Balancing Compassion and Business in Addiction Treatment: A Talk with Steve Donai

In this episode of *Finding New Waters*, we sit down with Steve Donai, founder of Growth Sherpa Consulting, to discuss the intricacies of patient acquisition in addiction treatment. Steve shares how his company helps treatment centers balance the need for revenue while staying true to their mission of helping patients recover. With over a decade of experience in the field, Steve also talks about the importance of compassionate care, the role of financial management in treatment centers, and the evolving landscape of outreach in the addiction recovery industry.

Timestamps:
- **[00:00] Introduction**: Welcome and episode overview.
- **[01:00] Meet Steve Donai**: Steve introduces himself and explains what Growth Sherpa Consulting does.
- **[04:30] Balancing Revenue and Care**: The importance of finding a balance between financial goals and altruistic care in treatment centers.
- **[08:00] Scholarships and Financial Transparency**: How Growth Sherpa helps treatment centers understand revenue and manage scholarships for patients in need.
- **[13:00] Empathy in Leadership**: Steve shares how being around individuals in recovery has helped him become a better leader and person.
- **[18:00] The Evolving Role of Outreach**: The shift from traveling for treatment to localized outreach and the benefits of Zoom for building relationships.
- **[24:00] Working with Families in Crisis**: Steve’s advice on how treatment centers can better communicate with families looking for care.
- **[30:00] The Future of the Addiction Treatment Industry**: Steve talks about trends in the industry, including the rise of outpatient care and insurance challenges.
- **[36:00] Conferences and Building Relationships**: The value of conferences and professional weekends for deepening connections within the industry.

Key Points Discussed:
1. **Patient-Centered Treatment**: Steve emphasizes the need for treatment centers to balance financial sustainability with compassionate care, ensuring patients are prioritized.
2. **Scholarships and Revenue**: The importance of managing financial data to provide scholarships while maintaining operational stability.
3. **Empathy in Leadership**: Steve reflects on how working with individuals in recovery has influenced his leadership style, focusing on care and compassion.
4. **Evolving Outreach**: The growing role of local outreach teams and virtual platforms like Zoom in building national relationships.
5. **Industry Trends**: Steve shares insights on the rise of outpatient care models and how insurance is reshaping the addiction treatment landscape.

Guest Bio:
Steve Donai
Founder, Growth Sherpa Consulting
Steve Donai is the founder of Growth Sherpa Consulting, a firm that specializes in helping addiction treatment centers streamline patient acquisition and improve financial sustainability. With a background in surgical implant sales and over a decade in the behavioral health industry, Steve is passionate about finding the balance between compassionate care and operational efficiency. His work has helped numerous treatment centers grow and better serve their communities.

Resources Mentioned:
- *Growth Sherpa Consulting:* https://growthsherpaconsulting.com/
- https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-th...

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