422: What Happens to Your Clients If Something Happens to You?

What happens to your private practice if you suddenly become incapacitated… or pass away? It’s a difficult question, and one most therapists never want to think about. But in this deeply practical and important conversation, Mel sits down with Dr. Robin Miller to discuss one of the most overlooked responsibilities in private practice: creating a professional will. Dr. Miller shares the personal story that led her to found TheraClosure after unexpectedly losing a close colleague and stepping in to manage the aftermath of her private practice, client care, records, and continuity planning. This conversation is thoughtful, grounded, and incredibly relevant for every clinician in private practice. In this episode, we discuss: What a professional will actually is Why every therapist in private practice should have one What happens to client care and medical records if a clinician dies unexpectedly The emotional and ethical impact on clients after sudden therapist loss How professional wills differ for solo practitioners vs. group practices Common mistakes therapists make when planning for continuity of care Why “I’ll deal with this later” can create major problems for loved ones and clients How retirement, incapacitation, and practice sales impact continuity planning What therapists should think about regarding passwords, EHR access, payroll, and two-factor authentication Why professional wills are about protecting clients — not just protecting businesses A powerful idea from this conversation: “We can’t prevent loss. But we can prevent traumatic loss.” Very few conversations ask: What happens if something happens to you ? This episode is an invitation to think proactively, ethically, and compassionately about continuity of care — for your clients, your loved ones, and your profession. -- RESOURCES Building and managing the practice you truly want can feel overwhelming. That’s why Alma is here—to help you create not just any practice, but your private practice. With Alma, you’ll get the tools and resources you need to navigate insurance with ease, connect with referrals that are the right fit for your style, and streamline those time-consuming administrative tasks. That means less time buried in the details and more time focused on delivering exceptional care to your clients. You support your clients. Alma supports you. Learn more at sellingthecouch.com/alma and get 2 months FREE–an exclusive offer for STC listeners. -- Ready to launch (or grow) your online course? Haven is our membership for therapists who want to turn their expertise into sustainable online income through courses, content, and simple systems that actually work. You’ll get access to trainings, live accelerators, and a community that supports you every step of the way. Get on the waitlist: sellingthecouch.com/haven

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422: What Happens to Your Clients If Something Happens to You? is an episode from Selling the Couch with Melvin Varghese, Ph.D. | Weekly conversations to build and grow your counseling private practice by Melvin Varghese, PhD.

This episode is 35:33 long.

This episode was published on May 21, 2026.

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