Online Treatment for Anxiety & Depression-Therapy for Change

Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Shariff Ruffin, owner of Therapy for Change, LLC, located in Fairfax, VA, USA.

What's your business, and who are your customers?

In January 2021, I launched Therapy for Change LLC to provide virtual mental health counseling to young adults in Virginia. Usually, the clients I work with want to address symptoms of anxiety and depression. Some clients want to develop coping strategies to not use substances.

Tell us about yourself

Since graduate school, I've decided to create a private practice that works with late teens and young adults on their substance use and mental health. Post-graduate school, and after obtaining my license as Clinical Social Worker, I joined a group practice. While at the group practice, I wanted to learn how to run a business. For instance, I wanted to learn how to market a business and where to find clients because these business skills weren't taught in my master of social work program. The COVID-19 pandemic forced many mental health professionals to provide mental health counseling virtually. So I learned the group practice' virtual business model, and after a year or so, I decided to start my practice.

What keeps me motivated includes a few things. I enjoy the legwork in creating something from scratch, like a business. I like to problem-solve and had to do much of that during my first year as a business owner. Most importantly, I want to see the people I work with thrive and be happy. I feel honored that they let me be a part of their self-improvement journey, which keeps me motivated.

What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?

My biggest accomplishment as an owner of a practice includes starting a business with little experience and making a profit to reinvest back into the business.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?

The hardest things that come with being a business owner include marketing and finding other sources of referrals for the practice.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?

The top three tips I would give anyone looking to start a business would be patience, consistency, and asking the "right people" for assistance in growing your business.

Where can people find you and your business?

Website: https://www.therapyforchangefairfax.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Therapyforchangefairfax
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/therapyforchange/

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.

Turn your craft into recurring revenue with Subkit. Start your subscription offering in minutes and supercharge it with growth levers. Get early access here.