Dear Community,

Welcome to the combined newsletter of BBMHG and the UWSPA- “The Link”- a fun and informative newsletter that provides direction about upcoming events and shares useful contributions from our combined communities. Aptly named The Link, we are all about Learning, inspiration, Networking, and Knowledge!

A little history about the listservs: BBMHG is Brooklyn and Beyond Mental Health Group, founded by Kari Groff MD, and UWSPA is the Upper West Side Psychotherapy Alliance, founded by Ari Fox, LCSW. Together, we reach 5000 mental health and allied professionals. We are passionate connectors and love community building which is why we decided to make a combined newsletter!

We hope you take time every month to read about what is happening in our vast and amazing community. Like our readers, we believe in sharing information and resources to sustain our businesses, have more fun, and make authentic new connections.

Our Story

Around this time last year, Ari and Kari met at an outdoor networking event that Kari hosted at City Well Spa. Meeting in bathing suits in an outdoor Brooklyn hot tub sounds like a funny way to connect, but the ever-networking, curious Ari was eager to see what was happening deep in Brooklyn with Kari and BBMHG. The need to put a swimsuit on in December was not going to get in his way (he even did a cold plunge in something that resembled a barrel of pickles!). Kari’s bathing suit had truly seen better days, according to her daughter. They laughed as Ari tipped his toes into the hot tub with a “nice to meet you.”

Since then (after a hot cup of coffee!) Ari and Kari have been working collaboratively on projects this past year, including some fun events, workshops, and this joint newsletter for all of the BBMHG and Upper West Side Psychotherapy Alliance members.

We want our story to be your story (but with better bathing suits)—one of serendipitous meetings, collaboration, networking, practice building, and ultimately, friendship.

We hope that each month you will take time to learn about exciting opportunities to help you expand your professional network, refine your networking skills, and enhance your practice. From networking events and headshot photography sessions to workshops about health insurance and accounting, to book reviews, there’s something for everyone in this newsletter!

Small Group Health Insurance for Clinicians in Private Practice – Monday, December 16th @ 8-9 PM

Free

Zoom Link is sent in both BBMHG and UWS Psychotherapy Listservs- email [email protected] today if you can’t find the link for tonight’s session!

"A conversation exploring tailored insurance solutions for therapy practices, featuring insights on affordability, coverage, and options".

30-minute presentation followed by 30 minutes Q&A

Amber is one of the most knowledgeable brokers in the business and will give us the real deal about health insurance options for small business owners. Open enrollment is happening now so this is a great time to learn about all of your options.

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Accounting Workshop For Clinicians- Friday, January 17 @ 12-1 PM

Free

Zoom (Link to be sent on the day of the event)

Join us for an informative workshop on accounting for your private practice. Expert CPAs Steve Furman and Tim Doepfner will discuss common concerns specific to private practice: tax deductions, bookkeeping and software, business structure, saving for retirement as a self-employed professional and more. Bring your questions!

Steve and Tim have years of experience helping clinicians make prudent choices about their businesses. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to learn from the best.

UPCOMING EVENTS

We are continuing our Networking and Photography Parties and offering affordable, high-quality headshot photography sessions with Kari’s partner in life and business, Goran Veljic. Whether you're an individual therapist or part of a larger group, we want to offer you the chance to have a stellar, high-quality professional photo. We will be hosting several of these every year. It’s a perfect chance to build connections while getting a professional headshot taken by Goran, who understands the unique needs of client-facing professionals. We absolutely believe in the power of great photography and want our community members to have access to affordable, quality photography.

Due to popular demand, we have scheduled another UWS photo/networking session on Friday, March 7th, 2025, 10 AM- 1 PM @ Cope NYC

To Register: CLICK HERE

If you are interested in coming to the one in March or future events in April and May, please email Kari at [email protected] to join the list! In the meantime, check out your colleague’s photos and how they integrated them into their beautiful profiles. Goran Veljic is available for individual or group sessions. Learn more and book your session at www.goranv.com. 

In-person Networking Events

There will be more in-person and online networking opportunities. Contact us if you want to host an event for The Link BBMHG-UWSPA! We would love to co-host your in-person networking event! Reach out and let’s make a date. It is a great way to get to know more people and showcase your practice as well.

With this newsletter, we aim to provide you with the tools and inspiration you need to succeed in your professional journey. Whether you're joining us for a workshop, a networking event, or just want to stay up on what is happening in the field and beyond, we're here to support you every step of the way.

Best regards,

Brooklyn and Beyond Mental Health Group and the Upper West Side Psychotherapy Alliance