From 6-Figures in Senior Leadership to 6-Figures in Her Own Practice with Dr. Erica Aten [episode 119]

Listen to From 6-Figures in Senior Leadership to 6-Figures in Her Own Practice with Dr. Erica Aten on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Your player of choice

What happens when you’ve worked your way into a six-figure leadership role, landed your dream job, and STILL feel like something needs to change? That’s exactly what we’re chatting about in today’s episode with Dr. Erica Aten!

Erica Aten (pronounced A-ten) is a licensed clinical psychologist in Portland, OR, with 13 years of clinical experience and the last 6 of those in leadership roles. Erica loves being a psychologist and supporting her therapy and psych assessment clients, but in true ADHD fashion, she loves having variety in her workweek. 

Erica has extensive experience supervising, mentoring, teaching, and developing mental health programming. Most recently, she’s been coaching neurodivergent business owners to build and scale businesses that work with their neurodivergent brains and needs.

In today’s episode, we’re talking about how Erica went from 6-figures in senior leadership to 6-figures in her own practice.

Erica was earning around $140K in a senior leadership position when she started questioning what she wanted her career and life to look like. Between becoming a mom, experiencing burnout, and realizing she’d hit an income ceiling, she KNEW something needed to change. 

But leaving a stable, well-paying job wasn’t a decision Erica took lightly. 

She calculated what she’d actually need to earn to replace her salary AND benefits. She also chose to build a practice with multiple income streams (super smart BTW)!

Erica used strategies inside PPA to get clear on her niche, run targeted Instagram ads, and start attracting the right clients. Her first ad cost around $250, but it brought in one or two psychological assessments worth THOUSANDS of dollars!

Her results didn’t stop there. After going full-time in January 2026, she hit her first $20K month in April! 

Erica brought in more than $100K during her first six months, all while spending approximately 20 hours a week on clinical work.

While Erica’s numbers are incredible, this conversation goes way beyond that piece. 

Erica shares how she’s creating a business that supports her ADHD brain and gives her more flexibility as a mom. She’s been able to explore new opportunities like coaching, brand partnerships, and masterminds. 

Remember – success doesn’t have to mean working more hours. If you’re a therapist wondering whether you can leave a demanding job, maintain your income, and build a business on your own terms, this episode is for YOU!

In this episode, From 6-Figures in Senior Leadership to 6-Figures in Her Own Practice with Dr. Erica Aten, we cover:

• • Transitioning from a $140K leadership role to building a full-time private practice
  • Navigating motherhood, burnout & the decision to leave a successful career
  • Calculating the true cost of replacing a salary, benefits & financial security
  • Using a clear niche + Instagram ads to attract high-value assessment clients
  • Growing to $20K months AND over $100K in revenue in just six months
  • Building a flexible, profitable practice around 20 clinical hours per week
  • Creating a strong financial foundation before expanding into additional income streams

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Resources & Links:

⭐️ This episode is sponsored by Jane – use code: KELLY2MONTH for a 2-month grace period
⭐️ This episode is sponsored by Alma, the financially rewarding way to go in-network
⭐️ Private Practice Academy Bundle (PPA)
⭐️ Reels Membership
⭐️ Business Coaching Waitlist
⭐️ Free training
⭐️ Caption Guide

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Connect with Erica:

• Follow on Instagram @drericaaten
• Check out her website

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Related Episodes:

• Episode 54: How to Earn 6-Figures+ with Group Therapy with Sara Schreiber
• Episode 76: The Reality of Balancing a Full-Time Job & Starting a Private Practice with Michelle Stiles
• Episode 114: ~$10K Months with No Website or Instagram with Therapist Halle Guidi

 

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More about the Business of Therapy podcast:

Are you a passionate therapist that’s burnt out and ready to transition to private pay? You’re asking yourself questions like “how do I build a business?”, “how can I effectively use Instagram to market myself” and “how can I scale a private practice?”

Welcome to the Business of Therapy podcast where we’ll answer those questions and more! Here you’ll find honest conversations about the good and the bad of being a therapist, tactical advice and best practices for marketing yourself on Instagram, and solidarity and community to find your own version of success as a therapist.

Join your host, Kelly McKenna, and her guests as they dive deeper into topics such as navigating burn out, mastering your mindset and boundaries, and tactics and strategies for marketing on Instagram, and more!

Kelly is a licensed therapist and business coach who grew her private practice on Instagram and has helped thousands of other therapists market themselves on social media, and effectively start and scale their private practice.

These episodes will leave you feeling empowered and equipped to take action towards your dream of a successful private practice.

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