We recently connected with Dr. Chanté Meadows and have shared our conversation below.

Dr. Chanté, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear the backstory of how you established your own practice.

The decision to start my own practice was both exciting and daunting. After years of working in various clinical and leadership roles, I recognized the need for a practice that not only provided therapeutic support but also emphasized culturally responsive care and trauma-informed services. The initial steps involved extensive research on business structure, securing the necessary licenses, and developing a comprehensive business plan that aligned with my mission to bridge gaps in mental health care.
Setting up the practice came with its fair share of challenges. One of the primary hurdles was establishing operational systems that could handle both clinical and administrative demands effectively. Managing finances, navigating insurance billing, and building a reliable referral network required constant attention. Additionally, balancing the roles of clinician, administrator, and business owner was a learning curve that tested my resilience and time management skills. If I could do anything differently, I would have invested in a stronger administrative team earlier in the process. Delegating certain tasks would have allowed me to focus more on client care and business development rather than getting lost in daily operations. Advice be adaptable and plan with purpose.

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

Dr. Chante Meadows is the CEO and Founder of Meadows Counseling Group. With nearly two decades of experience in the mental health field, she is a licensed clinical social worker with a PhD in Leadership in Change, specializing in social justice. In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Meadows serves as an adjunct professor at The Ohio State University College of Social Work, where she educates and inspires the next generation of social workers. Her approach is deeply rooted in holistic, client-centered care, specializing in supporting women, particularly C-suite executives and high-performing women navigating the complexities of work-life balance. As a trauma-trained therapist, her practice is grounded in empathy, cultural competence, and a commitment to empowering individuals to thrive both personally and professionally.
At Meadows Counseling Group, we offer a wide range of services, including individual therapy, family therapy, workplace wellness programs, and coaching. We have a team of licensed therapists and coaches with various specialties who address everything from trauma recovery and grief counseling to executive coaching and career development. Additionally, we provide subscription-based therapy, allowing clients to access consistent mental health support without the hurdles of insurance limitations.
Our mission is simple yet powerful: to bridge gaps in mental health care by offering services that are inclusive, culturally attuned, and designed to meet clients where they are. Whether it’s helping a corporate team prevent burnout or guiding a family through a difficult life transition, we aim to empower individuals to thrive mentally, emotionally, and professionally.
What sets us apart is our commitment to cultural competence and trauma-informed care. We are not just clinicians; we are advocates, educators, and connectors. We take the time to understand each client’s unique cultural background, lived experiences, and personal goals. This approach fosters a deeper, more impactful therapeutic relationship, ensuring that clients feel seen, heard, and valued.
One of the things I am most proud of is our ability to evolve and expand our services in response to community needs. Over the years, we have added specialty coaching, workplace wellness programs, and digital products to meet clients beyond the therapy room. This growth not only allows us to reach more people but also reinforces our commitment to holistic mental wellness.
If there’s one message I’d like potential clients, followers, and partners to know, it’s that Meadows Counseling Group is more than a therapy practice we are a hub for mental wellness, professional growth, and cultural advocacy. We believe that everyone deserves access to quality mental health support, regardless of their background or circumstances, and we are here to provide it with integrity, compassion, and excellence.

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

As a business owner, I’ve had to pivot multiple times to keep Meadows Counseling Group aligned with both industry demands and client needs. One of the most significant pivots involved expanding the range of services we offer. Initially, we were a traditional therapy practice, primarily serving clients through health insurance. However, navigating the complexities of insurance was challenging, as it often created barriers to access. In response, we introduced subscription-based therapy and specialty coaching, allowing us to serve clients without the limitations imposed by insurance. This shift not only expanded our reach but also positioned us as a more accessible, client-centered practice.
The most transformative pivot came during the COVID-19 pandemic. Practically overnight, we had to transition from a fully in-person practice to a completely virtual operation. This required rethinking our service delivery, investing in new technology, and ensuring that our therapists were equipped to provide effective telehealth sessions. The transition was challenging, but it also opened doors to serving clients beyond our immediate geographic area, ultimately allowing us to grow in ways we hadn’t anticipated.
Additionally, the heightened political and racial climate in recent years has been both a challenge and a catalyst for growth. As conversations around racial equity and social justice intensified, the demand for culturally responsive, trauma-informed care increased rapidly. This surge in demand required me to step up as a CEO, focusing less on direct clinical work and more on scaling operations, managing a growing team, and strategically positioning the business to meet community needs. Shifting from being a clinician to a CEO was a major adjustment, requiring me to become more business-minded and less hands-on in day-to-day client care.
Each of these pivots taught me valuable lessons about adaptability, leadership, and the importance of being proactive rather than reactive. The ability to pivot effectively has not only allowed Meadows Counseling Group to survive but to thrive, expanding our impact and solidifying our role as a comprehensive mental wellness provider.

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

While clinical training and expertise are essential in the mental health field, I believe that understanding the fundamentals of business is equally crucial for long-term success, especially for those venturing into private practice or expanding service offerings. For professionals whose educational background is primarily in social work, counseling, or psychology, basic business knowledge can be a game changer.
Learning about business structure, accounting, and financial management can prevent costly mistakes and foster sustainable growth. Understanding cash flow, budgeting, and revenue forecasting allows practitioners to make more informed decisions about scaling their practice, investing in marketing, and managing expenses. Additionally, marketing skills are vital for attracting clients, building a brand, and effectively communicating the value of services.
For me, one of the most eye-opening experiences was recognizing the gap between clinical expertise and entrepreneurial skills. Transitioning from being a clinician to a CEO required a shift in mindset from focusing solely on client care to strategically planning for the business’s financial health and operational efficiency. That shift was both necessary and empowering, enabling me to not only provide excellent clinical care but also lead a thriving practice that reaches more people.
For those considering entrepreneurship in the mental health field, I highly recommend investing in basic business courses, particularly in areas like financial management, marketing, and strategic planning. These skills don’t just support the business side of the practice; they ultimately enhance the overall impact and reach of the services provided.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.meadowsllc.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meadowscounselinggroup
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meadowscounselinggroup
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-chante-meadows-8b8406ba

Image Credits

Shanghai Imaging Photography
Robb McCormick Photography