Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in mental wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lauren Harris, M.Ed, LMHC, PMH-C, Owner of Center for Perinatal Wellness, located in Easthampton, MA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Center for Perinatal Wellness is a psychotherapy practice that specializes in maternal mental health and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. We primarily treat people who identify as women who are trying to have a baby or are pregnant or postpartum.
Tell us about yourself
I knew from a young age that I wanted to help people in some way. I became a therapist to help people. When I became a mother, I struggled with postpartum depression and anxiety. I couldn't find a therapist that specialized in this area. After the birth of my second child, I struggled again, and I found organizations that trained therapists in this area. I dove in head first. I learned everything I could about PPD & PPA. Now I spend my days training other clinicians, spreading awareness, and helping other women who are struggling as I did.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment would be, being asked by the department of public health to develop and give training on suicide prevention for other clinicians in the state. That was a huge honor. I also was asked to become an expert in the court system to give my opinions on how mental health challenges impact DCF-involved families.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things about owning a psychotherapy practice is navigating the insurance companies' bureaucracy. They often find any reason to deny claims and pass the cost on to the patients. It's very sad and time-consuming to fight for every penny. It also ultimately takes away from the time I am able to spend on direct client care.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
The tips I would give to another person wanting to start a business would be to be aware that there are plenty of hours of unpaid work, but it will eventually pay off. Also, If you do something you love, you'll never work a day in your life.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.cpw.care/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063474583597
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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