Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Chantelle Walker
Hi Dr. Chantelle, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Hello. I am Dr. Chantelle Walker. Helping others has always been a part of my journey, whether professional or personal. While an undergrad, I decided to change my major from education to psychology. In doing so, I looked for a job that geared more toward my new degree path than my early childhood education background. So, I ended up as a behavioral health counselor at a children’s and adolescent inpatient hospital in Virginia. I was unaware of what to expect from the position as I had no clue what a behavioral health counselor was or their responsibilities. In a training group of over 20 individuals, only one RN and I continued employment with the organization.
Working with children who have dual diagnoses opened my eyes big time. This is when I learned the true meaning of building rapport with clients; from there, I knew I was where I needed to be. My experience as a behavioral health counselor led me to seek a degree in clinical mental health counseling, and the rest is history.
I am and have always been an entrepreneur at heart. So, it was only befitting to open up my virtual counseling practice. C.U.R.E. Therapy & Consulting, LLC. I am living out my dream to help individuals reach their best version.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Whew! The road has been challenging, but the end goal was always in my mind. To become credentialed as a licensed professional counselor, I endured seven years of schooling and three years’ post-training to meet the required state hours. It has been a journey of hard work, tears, and moments of wanting to give up. Then, you see the client’s progress and hear their kind words, giving more motivation to keep going.
The financial strain that many associate professional counselors endure is disheartening. During this post-training phase, you work hard to get all the hours needed but receive associate-level pay. There were times I would work with a client and, once I got off for the day, sit down to determine which bills would get paid that week or hope my phone would still be on until payday. The financial struggles of associate-level work are challenging, but I stayed the course because I knew things could change overnight! Guess what? It did. Once I received my full license certification, I made my website live and received my first private pay clients the following week. Since then, I have been very blessed. Things really can change in an instant!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
C.U.R.E. is a counseling practice that provides virtual therapy to Georgia residents. This is the place to be if you genuinely want a space to show up as your authentic self. I work with adults 18 and older who are experiencing anxiety, ADHD, depression, work stress, life transitions, women’s issues, relationship challenges, and much more. I have two additional therapists on site who work in the above specialty areas, including trauma and mood disorders. One of our therapists now accepts children 10 -17. All services are online; however, we are looking for a space to begin in person services for children this fall. Feel free to reach out to us for more details.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Start with a blueprint! If you are just starting, write down your plan and go with it. Take in as much knowledge as you can from others, but do not allow it to overwhelm your decision-making. At the end of the day, you have a vision placed in you for a reason. Everyone does not have to understand or get your vision. You Do!
I also offer coaching and consulting services for new start-up practices or those with “just an idea” and would be happy to assist you!
Pricing:
- We Accept Insurance: BCBS, Aetna, United Health Care, Cigns
- Private Pay Ranges: $115-$225 (Based on Clinician Credentials)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://curetherapy.org
Image Credits
melissagphotos.com
Melissa Giles Photography
