We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Evelyn Nunez a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Evelyn, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about how you went about setting up your own practice and if you have any advice for professionals who might be considering starting their own?

Before opening my practice, I had the opportunity to work with a wide range of populations, including individuals experiencing homelessness and serious mental illness, juveniles, geriatric mental health clients, patients in state mental hospitals, unaccompanied minors, CPS-involved families, individuals with substance use disorders, and survivors of human trafficking. Each setting deepened my understanding of human resilience and reinforced my passion for guiding, educating, and advocating for those in need.

Despite my experience, opening my own practice was terrifying. I struggled with imposter syndrome and a deep fear of failure. My husband became my greatest source of support, constantly reminding me of my capabilities and reflecting back the passion he saw in me when I doubted myself.

The first six months were challenging. I invested in magazine advertising that provided a few interesting stories but no sustainable growth.I genuinely questioned whether my practice would survive. Hesitantly, I began networking with psychiatrists in the area, who later became an important referral source. I placed pamphlets in the lobby of the office space I rented, and over time, people began approaching me with curiosity and questions about my work.

Ultimately, my greatest referral source became my clients. These incredible individuals trusted me enough to refer family members and friends, and that trust became the foundation of my practice.

Not all lessons came easily. I learned the hard way about protecting my time and professional boundaries—accepting new clients without deposits who never showed up, and working cases referred by attorneys who failed to pay agreed-upon fees. Those experiences taught me the importance of firm policies, including late-cancellation fees and keeping a payment method on file. Human beings can be wonderful, but they can also become conditioned to prioritize convenience—even when it means not showing up.

Alongside these challenges, my clients have taught me some of the most meaningful lessons of my life. I have witnessed individuals learn to love themselves, observed emotional growth unfold into genuine happiness, and learned to respect each person’s unique healing pace. Watching gradual shifts toward wellness is a profound privilege. I am deeply grateful to everyone who has allowed me to be part of their journey.

This work is not easy, but the fulfillment it brings is indescribable.

My recommendation to anyone considering becoming a therapist and opening a private practice is, first, to ensure they have an undeniable passion for working with people who require compassion, genuine empathy, and care. This field is one of service and guidance, and it can only be done well with a true love for humanity. Second, when opening a practice, do so with the intention of providing the highest quality of care while honoring the value of your work. Finding the balance between being a therapist and a business owner is essential. It is okay—and necessary—to make a living doing what you love.

Evelyn, 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?

My name is Evelyn Nuñez, and I am a bilingual psychotherapist based in Houston, Texas.

I grew up in northern Mexico and moved to the United States during my teenage years. Life experiences early on sparked a deep interest in psychology and human behavior. After graduating from college, I took a year off to work in social services with individuals experiencing homelessness—many of whom were veterans living with serious mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depression. This experience profoundly shaped my path and solidified my commitment to clinical psychology.

I went on to earn my master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Texas–Pan American, a program that provided a strong clinical foundation. I completed my internship at Harlingen State Hospital, an experience that was both rigorous and deeply enriching. Working in this setting strengthened my appreciation for the complexity of human behavior and the uniqueness of each individual’s story.

After several years of post-graduate experience and extensive clinical hours, I opened my private practice.

I work with individuals who:

Have experienced significant trauma

Are living with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder, ADHD, and related conditions

Are navigating major life transitions such as divorce, grief, relocation, adoption, or career changes

Struggle with self-worth and relationship challenges

Have experienced domestic violence

I provide both individual and couples therapy.

My therapeutic style is exploratory and depth-oriented. I focus on identifying core issues while providing education and practical skills to support meaningful change. I do not believe in superficial solutions; my philosophy centers on addressing the underlying causes of emotional distress rather than only managing symptoms.

I am passionate about working with diverse populations, and Houston has given me the opportunity to engage with many cultures. I remain committed to ongoing learning and strive to approach each client with cultural humility and genuine empathy—even when their lived experience differs from my own.

Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?

Beyond training and clinical knowledge, I believe that patience, transparency, and clear boundaries with clients are essential to succeeding in this field. Being genuine in your guidance, while consistently prioritizing client well-being and the delivery of high-quality care, is fundamental to effective practice.

Building connections with other professionals and developing a strong referral network can also be invaluable. However, it is important to establish trust in your network before referring clients out. Ultimately, the key to success lies in the well-being and satisfaction of your clients, which requires consistency and excellence in the services you provide at every stage of care.

Lastly, receiving authentic and ethical client reviews can be a powerful way to increase visibility and attract new clients. When clients feel genuinely supported and valued, they are often willing to share their positive experiences, helping others find the care they need.

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

If I could go back in time, I would choose the same profession and specialty without hesitation.

Although this work can be exhausting and burnout is always a risk—I have learned that lesson more than once—prioritizing self-care is essential. Even with the challenges, I never doubt that this is exactly what I am meant to do. The fulfillment I experience when I see another human being feel better—happier, more confident, and more at peace—is truly priceless. Witnessing my clients’ efforts take root and flourish fills me with pride and gratitude. I would not trade that feeling for anything.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://evelynnuneztherapy.com

Image Credits

Andrew Haskell