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Dr. Sushrusha Arjyal shares her journey from board-certified psychiatrist and sleep specialist to founder of Bliss Sleep and Psychiatry in Cary, NC. She discusses the challenges and rewards of transitioning to private practice, including financial decisions, patient communication, and key mindset shifts for success.

Dr. Arjyal emphasizes curiosity, networking, coaching, and teaching future physicians about the business of medicine. She also reflects on balancing her roles as physician, entrepreneur, speaker, and mother, offering insights for those navigating a career in medicine.

Connect with her:

Website: Bliss Sleep and Psychiatry PLLC
Facebook: Bliss - Sleep and Psychiatry PLLC | Asheville NC
Instagram: @bliss__sleep_and_psychiatry
LinkedIn: Bliss - Sleep and Psychiatry PLLC
Youtube: www.youtube.com/@Bliss-SleepandPsychiatryPLLC

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1. The Direct Care Movement Is Mainstream Now

2026 is the year specialists can no longer ignore the shift—direct care is making headlines and attracting advocates like Mark Cuban, who’s cutting out middlemen and championing patient-centered care. The time to act is now.

2. You Have More Power (and Options) Than You Think

The old insurance model is broken, but you don’t have to play by those rules. Whether you’re worried about opening a new office, choosing your location, or deciding on cash vs. membership models, direct care lets you design your practice your way.

3. Support, Community, and Real Answers Await

Join Dr. Tea’s private Facebook group for monthly Q&As, peer support, and details on the next group coaching cohort. You’re not alone—connect, ask questions, and get ready to take control of your career in 2026.

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*Next Coaching Cohort Starts Feb 25, 2026. Launch it in 8 weeks and apply here

--> Record your question easily here

--> Join the Direct Care Society private Facebook group here.

--> Own a DSC practice and want to share your story? Apply here

• EMR I'm currently using in my Direct Care practice Simple Practice
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Dr. R. Michelle Koolaee is a board-certified rheumatologist with over 12 years of experience in academic and multi-specialty practices across Los Angeles. In 2025, she opened a direct care rheumatology practice in Pasadena to move beyond the constraints of 15-minute visits and provide patients with more time, access, and personalized care. She now shares her journey to help other physicians explore and implement the direct care model.

Connect with her:
Email: michelle@drrmichellekoolaee.com
Website: https://www.drrmichellekoolaee.com
Free Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/drrmichellekoolaee/subscribe

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*Next Coaching Cohort Starts Feb 25, 2026. Launch it in 8 weeks and apply here

--> Record your question easily here

--> Join the Direct Care Society private Facebook group here.

--> Own a DSC practice and want to share your story? Apply here

• EMR I'm currently using in my Direct Care practice Simple Practice
• HIPAA Compliant Email with Paubox Get $250 Credit Here
• Find me on LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/in/teadpm
• More resources teadpm.com

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I want to share some unexpected lessons that have sprouted from my garden—and from my perimenopause journey. From plants that refuse to grow to learning when to let go, I’ve realized the importance of focusing on what truly thrives in our lives and businesses.

This episode is about protecting your energy, sorting out what really matters, and making space for the things that bring you joy. If you’re navigating big life changes, I hope these reflections help you step into the new year with more ease, focus, and clarity.

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*Next Coaching Cohort Starts Feb 25, 2026. Launch it in 8 weeks and apply here

--> Record your question easily here

--> Join the Direct Care Society private Facebook group here.

--> Own a DSC practice and want to share your story? Apply here

• EMR I'm currently using in my Direct Care practice Simple Practice
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• More resources teadpm.com

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Dr. Brian Dixon, is an award-winning psychiatrist, author, and speaker who believes adaptive mental health is the foundation of a life well lived.

In this episode, he shares his journey from facing “moral injury” in insurance-based medicine to building a thriving direct-pay psychiatry practice rooted in autonomy, authenticity, and sustainable patient care.

Dr. Dixon explains how he created a model that allows him to deliver personalized, relationship-based, and clinically sound psychiatry.

Connect with him at:

www.SimplyPsych.com
www.FindMindful.com
www.linkedin.com/in/brianjdixonmd/

Support the show

*Next Coaching Cohort Starts Feb 25, 2026. Launch it in 8 weeks and apply here

--> Record your question easily here

--> Join the Direct Care Society private Facebook group here.

--> Own a DSC practice and want to share your story? Apply here

• EMR I'm currently using in my Direct Care practice Simple Practice
• HIPAA Compliant Email with Paubox Get $250 Credit Here
• Find me on LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/in/teadpm
• More resources teadpm.com

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Struggling to attract patients who pay cash? In this episode, we break down 7 practical steps to help you engage patients, build trust, and confidently set prices. Learn how to package services, handle insurance objections transparently, and leverage word of mouth to grow your practice. We also cover essentials for launching a minimal viable practice and identifying patients who benefit most from direct care.

Tune in to start validating the cash-pay model and growing a thriving direct care practice today!

Support the show

*Next Coaching Cohort Starts Feb 25, 2026. Launch it in 8 weeks and apply here

--> Record your question easily here

--> Join the Direct Care Society private Facebook group here.

--> Own a DSC practice and want to share your story? Apply here

• EMR I'm currently using in my Direct Care practice Simple Practice
• HIPAA Compliant Email with Paubox Get $250 Credit Here
• Find me on LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/in/teadpm
• More resources teadpm.com

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Dr. Demetrio J. Aguila III, a world-renowned peripheral nerve surgeon and former Air Force flight surgeon treating patients from 50 states and 32 countries. He’s the only surgeon in Nebraska, Iowa, Colorado, and South Dakota performing micro-invasive carpal tunnel surgery with same-day recovery.

Beyond surgery, he’s a medical acupuncturist, theologian, and founder of Healing Hands of America, a nonprofit offering specialty care without crushing medical debt.

In this episode, Dr. Aguila shares his journey from military medicine to pioneering nerve surgery and why Direct Care is changing the way patients experience healthcare.

Connect with him at:
https://m25program.com
https://www.totalpainsolutions.net
https://www.youtube.com/@TotalPainSolutionsbyHHNE/videos
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXA5q2W0npXHzWEpXWyuO84oE4LuL49DP&si=Rn0bN3slnekusr-5

Support the show

*Next Coaching Cohort Starts Feb 25, 2026. Launch it in 8 weeks and apply here

--> Record your question easily here

--> Join the Direct Care Society private Facebook group here.

--> Own a DSC practice and want to share your story? Apply here

• EMR I'm currently using in my Direct Care practice Simple Practice
• HIPAA Compliant Email with Paubox Get $250 Credit Here
• Find me on LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/in/teadpm
• More resources teadpm.com

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Direct Care is hard but staying the same is harder. I am so grateful that you're lending me your ears. Give yourself the gift of grace this season and all year long.

Happy Thanksgiving. I'll check in with you next week.

Support the show

*Next Coaching Cohort Starts Feb 25, 2026. Launch it in 8 weeks and apply here

--> Record your question easily here

--> Join the Direct Care Society private Facebook group here.

--> Own a DSC practice and want to share your story? Apply here

• EMR I'm currently using in my Direct Care practice Simple Practice
• HIPAA Compliant Email with Paubox Get $250 Credit Here
• Find me on LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/in/teadpm
• More resources teadpm.com