How to Build Referral Relationships to Grow Your Therapy Practice with Dr. Brian Dixon

Heard Business School

Referrals are the lifeblood of any successful therapy practice.

Yet many therapists struggle to build a consistent and sustainable referral network.

Dr. Brian Dixon is a triple board-certified psychiatrist, therapist, and entrepreneur passionate about patient care and systemic change.

In this episode, Dr. Dixon joins host Michael Fulwiler to discuss the structural issues of the healthcare system, the pragmatic shifts he’s made in his practice, and valuable business strategies for therapists, emphasizing focusing on one's strengths and effectively outsourcing tasks that lie outside their "zone of genius."

Learn about his challenges as a Black entrepreneur in a predominantly white industry (2% of psychiatrists are Black), his innovative approach to streamlining operations through his practice management company, and the importance of peer referrals.

In the conversation, they discuss:

• The underrepresentation of Black psychiatrists and the need for diversity in the mental health industry, with Dr. Brian Dixon actively involved in mentorship and recruitment efforts.
• It is important to recognize one’s shortcomings, to outsource tasks that aren't in one's "zone of genius," and to focus on personal strengths for business efficiency.
• Why Dr. Brian Dixon criticizes insurance companies for prioritizing profit over patient care and creating restrictive rules that hinder treatment.

Connect with the guest:

• Dr. Brian Dixon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianjdixonmd/
• Learn more about Dr. Brian: www.drbriandixon.com/
• Check out Mindful: https://findmindful.com/
• Check out Simply Psych: https://simplypsych.com/
• Follow Simply Psych on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplypsychtx/

Connect with Michael and Heard:

• Michael’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelfulwiler/
• Newsletter: https://www.joinheard.com/newsletter
• Book a free consult: https://www.joinheard.com/welcome-form

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Introduction to Heard Business School with guest Dr. Brian Dixon

(02:54) What it looks like for Dr. Brian Dixon to practice as a psychiatrist between behavioral health therapy and medication management

(05:18) How the medical school clinical rotation process works

(10:37) What made Dr. Dixon pivot into private practice

(11:53) The steps Dr. Dixon took to start his business

(12:57) How to acquire patients and clients

(14:53) The benefits of EOS in owning a private practice

(18:42) The types of services Simply Psych provides

(21:36) Dr. Brian talks about the challenges he faced starting his business

(23:40) How therapists can effectively network with doctors and physicians to get referrals

(28:23) Why Dr. Brian Dixon thinks insurance is a scam

(34:04) Representation of Black individuals in psychiatry

(38:23) Lessons Dr. Brian Dixon has learned from starting his business

(42:49) Challenges Dr. Brian Dixon is facing today with his practice

(46:01) Managing burnout

This episode is to be used for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, business, or tax advice. Each person should consult their own attorney, business advisor, or tax advisor with respect to matters referenced in this episode.