We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Mary Beth Somich, LCMHC. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Mary Beth below.

Hi Mary Beth , thanks for joining 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.

I took a big leap in starting my own private practice in a new city I had just moved to (Raleigh). In graduate school at Columbia, they taught me how to be a great therapist, but I learned nothing about starting a business or being an entrepreneur. It was actually discouraged or viewed as a goal to have when you were in the field for 20+ years. While awaiting my North Carolina licensure approval from the Board, I dove into teaching myself everything I needed to know about establishing a private practice. I was fortunate to have the time and space to do so, which I understand is not a viable option for everyone. I learned the importance of modern marketing approaches, namely, social media marketing and the impact it can have on the success of one’s private practice. Showing up in this way also helps reduce the stigma around mental health and help other’s see therapy as less intimidating. It was for this reason, I created InstaGrowth For Therapists, my first course for therapists also looking to establish and market their modern private practices on social media, namely, Instagram. My advice to young therapists considering starting their own practice is to form a relationship with a mentor or business coach who has already successfully built a private practice from the ground up and understands the unique considerations of being a “therapreneur.”

Mary Beth , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Mary Beth Somich, LCMHC, and I am a licensed therapist, private practice owner, podcast host, and course creator. I’m passionate about using my training at Columbia University to promote modern mental health and help make therapy accessible and relatable. I provide both therapy and coaching to clients I work with, and specialize in family dynamic work with teens and young adults. This involves helping my clients set boundaries, improve communication, strengthen relationships, and reduce the anxiety they experience.

Additionally, I help mentor other therapists in promoting their own mental health platforms & expanding their reach on Instagram in efforts to build thriving private practices and passive income streams through my courses and 1:1 Business Coaching offerings.

I also co-host a podcast called “My Therapist Thinks” in efforts to reduce the stigma around mental health issues and provide free psycho-education to listeners.

Reducing the stigma associated with mental health is important to me because I grew up in an area where therapy services were inaccessible, primarily due to location and financial means. I saw the impact this can have on both the community and the family-level and made it my life’s mission to learn about, understand, treat, and support others in this way.

You can connect with me through my Instagram account, @yourjourneythrough to learn more about my offerings.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Absolutely. In 2020, when the pandemic hit, I was doing it all. I was seeing the most clients I had ever seen, because the demand for mental health support was so high. At the same time, I was hosting my podcast, creating and launching my online course, and providing business coaching to other therapists. I was also pregnant with my first child, and realizing that I was on the road to burnout. It was at this time, I decided to become a group practice and hire other clinicians I trusted to reduce my caseload and outsource referrals within our private practice. This was one of the best decisions I have made thus far. I love the team I have created and the support we show to one another. As an entrepreneur, it’s important to understand when you need to establish greater support and pivot in ways that benefit both yourself and your business sustainably.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been creating meaningful and reciprocal referral partnerships with other clinicians, both in-person and through social media. Generating online content has allowed me to expand my reach and connect with other therapists both within and outside of my state of practice. I now teach other therapists how to do this in my course, InstaGrowth For Therapists.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.yourjourneythrough.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yourjourneythrough/
• Other: https://www.instagrowthfortherapists.com/home

Image Credits
image credit to Your Journey Through