Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dr. Liliana Uribe. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Dr. Liliana, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. 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.
My story of “the early days” is better described as pre pandemic and post pandemic.
Prior to COVID, in 2019, I was working as a behavior analyst in a private agency located in Miami,Fl. By the end of my 4 year haul, I was feeling like change was about to happen. I had been contemplating leaving the field of behavior analysis to focus more on growing a private client case load and overall practice.
I had heard about Better Help and started taking 1-2 clients a week. By the time January 2020 came along, I had made up my mind and decided to go in head first into my launching my practice practice. With the help of Better Help, I was able grow my business.
Little did I know, two months later, a pandemic would break out! I kept strong and secure in my efforts and skill set. I immediately applied to several referral networks such as, health Insurnace mental health panels, local and state EAP services, and doctors offices. By the end of summer 2020 I was already receiving referrals from participation in healthcare service networks while decreasing my load with Better Help.
Currently, I have 5 MSW Registered Clinical Social workers who work part time in providing psychotherapy to clients from my practice.
Recently, I have joined NeoMedicine Institute in providing Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy. The goal is to develop an clinical internship program for graduate social work students who are interested in specializing in the field of mental health and psychedelics. The program will enable clinical studies to document the transformations of clients.
The hardest part of jumping head first is trusting yourself to catch your fall. I had to believe that I could. The biggest challenge is trying to grow the business while you work it! Learning to delegate when you’re able is key. Organize your day to day with an agenda to visualize your tasks. Don’t be in a rush as fast growth can be damaging if the company isn’t ready.
Write a plan of what you want to offer to your clients, who is your population?
Seek out and become apart of referral networks , i.e. Insurnace panels, EAP networks. Take it slow and easy.
Dr. Liliana, 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?
I launched my private practice in January 2020. While COVID has been a continuous nightmare, I opened my practice during a time of uncertainty and served a crucial part of the ever growing mental health needs of our country.
In 2021, I partnered with NeoMedicine Institute in providing ketamine assisted psycho therapy. I learned about ketamine infusions for mental health when my husband’s mental health status rapidly declined post COVID-a reality of many of my clients. After seeing a transformation in his mental thought processes, I quickly realized this was going to change the lives of so many who have been struggling with mental health challenges and who have been resistant to traditional pharmaceutical interventions.
I began to research and seek trainings on my own. Around this time, I met an anesthesiologist who had also been researching the benefits of such therapy.
Today, I currently provide psychotherapy services alongside 5 mastered level clinicians in addition to servicing clients who are seeking ketamine infusion assisted therapy.
Most of the challenges we see in practice is related to stress, work-life balance challenges, anxiety, depression, and self image/esteem challenges.
My clients often tell me that when in session they feel like I am a friend but with a professional tone. My clients very early on report they feel comfortable and trusting, which is key in the healing process. I feel this is what sets me apart- I truly feel the pain and struggle of my clients and have a human desire to see them grow and evolve!
If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?
If I could go back, I wouldn’t change my profession but I would change my specialty when I achieved my DSW. knowing what I know now with psychedelics and mental health, I would have done my research on this. However, I continue to have thoughts of future possibilities of retuning to another PhD or further my studies in psychedelics and brain processes.
Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?
Other than training and knowledge in the field, having the courage to do inner work is absolutely necessary. As therapists exposed to vicarious trauma of our clients, it is crucial to understand your own psyche and to practice self care.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://neomedicine.institute/pages/ketamine
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/livelifeunlimited.llc?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=U
- Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=I39cN0ajiIk
Image Credits
NikSarno https://m.facebook.com/people/Nik-Sarno-Photography/100070649448353/