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

Alright, James thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. 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.

I created The HEALing Hub due to the fact that it was limited places where the community can obtain knowledge on wellness and therapy. I am a black male, veteran and grew up as a ward of the state so I lived many lives. As far as main steps, I had to Decide who I wanted to serve (population, issues, demographics). Then I narrowed down my practice model: started as solo, now I’m a group, in-person, telehealth, One must also choose if they’ll take Private pay vs insurance panels with the fee structure and sliding scale. If you’re starting your own practice, decide why! Entrepreneurship isn’t for everyone. You can thrive at an established practice with no overhead. It can be challenging but wonderful to have your own just do your research. I did a breakdown on my YouTube for those who are interested in private practice

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

James Harris, attended St Paul’s College and has a BA in Psychology. After his freshman year, he joined the Army. James has eight years of service with an Honorable Discharge. He has two deployments one to Iraq and one to Afghanistan. After his military duty, he earned a MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CMHC) from South University. He is a License Mental Health Professional, LPC. He is a member of Chi Sigma Iota Honor Society (CSI), American Counselors Association (ACA), Richmond Area Counselors Association (RACA) and board member of National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI-CVA) and the Co-Chair of DEI for a DOD agency,

James is a multi-entrepreneur in Richmond VA. He works in community-based services in the inner cities, sits on Family Assessment Planning Team (F.A.P.T) meetings for Dep of Social Services (DSS) and at schools. He works in private practice and has started an international movement called “Men to Heal”.

“Men to Heal” assist men to focus on their overall wellness, MENtal, emotional and physical HEALth. He conducts sessions on various topics involving boys/men and MENtal HEALth. Feel free to stroll his page to purchase a shirt, get familiar or to see him with celebrities, athletes and politicians who are in support of the movement. James conducts speaking engagements for various companies, nonprofits, colleges, universities and has done engagements in many states and a host of countries and he has a Tedx Talk.

James owns The HEALing Hub (@the_healing_hub-rva) which offers outpatient therapy, massages, yoga, mindfulness, seminars (financial literacy, first time homebuying, veteran seminars, voter education, restoration of rights, LGBTQ+ to name a few) toiletry drives, school supply drives and feed the less fortunate every third Saturday.

James authored a book titled “Man Just Express Yourself” which is an interactive guide for MEN, young and old. You can get a copy (Walmart, Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, Target and other bookstores). He also created a board game called “Cheesy Dates”. This is a tool to enhance communication in friendships and relationships. James has a YouTube channel which you can subscribe to called also called “Men to Heal”, where provides insight on wellness topics both physical and MENtal HEALth, assistance for other therapist and those who are interested in wellness. This channel also assist families

His website is www.mentoheal.com and his IG:@men_to_heal, his YouTube is Men to Heal.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I wouldn’t say I pivoted but I did adapt and adjust when the pandemic happened. I went fully virtual and I pushed my products more (book- Man, Just Express Yourself and my board game- Cheesy Dates) because a lot of people were stuck together and weren’t used to be that isolated. The pandemic meant Lockdowns meant couples spent far more time together than ever before. No physical space = increased irritability and conflict. For others, travel bans and quarantines caused long separations, straining emotional connection. Stress reduced patience and emotional availability. I created the board game because couples avoided difficult conversations to “keep the peace”. Tone and misunderstandings increased due to exhaustion and anxiety. Since pushing those products I’ve assisted more males to be better, more couples are mended and ultimately it increases the families bonds

Can you talk to us about how your funded your firm or practice?

Prior to being a private practice owner I was a serial entrepreneur. I have multiple properties, had a party bus, carpet cleaning company, art gallery, waffle spot and a few investments. When I decided to start this practice I knew I had to give it my attention so I sold or liquidated the other entities besides my properties. This was how I was able to get capital and have a nest egg until clients and insurance started to pay out

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mentoheal.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/men_to_heal?igsh=MzFlMGlhMHBibGl6&utm_source=qr
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@mentoheal1520?si=Op6W7Vy7M02mF6J-
• Other: Linktree with multiple articles
  https://linktr.ee/men_to_heal?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=2ce8f1f2-5762-4881-b8c2-3a8845ac9d6f

Image Credits

I took pictures