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2 Years in Private Practice: What We’ve Learned, Built, and Want Other Therapists to Know
In just two years, we’ve grown Strong Mind Mental Health from zero clients to a thriving six-figure group practice. We’ve learned that sustainability matters more than hustle, therapist care fuels client care, and leading with heart creates real impact. Our story shows that it’s possible to build a practice with intention, integrity, and community at the center. 🎉
Two years ago, we opened Strong Mind Mental Health with no clients, no investors, and no business degree between us.
What we did have was a clear vision:
To create a space where therapy is deeply human, where clinicians are supported—not drained—and where our values led the way instead of outdated systems.
- We were told to expect slow growth.
- We were told not to get our hopes up.
- We were told that private practice success doesn’t come until year 3 or 5.
But we believed in what we were building.
And now—just two years later—we’ve grown into a thriving, six-figure group practice with a dynamic team, multiple projects, and a mission that keeps expanding.
We want to share what we’ve learned, not to brag—but to help.
Because if you’re a therapist, a grad student, or a practice owner dreaming of something more—you deserve to know that it’s possible.
What We’ve Built in Two Years
- A diverse team of 8 clinicians specializing in trauma, DBT, CBT, EMDR, couples therapy, LGBTQIA+ support, substance use, and more
- A supportive, growth-centered work culture where we fund continuing education and promote specialty training (our team has completed certifications in trauma, sex therapy, and EMDR—because we believe in investing in our people)
- A six-figure business built entirely from the ground up—no outside funding, no shortcuts
- A mental health wellness workbook: The Mindful Habit Builder — a resource we created to help clients (and ourselves) build sustainable mindful habits
- A growing community presence, with free mental health workshops, charity partnerships, and outreach events
- A podcast, Collectively Unhinged: Therapy Talk, where we speak candidly about mental health, therapy, sex, identity, and all the messy parts of being human—without the jargon
What We’ve Learned (That No One Taught Us in Grad School)
We’ve learned that you don’t need to have it all figured out to start—you just need to trust yourself enough to build as you go.
We’ve learned that:
- Sustainability > hustle—burnout is not a badge of honor
- Client care is directly connected to therapist care—when our team feels supported, our clients thrive
- You don’t have to mimic corporate structures to be successful—you can lead with heart, creativity, and flexibility
- Diversity in your practice isn’t a bonus—it’s essential to creating safer spaces for all identities
- You can build your own table if the existing ones don’t fit
We’ve made mistakes. We’ve learned to pivot.
We’ve cried during strategy meetings.
And we’ve also had the “holy sh*t, we did it” moments—and those are what keep us going.
For Therapists, Grad Students & Practice Owners: A Few Things We’d Say If You Were Sitting Across from Us
- You don’t need a perfect website, logo, or social media feed to start helping people
- You’re allowed to do things differently than the people around you
- Don’t wait to “feel ready”—start small, get scrappy, stay curious
- If you’re in survival mode now, the vision can still be built
- Building a practice is hard—but it’s not impossible. And you don’t have to do it alone.
🤝 We Offer Consultations—Because We Want You to Thrive, Too
Whether you're:
- A grad student unsure where to begin
- A clinician feeling stuck in a system that no longer fits
- Or a new practice owner needing support to scale...
We offer 1:1 consultations to help guide you through those early (and often overwhelming) stages of practice building.
This work is hard—but it doesn’t have to be lonely. And your success doesn’t have to come at the cost of your mental health.
🥂 Cheers to Two Years
We’re proud of what we’ve built.
But more than anything, we’re proud that we built it our way—with intention, integrity, and so much heart.
If our story resonates with you—or if you’re thinking about taking the leap—we’re here. We believe in the therapist and the entrepreneur in you.
– Courtnie & Melisa
Co-Founders, Strong Mind Mental Health
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