We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shanyq Salop a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Shanyq, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today 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.

Starting my own practice was both exciting and terrifying. I had always dreamed of creating a space where people could receive holistic, compassionate psychiatric care that integrates mind, body, and lifestyle, not just medication. But stepping out on my own meant leaving the safety of a steady paycheck and structure, and walking into the unknown.

The early days were filled with learning curves. I had to figure out everything; from forming my PLLC and setting up systems for billing and documentation, to building a website and learning how to market myself. I’m a clinician at heart, not a marketer, so putting myself out there felt uncomfortable at first. But I realized very quickly that no one would know what I had to offer if I stayed behind the scenes. I had to get comfortable being visible, even if it meant doing things scared.

Financially, those first months were tough. I took a hit in the beginning while building my caseload, investing in branding, and paying for all the essentials that come with running a business. But every patient who found me, every positive word-of-mouth referral reminded me why I took the leap. Slowly, things started to click. I refined my systems, connected with the right people, and began building a small but strong team who shared my vision for high-quality, patient-centered mental health care.

Looking back, I wouldn’t change much, but if I could give my past self advice, it would be to start marketing earlier and to seek mentorship right away. Those two things can make a huge difference when you’re growing something from the ground up.

My biggest advice for anyone thinking about starting their own practice? Don’t wait until you feel ready, because you never truly will. The only way to build confidence is through action. Do it afraid. You’ll learn, adjust, and grow along the way. Every step, even the messy ones, will move you closer to where you’re meant to be.

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

I’m Shanyq Salop, a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and founder of Reflection Health, a New York–based private practice focused on integrative and compassionate mental health care.

I’ve always been fascinated by what helps people heal. Not just emotionally, but as whole beings. Before starting my own practice, I worked in community mental health and in private practice. Each experience deepened my understanding of how much people need care that truly listens, personalizes treatment, and empowers them to take part in their wellness journey.

Reflection Health was born from that vision. We provide psychiatric medication management, therapy, and integrative mental health services that consider lifestyle, nutrition, and emotional well-being. My team and I also mentor new psychiatric nurse practitioners helping them grow into confident, compassionate clinicians who lead with both skill and heart.

What sets us apart is our focus on connection and collaboration. We don’t just treat symptoms — we look at the whole person. Every patient’s story is unique, and we meet them where they are, helping them build balance and resilience that lasts.

I’m most proud of the community we’ve created. Patients who trust us with their healing, and a team that believes deeply in the work we do. Watching people find stability, peace, and self-understanding is what keeps me inspired every day.

At its core, Reflection Health is about helping people rediscover themselves through reflection, growth, and genuine partnership.

If you could go back in time, do you think you would have chosen a different profession or specialty?

Absolutely. I would choose this path again without hesitation with all the challenges that come with it. Psychiatry has allowed me to witness transformation in real time by seeing people move from survival to stability, from self-doubt to confidence, from hopelessness to healing. There’s nothing more fulfilling than that.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I believe my reputation was built on authenticity, consistency, and genuine care. From the start, I focused on creating real connections with patients by listening deeply and helping them feel seen, not just treated. Many clients come to me with understandable mistrust of the healthcare system, so rebuilding that trust through transparency, empathy, and follow-through has been a major part of my work. I also made it a priority to show up consistently in my community and online, even when it felt uncomfortable, because visibility with purpose matters. Most importantly, staying grounded in my “why” providing compassionate, integrative care has allowed my work to speak for itself.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.reflectionhealth.org
• Instagram: reflectionhealthny