About this episode
What should you do when that dreaded subpoena arrives in your private practice's inbox or mailbox?In this episode, Patrick Casale talks with Dr. Brittany Bate, licensed psychologist, private practice strategy coach, and the founder of Be BOLD Psychology and Consulting, about the essentials that mental health professionals need to know to navigate legal requests and the court system.3 key takeaways:Paperwork Preparedness is Protection: Ensure your informed consent and scope of practice documents are up to date, specifically with clear language around court involvement, parental consent for minors, and your actual capacity/role as a therapist (hint: you are not a custody evaluator unless specifically trained!).Don’t Ignore—Respond! Even if a subpoena isn’t a court order, it usually requires a response (not just in NC, but in most states). Failing to reply—even if the request is unnecessary or outside your scope—could result in being held in contempt of court.Have (and Enforce) Reasonable Court Fees: Outline your fees for all court-related activities (prep, document compilation, testimony, etc.) in your paperwork. These should be reasonable and customary—don’t “price yourself out” unethically. Enforcing these agreements can often deter unnecessary requests and ensure your time is respected.Brittany also reminds therapists to document every session as if it might be read aloud in court. You never know when your notes may become part of the public record.If you want practical templates, risk-management tips, and on-demand courses to get your private practice truly “court-proof,” Brittany and her team have resources ready to go.DISCLAIMER: This podcast episode is for educational purposes and is not intended as legal advice.More about Brittany:Dr. Brittany Bate is a licensed psychologist, private practice strategy coach, and the founder of Be BOLD Psychology and Consulting – a North Carolina-based, primarily telehealth group practice offering LGBTQIA+ celebratory, neuroaffirming, and trauma-informed care. Her team specializes in individual, couples, family, and group therapy, as well as psychological evaluations, court-ordered assessments, and forensic evaluations and services.Brittany also owns Bold Practice Builders, where she helps therapists and group practice owners build values-aligned, efficient, and profitable businesses through trainings, masterminds, and done-for-you customizable templates and resources.With a doctoral degree focusing in clinical psychology with a forensic emphasis, Brittany is a forensic psychologist at heart. Additionally, with a background in conducting therapy and assessment in forensic state hospitals, state a
