We recently connected with Nadine Jenson and have shared our conversation below.

Nadine, 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 decided to start my own psychotherapy practice, it wasn’t a grand moment of certainty, it was more like an inner knowing that grew louder until it became impossible to ignore. I had spent years working within systems that, while well-intentioned, often left little room for depth, creativity, or genuine connection. I wanted to build something that felt alive, a practice that treated clinicians as humans first, clients as whole people rather than diagnoses, and therapy as both art and science. That vision became Oasis Wellness.

Starting out, it was just me, a laptop, and a vision I refused to compromise. I researched every legal, clinical, and business requirement from LLC formation and HIPAA-compliant systems to insurance credentialing, billing, and tax filings. I built my website from scratch, designed the logo, wrote every piece of copy, and learned more about state regulations than I ever wanted to know.

When the first clients came in, each session felt like a vote of confidence. Proof that the risk was worth it. From there, I began expanding by contracting therapists, refining our systems, and developing an infrastructure that would allow Oasis Wellness to grow sustainably. What started as a solo practice evolved into a multi-clinician telehealth organization that is now transitioning into Behavioral Health Agency (BHA) status.

The biggest challenge wasn’t the paperwork, the taxes, or even the logistics, it was managing the mental load of being everything at once: clinician, CEO, marketer, and compliance officer. There were moments when I questioned whether I could do it all. But over time, I learned to see every obstacle as data. Feedback guiding me toward refinement rather than failure.

Eventually, as the administrative demands grew, I brought my husband on as COO. His background in analytics and operations was exactly what the business needed at that stage. He took over payroll, spreadsheets, and financial modeling, the kind of behind-the-scenes structure that freed me to return my energy to leadership, vision, and clinical excellence. Having that partnership not only lightened the logistical load but deepened the sense that Oasis Wellness was becoming something truly sustainable, a shared mission built on both care and precision.

Hiring contractors was another learning curve. It meant balancing leadership with autonomy, maintaining brand integrity while encouraging individuality, and learning that growth isn’t just about more, it’s about better.

If you’re thinking about starting your own practice, know this: you’ll never feel 100% ready. Start anyway. Clarity comes through action, not before it. Be willing to learn what you don’t know and to unlearn what no longer fits you. Build something that reflects who you are, not just what others expect a practice to be.

And most importantly, remember why you started. In the noise of forms, fees, and formalities, don’t lose the heartbeat that made you want to help people in the first place. That’s the part that will carry you through every growing pain and every success that follows.

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

My name is Nadine Jenson and I am the founder of Oasis Wellness, a telehealth mental health practice based in New Mexico, though it is likely we will expand to more states in the future. Before becoming a therapist, I was a professional ballet dancer. That background taught me discipline, empathy, and the beauty of transformation through both grace and struggle. Those same values now shape my work in mental health.

My path into this field began with a deep fascination for the human mind and the stories that define us. I earned my bachelor’s degree in English with an emphasis in writing from Loyola Marymount University, followed by a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University. After years of experience in different settings, I wanted to create something more personal and intentional. That vision became Oasis Wellness, a practice built to restore the humanity behind therapy.

Oasis Wellness provides individual telehealth psychotherapy for adults, couples, and families. Once we transition to Behavioral Health Agency (BHA) status, we will be offering clinical supervision and professional development for therapists. This will expand access while preserving the close, relational care that defines our work.

I am proud of what Oasis Wellness has become: a growing network of clinicians serving hundreds across New Mexico, all while remaining grounded in compassion and purpose. I want people to know that healing is possible, that help can feel personal and warm, and that even in life’s hardest seasons, it is never too late to begin again.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

Beyond education and credentials, I think the most important qualities for success in this field are emotional maturity, self-awareness, and consistency. Therapy requires a deep understanding not just of others, but of yourself; your triggers, your blind spots, your limits, and your values. The work asks you to sit with people in their most vulnerable moments, and that can only be done with genuine presence and humility.

Resilience is equally essential. Building and running a practice means encountering challenges that aren’t in any textbook, from managing complex human emotions to navigating insurance systems, business logistics, and the responsibility of leadership. Staying calm under pressure, learning to regulate your own nervous system, and holding steady when things feel uncertain are what allow you to keep going when most would stop.

Finally, authenticity. Clients can feel when you are being real with them. The best therapists, in my opinion, are those who bring both professionalism and humanity into the room. Success in this field isn’t about perfection, it’s about being grounded enough in who you are that others feel safe enough to do the same.

Any advice for managing a team?

Managing a team well begins with clarity and respect. People thrive when they understand what’s expected of them and feel that their work is valued. I’ve learned that clear systems, consistent communication, and fair treatment go much further than constant motivation attempts. When people know they can trust the structure around them, they naturally do their best work.

Another key piece is creating an environment of psychological safety. In mental health especially, clinicians need to feel supported, not scrutinized. I make it a priority to listen, check in, and create space for honest conversation. When people feel safe to express concerns and ideas, the entire organization becomes more resilient and creative.

Lastly, model balance. A healthy culture starts from the top. If leadership is overworked or disconnected, that energy ripples through the team. I try to model steadiness, boundaries, and gratitude. When your team sees that their well-being matters as much as their performance, morale takes care of itself.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.healwithoasis.com
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/61573322379350/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/oasis-wellness-therapy-services/about/