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About Jen

I have been a mental health therapist for over 15 years.  Throughout my career, I have worked in outpatient settings, served as the clinical director for an inpatient adolescent treatment program and launched three successful businesses. My first business was Northern Star Counseling, LLC established in  2010. The practice specializes in improving the mental wellbeing of adults, youth and families in Cheyenne, WY. In the beginning, Northern Star Counseling was a solo practice with me as the only clinician. Today Northern Star Counseling is a thriving practice with eight clinicians of varying specialties. We serve individuals, families, couples and children. Our clinicians have community involvement with HeadStart programs, Suicide Prevention agencies, Fortune 500 corporate services and the University of Wyoming Family Practice for collaborative care.

The second business venture was a partnership with local psychologist, Mary Ellen Sternitzke. In 2014, I joined Equality Connections in Cheyenne, WY. Equality Connections offers business platform services to mental health clinicians wanting to begin their own practices or those already in practice that need some additional support. Areas of consultation include marketing, advertising, conflict resolution, bookkeeping and brand development. Equality Connections offers clinicians consultation services centered around developing their practice. Equality Connections also offers direct services such as billing, Medicaid enrollments, private insurance credentialing, and client invoicing.

The most recent business is Career Innovations launched in 2016. This is a partnership with Darlena Potter, an experienced state, federal and public sector administrator. Career Innovations focuses on assisting youth ages 14-21 with life and job skills development. Common services include budgeting, cooking, social skills, confidence enhancing activities, study skills, time management as well as emotional regulation. Services are offered in individual and group settings. Our clinician provide Career Innovations services in the community to build hands on experience to the youth.

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Getting Your Name into the Community

It is never to soon to begin getting your name into the community as private practice practitioner. Think about who your ideal clients are and where they gather to shop, go for medial care, take their children for education, go for entertainment, etc. Think about professional offices that treat clients with unmet mental health care needs: doctors offices, laboratories, occupational therapists, counselors at schools and colleges etc. Then start calling and setting up short meetings with the staff to "pitch" your practice. Remember to illustrate what sets your practice apart from others. If a meeting with the staff is not possible, ask to leave information about your business at the front or hang a flyer on the wall. Follow up with the businesses several weeks later to check in. Also discuss the possibility about cross referrals with the businesses you visit. Be sure to take these items with you to the "pitch" meeting Business Cards Brochures Flyers Snacks ...

Continuing Education Credits (CEUs)

Continuing education credits are required to maintain your mental health license (LCSW, LPC, and LMFT). Consider using your mandated CEUs to specialize in the populations you want to serve. This approach will speed you along your path of specialization and allows you to complete your renewal requirements. In Wyoming, clinicians currently need 45 continuing education hours for every two years this typically renews on their birthday. There are many ways to earn the credits you need without breaking the bank. Local trainings offered by companies such as PESI Online training many offer unlimited CEUs for a fixed price Webinars National conferences  Travel to trainings offered in other cities (tax deduction for private practices)

Ongoing Advertising for Small Practices

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