Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Krystal Jackson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Krystal, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today 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 started my business, I did not expect to hire staff. I started a mental health private practice as a way to earn extra income while working with people I wanted to work with. When I was first in undergraduate school, I remember making a plan with one of my high school mates that we would start a private practice where I would provide therapy to the adults and she would provide therapy to children and adolescents. I think about how naive I was at to what would be required. I also think about my tenacity and boldness to dream of such a thing.

I began in 2018 as a solo therapy providing therapy and wellness coaching to helping professionals who wanted to improve their self-care routine, heal or prevent burnout, and feel better in their relationships. Everything was pretty smooth from the start. I found an office space based on the recommendations of a colleague, got some low-cost pieces to put the office together, and waited for the clients to come to me. At first, I was cash pay only but then I began accepting two insurances and was able to build referrals from my colleagues. I shared my personal journey through a blog with insights about my wellness routine, mood management, and lifestyle content. In 2021, I hired my first employees and now have a team of three therapists, one clinical intern, and an office assistant. My advice would be to make the time to get clear on who you serve and how you can help them. If you can’t market yourself and your business, then it will be an uphill battle to establish good revenue. If I could do anything differently, I’d definitely capitalize on social media and carve out my niche much sooner than I did.

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?

My name is Krystal Jackson and I am a licensed therapist, speaker, and mental wellness consultant. I graduated with a Masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and am the CEO and Clinical Director of Simply Being Wellness Counseling located in Farmington, Connecticut. My practice provides therapy to individuals, children, couples, and families to help them improve their mood and relationships. I provide wellness workshops and speaking about self-care, mindset, and mental health.

I was not born into a family of entrepreneurs. I have one relative who has their own business and has been successful at this. I was born to a hard-working Mother who raised me and my three siblings on her own. Much of my tenacity and drive comes from her. I believe mental wellness is a right for every human and that mental health care does not need to be complicated. You can come as you are. You can simply be. I am most proud of the mental health practice I have built. As a solo therapist, I can also serve so many clients. But as a group practice owner, I can expand services and specialities with the therapists and support staff on my team. I am most proud of my ability to keep going and keep learning.

Do you think you’d choose a different profession or specialty if you were starting now?

Yes. Helping professionals have to connect with other people for a living. We are here to serve and support others as they heal, learn, or improve in some area of their lives. I truly enjoy mental health and wellness. As a Black woman, we weren’t always taught the value of understanding our emotions and self-care. In my career journey, I have been empowered to be more mindful of my own health. I cannot be good for others if I am not first being good to myself. The most rewarding aspect of my work is to see others have that aha moment when something just clicks or they see that something that used to bother them, doesn’t feel so heavy anymore. I truly feel blessed to do what I do. As I move into providing more education and training services, I hope to reach more people and show why prioritizing mental health is so important.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Podcasts were on heavy rotation when I began my private practice. I listened to mental health podcasts such as Practice of the Practice, Therapy for Black Girls, Private Practice Workshop and Selling the Couch. Business podcasts such as Side Hustle Pro and Switch, Pivot, or Quit were also on my top plays. Because I had a 40 minute drive one way to work, it was easier to consume information via podcasts on my drive. These podcasts helped me learn everything from choosing an electronic health record system, to building clients, to growing from solo to group private practice.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.simplybeingcounseling.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/iamkrystalcj
• Facebook: facebook.com/simplybeingcounseling
• Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/krystalcjackson

Image Credits
Kay Elle Photograph for the photo with the blue dress and the pink shirt Sonique Page Photography for the photo with the black shift in the green house