Private Practice Elevation with Daniel Fava 186. From Burned-out Psychologist to Software Entrepreneur with Damien Adler
In this episode, listeners will discover how one psychologist's frustration with practice management sparked the creation of Zanda—a platform designed to streamline operations and reduce burnout for mental health professionals.
Whether you're a solo practitioner or building a group practice, this conversation offers fresh insight into using technology to simplify the business side of therapy.
Daniel Fava chats with Damien Adler, a clinical psychologist turned tech entrepreneur and co-founder of Zanda Health.
Damien shares the story behind Zanda's development—from managing a busy practice in Australia to launching a software solution that now supports clinicians across the globe.
With a strong focus on user experience, innovation, and solving real-world problems, Damien and his team are transforming how therapists manage their practices.
What You'll Learn in This Episode:
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The Origin of Zanda: How Damien's firsthand experience in private practice inspired the creation of a more efficient and integrated practice management system.
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A Global Solution: Zanda now serves practices in Australia, the UK, the US, and Canada—showing how universal the need is for better admin tools.
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Built for Therapists, by Therapists: Damien shares how clinician feedback plays a key role in shaping the platform's evolution.
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AI in Practice Management: Learn how Zanda leverages artificial intelligence to automate tasks like note-taking and reporting.
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Lessons in Scaling: Damien opens up about the challenges and rewards of building a health tech company while staying grounded in the therapy world.
This episode is a must-listen for therapists, group practice owners, and anyone curious about the intersection of mental health and technology.
Links mentioned in this episode:
This Episode Is Brought To You By
Alma is on a mission to simplify access to high-quality, affordable mental health care by giving providers the tools they need to build thriving in-network private practices. When providers join Alma, they gain access to insurance support, teletherapy software, client referrals, automated billing and scheduling tools, and a vibrant community of clinicians who come together for education, training, and events.
Learn more about building a thriving private practice with Alma at helloalma.com/elevation.
About Damien Adler
Damien Adler is a registered psychologist, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Zanda Health, a global practice management software company. He has a background in health administration, having held senior positions in the public health sector. He later founded a successful group private practice, and it was here that Damien discovered his passion for using technology to make life easier for health practitioners.
These days, Damien dedicates his time to improving healthcare practices through technology. His unique insights stem from working closely with thousands of practitioners worldwide, from hospital settings to private practices, allowing him to identify universal challenges and opportunities within allied health. Damien's unique blend of practical experience and technological insight makes him a respected figure in advancing healthcare practice efficiency and effectiveness.
About Daniel Fava
Daniel Fava is the owner and founder of Private Practice Elevation, a website and SEO agency focused on helping private practice owners create websites that increase their online visibility and attract more clients. Private Practice Elevation offers web design services, SEO (search engine optimization), and WordPress support to help private practice owners grow their businesses through online marketing.
Daniel lives in Atlanta, GA with his wife Liz, and two energetic boys. When he's not working he enjoys hiking by the river, watching hockey, and enjoying a dram of bourbon.