Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dr. Amanda Long. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Dr. Amanda , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Setting up an independent practice is a daunting endeavor. Can you talk to us about what it was like for you – what were some of the main steps, challenges, etc.

Starting my own practice was a vision that had been simmering for years, but stepping into entrepreneurship was a whole different reality. True Space Counseling and Psychological Services was born from my deep commitment to creating a safe, affirming, and culturally responsive therapy space for Black women. I knew that traditional therapy settings often lacked the nuance and understanding needed to support us fully, so I set out to build something different—something intentional.

The Early Days: From Vision to Reality:

The decision to start my own practice wasn’t just about wanting to be my own boss—it was about impact. I wanted to build a space where therapy wasn’t just about surviving but thriving. I started with a private practice, but as my caseload grew, so did my vision. I saw the need for a group practice where Black women therapists could not only serve clients but also be supported in their professional growth. That’s how True Space was born.

The Steps to Building True SpaceL

Launching True Space took strategic planning and a whole lot of faith. Some of the key steps included:

Business Structure & Licensing: I had to decide on the legal structure, get my business registered, and ensure compliance with all therapy licensing regulations in Illinois.

Securing a Location: Finding an office space that felt warm, inviting, and accessible was a priority. Eventually, we settled at 20280 Governors Drive in Olympia Fields, IL—a space that aligned with the essence of True Space.

Building a Brand & Network: Branding True Space was just as important as the therapy itself. I wanted our presence to feel relatable and culturally aligned, so I invested in branding, social media, and community engagement.

Hiring & Scaling: Bringing in therapists who shared the same mission was a pivotal moment. True Space became more than just my private practice—it became a collective of Black women therapists supporting Black women.

Operations & Systems: Establishing efficient systems for scheduling, billing, and client management was essential. I invested in platforms that streamlined operations so we could focus on providing excellent care.

Challenges & Lessons Learned:

The journey wasn’t without its hurdles. One of the biggest challenges was navigating the business side of therapy—insurance credentialing, financial planning, and marketing were all steep learning curves. Funding was also a challenge, as most traditional business loans and grants don’t prioritize Black-owned therapy practices. I had to get creative with bootstrapping and community support.

Another challenge was learning to delegate. In the early days, I wanted to do everything myself, but I quickly realized that growth required trusting others to help carry the vision forward.

What I’d Do Differently:

If I could go back, I’d invest in business mentorship sooner. Learning from other successful private practice owners would have saved me a lot of time and trial-and-error. I’d also prioritize financial literacy—understanding cash flow and business expenses on a deeper level earlier on would have made scaling smoother.

Advice for Aspiring Practice Owners:

Define Your Niche & Mission: Don’t just start a practice—create a purpose-driven space. The clearer you are about who you serve, the stronger your impact will be.

Invest in Community & Support: Entrepreneurship can feel lonely, but you don’t have to do it alone. Find mentors, join professional groups, and build relationships with other therapists.

Don’t Skip the Business Fundamentals: Learn about business structures, taxes, and financial planning early. Therapy is the heart of your practice, but operations keep it running.

Be Patient & Stay the Course: Growth takes time. Stay committed to your vision, even when challenges arise.

True Space is now more than just a therapy practice—it’s a movement. A space where Black women can show up fully, heal deeply, and thrive unapologetically. I’m proud of how far we’ve come, and I’m even more excited about what’s ahead.

Dr. Amanda , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Starting my own practice was a vision that had been simmering for years, but stepping into entrepreneurship was a whole different reality. True Space was born from my deep commitment to creating a safe, affirming, and culturally responsive therapy space for Black women. I knew that traditional therapy settings often lacked the nuance and understanding needed to support us fully, so I set out to build something different—something intentional.

About Me & How I Got Into This Work:

I’m Dr. Amanda Long, a licensed clinical psychologist and the founder of True Space. My journey into this field was deeply personal. Growing up, I saw firsthand how mental health was often stigmatized in Black communities, and I wanted to change that narrative. I pursued psychology with the goal of creating accessible, culturally attuned mental health services that truly met the needs of Black women.

My career has spanned various settings, from hospitals to community mental health centers, but I always felt there was something missing—spaces designed specifically for us. That’s what led me to start my own practice and, ultimately, True Space.

What True Space Offers:

True Space is a group therapy practice that centers the mental health and wellness of Black women. We provide:

Individual Therapy: Tailored support for anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions.

Group Therapy & Support Circles: Safe spaces for connection, healing, and empowerment.

Workshops & Trainings: Community and corporate workshops on mental health, self-care, and resilience.

Wellness Retreats: Holistic experiences designed for Black women to rest, reflect, and recharge.

We solve the problem of access to culturally competent mental health care. Many Black women feel unseen or misunderstood in traditional therapy spaces, and True Space ensures they don’t have to explain their lived experiences—we already get it.

What Sets Us Apart:

What makes True Space different is our unwavering commitment to the unique experiences of Black women. Therapy here isn’t just about talking—it’s about transformation. We blend clinical expertise with cultural understanding, providing a space where clients feel affirmed, validated, and empowered.

Another differentiator is that we are a collective of Black women therapists. Clients don’t just get access to one therapist; they become part of a community of professionals who are dedicated to their healing.

What I’m Most Proud Of:

I’m most proud of the impact we’ve had. Seeing Black women come into True Space, sometimes hesitant or even skeptical about therapy, and watching them leave feeling lighter, more confident, and empowered is the greatest reward. I’m proud of the community we’ve built, the lives we’ve changed, and the stigma we continue to break every day.

What I Want People to Know:

True Space isn’t just a therapy practice—it’s a movement. It’s a declaration that Black women deserve care, healing, and spaces where they don’t have to shrink themselves.

If you’re a Black woman looking for a therapist who truly understands you, or if you’re just starting to explore therapy, we’re here for you. And if you’re another mental health professional looking for a supportive community to grow in, we welcome you too.

Our mission is simple: to create a world where Black women thrive unapologetically. And at True Space, we’re making that happen every day.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

Advice for Managing a Team & Maintaining High Morale:

Managing a team—especially one centered around deep emotional work like therapy—requires a balance of leadership, support, and intentional culture-building. Here’s what I’ve learned about keeping a team engaged and morale high:

Create a Culture of Open Communication: Your team needs to feel seen and heard. Foster an environment where they can express concerns, share ideas, and ask for support without fear of judgment.

Prioritize Well-Being: Burnout is real, especially in mental health spaces. Encourage self-care, set realistic workloads, and model healthy boundaries.

Recognize & Celebrate Wins: Small wins matter just as much as big ones. Acknowledge the hard work your team puts in, whether it’s a successful session, a professional milestone, or just making it through a tough week.

Offer Growth Opportunities: People stay engaged when they feel like they’re growing. Provide access to professional development, mentorship, and leadership opportunities.

Lead with Empathy: People bring their whole selves to work. Approach leadership with understanding and compassion, knowing that your team’s well-being directly impacts their ability to show up for clients.

By prioritizing these elements, you create a workplace where people feel valued, supported, and motivated to do their best work—something that ultimately benefits both the team and the clients we serve.

Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?

The most effective strategy for growing True Space’s clientele has been a combination of community engagement, authenticity, and strategic marketing. Here’s what has worked best:

Word of Mouth & Referrals – When Black women feel truly seen and supported in therapy, they share their experiences. Providing high-quality, culturally competent care has led to organic referrals from clients and other professionals.

Building an Online Presence – Social media, particularly Instagram and LinkedIn, has helped establish trust before clients even walk through the door. Sharing relatable and educational content makes therapy feel more approachable.

Community Partnerships – Collaborating with Black-owned businesses, wellness groups, and local organizations has allowed us to reach more women who need our services.

Speaking Engagements & Workshops – Hosting events, corporate wellness workshops, and participating in panels has positioned True Space as a trusted leader in Black mental health.

Authenticity & Relatability – Many Black women feel disconnected from traditional therapy. By showing up as our full, authentic selves—both online and in sessions—we make mental health care feel more accessible and aligned with their lived experiences.

This intentional mix of relationship-building, visibility, and trust has helped True Space grow while staying true to our mission of creating a safe, affirming space for Black women to heal and thrive.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.atruespace.com
• Instagram: drlonglistens
• Facebook: drlonglistens