legal implications of emergency planning, and the practical steps therapists can take to create a secure plan.

With expert insight from Dr. Robyn Miller, co-founder of Thera Closure, this conversation shines a light on ethical responsibilities and offers real, practical solutions to ensure continuity of care, peace of mind, and protection for both clients and families.

Dr. Miller shares how her own personal loss shaped her passion for helping therapists plan for the unexpected. Through Thera Closure, she provides a clear path forward so that therapists can rest easy knowing their clients will be cared for—even in worst-case scenarios.

Whether you're a solo therapist or running a group practice, this episode will help you take proactive steps to plan for the unexpected—so you can focus on your work today while preparing responsibly for tomorrow.

Key Takeaways:

• Understand Professional and Business Wills: Learn the differences between professional and business wills, their ethical significance, and practical applications for therapists.

• Importance of Preparedness: Discover why therapists need to plan for emergencies to ensure patient care continuity and practice responsibility.

• Thera Closure Service: Gain insight into how Thera Closure offers innovative solutions for managing practice affairs and patient care in unexpected situations.

• Ethical and Legal Obligations: Recognize the ethical and legal obligations therapists have towards patient care and medical record security during emergencies.

• Practical Steps: Explore the practical steps and tools recommended by Dr. Miller to create a professional will and secure peace of mind.

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Thera Closure Website

Watch The Video:

This Episode Is Brought To You By

Alma is on a mission to simplify access to high-quality, affordable mental health care by giving providers the tools they need to build thriving in-network private practices. When providers join Alma, they gain access to insurance support, teletherapy software, client referrals, automated billing and scheduling tools, and a vibrant community of clinicians who come together for education, training, and events.

Learn more about building a thriving private practice with Alma at helloalma.com/elevation.