Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Cerrissa Hugie.
Hi Dr. Cerrissa, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My journey into mental health and nursing was anything but traditional. At 30, I found myself in what I jokingly call a “midlife crisis,” struggling to find my true purpose. A conversation with a friend led me to consider nursing, and without much hesitation, I enrolled at OC Tech to become an LPN. That decision set me on a path I never could have imagined.
Determined to advance, I applied to MUSC, where I was waitlisted but later accepted just six weeks before the semester started. I pushed through, finishing in the top five of my class. While I had already worked as a therapist and had a deep passion for mental health, discovering psychiatric nursing felt like finding home—it was the perfect blend of my natural ability to connect with people, my clinical skills, and my passion for mental and emotional wellness.
I went on to complete my MSN and DNP at Vanderbilt University, fully embracing my calling as a psychiatric nurse practitioner. Every day, I wake up grateful for the privilege of walking alongside my patients, witnessing their resilience, and holding space for their healing.
But I knew my impact couldn’t stop at one-on-one patient care. That’s why I founded MyNDSpace Mental Health Education & Consulting—to expand my reach beyond the walls of a clinic. Through this platform, I provide mental health education to other professionals, government agencies, schools, faith-based organizations, and communities. My mission is to equip others with the knowledge and tools to create healthier, more supportive environments for mental well-being.
Looking back, I see that every step—every challenge and triumph—has led me to where I am today. I didn’t just find a career; I discovered my purpose. And for that, I’m deeply grateful.
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 road has been anything but smooth, but every challenge has shaped me into the leader I am today. Transitioning from a clinician to a business owner was one of the hardest shifts I’ve had to make. Being a great mental health provider didn’t automatically equip me with the skills to run and grow a business—it was a completely different learning curve. Suddenly, I wasn’t just responsible for my patients; I was responsible for an entire organization, including the employees who depend on me for their livelihoods and the families they support. The weight of knowing how many people rely on MyNDSpace® for mental health care is something I don’t take lightly.
I’ve also had to make difficult business decisions—ones that weren’t always favorable to one individual but were necessary for the greater good of the organization and the communities we serve. At times, that has meant stepping back from direct patient care to focus on administration and leadership. While that was a tough transition, I now see the bigger impact: instead of serving only those I could personally reach, I get to create space for other clinicians to provide high-quality care to even more people.
On top of the professional challenges, balancing my roles as a wife and mother has been its own journey—especially with three children under five, including twins! Creating harmony between my family and my work is a constant effort, and I’ve had to be intentional about setting boundaries, building systems, and prioritizing self-care to avoid burnout.
Despite the struggles, I wouldn’t trade this path for anything. Every obstacle has refined me, strengthened my faith, and given me the tools to lead with greater wisdom and compassion. At the end of the day, the impact of this work—seeing individuals, families, and communities heal—makes every challenge worth it.
As you know, we’re big fans of MyNDSpace® Mental Health Education & Consulting. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
MyNDSpace® Mental Health Education & Consulting is more than just a mental health practice—it’s a movement dedicated to expanding access, breaking down barriers, and providing holistic, high-quality care. We specialize in trauma-informed mental health services and are known for our commitment to making mental health care accessible, community-driven, and culturally responsive.
What truly sets us apart is our deep-rooted community partnerships—they are our secret sauce. We collaborate with schools, faith-based organizations, government agencies, and community groups to ensure that mental health support reaches people where they are. We don’t just wait for individuals to seek help; we actively work to create spaces where mental health care is normalized and integrated into everyday life.
We have also made history. I am proud to be the first African American psychiatric nurse practitioner to open my own practice in the state of South Carolina. Additionally, MyNDSpace® is the only psychiatric provider in three counties that accepts all forms of Medicaid, ensuring that individuals and families, regardless of their financial situation, can access the care they deserve.
One of the things I’m most proud of is our commitment to accessibility. Mental health care should never be a luxury, and we have worked tirelessly to remove financial, cultural, and systemic barriers that often prevent people from getting the help they need. As a result of this commitment, we have had the privilege of facilitating over 25,000 patient encounters in just 3 years.
Our impact goes beyond direct patient care. We provide mental health education and training for other clinicians, businesses, and organizations, equipping them with the tools to foster mental wellness in their spaces. We believe that when we educate, empower, and collaborate, we create a ripple effect of healing that extends far beyond what we could do alone.
At its core, MyNDSpace® is about transformation—not just for individuals, but for entire communities. We want your readers to know that mental health care is for everyone, and we are here to make it accessible, compassionate, and impactful.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Before starting MyNDSpace®, I wouldn’t have considered myself much of a risk-taker. I valued stability and had built a successful, high-paying career. But in October of 2021, I made the biggest leap of my life—I left my full-time job to open my own mental health practice. My husband was the one who convinced me to go for it, and within seven days, I made the decision. By January 2022, MyNDSpace® was officially launched, and I was ALL in.
The entire journey has been risky. Starting a business—especially in healthcare—is a huge financial and operational challenge. I went from the security of a paycheck to the uncertainty of entrepreneurship, navigating everything from payroll and compliance to hiring and community engagement. But despite the risks, it has been the most fulfilling and rewarding decision I’ve ever made.
Over time, I’ve learned to take risks more strategically. Early on, some of my decisions were bold but came with tough lessons. I now approach risk with more wisdom and foresight, knowing that every decision I make doesn’t just impact me—it affects my employees, their families, and, most importantly, the community that depends on us for mental health care.
In 2023, during an interview for a business program I completed, one of the interviewers said something that still resonates deeply:
“Your business cannot fail. It means too much to the community.”
That moment was a sobering reminder of the responsibility I carry. MyNDSpace® is not just a business—it’s a beacon of hope for so many people. I’m committed to ensuring that we continue to grow, serve, and create impact because the need is too great for us to fail.
So, while risk-taking was once something I avoided, I now see it as an essential part of leadership and growth. The key is not avoiding risk but learning how to take the right ones—the ones that align with your mission, your values, and the impact you want to make in the world.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.myndspace.org, and www.drcerrissahugie.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/myndspacesc/ and www.instagram.com/drcerrissahugie/
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/MyNDSpaceSC and www.facebook.com/drcerrissahugie/
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/myndspace-mental-health-education-consulting and www.linkedin.com/in/dr-cerrissa-hugie-92b29b10a
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