Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Lisa Lovelace. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Lisa, thanks for joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

In the years leading up to the pandemic, mental health care was largely synonymous with in-person sessions, sitting across from clients in a quiet room. I had been working as a therapist for several years, and while I loved the work, I started noticing a growing gap in access to care. Clients would cancel due to travel issues, bad weather, or work commitments. Some, especially those in rural areas or with disabilities, found it challenging to access therapy altogether. I began to wonder if there was a more flexible way to offer these vital services.

That’s when the idea of an online therapy group practice came to me. At the time, the concept of online therapy wasn’t widely accepted. The technology for virtual sessions existed, but it wasn’t being fully utilized in our field. Many questioned its effectiveness, worrying that a screen could never replicate the personal connection formed in a room. I had my own doubts—how would clients feel about it? Would therapists be willing to join me on this unconventional path? And most importantly, could therapy maintain its depth in a virtual setting?

But I also saw the potential. There was a growing demand for more accessible mental health care, and I felt this was a direction the field could, and should, move in. So, I took the risk. I invested time and resources into creating a fully online group practice before the world knew it needed it.

I had to navigate a lot of unknowns. Some clients were skeptical at first, and recruiting therapists to the practice was so new that many jumped at the chance! In the early days, I spent countless hours educating clients and therapists alike about the benefits of online therapy, reassuring them that the quality wouldn’t be compromised. I set up courses and on – demand programs for other therapists who wanted to build an online group practice, researched the best platforms for secure, HIPAA-compliant video sessions, and tailored our services to different client needs.

Then came COVID. Overnight, everything changed. Suddenly, online therapy wasn’t just an option—it was a lifeline. The infrastructure I had built allowed our practice to scale quickly to meet the surge in demand. Therapists who once doubted the model embraced it fully, and clients, having no other option, discovered the convenience and effectiveness of virtual sessions. The practice grew exponentially, and what once seemed like a risky, niche venture became a necessity.

Looking back, the risk I took helped establish a practice that not only adapted to a global crisis but positioned itself as a leader in a new era of mental health care. What seemed like a gamble at the time turned into a significant advantage, allowing me to help more people than I ever imagined possible.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Hello! I’m Dr. Lisa Lovelace, a licensed psychologist and the owner of Synergy eTherapy. I embarked on my journey into the mental health field out of a deep passion for helping others. My career as a therapist started in more traditional settings, where I worked face-to-face with clients, building meaningful connections to help them navigate life’s challenges. But over time, I recognized a growing issue within the industry: accessibility. I saw that many individuals who needed mental health care were facing barriers—whether due to geographical location, physical limitations, or tight schedules. That observation planted the seed for what would eventually become Synergy eTherapy.

Before online therapy was a widely accepted or trusted option, I took a bold step and launched an online group practice, Synergy eTherapy. I believed in a vision where quality mental health care could be accessible to anyone, anywhere, by leveraging technology to connect clients with licensed therapists. This innovative approach has allowed Synergy eTherapy to offer a range of services, including individual therapy, family therapy, and specialized care for conditions such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and more—all through the convenience of online sessions.

One of the most important problems Synergy eTherapy solves for its clients is accessibility. By eliminating the need for physical office visits, it makes therapy available to people in rural areas, those with busy schedules, or individuals who are homebound due to disabilities or other circumstances. Clients can attend sessions from the comfort of their own homes, making therapy more adaptable to modern life.

What sets Synergy eTherapy apart is the focus on providing the same level of care and human connection that one would expect in a traditional therapy setting, but within the flexibility of a virtual space. I am also proud of creating a practice that not only prioritizes client well-being but also embraces innovation, allowing me and my team to meet people where they are, both physically and emotionally. I’ve developed a network of highly skilled therapists, all of whom are trained in teletherapy best practices, ensuring that clients receive top-quality care in a safe and secure online environment.

I am most proud of the impact my practice has had on clients’ lives, especially during times of crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic. I take pride in being a trailblazer in the online therapy space, building a practice that was ahead of its time and providing much-needed services when the world needed them most.

For potential clients, followers, and anyone interested in my work, I want them to know that Synergy eTherapy is here to offer compassionate, flexible, and expert care. I believe in the power of human connection, and my team is dedicated to helping individuals find healing and growth, no matter where they are in their journey.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

In addition to training and knowledge, succeeding as a psychologist and business owner requires a combination of personal attributes, practical skills, and strategic thinking. Some of the most helpful qualities include:

Empathy and Emotional Intelligence: As a psychologist, being able to connect with clients on a deep, emotional level is essential. Empathy helps build trust, making clients feel understood and supported. Emotional intelligence also extends to managing your own emotions as a business owner, especially when facing challenges or making tough decisions.

Resilience and Adaptability: Running a business—especially in a field like mental health, which is constantly evolving—requires the ability to bounce back from setbacks and adapt to changing circumstances. Whether it’s navigating new regulations, adjusting to shifts in client needs, or managing the unpredictable aspects of running a practice, resilience is key.

Vision and Innovation: Successful business owners need to think beyond the status quo. Having a clear vision for where you want your business to go and being willing to innovate—whether it’s embracing technology, trying new business models, or exploring different marketing strategies—sets you apart. for instance, I identified the need for online therapy long before it became mainstream, which positioned Synergy eTherapy as a leader in that space. We’ve been named in FORBES over the past two years in several “Best of” categories for online therapy!

Time Management and Organization: Balancing the demands of being both a therapist and a business owner can be overwhelming. Strong organizational skills and time management are essential to juggling client care, business operations, marketing, and administrative tasks. This is crucial for maintaining a healthy work-life balance and ensuring the business runs smoothly.

Leadership and Team Building: Even if you’re starting out solo, growing a business often involves building a team. As a business owner, being an effective leader is critical for creating a positive culture, motivating your team, and ensuring that your practice provides consistent, high-quality care. Good leadership also involves delegating effectively, empowering others, and making strategic hiring decisions.

Marketing and Client Relations: Understanding how to market your services and build strong relationships with clients is essential for growth. This includes not just having a website or social media presence, but understanding your target audience, offering services that meet their needs, and consistently delivering value. Client retention and satisfaction are key to long-term success.

Financial Acumen: Knowing how to manage the financial aspects of your business—budgeting, cash flow, taxes, and growth strategies—is fundamental. Many psychologists may excel in their clinical work but struggle with the financial side of running a practice. Learning basic business finance or working with a financial advisor can make a big difference.

These skills, combined with your knowledge and passion for the work, create a strong foundation for success as both a psychologist and a business owner.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

Managing a team to maintain high morale in an online group practice requires intentional strategies to foster connection, communication, and a sense of belonging, even in a virtual setting. Here are some key elements that can help:

1. Regular Communication and Check-Ins
Consistent communication is crucial in a remote environment. Scheduling regular team meetings or check-ins helps maintain a sense of cohesion and keeps everyone on the same page. These meetings don’t always need to be about work; casual check-ins or “virtual coffee breaks” can foster personal connections and camaraderie.

2. Clear Goals and Expectations
Setting clear goals, expectations, and responsibilities helps avoid confusion and ensures everyone knows what is expected of them. When employees have clarity, it reduces anxiety and increases confidence in their roles. This is especially important in a virtual team, where miscommunication can happen more easily.

3. Recognition and Appreciation
Acknowledging your team’s hard work and celebrating achievements are great morale boosters. In an online setting, this can take the form of shout-outs during meetings, sending thank-you notes, or organizing virtual recognition events. Employees who feel appreciated are more engaged and motivated.

4. Opportunities for Professional Growth
Investing in your team’s development can go a long way in maintaining high morale. Offering opportunities for continuing education, certifications, or training programs shows that you are invested in their long-term growth. This can also take the form of peer learning or mentorship within the practice, which can be empowering and foster collaboration.

5. Fostering Team Collaboration and Social Interaction
Creating opportunities for team members to collaborate and bond can strengthen their sense of connection, even when working remotely. Team-building activities—whether work-related or just for fun—help break down the isolation that sometimes accompanies remote work. Virtual retreats, collaborative projects, or group discussions on relevant topics can keep team members engaged with one another.

6. Flexibility and Autonomy
One of the biggest benefits of working in an online practice is the flexibility it offers. Allowing your team autonomy over their schedules, as long as it aligns with client needs, promotes work-life balance and reduces burnout. Respecting their individual working styles and giving them control over their own time can contribute to job satisfaction.

7. Transparency and Open Feedback
Fostering a culture of transparency and open communication helps build trust within your team. Encouraging honest feedback and being open to suggestions for improvement creates a space where team members feel heard and valued. This openness can also help resolve issues before they affect morale.

8. Providing the Right Tools and Support
Ensuring that your team has access to the right tools—whether it’s secure video conferencing platforms, a reliable practice management system, or technical support—helps them do their jobs efficiently. Removing barriers to their workflow reduces frustration and helps them focus on delivering quality care.

9. Mental Health Support and Well-Being Initiatives
In an online therapy practice, it’s especially important to prioritize the mental health of your team. Offering resources for self-care, mental health days, or even access to counseling services can demonstrate that you value their well-being as much as that of your clients. Hosting workshops or discussions about self-care, burnout prevention, and work-life balance can also help support your team.

10. Shared Vision and Purpose
Lastly, fostering a strong sense of shared purpose and vision can keep morale high. When your team understands the mission of the practice and believes in the work they are doing, it creates a sense of fulfillment. Regularly reinforcing the positive impact the practice is having on clients and the broader community can keep everyone motivated and aligned with the practice’s goals.

By focusing on these areas, you can create a positive, supportive work environment that encourages high morale, even in the virtual space. A strong, connected team is key to delivering excellent care to clients and growing the practice successfully.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.synergyetherapy.com
• Instagram: @synergyetherapy
• Facebook: @synergyetherapy
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-lovelace-psy-d-l-p-0056285/