We were lucky to catch up with Sarah Levine-Miles recently and have shared our conversation below.
Sarah, looking forward to hearing all of your stories 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?
From Maternity Leave to a Thriving Private Practice: A Journey in Motherhood and Mental Health
By Sarah Levine-Miles, LCSW, PMH-C
My name is Sarah Levine-Miles, and I am a psychotherapist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), and certified in perinatal mental health (PMH-C). The inception of my group practice is deeply intertwined with the birth of my first child in 2016. Having dedicated eight years to social services across various settings—including non-profits, youth and family organizations, schools, substance abuse treatment programs, psychiatric nursing homes, and street outreach—I possessed a wealth of experience working with vulnerable populations, including pregnant and parenting women.
After my eldest son was born, I initially planned to return to my full-time community mental health job, where I conducted outreach to individuals experiencing homelessness and mental health issues. My strategy was to condense my five-day workweek into three 13-hour days, balancing my professional responsibilities with motherhood. However, during my maternity leave, it became evident that this arrangement was unsustainable. I wanted more time home with my son, and I required a role that was less physically demanding and financially viable considering daycare costs.
My desire to become a psychotherapist was long-standing, inspired by my own positive therapeutic experiences during adolescence. Recognizing the right moment to pivot my career, I decided to launch my own practice. This decision was driven by a desire for autonomy and a commitment to innovative, client-centered care—parameters often constrained in larger, conventional group practices. Thus, while still on maternity leave, I established my LLC and secured the necessary licensing.
As a new mother, I witnessed firsthand the inadequacies in maternal mental health treatment. My personal struggle with postpartum depression and anxiety underscored the critical need for accessible therapeutic services. In 2016, accessing therapy necessitated physical visits to an office—a daunting task for someone recovering from childbirth and enveloped in emotional turmoil. This barrier prevented me from receiving the help I needed at a crucial time.
Determined to bridge these gaps, I pioneered a practice that started with home visits, specifically catering to new mothers. I conducted evening sessions, visiting clients’ homes when my husband could take over childcare. This approach was immediately embraced by clients, who appreciated the convenience and comfort of in-home therapy during their baby’s early months.
As demand grew, I subleased an office space from a friend, and built a part-time caseload within a year. Concurrently, I worked part-time in a hospital’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), supporting birthing parents with medically and/or mentally complex pregnancies and postpartum experiences. At the beginning of 2020, I transitioned to full-time private practice.
Initially, my focus was solely on perinatal mental health, but I have since expanded to incorporate a variety of areas, including OCD, men’s mental health, young professionals and perfectionists, and high school and college students. Key to my success was a clear vision and specific goals, a deep understanding of the market and differentiation strategies, robust networking with referral sources, and a supportive community of fellow therapists for consultation and learning. To those starting out in their own private practice journeys, I recommend being patient and compassionate with yourself, and finding some mentors who can help support you in times of doubt.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My name is Sarah Levine-Miles, and I am a psychotherapist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), and certified in perinatal mental health (PMH-C). With over a decade of experience, I have dedicated my career to supporting individuals and couples through times of stagnation, change, relationship struggles, uncertainty, depression, and anxiety. My specialization includes working with clients experiencing depression, anxiety, OCD, communication issues, trauma, perfectionism, and relationship challenges.
My clients often describe me as warm, encouraging, relatable, and authentic. I believe in the importance of self-care and strive to embody the principles I encourage in others. Unlike the traditional notion of the therapist as a blank slate, I present myself as a fellow human on this journey, equipped with expertise and skills to guide and support. My therapeutic style is characterized by openness, curiosity, humor, and deep care.
My journey into the field of psychotherapy is deeply intertwined with my personal experiences. While I focus on my clients’ stories during sessions, I believe my ability to empathize and maintain a nonjudgmental stance stems from a rich understanding of the complexities of human experiences. I am open about my own struggles with perinatal depression and anxiety, which were the catalyst for starting my private practice.
What sets my practice apart is a steadfast commitment to personalized, accessible care. I initially offered home visits to new mothers, recognizing the unique challenges they face. This model has since expanded to include office visits and community meetings as needed, demonstrating my dedication to meeting clients where they are—both physically and emotionally. My practice thrives on the collaborative support of a community of fellow therapists, ensuring continuous learning and consultation.
I take immense pride in the positive impact my practice has had on new mothers and families, guiding them through the challenging early stages of parenthood. Potential clients should know that my practice is rooted in empathy, accessibility, and a deep commitment to addressing each individual’s unique mental health needs. My goal is to provide a safe, supportive environment where clients can find the help they need to thrive.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
A profound lesson I had to unlearn as I transitioned from a licensed clinical social worker to a private practitioner was that while I remained dedicated to mental health work, I was also stepping into the role of a business owner. The curriculum in social work school often lacks instruction on establishing and managing a private practice, despite many social workers pursuing this path.
Navigating this dual identity has been challenging, particularly when it comes to setting fees that accurately reflect my extensive education and experience. The pervasive narrative in our field, especially for women, suggests that our work should prioritize helping others over financial gain. This mindset can make it difficult to assert the value of our professional expertise in monetary terms.
However, I have come to realize that it is not only possible but essential to harmonize both objectives. By setting fair rates, I ensure the sustainability of my practice, which in turn allows me to continue providing high-quality care to my clients. This balance enables me to fulfill my commitment to helping people while also honoring the worth of my professional contributions.
Have you ever had to pivot?
In 2021, an unexpected move to Washington, DC, prompted by my husband’s job, led to significant professional and personal changes. Initially, we planned a temporary stay for the summer, anticipating a return to Chicago where I had established my private practice and professional reputation over the past 15 years. However, within weeks, it became apparent that relocating permanently to the DC area was necessary.
We settled in Maryland, where we bought a house and ensured our 4-month-old and 4-year-old children were comfortably integrated into their new environment. Concurrently, I began to familiarize myself with the local therapy market. Despite the abrupt change, I continued to support my Chicago clients through telehealth, maintaining the connections I had built.
Approximately a year into our new life in Maryland, I undertook a series of pivotal steps to transition my practice fully. I disengaged from insurance boards, established new rates, revamped my website, and actively engaged in networking within the local professional community. This period also marked the resumption of in-person sessions for the first time since the pandemic, complemented by ongoing telehealth services.
Recognizing the importance of a strategic location, I secured a sublease in a popular area, allowing me to see clients in person from Maryland and DC three days a week, while dedicating one day a week to my telehealth clients, including those in Chicago. This adaptive approach has not only been enjoyable and rewarding but has also reinforced my ability to pivot my business effectively.
While the move initially filled me with a deep sense of sadness, the transition ultimately proved to be a valuable and enriching experience, both professionally and personally.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sarahlevinemileslcsw.com
- Instagram: @sarahlevinemileslcsw
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/sarah-levine-miles-rockville-2
- Other: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/sarah-levine-miles-rockville-md/342041
