We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dustin Von Holten. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dustin below.

Dustin, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. 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 decided to start my own practice, I wasn’t just chasing independence—I wanted to build the kind of clinic I rarely saw in traditional systems: 100% virtual, accessible seven days a week, and focused on thoughtful, patient-centered care rather than quick visits and controlled prescriptions. That vision became DVH NP IN PSYCHIATRY SERVICES, PLLC, which patients can find at https://dvhnpinpsychiatryservices.com.

The early steps were very practical. I had to form the PLLC, secure malpractice coverage, make sure my telehealth model complied with professional regulations, and choose secure platforms for video, documentation, and communication. At the same time, I was defining the clinical model: no controlled medications, a blend of psychotherapy and careful medication management, and a fully virtual structure so patients could receive care from home without the barrier of travel or waiting rooms.

One of the biggest challenges was wearing every hat at once—clinician, owner, operations, and marketing. Building a caseload from zero is humbling. You believe in the quality of the care you offer long before the schedule is full. I also had to learn how to be widely available (including evenings and weekends) without burning out, which meant putting clear systems and boundaries in place.

If I could go back and do anything differently, I would invest in small amounts of operational support earlier and sharpen my messaging sooner. Once I clearly articulated what we do—and just as importantly, what we don’t do—patients who were a good fit started finding us more easily through the website at https://dvhnpinpsychiatryservices.com.

For young professionals considering starting their own practice, my advice is simple:
– Be very clear on your “why” and design your model around it.
– Start with a straightforward, ethical service offering you can deliver exceptionally well.
– Learn the basics of business and regulations instead of avoiding them.
– Expect a season of uncertainty while your practice and reputation grow.

For me, my background as a Columbia University–trained, board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner and US Navy veteran shaped the practice into what it is today: structured, mission-driven, and deeply committed to patient care. Building this clinic has been challenging, but it has allowed me to align my values and training in one place—and that’s exactly what patients see when they visit https://dvhnpinpsychiatryservices.com.

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

I’m a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner, Columbia University (NY) graduate, and US Navy veteran, and I run a 100% virtual, seven-days-a-week practice called DVH NP IN PSYCHIATRY SERVICES, PLLC. I focus on individual psychotherapy and non-controlled psychiatric medication management for adults who want thoughtful, consistent care from home. You can learn more about the practice anytime at https://dvhnpinpsychiatryservices.com.

I was drawn to start my own practice after working in traditional settings where visits were rushed and controlled medications were often the first answer. I wanted something different: longer, more intentional visits, clear boundaries around prescribing, and easy access via telehealth. That became the foundation of DVH NP IN PSYCHIATRY SERVICES, PLLC, where I do not prescribe controlled substances and instead emphasize careful assessment, ongoing psychotherapy, and close follow-up. Being out-of-network and private self-pay allows me to structure care around clinical need rather than insurance quotas, which I explain in detail on my site at https://dvhnpinpsychiatryservices.com.

What sets my work apart is a combination of military discipline, Columbia-level training, and a very human, relationship-based approach. I’m most proud that patients know what to expect: clear communication, conservative and transparent medication decisions, and a provider who actually has time for them. For anyone considering care with me, the best starting point is to visit

Website: https://dvhnpinpsychiatryservices.com

to see how I work, what I offer, and whether my model fits what they’re looking for.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I think my reputation has grown because patients know exactly what to expect from me: consistent availability, clear boundaries, and careful, conservative care. I offer 100% virtual psychiatric services, seven days a week, with a strong focus on psychotherapy and non-controlled medication management, and I follow through on what I say I’ll do. Over time, that reliability, plus my background as a Columbia University–trained, US Navy veteran provider, has led to steady word-of-mouth referrals and trust in my practice. Readers can learn more at https://dvhnpinpsychiatryservices.com.

Any advice for managing a team?

My advice is to lead with clarity, consistency, and respect. People do better when they know exactly what’s expected of them, feel heard when something isn’t working, and see that standards apply fairly to everyone—including leadership. Check in regularly, not just about performance but about workload and burnout risk. Celebrate small wins, give specific feedback (positive and corrective), and remove barriers that keep your team from doing their best work. In my own practice at https://dvhnpinpsychiatryservices.com, I’ve found that when people feel supported, trusted, and informed, morale and performance take care of themselves.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://dvhnpinpsychiatryservices.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dvhnpinpsychiatryservices/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dvhnpinpsychiatryservices/
• Twitter: https://x.com/dvhnpinpsych
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgbyF5yaI0OWQLx8aS2e9pA

Image Credits

I own the rights to the photos. You have permission to use.