Our Story
Hi, I’m Jackie Dunagan, a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. I created Practice Elements + Co. for a simple reason: I wanted to make the business of private practice easier so clinicians could focus on what they love, the science and art of clinical care.
If you’re anything like me, you love the clinical work. It’s meaningful, challenging, and deeply fulfilling. It feels like a calling. But like most professions, it comes with administrative and operational demands that must be managed. This behind-the-scenes work is rarely visible, often underappreciated, and ranges from mildly tedious to downright draining. It’s part of the job—but rarely the part anyone looks forward to.
For many clinicians, the idea of handling all of it alone feels overwhelming. I remember thinking there had to be a better way—a structure that allowed clinicians to build independent practices without getting buried in the how-tos.
Why Practice Elements + Co. Exists
The Evolution of Practice
I became the clinician I am today because of the support, structure, and sense of belonging I found in a strong group practice. I will always be grateful for that experience. The systems were in place. Compliance was handled. Marketing was shared. And there was always someone to consult with. At that stage of my career, it was exactly what I needed—the right place at the right time.
In a group practice, fee splits aren’t a limitation; they’re the cost of belonging to a professional community. They support infrastructure, supervision, and collaboration—elements that help newer clinicians build confidence, competence, and sound clinical judgment. For me, that structure was invaluable.
As my experience grew, I eventually felt ready to step out on my own. I assumed building the operational side of a practice would be relatively straightforward. In hindsight, I was naively optimistic. What I quickly discovered was that compliance, workflows, technology, and operations required far more time, energy, and expertise than I had anticipated.
The Challenge
When I launched my own practice, I had a solid clinical foundation—but I lacked the built-in infrastructure and community. My professional network was still there, but collaboration is easier when you’re working within the same systems, on the same platforms, and under the same operational umbrella.
And then there was the infrastructure itself. No single platform does it all. I spent countless hours in demos, consultations, and research trying to piece together a system that was compliant, efficient, and actually pleasant to use. Eventually, I found a solution—but only after far more effort than I ever expected.
The Solution
My experience made one thing clear: if this was difficult for me, it had to be difficult for others.
Initially, I loved the idea of leading a group practice, but not the liability of overseeing someone else's clinical work. What I really wanted was a community of equals—clinicians with shared values, diverse strengths, and the ability to consult, collaborate, and grow together without sacrificing autonomy.
As my own transition from group practice to independent practice unfolded, I began imagining something that brought together the best parts of both experiences: the freedom of running your own practice with the visibility, professional identity, resources, and collegial connections that come from being part of something larger.
I realized that by bringing these elements together, I could help make independent practice for others not just possible, but more sustainable.
That's how Practice Elements + Co. was born.
We provide the elements.
You provide the care.
Is PE+Co Your Missing Element?
If you've ever wished your independent practice had greater visibility and a stronger professional presence…
If you miss having colleagues to exchange ideas with, lean on, and share resources…
If you value independence but appreciate the benefits of belonging to a professional community…
Practice Elements + Co. may be your missing element.
PE+Co. is designed for licensed clinicians who want the freedom of independent practice without sacrificing professional connection. You keep your autonomy. You keep your clients. You keep your revenue. We provide the visibility, identity, and community that help make independent practice more connected and sustainable.
Because independence shouldn't mean doing everything alone.
We provide the elements.
You provide the care.