Today we’d like to introduce you to Holly May.
Hi Holly, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I attended Gallaudet University where I studied Mental Health Counseling. It’s here that I also learned about being a professional interpreter. I moved to SC for my internship with the state mental health agency. I worked there for 25 years where I learned a lot of the tools I use in providing therapy and supervision. I also became a certified interpreter and did this freelance over this same time. I left state employment and set up a private practice with two former coworkers. We saw a great need for therapy services in the Deaf Community and in general. I am licensed in both NC and SC as a therapist as well as a supervisor. I am working on licensure in several other states as well. In addition to being a therapist I also enjoy presenting and sharing the knowledge I’ve learned with others. I have a passion for Suicide Prevention and provide trainings to community members as well as professionals. I also enjoy teaching at some of the local colleges. I am married (Deaf man) with 3 children and we have been foster parents so have several more children we’ve had in our life. I enjoy the beach, crocheting and thrifting. I grew up in Ohio with a sister who had AIDS in her 20’s, she passed a way when I was a senior in High School. She spent her life after she was diagnosed providing education and training to hopefully impact others to not have the same struggles. I have followed in her footsteps and been an educator and advocate in this area for part of my life as well.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The beginning of my career had it’s share of bumps as does working for any state agency. Establishing the private practice has been an amazing experience and a tremendous growth opportunity. The biggest struggle was in learning the business side, the insurance billing, and in general the ‘HR’ stuff that goes with the business. I have been blessed to have people placed in my path to help along the way learn these things. My sister’s illness shaped me in my late teens and while it was full of bumps and challenges (being home alone while my parents attending to my sister in the hospital for example) it was through this life experience that I learned a lot of valuable skills of independence, problem solving, among other things.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am one of 3 owners of a private practice counseling agency with a non-profit arm as well (All Access Consulting) that provides therapy to all abled people. We have clinicians who are fluent in American Sign Language and knowledgeable in Deafness who work with not only direct members of the Deaf Community but CODAs, Interpreters, and professionals in the field as well. We provide a variety of therapeutic approaches between all of our clinicians. We primarily are a tele-health model but have some in person availability at an office in Columbia with options in other areas of the state as well. Our primary focus is on providing services to the Deaf and Hard of hearing community as they are an underserved population, we are in network with majority of the Medicaid providers so that allows up to serve other underserved populations as well. Our team provides some unique lived experiences by being Deaf themselves or caring for people who are differently abled. Our agency offers services in South Carolina, North Carolina, and Florida. We are in network with multiple insurance companies in the Carolinas.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Having started in the state system, I had a number of people who I had to get mentoring from and am grateful for this exposure. Although since COVID the in person opportunities have changed, I am happy to see more conferences and Expo returning and find this to be a great way/place to find people in your field.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.allaccesscounseling.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allaccesscounseling2025
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1D8m27Yy8L/?mibextid=wwXIfr
