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

Nikki, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

Honestly, one of the biggest risks I’ve ever taken was leaving a really comfortable, well-paying job as a cocktail waitress on the Las Vegas Strip to start my very first career position as a substance abuse counselor. To put it in perspective—I had just finished my bachelor’s degree, which took me ten years to complete because I wasn’t the traditional student. I worked the entire time I went to school, so finally crossing that finish line was a huge deal.

But stepping into that job meant going from making good money with a job and then making a $25,000 a year in a career. The only way I could take that leap was because of the support of my now-husband, who said, “If this is what you want, go for it.” That gave me the courage to bet on myself.

After a year in that role, I realized it wasn’t quite the right fit, so I pivoted into teaching—something I hadn’t even studied and wasn’t on my radar at all. And surprisingly, I loved it. I stayed for five years, earned a master’s degree in education along the way, and found the work really fulfilling. I would have never been a teacher if I didn’t take that first leap.

Then 2020 hit, and like it did for a lot of people, it made me stop and think: What’s next? That’s when I took another big risk. I looked at my husband and said the words he least wanted to hear: “Honey, I’m going back to school.” This time, I had two little babies at home, I was teaching full-time, and just got a masters in education. I then decided to pursue a master’s in counseling—my original field. It was intense, but I knew it was where I needed to be.

When I finished, I didn’t wait for the “perfect job”, I created it. I rented a one-room office, picked up the phone, and called my practicum clients. I started with 10 clients and nothing but a lot of hope and vision. Fast forward to today—2025—and I now run a five-room office with six employees and an internship program for future therapists. What started as my biggest risk has turned into my greatest reward, and we’re still growing and expanding every day.

I’ve taken a lot of leaps and pivots along the way, but one thing has always stayed the same: I always bet on me.

Nikki, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I was born and raised in Las Vegas, and today I wear a lot of hats — I’m a wife, a mom of four (yes, four!), and the founder of Vital Minds Therapy. Honestly, I’ve always believed I was meant to be a therapist. I joke that it’s my calling, but it really is true. I’ve always had strong intuition, I’m a good listener, and people naturally came to me because they felt like I understood them and could offer support.

At Vital Minds Therapy, I work with a variety of clients, but my passion is helping people who are navigating ADHD, life transitions, trauma, attachment issues, childhood wounds, anxiety, and communication struggles. I also work with couples who want to improve their connection and build healthier relationships.

What makes my work unique is the way I blend my education and training with being a real, relatable human. My clients know they’ll get a safe, judgment-free space where they can be vulnerable, but they also know I’ll be honest with them. Sometimes that means gently calling them out when needed — because real growth often comes from being challenged in a supportive way.

Most of my clients come to me through referrals, which is something I’m really proud of. To me, it means that people feel safe and cared for in the work we do together, enough to recommend me to their friends or loved ones. That’s the best compliment I could ask for.

I’m also proud of how much Vital Minds Therapy has grown. I started out with just a one-room office and a handful of clients. Now, we have a five-room office, six employees, and even an internship program to help train the next generation of therapists. It’s been a journey full of risks and pivots, but at the heart of it all, my mission has stayed the same: to create a space where people can heal, grow, and discover healthier, happier versions of themselves.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Resilience has been the story of my life. My upbringing wasn’t rainbows and butterflies. I was the first person in my immediate family to graduate high school, let alone go on to earn a bachelor’s degree and then two master’s degrees.

At just 12 years old, I was taken away from my mother, who struggled with substance abuse, and I went to live with my best friend’s grandmother — “Nana.” Shout out to her, because she truly shaped my life in ways I’ll always be grateful for. When I turned 18, I lost my mom, and with that loss came an even deeper void of the guidance and parenting I had already been missing.

But I see myself as a cycle breaker. I am the one who changes the trajectory for my family, who does what couldn’t be done before me. It’s a weight I carry, but it’s also the fuel that keeps me moving forward. Even when the wheels come off, I keep going — because for me, there’s no other choice.

Today, I live a life that looks very different from where I started. My husband and I have built a happy marriage — something I never saw modeled, since my parents weren’t even together before I was born. We have four beautiful children, and I give them everything I didn’t receive: unconditional love, supportive parenting, open communication, and the chance to enjoy a real childhood.

We live with gratitude, knowing we have more than we need, and we make it a point to enjoy life because it’s short and time is always moving. For me, resilience isn’t just about surviving my past — it’s about creating a different future, both for myself and for the next generation.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I think what’s helped me build my reputation is just being a real, down-to-earth human that people can lean on and trust. From day one, I focus on building genuine connections with my clients, and I think they can feel that I truly care. This isn’t just work for me — it’s my passion, and that shows up in the way I show up for them.

I’m also consistent and reliable. My clients know I’ll celebrate their wins with them, but I’ll also hold them accountable when they need that push. Sometimes growth requires hearing the hard things, and I’m not afraid to do that in a supportive way.

Another big piece is accessibility. I’ve made it a priority to keep services reliable and affordable for the community. People know they can count on Vital Minds Therapy for care that’s not only professional but also approachable and supportive.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.vitalmindstherapy.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vital.minds.therapy/reels/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NNapolitanoVMT/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikki-napolitano-ma-ms-mft-intern-84b776204/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/vital-minds-therapy-las-vegas?osq=Vital+Minds+Therapy