We were lucky to catch up with Janice Twesten recently and have shared our conversation below.
Janice , 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.
When I first decided to start my own practice, I knew I had the clinical skills—but what I didn’t realize was how much I had to learn to truly run a business. Like many therapists, I assumed that if I had a website, business cards, and a logo, the rest would fall into place. But the reality was far more complex.
There were so many moving pieces I hadn’t anticipated—navigating credentialing, learning billing systems, setting up policies, choosing the right electronic health records system, and, of course, building trust with clients and referral sources. On top of that, I had to learn how to build a brand and market my services in a way that felt authentic and aligned with my values.
One of the hardest parts was learning how to lead—first myself, then a growing team. Leadership isn’t just about decision-making; it’s about staying grounded in your vision even when things feel uncertain, and learning to support others as they grow, too.
If I could go back, I would have asked for help sooner. I would have invested earlier in mentorship, legal and financial advice, and trusted systems. At the time, I thought asking for help meant I wasn’t ready—but now I know that surrounding yourself with support is part of building something sustainable.
For anyone considering starting their own practice, I’d say this: don’t wait until you feel completely ready. That moment might never come. Start with clarity around your values, be willing to learn as you go, and remember that progress isn’t always linear. Your practice doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s—make it yours, and let it evolve
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
a licensed therapist and the founder of Evolve Therapy Group—a teletherapy practice that serves individuals, teens, and families across Michigan and California. I started Evolve with a clear purpose: to create a supportive, values-driven space for both clients and clinicians to grow and thrive.
I entered this field because I’ve always been drawn to the inner strength people carry—often even before they recognize it in themselves. As a therapist, I’ve worked with individuals navigating anxiety, trauma, relationship challenges, and life transitions. Over the years, it became clear that I wanted to do more than support clients one-on-one—I wanted to build something that would extend that support to communities and other professionals.
Evolve Therapy Group was born out of that vision. We offer accessible, high-quality teletherapy across Michigan and California, specializing in anxiety, trauma recovery, adolescent care, and relational wellness. But we’re more than just a therapy practice—we’re a team of passionate clinicians who believe in authenticity, collaboration, and ongoing growth.
What sets us apart is our team-centered model. I’m deeply invested in nurturing the next generation of therapists—creating an environment where they not only feel confident in their clinical work, but also develop professionally and personally. My goal is to support our clinicians in building long-term, meaningful careers, and even help prepare them for entrepreneurship, if that’s where their path leads.
For our clients, we aim to be a trusted space for healing—where they can show up as they are, be met with compassion, and receive care that’s grounded in evidence-based approaches and genuine connection. We don’t just help people cope—we help them evolve.
What I’m most proud of is the culture we’ve created. Our team is kind, skilled, and committed. Watching our clinicians grow into themselves and seeing our clients make lasting progress—that’s the real reward.
If there’s one thing I’d want people to know about Evolve, it’s that we are here for the long haul. We are intentional in our work, dedicated to our clients’ growth, and committed to building something sustainable and meaningful in the mental health space.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
My name is Janice Twesten, the founder of Evolve Therapy Group—a Michigan-based teletherapy
practice rooted in growth, connection, and whole-person care. What started initially as a one-woman
practice has grown into a team of clinicians I am deeply proud of, each offering something unique to the
communities we serve.
From day one, my vision was twofold: to help clients in Michigan access quality, compassionate
therapy—and to create a space where therapists could grow, feel supported, and build
confidence in their professional identity.
I work intentionally to foster a team culture where every clinician feels empowered, heard, and supported. Whether a therapist is fresh out of grad school or several years into the field, I aim to create opportunities for
mentorship, skill development, and entrepreneurial thinking.
Many of our clinicians come in feeling unsure of how to build a sustainable practice. By the time
they’ve been with us a year or two, they’re often leading groups, specializing in specific
modalities, or even mapping out their own future business paths. That transformation—watching
someone step into their confidence and grow into their voice—is one of the most rewarding
parts of my work.
I believe that when you pour into your clinicians, they pour back into their clients—and that
ripple effect can’t be overstated.
Our clients come from all over Michigan—urban centers, small towns, and rural communities
alike. Through teletherapy, we’re able to bridge geographic gaps and make high-quality mental
health care more accessible across the state.
We specialize in anxiety, trauma, relationship issues, and teen mental health—areas where so
many people are quietly struggling. Our goal is to meet clients where they are, offering not just
tools and treatment plans, but genuine connection and care.
I’m deeply proud of how we show up for our community. We don’t take a one-size-fits-all
approach—we honor culture, identity, and lived experience in every session.
Growing a practice has taught me more about leadership than any book or course ever could. In
the early days, I tried to do everything myself—from clinical work to marketing to operations. I
quickly learned that burnout doesn’t build sustainability.
One of the most important shifts I made was learning how to delegate—how to trust others with
parts of the business so I could stay focused on leading, mentoring, and shaping the long-term
vision of Evolve.
That mindset shift—moving from solo therapist to business leader—wasn’t easy, but it was
necessary. And it’s what now allows me to invest so deeply in our team and our mission.
For the Dreamers Just Starting Out
If you’re a clinician thinking about starting a private practice—or an entrepreneur building
something new—here’s what I want you to know: You can grow something meaningful without
knowing all the answers right away.
You can ask for help. You can change direction. You can succeed without burning out.
And most importantly, you can lead with both your heart and your strategy. That’s what I’ve
learned—and that’s what I hope to model through Evolve.
The journey isn’t always linear, but it’s always worth it.
Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?
Without hesitation, “This work is meaningful. I get to witness people grow into their strength—clients and clinicians alike.”
I am especially passionate about encouraging new therapists who are dreaming of building something of their own.
“Your fear doesn’t mean you’re not ready. It means you care. Lean into it—and start anyway.”
Entrepreneurship isn’t ab
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.evolvetherapygroup.com
- Instagram: @evolvetherapygroup
- Facebook: @evolvetherapygroup
- Linkedin: Evolve Therapy Group
Image Credits
@maephotoco.com