Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in mental health care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ryan Schwartz, CEO and founder of Mental Health Match, located in Portland, OR, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Mental Health Match is the easiest way to find a therapist. We all deserve a trained guide to help us understand ourselves and how we move through the world. But it can be difficult to find the therapist right for you. Mental Health Match uses a matching algorithm to connect you with independent therapists who best meet your needs. Mental Health Match is free to use to find a therapist and completely anonymous - no logins or accounts are required.
Tell us about yourself
I came to this work in a very personal way. After suddenly and unexpectedly losing my mom, I searched for a therapist for the very first time. It was overwhelming, and everyone who gave me advice told me how difficult the process was. I talked to many people who gave up on mental health care entirely because they found it so difficult to find a therapist. Now that Mental Health Match makes the process easy, their stories and the stories of the people who use our site serve as my daily motivation.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My greatest accomplishment has been building Mental Health Match from a small, local network of therapists to a national network of thousands of providers. Over 10,000 people a week use Mental Health Match to find a therapist.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The roller coaster of ups and downs of a startup. You could be on top of the world one day only to find yourself near rock bottom the next. Thankfully my therapist helps me stay grounded and put my best self forward.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Get a therapist. Not only can a therapist help you manage the emotions of running a business, but they can also help you perform better and address biases like procrastination and ego that get in the way of your success.
- Find community. It can be isolating to get a business off the ground, so find people to co-work with, chat with, learn with, and share your journey with.
- Never stop talking to customers. It should be a weekly practice. And make sure you talk to customers from all levels of support - from your VIPs to the people who don't like what you've built.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://mentalhealthmatch.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MentalHealthMatch
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mentalhealthmatch/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MentalHlthMatch
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mental-health-match/
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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