Today we’d like to introduce you to Diana Brda.
Hi Diana, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I have been working as a psychologist in private practice for 13 years at three local clinics in the area. Last year in 2024, the company I worked for was bought out by a corporation, and they came in and negatively changed the working conditions for therapists as well as the environment for the clientele. They cut my pay to a third of what it was, but expected me to still work long hours with a huge caseload, fueling nothing but burn out and dissatisfaction for both myself and my clients. I found myself feeling frustrated with my experiences at other clinics, so I decided that if I wanted something done right, I would do it myself! I couldn’t see myself working for someone else anymore. Thus, the Blackbird Counseling Center was born, and now stands to serve those in need in our community for mental health services. I feel that healthcare has grown to be far too apathetic in America–it’s more focused on generating profit than actually helping those who need it for the most part, and I did not want to be part of that at all. In my experience working with clients, no matter what their symptoms are–whether it be depression, anxiety, OCD, relationship issues, etc.–everyone responds to kindness! I wanted to create a space for people struggling with mental health issues where they feel supported, valued, understood, and comfortable, with the very foundation being that of simply being kind to people. My staff and I are all experienced in what we do with tools and techniques to help people feel better, but the major emphasis is on making our clients feel our compassion and care so that they are not alone on their mental health journey. Inspired by the Beatles song “Blackbird,” with lyrics including “take these broken wings and learn to fly,” I felt it was perfect given the fact that so many people come to us feeling broken and our goal is to help them grow and heal.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There have definitely been difficulties along the way. When things became difficult and my pay was cut at my previous employer, I quickly and abruptly left that company considering that they stopped paying me what I was previously making. It was really difficult as I had to get Blackbird set up, but it takes 4-6 months to be paneled with insurances as a new office. I definitely took a hit financially since I wasn’t really being paid by insurances during that time and I had to invest in opening Blackbird as a new business. I actually saw a good portion of my clients pro bono during that time as I felt a sense of loyalty to them, and I was fortunate that they wanted to continue seeing me during this transitional period. Additionally, beyond that, we encountered some challenges and close calls at the office this first year as well. We recently had someone attempt to impersonate a therapist who works here and scam me for their paycheck, but I was fortunate to catch that and avoid being scammed. I also had to recently let go of one of our therapists on staff as she was fraudulently billing her clients for services that she didn’t complete.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Blackbird Counseling Center?
At Blackbird Counseling Center, we pride ourselves in creating a warm, compassionate atmosphere for clients to be themselves and specifically address their needs. We aim to generate solutions to ease their symptoms, let go of pain, and increase their ability to enhance their quality of life. Using a variety of approaches, our quality therapists establish individualized plans for each person to help them feel better. Blackbird has a variety of therapists, social workers, and counselors with unique backgrounds and professional experience. We treat adults, adolescents, children, families, and couples, helping to reduce their distress through psychotherapy sessions with various approaches and evidence-based modalities proven to help everyone. Our top priority at Blackbird Counseling Center is providing individuals with a kind, empathic environment that allows them to alleviate their symptoms. We offer therapy through in-person or telehealth services, and are accommodating to people’s schedules, finances, and personal needs.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Empathy, compassion, and care are our top priorities. As a local small business and private practice, we take pride in providing people with that level of care with therapists who truly care about people and their lives. Our offices are warm and inviting as the environment is key, and we are truly invested in helping people feel comfortable, supported, and empowered to heal and change their lives. Additionally, we were fortunate to win the Community Votes award as the best in Therapy and Counseling category for the city of Livonia in 2025.
Pricing:
- We are in-network with various insurances including BCBS, Blue Care Network, Aetna, United Healthcare, Priority Health, McLaren, and Medicaid.
- Cash pay clients include $100 per individual session and $150 for couples counseling.
- We are willing to be accommodating and help people in need who need financial assistance. This can be arranged and discussed with the therapist.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.blackbirdcounselingcenter.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackbirdcounselingcenter
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61581841914929
