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Heard Launches Private Practice Launch Grant Program for Mental Health Professionals

via Business Wire

Financial Services Company Awards $42,000+ in Support to Help Three Therapists Launch Private Practices

Heard, a leading financial services platform for health and wellness professionals, today announced the launch of the Heard Private Practice Launch Grant Program. The initiative will provide three mental health professionals with over $14,000 each in startup support—including $5,000 in cash funding, business formation tools, banking setup, EHR software, and ongoing financial guidance—to launch their private practices in early 2026.

The program addresses a critical gap in the private practice launch experience. While the need for mental health care in America has reached unprecedented levels, therapists face significant barriers when starting their own practices—from navigating complex business formation requirements to securing adequate startup capital. Many therapists launch without the support available to entrepreneurs in other industries, leading to costly mistakes and unnecessary stress during an already overwhelming transition.

"Therapists are needed more than ever, yet many feel burned out and underpaid in traditional employment settings," said Andrew Riesen, Co-founder and CEO at Heard. "Private practice offers autonomy, equitable compensation, and the chance to build a career that reflects personal values—but the logistics can feel overwhelming. This grant program is our answer to that gap. We're partnering with three therapists to show what's possible when you don't have to figure it out alone."

The grant package includes:

  • $5,000 cash grant for startup expenses
  • First access to Heard's new Business Formation tool for entity setup, EIN applications, registered agent services, and state compliance
  • First access to Heard's new Business Banking tool designed for clean bookkeeping from day one
  • One year of SimplePractice EHR software
  • Heard's premium software and financial guidance, free until S-corp formation becomes tax-advantageous

Grant recipients will also participate in video documentation of their launch journey, creating educational content to help other therapists considering private practice.

The program is open to licensed mental health professionals (LCSW, LPC, LMFT, psychologists, psychiatrists) across the United States who are either planning to launch in Q1 2026 or who launched within the past six months. Applicants do not need to be current Heard members to apply.

Applications are open through December 31, 2025. Ten finalists will be selected for interviews, with three grant recipients announced in March 2026. All applicants will receive early access to Heard's upcoming Formation and Banking tools.

Apply or learn more about eligibility requirements here.

About Heard

Heard provides comprehensive financial services designed exclusively for independent health and wellness professionals. The platform combines bookkeeping, tax preparation, and financial guidance to help therapists and wellness practitioners build sustainable private practices.

For more information, visit www.joinheard.com.

"We're partnering with three therapists to show what's possible when you don't have to figure it out alone."

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