We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ebony Evans a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Ebony, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear the backstory of how you established your own practice.
In 2016 I was working for a mental health agency who’s values and fundamental ideas about mental health differed from my own. During that time I started establishing a plan to create an environment that will reflect my principles and the importance of seeking therapy for mental illness. In March 2017, I opened Blossoming Minds Health Center to increase awareness and accessibility of therapy in the community. I needed to show my face and encourage others to seek professional help when needed. My goal was to provide a safe and confidential space for people to express their feelings and establish mental wellness with no judgement . The main steps I had to take was to build my clientele and discover my niche. It was also important that the location of my office was accessible and convenient. Many key challenges can happen when setting up a professional mental health office. The most challenging experience I had, was getting credentialed with major insurance companies and establishing a relationship with representatives that could assist during the process. When there is multiple ethical boards to abide by, it is imperative to have all documents and policies in place for a practice. I used my evenings after leaving my full-time job to complete all required applications to join Insurance networks as a provider. Many nights I worked to create a declaration of practice, establish policies and input procedures. I reflect on the time it took me to create these documents and complete insurance applications and I wouldn’t change that experience. By me doing the tasks myself it helps me when things must be updated. I could’ve invested in a company to get me credentialed with insurance panels, but instead I now have the knowledge of working with Insurance directly. I’m able to understand and make updates when new guidelines are implemented.
To the young professionals that are considering starting a practice, understand that it takes time; paperwork and documents may take over your days. Invest and research in your specialized segment or niche, it will help as you build your clientele. Make time to consult with other Professionals in the field because private practice work can often distant you from colleagues. Continuing education adds value and knowledge to your practice, so participate in trainings as much as you can. Make financial literacy a priority and be knowledgeable of money management.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am New Orleans native. I graduated from the University of New Orleans with a Master’s in Counseling Education in 2011. That same year, I became a National Certified Counselor. In October 2016 after completing all field work and required hours, I obtained my license as a Licensed Professional Counselor in Louisiana. I also holds the credentials as a LPC Board approved supervisor to supervise provisional counselors looking to enter the Counseling Profession. In 2017, I decided to open the doors to Blossoming Minds to provide affordable mental health counseling services and increase awareness and accessibility of therapy in the community. I’m a member of Louisiana Counseling Association and American Counseling Association. I’ve been a part of the Black Women and Wellness Conference of New Orleans, spoke at multiple community events and volunteered at health Fairs to raise awareness about mental health. During the pandemic, I started using Social Media as a platform to chat about the importance of implementing wellness routines and increasing self-care. Out of this I opened an online Wellness Store, Blossom By Ebony. Blossom by Ebony goal is to bring wellness products and routines into your home.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
When I was in graduate school working on my Master’s degree I decided to do my Practicum and Internship inside the Department of Juvenile Justice. Up into this point I had never been inside of any prison, juvenile or jail. I ran group therapy sessions for the boys inside their neutral communal areas. During this time, I got the harsh reality of why some of them were choosing to commit crimes to get place in.2 the juvenile center. I remember speaking with one teen and he explained to me that he will always return because in juvenile he had a bed to sleep on, food to eat and a television to watch. He went on to explain that he don’t have any of those things at home plus he had to fight off attackers that resided in the home. Later that night, I realized that the more rapport I build my clients the worse the situations I may hear. I contemplated if this was the field for me and I concluded that therapy is needed and I wanted to be a provide this service. I returned the next morning ready to work.
Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?
Networking and establishing healthy relationships are helpful to succeed in this field. When you’re able to discuss mental illness and awareness comfortably it helps the people around you to become comfortable with the subject as well. Networking allows for the stigma associated with mental health to be decreased, it creates an increase in provided support for those with mental illness and creates appreciation for the therapists servicing in the field.
Contact Info:
- Website:www.blossomingminds.org
- Instagram: BlossomingMindsCounseling
- Facebook: Blossoming Minds LLC
- Website: Blossombyebony.com
- Instagram: Blossomby.ebony
- Facebook: Blossom by Ebony