Private Practice Startup Podcast – Episode 87

Episode Title: Khospace: A Unique Approach to Starting & Building a Private Practice
Hosts: Dr. Kate Campbell & Katie Lemieux
Guest: Samantha Drazen, LMHC (Founder of Khospace)
Date: May 26, 2018

Overview

In this episode, Dr. Kate Campbell and Katie Lemieux sit down with Samantha Drazen, LMHC, to discuss Khospace—a flexible, innovative coworking space tailored for mental health professionals. The conversation delves into the need for affordable, professional office solutions for therapists starting or transitioning their private practice, the ethical and business considerations when renting space, and practical advice for therapists searching for office space in any region. This episode provides actionable insights, personal stories, and encouragement for new and seasoned clinicians alike.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Origin and Mission of Khospace

• Samantha shares her journey of seeking affordable space after graduating with her LMHC and the challenges new clinicians face with high rental costs.
• Passion Behind Khospace: "I wanted to create a space that lowered the barrier to entry for new clinicians or people expanding, or kind of in a transition." (C, 07:54)
• Explains early struggles: expensive, ill-fitting office rental options, and the impracticality of blending therapy space with unrelated businesses (like beauty salons).

2. Overcoming Professional Challenges

• Samantha recounts personal and professional barriers, notably overcoming fear of failure and outside skepticism.
• Notable Quote: "I really had to learn to quiet that [inner critic]... That's one person's perspective. And everyone else who I talk to says what a great idea it is. There's a need for it. I needed it." (C, 10:31)

3. The Meaning Behind "Khospace"

• The name “Kho” comes from Hmong (an Asian dialect), meaning "to heal, to recover, or to put back into working order."
• Vision: Foster community and autonomy among clinicians while providing a healing, professional environment.

4. Logistics and Ethical Considerations for Therapist Office Rentals

• Samantha is present on-site as a licensed clinician, allowing registered interns to see clients legally in Florida.
• Discusses common, costly, and sometimes unethical business practices: “It should be that flat rate or a fee split, but not both." (B, 13:18)
• Tip: Renting space should not involve both a flat rate and a split—it's potentially an ethical violation.

5. Starting in Private Practice: Pitfalls & Best Practices

• The hosts share their own stories about poor early business decisions: taking on high overhead, picking a name, getting an office before building a client base.
• Advice: Don’t go into debt furnishing an office when you have no clients. Seek flexible, low-commitment solutions first.
• Memorable Moment: “Please don’t do that... unless you have wealth and this is just what you want to do and you’re okay with that. Most often that’s not it.” (B, 15:39)

6. What to Look For in Office Space Rentals (For Listeners Everywhere)

• Advice from Samantha:

  • Find a landlord who isn’t taking advantage of you.
  • Space should be clean, comfortable, and foster your professional image.
  • Ensure you understand all terms (in writing): how many hours, what’s included (utilities, Wi-Fi, access), and what happens as your caseload grows.
  • Only accept either a fair split OR a flat rate.

• Negotiation: All splits and terms are negotiable, and it's okay to ask for what’s fair as your practice grows.

7. Features of Khospace (Model for Therapists)

• Standalone building in a beautiful, therapeutic area (lake views, fountains, natural light).
• Decorated, sensory-considerate rooms; all are soundproof.
• Smart lock, 24/7 access, free coffee bar for clients and clinicians.
• Flat hourly rate (fee is the same regardless of therapist's rates).
• 12-hour cancellation policy for bookings.
• Ethos: Invests in ambiance and infrastructure so clinicians can focus on building their practices.

8. Mindset for New(er) Therapists

• Encouragement to trust in your ideas, be persistent, and not let others’ doubts derail your success.
• Encouragement: “Just believe in yourself, be passionate about your ideas, be loyal, don’t let other people doubt you.” (C, 26:07)
• There’s always a way to move forward—even if you feel stuck in low-paying agency work.

9. Plans for the Future / Expansion of Khospace

• Khospace aims to expand beyond Florida; Samantha invites clinicians interested in managing locations in their cities to get in touch.
• Immediate Offer: Free hour for new sign-ups (cospace.com).

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On The Need for Khospace:
  "We can't just go to a WeWork and sit at a desk and have a session... We're kind of bound by those laws and ethics, and we need a place where we can do that affordably." (C, 08:29)

• On Therapist Self-Image and Space:
  “You come and you walk into a beautiful office, you feel like a therapist and you act like a therapist.” (C, 16:00)

• On Negotiating Leases:
  “Make sure, protect yourself, ask questions, get everything in writing. Know exactly what’s included.” (C, 22:08)

• On Professional Worth:
  “You deserve to be paid well. You work hard, you make a difference in people’s lives... You definitely should not be in debt trying to like figure out how to pay your bills.” (B, 25:20)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 05:34–09:35 — Samantha’s path to founding Khospace, early challenges, and vision
• 08:54 — The meaning behind "Khospace"
• 10:07–11:06 — Battling self-doubt and overcoming fear of failure
• 12:00–13:57 — Importance of on-site licensed clinicians, ethical rental structures
• 15:39–16:31 — Pitfalls in office rentals, advice to new practitioners, and therapist mindset
• 17:00–18:31 — Practical suggestions for finding and negotiating office rentals outside South Florida
• 22:03–23:10 — Lease negotiation tips; importance of clear, written agreements
• 23:14–25:20 — Khospace features and model for accessible, professional office space
• 26:07–27:15 — Final wisdom from Samantha; national expansion plans
• 27:23–27:42 — Special giveaway: free hour at Khospace for new sign-ups

Takeaways for Listeners

• Be Strategic: Start with flexible, affordable space; minimize overhead and risk.
• Know Your Rights: Understand legal, ethical, and financial implications of office rental structures.
• Negotiate and Clarify: Always get terms in writing and ask detailed questions about included services and policies.
• Prioritize Professional Environment: Choose spaces that support your self-image as a clinician.
• Stay Confident: Don't be dissuaded by doubters; the path may be challenging, but resources and creative solutions exist.
• Look for Supportive Communities: Whether through Khospace or elsewhere, prioritize professional communities that foster mutual support.

Resources Mentioned

• Khospace Website (free hour for new sign-ups)
• Private Practice Startup Podcast [Facebook Group]
• Podcast episode with real estate agent/attorney Michael Feuerman about lease negotiation (linked in show notes)

This summary highlights the actionable insights, authentic moments, and empowering advice shared throughout this episode, making it a valuable resource for therapists at any stage of building or growing their private practice.