We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dr. Bryanna Campbell. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dr. Bryanna below.
Hi Dr. Bryanna, thanks for joining us 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?
When I first decided to start my own practice, I was driven by a desire for independence, and a strong sense of purpose. I had worked in the mental health field for years and noticed a recurring theme: many of the clients I served were millennial Black professional women whose unique needs often got overlooked. These women are high-functioning, highly educated, and successful, but their struggles and challenges are frequently misunderstood or underestimated. This gap in understanding inspired me to create a practice specifically for them. While my practice serves clients of varying identities, I wanted to make sure there was a focus on Black women. I initially started my practice by using my name, but as of February 2025 I have updated the name of my practice to Vital Voyages Psychological Services.
I wanted to build a space where these women could feel seen, heard, and supported—without the stigma that can sometimes come with seeking help. The idea of shaping a practice that centered on their unique experiences, cultural backgrounds, and needs is fulfilling. I knew that by creating a safe, empowering space for these clients, I could make a real difference in their lives.
The first major step was securing the legal and financial structure of the business. This involved consulting with revered mentors and an accountant to determine the best legal entity to represent my business, which allowed me to manage taxes, liability, and other legal obligations. Once that was done, I had to set up the financial side, including opening business accounts and setting aside money for initial expenses.
One of the most important decisions I had to make early on was deciding the best mode to conduct business. Initially, I leased physical office space, but after evaluating my goals and considering the changing landscape of business practices, I made the decision to go fully virtual. This allowed me to keep overhead costs low, work more flexibly, and better serve clients from all over, while being less limited by geographic constraints. Going virtual also made it easier to connect with millennial Black professional women, many of whom were juggling demanding careers and lives and appreciated the flexibility of virtual sessions. Going virtual meant I had to invest more in technology to ensure smooth communication and collaboration, but it also opened up new possibilities for the business.
With the virtual model in place, I focused on marketing and client acquisition. I built a website (www.vitalvoyagespsych.com) and social media profiles that reflected the core values of my practice: inclusivity, empowerment, and a focus on the specific challenges millennial Black women face. As I began to spread the word, I found that these clients were eager to find a space that truly understood them, and word-of-mouth referrals followed.
The main challenges I faced early on were cash flow and client acquisition. Initially, I had to make an upfront investment in technology and marketing, and it took time to build a steady stream of clients. At the beginning, it felt like a lot of time and money were being spent with little immediate return.
Another challenge continues to be balancing administrative duties with actual client work. As a solo practitioner, I wear many hats—handling everything from client meetings to managing finances, marketing, and accounting matters. Finding a way to manage time effectively and stay organized continues to be crucial.
Finally, one of the toughest challenges was dealing with uncertainty. Starting a practice can feel risky, and at times, I questioned whether I had what it takes to keep a business up and running. There are many habits and characteristics that are needed to be a successful business owner, and when I did an audit on myself I realized I could use improvement in many areas. Building a client base took some time, and there were days when I wasn’t sure if the effort would pay off.
Knowing what I know now, I would have been more proactive about outsourcing certain tasks earlier on. Whether it was hiring an assistant, a marketing professional, or using accounting software, I now understand that time is a valuable resource. Outsourcing tasks that take me away from core business functions could have helped me grow more quickly in the beginning.
I would also recommend focusing on niche marketing sooner. Identifying a specific niche in the market and positioning my practice as an expert in the unique challenges faced by millennial Black professional women could have made client acquisition a bit easier and more efficient.
Lastly, I would advise myself to be more patient and understand that sometimes the results take longer to materialize than anticipated. I think I would have spent more time building relationships and trust rather than focusing solely on short-term results.
My Advice for Young Professionals Considering Starting Their Own Practice
Start small, but plan big: Begin with a clear vision but be prepared to scale up gradually. Don’t try to do everything at once – it is not the best use of your time. You’ll learn and adapt as you go.
Focus on relationships: Building relationships—whether with clients, mentors, or peers—is vital. It’s not just about the services you offer, but how you engage and connect with people.
Don’t underestimate the importance of marketing: A lot of new practitioners fail to market themselves effectively. This was a pitfall I succumbed to. An intentionally crafted website that speaks directly to your ideal client, social media presence, and networking are important seeds to growing your practice.
Stay organized: Administrative work can pile up quickly, and disorganization can lead to missed opportunities. Create your systems of operations and stay on top of the back-office details to avoid overwhelm. Create your pricing structures and rates before speaking with prospective clients and customers.
Be ready for ups and downs: Starting your own practice is not a linear journey. There will be highs and lows, but consistency and perseverance are key. Keep learning from every experience and stay adaptable. Take breaks when needed and fail quickly. Learning from failures is a large part of practice and learning to pivot is a very important skill.
Invest in your personal growth: Those who continuously work on themselves tend to be the most successful. Invest in learning, whether it’s through books, courses, or mentorship, to help you grow both professionally and personally.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m Dr. Bryanna Campbell and I am a Licensed Psychologist in North Carolina. I am the founder of Vital Voyages Psychological Services. People who knew me as a child would probably describe me as being observant, precocious, and curious about others. Growing up I was so intrigued by others and wanted to know what informed human behavior. I studied psychology all throughout school and decided that I wanted to pursue it as a career while I was in high school.
Fast forward some years and here I am, the owner of Vital Voyages Psychological Services, a virtual private practice in which I offer therapeutic services throughout the country! I provide individual therapy, group therapy, and consultation services to schools and other organizations and continue to add new service offerings. I also contribute my writing to different outlets that prioritize learning information about the mental health and wellness of Black people, especially Black women.
To know me is to know that I am proudly Jamaican-American, an introvert through and through, and a plant collector! I value autonomy, humor, and meaningful connection with others and I try to emphasize these values anywhere I go.
At the heart of my therapy practice lies the metaphor of a voyager—a symbol of the courage, determination, and transformative journey that so many millennial Black women professionals experience as they navigate life. We’re looking at you, high functioning people!
Voyagers often set out to discover new lands, and through therapy I help clients embark on a journey of learning new or expanded ways of communicating, emoting, relating, and perhaps simply being. Therapy at Vital Voyages invites clients to explore the uncharted territories of their rich inner worlds—their thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
Confronting the unknown is a vital part of the voyager’s story, and like those voyagers, clients have stepped into new opportunities and challenges, often paving the way in their fields, their families, and in their communities. The process of therapy is like navigating through the unknown, where clients may encounter new insights, confront past wounds, and uncover hidden strengths. Let’s be honest though, the voyage is never without its obstacles.
Voyagers face unpredictable moments, and therapy also brings moments of uncertainty and challenge, but it is through these moments that true growth can happen. The therapeutic relationship can serve as a compass that helps support clients through emotional challenges and helps clients chart a course toward clarity and understanding. It’s a safe space where clients can take the time to reflect, recalibrate, and make decisions that align with their true selves.
The journey of a voyager also emphasizes the importance of connection. Voyagers build relationships and connections to expand their support system, and clients build communities and networks that support and uplift one another. Through these connections, clients gain the wisdom and encouragement needed for personal growth, continually evolving with each step. Vital Voyages offers group therapy services for clients to find other voyagers on their way to meaningful connection. Voyagers hold great wisdom and desire to set the path for those before them, alongside them, and those who follow after them. Group therapy is a place to share notes, sharpen skills, and connect with intention and meaning.
Your voyage towards mental wellness is vital. We believe that therapy is not a quick fix, but rather a thoughtful and purposeful journey—one that may involve both challenges and rewards, all while being supported along the way.
Other than training/knowledge, what do you think is most helpful for succeeding in your field?
I think this would be hard to put into one singular idea, but what I will say is relationship building is vital.
Forming genuine, lasting connections with people is such as important part of business. I’ve found that the most valuable relationships often start with a simple conversation. Reaching out to others, even when you don’t have an immediate need, is a great way to build a network that can help support you down the road. It’s about initiating contact—whether it’s an online chat, a quick email, or an introduction through social media. The more you put yourself out there, the more opportunities you have to connect with people who may eventually become clients, collaborators, or supporters of your business.
What’s key here is that networking isn’t always about what you can get; it’s also about what you can give and how you can help others. Offering value, sharing advice, or simply being there for someone can create a bond that goes beyond professional gain. And, in turn, people will remember you when an opportunity comes up, or when someone in their circle needs exactly what you offer. The more people you connect with, the more people get to know about you and your business, which can naturally lead to more referrals and word-of-mouth.
Sometimes, making the first move can feel intimidating, but you might be surprised at how open and willing most people are to engage. Starting a conversation or reaching out to someone you admire can open the door to unexpected opportunities. Relationship building isn’t a one-time thing, either—it’s an ongoing effort. You never know when a connection you made months ago might circle back and lead to a collaboration, partnership, or even a client. And these aren’t always formal business connections either—sometimes, a casual conversation can lead to a deep, meaningful relationship that benefits both you and your business.
In the end, the more you connect with others and nurture those relationships, the more you build a network of people who understand what you do and are excited to support you. Genuine relationships have a way of paying off in ways you don’t always expect, and they often bring the most fulfilling opportunities your business could ask for.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
This is an ongoing area of growth for me, but I’ll certainly share what’s been helpful and where I plan to engage more this year.
When it comes to growing my clientele, I’ve found that the most effective strategy has been building genuine, meaningful professional relationships. I have found that people want to work with someone they trust and feel comfortable with. So, I’ve made it a priority to focus on authentic connections rather than relying solely on traditional marketing tactics to create solid referral sources.
One key strategy I’ve used is word-of-mouth referrals. Satisfied clients are often my best advocates. By providing excellent service and truly listening to their needs, I’ve been able to create a positive experience that encourages people to refer others to me. Word-of-mouth has been incredibly powerful for me, especially because it comes from a place of trust and experience.
In addition to referrals, creating value through content. is a strategy I am exploring. I try to get in the habit of sharing helpful tips on social media, writing blog posts, or hosting webinars or workshops. Providing free resources can allow me to showcase my expertise and attract people who are interested in what my practice offers. The goal is to offer insights that are useful to my target audience—like millennial Black professional women—so they see me as a trusted resource. Over time, this kind of content marketing will help build credibility and can lead to new clients who resonate with my approach.
Networking also plays a huge role in my strategy. While networking used to feel intimidating, I’ve been operating from the reframe that it’s about forming authentic, long-term relationships rather than trying to “close a deal” right away. Sometimes, those initial networking moments don’t lead to immediate clients, but they often lead to connections that can benefit my practice in the long run.
Lastly, an aspect that’s been key is staying consistent and visible. In our digital world, consistency is everything. Whether it’s showing up regularly on social media, keeping my website updated, or following up with clients, staying top-of-mind for potential clients has been vital. Even if someone doesn’t need my services right away, they remember me when the time comes, or when someone else asks for a recommendation.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.vitalvoyagespsych.com
- Instagram: @drbryannacampbell
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-bryanna-campbell-psy-d-a0009225
Image Credits
Images by Bryanna Campbell.