We were lucky to catch up with Maci Cowart recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Maci thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

Growing up, my parents instilled in me the value of independence, resilience, and adaptability—qualities that have shaped not only my personal journey but also my career. From an early age, I moved all over Louisiana, the country, and even the world, constantly adapting to new environments, cultures, and challenges. The biggest lesson my parents taught me was how to be successful on my own—to build a life for myself without relying on others and to take ownership of my future.
One of the most impactful stories from my family is about my dad. At 8 years old, he was selling eggs on a chicken farm to help support his mother, my grandmother, who was a single mom raising two children. That work ethic and determination were passed down to me. My parents made sure I understood the importance of financial independence—from the moment I moved out at 18, I knew I had to manage my own bills, be financially responsible, and navigate the real world with confidence.
Beyond financial independence, my parents also empowered me to chase my dreams and never sacrifice my goals for someone else. They always encouraged me to be the best version of myself, embrace my ambitions, and trust in my abilities. This mindset gave me the courage to move abroad to Ireland after college to work in a school resource center, helping children. It was one of the most defining experiences of my life, and I credit that leap of faith to the foundation my parents laid for me.
My mother, in particular, taught me the importance of balance and self-identity. She made significant sacrifices for our family, pausing her career for us. Watching her navigate that journey showed me the positives and challenges of prioritizing family over work—and how important it is to know who you are outside of your career. This understanding gave me a sense of security in my own identity, allowing me to pursue my work with passion but also maintain a strong sense of self.
These lessons have shaped me into the professional I am today. They made me resilient, able to adapt quickly to new environments, and capable of handling crises with confidence—qualities that ultimately led me to join the Disaster Mental Health team with the Red Cross. Because of my parents’ influence, I have dedicated my career to helping others and making a lasting impact on lives across the world. Their values will continue to guide me through every step of my journey.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My journey into mental health and addiction counseling started in high school when I first became interested in psychology, particularly how the mind works. At the time, I was navigating my own mental health challenges, which deepened my curiosity about the field and my desire to help others. This passion led me to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, after which I moved abroad to Dublin, Ireland, where I volunteered at School Street Family Resource Centre. That experience reinforced my commitment to working with individuals and families in need, shaping my decision to further my education and clinical expertise.
I went on to earn my Master’s degree at the University of Denver and now practice as a Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC) and a Licensed Professional Counselor Candidate (LPCC) in Colorado. Additionally, I am an SOMB (Sex Offender Management Board) Approved Provider for both juvenile and adult clients. Over the years, I have gained extensive experience in private practice, community mental health, inpatient treatment, and residential programs, allowing me to bring a comprehensive, client-centered approach to the people I serve.
In addition to my work as a clinician, I am also a woman-owned business owner, running MMC Wellness & Recovery Collective, a practice dedicated to supporting individuals and professionals in their journey toward healing and growth. Through my business, I provide a wide range of services, including individual therapy, addiction counseling, family and couples therapy, and professional supervision. I specialize in supporting clients navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, life transitions, and substance use recovery while also providing structured treatment for sex offenders under SOMB guidelines. Additionally, I offer training and supervision for new therapists and addiction counselors, ensuring that those entering the field receive the mentorship and guidance needed to grow in their careers. Beyond traditional therapy, I also serve on the Red Cross Disaster Mental Health Team for Colorado and Wyoming, offering psychological support during times of crisis.
What sets me apart is my relentless drive for growth and impact. At just 24 years old, I have worked across diverse mental health settings, traveled the world, and built a career rooted in helping others. By next year, I plan to hold three professional licenses—Licensed Addiction Counselor (LAC), Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)—further expanding my ability to support individuals, couples, and families on their healing journeys.
I want people to know that mental health care should be accessible, empowering, and transformative. Whether through therapy, addiction counseling, or professional supervision, my mission is to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where individuals can heal and grow. I believe in the power of transformation, and I am committed to helping my clients and colleagues achieve meaningful, lasting change in their lives.

Putting training and knowledge aside, what else do you think really matters in terms of succeeding in your field?

Beyond training and knowledge, I believe that one of the most crucial factors for success in the mental health and addiction counseling field is self-advocacy—knowing my worth, setting firm boundaries, and ensuring that my work is valued both professionally and financially. This profession often operates under the assumption that because we help others, we should be willing to sacrifice our own well-being in the process. However, I have learned that this mindset only leads to burnout, resentment, and a lack of sustainability in this career.

For me, advocating for myself means recognizing my value and ensuring that my compensation and workload reflect my expertise and effort. Whether it’s negotiating a pay raise, reducing excessive hours, or enforcing clear job expectations, I believe that professionals in this field must push back against the idea that our work should come at the expense of our own well-being. At the end of the day, I understand that whoever I work for can replace me—they will either value my contributions or find someone willing to settle for less. Standing firm in my boundaries ensures that I am not overworked, underpaid, or taken advantage of.

Balancing work and life is critical in sustaining a long-term career in this field. I have seen too many therapists, counselors, and mental health professionals give more than they are compensated for, offering free emotional labor, extra services, or going beyond their job description simply because they care about their clients. While empathy is at the core of this work, I firmly believe that we are not obligated to provide services for free, especially for large corporate institutions that profit from our labor. Ensuring that my time, energy, and expertise are respected is just as important as the work I do for others.

For me, success in this field isn’t just about helping others—it’s also about protecting myself, advocating for fair treatment, and ensuring that I can continue this work in a way that is both fulfilling and sustainable

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

After graduating with my undergraduate degree, I applied to multiple graduate programs, only to find myself waitlisted from all of them. I had no plan B, no idea what to do next, and I felt completely lost. At the same time, I experienced a deeply personal loss—the death of someone extremely close to me. Navigating grief while facing rejection and uncertainty about my future was overwhelming. I didn’t know what my next step would be, but I knew one thing—I didn’t want to spend a year waiting. Instead of letting rejection and loss define me, I decided to take control of my future.

I started researching jobs and programs abroad, determined to grow and expand my career in a meaningful way. That’s when I came across an internship opportunity in Dublin, Ireland. Without knowing anyone there, and having never traveled outside of the U.S. before, I took a leap of faith. At just 21 years old, I left behind my family, friends, and everything familiar to set off completely on my own. It was terrifying, but I refused to let uncertainty stop me.

Looking back, taking that risk was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I met some of the most incredible people, many of whom I am still in contact with today. My experience opened my eyes to different cultures and the global importance of mental health services. I saw firsthand the impact of mental health care beyond my own community, and it solidified my passion for this work.

That period in my life shaped me in ways I never expected. It taught me that setbacks and loss do not define us—how we respond to them does. Instead of waiting for the next opportunity to come to me, I created my own. That resilience continues to drive me today, pushing me to take risks, pursue my goals fearlessly, and never let rejection or uncertainty hold me back.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.themmcwellnessrecoverycollective.com/
• Instagram: mmcrecoverycollective