Today we’d like to introduce you to Frank Caldwell.
Hi Frank, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up in a household with both parents, a sister, and a brother. My basic needs—food, shelter, and clothing—were always met. My parents did their best, raising me with the understanding and resources they had. Yet, I often felt alone, like the black sheep of the family. As a free spirit, I was curious and highly sensitive to the emotional energy around me. These qualities were frequently overlooked, making me feel like an outsider. My interests and passions rarely received recognition at home, though I often found encouragement and support from outside sources. In my late twenties, I developed major depressive disorder, which launched me into a journey marked by many challenges and unexpected turns. Past and ongoing traumas led to several hospitalizations for mental illness and a commitment to therapy, which remains a constant in my life. Despite these hardships, I came to believe that my ability to heal and grow from difficult experiences proved I was strong enough to endure each storm, emerging with greater clarity, wisdom, and perseverance.
After several hospitalizations and a commitment to therapy, I now take intentional steps to prioritize my mental health. I pursued my education to become a mental health support specialist, became a certified counselor, and am currently building my own brand, Called 2B Well. As the founder, I offer clients personalized wellness and lifestyle navigation coaching.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
There is nothing smooth about a life shaped by mental illness. Every day is a battle against self-doubt, wondering if your thoughts are your own or merely reflections of depression and anxiety. The burden is made heavier when loved ones, fueled by stigma rather than understanding, dismiss the struggle as ‘uncooperativeness.’ This isn’t just a mental fight—it’s a physical and social one that strains your body, your job, and your connections with others, leaving the mind and body at constant odds.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
In my career, I serve as a mental health support specialist, a certified peer specialist, a mental health counselor, as well as a wellness & lifestyle navigation coach. Those who know me often remark that Coach Caldwell has so much compassion and empathy for everyone, and it is evident every time you speak with him. A former client of mine had this to say about Coach Caldwell –
“Before Frank, I worked with a coach who was only interested in his own endeavors and money after sharing with him what I thought I needed. He seemed to only discuss basic approaches to basic issues. However, working with Frank, in his effort to guide my progress, he was able to discern what was ailing me and at the heart of my hardship. His guidance acted as a mirror to enlighten me about myself, to bring to the surface the suffering I was encountering. As a result, we both agreed that I needed additional help. He was able to direct me to a network of professionals, given the restrictions of my insurance. Today, I can easily say that life is so much better. Thank you, Frank!”
I am most proud of the improvement in my friends, family, and clients’ lives as they benefit from the negative experiences that I have successfully turned around, giving way to an increase in positive interactions.
There are several areas where the work that I do differs from others. For example, my practice focuses on men’s wellness, chronic stress, and culturally affirming support (as indicated on the web page) is a highly specialized service that may not be available within standard insurance networks. I am a “Navigator Coach,” which implies a holistic approach to lifestyle. This often includes elements (like nutrition, fitness, stress reduction techniques, and goal setting) that traditional insurance-covered therapy/counseling might exclude.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
“I have always been a ‘why’ child. From a young age, I was highly observant, often spotting the contradictions in the adults around me. What some perceived as rebellion was actually a deep-seated need to experience the world firsthand rather than just taking someone’s word for it. My household was one of quick wit and constant laughter, which likely fueled my comfort in the spotlight as a singer and performer. A turning point came at age ten when my mother gifted me a set of medical encyclopedias. I became obsessed with how the human body functions, which set me on a professional path in healthcare. Today, I live out both of my childhood dreams: navigating the complexities of medicine while expressing my soul through original music and storytelling.”
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/called2bwell/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frank-caldwell-47664a3a3/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@iamcaldwell
