Community Highlights: Meet Dr. Carmy Aristor of Destined Horizons Mental Health Practice

Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Carmy Aristor.

Hi Dr. Carmy, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
In 2017, life shifted in a way I could not have anticipated. The company where I worked as a Program Director in New York unexpectedly closed its doors, and with that came a major decision point. Rather than see it as a setback, I chose to take it as an opportunity. I packed up my life, and with my two children – then just 11 and 8 years old – we moved to Atlanta to start fresh.

At the time, I was already a licensed psychotherapist, and after obtaining reciprocity in Georgia, I began providing virtual counseling to clients. This was back in 2017, three years before the world shifted to remote everything during the pandemic. I was seeing clients across both New York and Georgia, and as the demand grew, I realized this wasn’t just a personal practice – it had the potential to be so much more. I hired my first therapist, transitioned into a group practice, and since then, we’ve expanded services into Maryland and New Jersey.

In 2025, I proudly earned my Ph.D. in Psychology from Walden University, specializing in Teaching Psychology. That milestone was not just about adding “Dr.” to my name; it was about expanding my impact. Today, as Dr. Carmy Aristor, I speak across platforms about the importance of wellness programs, the dangers of compassion fatigue, and strategies for preventing burnout, topics that are deeply personal to me and vital to helping professionals thrive.

Alongside speaking, I design courses tailored to healers and caregivers, offering them tools to stay grounded and resilient in the face of their demanding roles. I also provide clinical supervision for emerging therapists, supporting the next generation of clinicians who will carry this work forward.

Looking back, what began as a moment of uncertainty has grown into a purpose-driven journey. My story is one of resilience, reinvention, and faith in the idea that when one chapter closes, another opens, often leading to opportunities beyond what you first imagined.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Not at all – it has not been an easy path, but it’s definitely been a rewarding one. When I moved to Atlanta, I was starting over in many ways: new city, single mom with two young children, and trying to rebuild my professional life from the ground up. Launching a private practice comes with uncertainty, and in those early days, I had to wear every hat: therapist, business owner, administrator, and marketer, all while making sure my kids were adjusting and thriving.

Another challenge was being ahead of the curve. Back in 2017, virtual therapy was not widely embraced the way it is now. I had to educate clients, build trust in the process, and prove that meaningful healing could take place through a screen. At times, that meant pushing through skepticism and leaning on my own faith and determination to keep going.

As the practice grew, scaling up brought its own hurdles: hiring the right team, navigating multiple state licenses, and balancing expansion with maintaining the quality of care. And personally, completing a PhD while running a business and raising children required discipline, sacrifice, and a lot of resilience.

A beautiful turning point came in 2021, when I married my soulmate. That season brought me not only personal joy but also renewed strength and support to keep pursuing the vision I had for my family and my work.

Through it all, the challenges shaped me into the leader I am today. They reminded me that growth rarely comes without discomfort, and that perseverance, community, and a clear sense of purpose can carry you through seasons that feel impossible.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I am the Founder and CEO of Destined Horizons Mental Health Practice, a multi-state group mental health practice providing virtual therapy across Georgia, New York, Maryland, and New Jersey. Our mission is to create accessible, high-quality care that supports both individuals and families on their healing journeys. Alongside managing the practice, I also serve as Dr. Carmy Aristor, my personal brand through which I speak, teach, and develop courses for helping professionals. My focus is on equipping clinicians, educators, and caregivers with the tools to prevent burnout and compassion fatigue while cultivating wellness in their work and personal lives. I also provide clinical supervision for emerging therapists, ensuring that the next generation of mental health professionals is well-prepared, supported, and confident as they step into the field.

Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Favorite App is Audible

Contact Info:

• Website: https://destined-horizons.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carmy.howard.77
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmyaristor/
• Other: https://DrCarmy.com