Today we’d like to introduce you to Katrina Bell.
Hi Katrina, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey to where I am today involved climbing the ranks in various settings to gain essential experience. I initially started working part-time in private practice before transitioning to full-time contracting. After several years, I eventually established my private practice.
I have been a Licensed Professional Counselor for over a decade with over 15 years in the mental health field, primarily working in schools serving underserved populations. I take pride in being a product of the community I serve, having been born, raised, and educated in the same area. I understand the importance of safe spaces for improving the mental well-being of African Americans, which is why my private practice focuses mainly on serving this community.
I decided to start my practice a few years before taking the plunge. While working as a contract therapist at a group private practice, I learned much about the industry’s business side. Two years before leaving that practice, I launched my private practice. I started by naming my practice, registering it with the state, obtaining an LLC, and securing an EIN. I didn’t act on these steps immediately but began to prepare as I felt ready to leave the group practice.
Throughout this journey, I took meticulous notes on standard operating procedures and necessary systems for success. Despite facing doubts, this process taught me resilience and persistence. I conducted extensive research through YouTube videos and master classes focused on starting a private practice, which proved invaluable. While I faced trial and error and the absence of a direct mentor, my colleagues provided essential support and answered many questions. To young professionals aspiring to start their practice, I advise beginning early and conducting thorough research to have everything in place for success. Investing in your future through classes, online resources, and networking with experienced professionals is crucial.
It wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The early days were challenging, but I quickly learned the importance of being thorough, detailed, and persistent. Balancing various aspects of the business became crucial, and I established firm boundaries for myself and others to ensure success. My biggest struggles have been marketing and retaining clients.
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?
In my private counseling practice, I serve clients aged 16-60, mostly African Americans. My practice is primarily telehealth, allowing clients to attend appointments from their own comfortable spaces, whether at work, school, or home. This convenience helps clients avoid taking time off work or school and eliminates the need for travel to appointments. Given the scarcity of African American Licensed Professional Counselors in my community, my presence is significant as I understand our population’s unique issues. However, encouraging people to attend therapy remains challenging due to persistent stigmas within our community. By starting this practice, I aim to reduce these stigmas through education about the benefits of counseling, leveraging my deep connection with the community where I was raised.
- My areas of specialty include:
-ADHD
-Anxiety Disorder
-Bipolar Disorder
-Couples Therapy
-Depression
-LGBTQIA+
-Low Self-Esteem
-Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
-Life Issues
-Grief
-School/Career Related Issues
-Women’s Health Concerns - I offer the following services:
-Individual Therapy
-Couples/Family Therapy
-Coaching Sessions
-Clinical Supervision for Licensure
-Mental Health Products
-Additionally, I am available for speaking engagements and training sessions on mental health.
What changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
In the next 5-10 years, I plan to expand my private practice and develop products that support mental health. I plan to create more items such as shirts, cards, calendars, journals centered around self-care, and affirmation cards. Additionally, I aim to develop mental health masterclasses and courses and increase my involvement in speaking engagements.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lifewithkb.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/l.i.f.e.withkb/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lifewithKB
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katrinatrbell/
Image Credits
Journey Grace Photography
