Presenter Bio
Meet Kathleen Landry, a licensed clinical mental health counselor with over 16 years of experience in the field of counseling, and 28 years in education. Kathleen has a unique background that combines teaching and counseling, having spent over a decade as a teacher before transitioning to a career in counseling. She is currently the Clinical Director and Supervisor at OpenGate, a counseling center and counselor training center in Vermont.
Kathleen is passionate about her work at OpenGate, where she guides new counselors in building their own private practices and learning the skills necessary to become strong, independent clinicians and business owners. She finds joy in watching her mentees develop and grow, both personally and professionally. With her entrepreneurial spirit, Kathleen enjoys supporting independent practitioners in realizing their business visions.
With her extensive experience and expertise, Kathleen is well-equipped to guide you through the process of building a successful private clinical supervision practice in Vermont. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from her and take the first step towards achieving your goals!
Workshop Descriptions
Claims & Billing for Counselors: Best Practices for Private Practice
Wednesday, October 8th, 2025, 12-2pm
$99.
Live via Zoom
Running a private practice means balancing both clinical and administrative responsibilities—and the financial side can often feel overwhelming. This workshop is designed to help mental health counselors build strong, ethical systems for claims and billing. You’ll learn how to correctly set up and manage electronic claims (EDI), navigate public and private insurance, handle deductibles and co-pays, and receive private payments of all kinds. We’ll also cover how to write and administer financial policies that support both you and your clients, preventing money-related conflicts and easing financial stress. By mastering the money side of your practice, you can protect your business, reduce liability, and strengthen the therapeutic alliance with every client you serve.
Your Legacy of Care: Professional Will Writing for Counselors
Friday, October 24th, 2025, 9am-11am
$99.
Live via Zoom
As private practitioners, we hold a profound responsibility—not only to our clients in the present, but also to their care in the event of our unexpected absence. A professional will is a critical, ethical requirement that provides clear instructions for managing client records, ongoing sessions, billing, and every detail of your practice if you become incapacitated or pass away.
This workshop walks you through the entire process of developing your professional will: from understanding the ethical and legal foundations, to selecting and preparing an executor, to drafting a customized document that reflects the needs of your practice. With a balance of practical guidance and supportive discussion, you’ll leave equipped to create a professional will that offers peace of mind for you, continuity for your practice, and protection for the clients who depend on you.
Policies that Protect: Best Practices for Private Practitioners
Friday, November 7th, 2025, 12-2pm
$99.
Live via Zoom
Policies are more than paperwork—they are the foundation of a healthy private practice. Clear, well-written policies prevent misunderstandings, protect your time and energy, and support a strong therapeutic alliance by setting expectations with clients from the very beginning.
In this workshop, you’ll learn the essentials of policy writing for private practice, covering cancellation policies, court appearance and records requests, payment structures, special requests, and more. Together, we’ll walk through a structured writing process and review practical examples of policies for common scenarios. You’ll leave with both draft language and a repeatable framework, giving you the confidence to create policies that are professional, compassionate, and tailored to your unique practice.
Documentation Bootcamp
Thursday, November 20th, 2025, 12-4pm
$150.00 includes the comprehensive Documentation Handbook
Live Via Zoom
Documentation is one of the most important—and most dreaded—parts of private practice. Many therapists feel overwhelmed by paperwork, yet complete, ethical, and accurate documentation is essential for both clinical safety and legal protection.
This intensive bootcamp transforms how you approach documentation. Together, we’ll cover assessments, treatment planning, progress notes, and documentation policies, while also focusing on building healthy documentation habits and a supportive mindset. You’ll learn how to meet high standards (Medicaid, insurers, ethical boards) without drowning in paperwork, and how to integrate documentation smoothly into your daily practice.
By the end, you’ll feel more confident, less stressed, and better protected—freeing up more time and energy for your clients and yourself.
Ethics in Private Practice: Tools for Rural Counselors
Friday, December 5th, 2025, 8am-12pm
$175 includes 4 CEUs
Live via Zoom
Ethics in private practice is rarely black and white—especially in rural settings where dual relationships, limited resources, and community overlap add layers of complexity. Many ethics trainings emphasize fear and liability, but this course takes a different approach: building competence and confidence.
Through case examples, discussion, and a practical decision-making framework, you’ll learn how to approach ethical dilemmas with clarity, skill, and professionalism. Rather than memorizing rules, you’ll develop the ability to apply ethical principles flexibly in the real world—protecting your clients and yourself while strengthening your practice.
Tailored for Vermont counselors and others working in rural contexts, this course will leave you feeling equipped, supported, and ready to navigate the everyday challenges of ethical private practice.
The Heart of Marketing: Connecting with the Clients Who Need You
Friday, January 16th, 2026, 12-2pm
$99.
Live via Zoom
Marketing is often the missing piece for private practitioners. Many counselors shy away from it, worried about being “too sales-y” or unsure of what’s ethical. But effective marketing isn’t about flashy ads—it’s about clearly communicating who you are, who you serve, and how people can reach you.
This workshop equips you with the tools and confidence to market your practice ethically and authentically. You’ll learn how to create a strong online presence (websites, Psychology Today, Google Business listings), build referral networks in your community, and use social media wisely. We’ll also explore messaging strategies that highlight your unique strengths as a counselor while staying true to professional ethics.
By the end, you’ll have a practical, step-by-step plan to attract and retain clients in ways that feel natural and sustainable—helping your practice grow while keeping your integrity intact.
Private Practice Management 101
Friday January 30th, 2026, 8am-12:30pm
$150 includes the comprehensive Private Practice Handbook
Live via Zoom
Private practice offers freedom, flexibility, and fulfillment—but it also requires running a business. Private Practice Management 101 is designed to help counselors take the leap into private practice with clarity and confidence.
We’ll cover the essentials of practice setup: business structure, insurance paneling, scheduling systems, billing basics, and policies that keep your practice running smoothly. You’ll leave with a roadmap for getting started, avoiding common pitfalls, and building a practice that supports both you and your clients. Whether you’re brand new or looking to strengthen the foundation of your practice, this course equips you with the tools you need to thrive.
OpenGate 