Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Hi, I’m Lisa! I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Certified Advanced Alcohol & Drug Counselor—I’ve worked as a LPC in several different capacities i.e. inpatient, outpatient, homebased—with most work being done via non-profit organizations. My niche was working with underprivileged adolescents—having an undergrad in criminal justice, I enjoyed working with this population while they were under the care of the criminal justice system via probation. I worked intensely with this population along with their families via home-based services. Later transitioning into a Kent County High School in which I served high schoolers for approximately 5 years.
My dream has always been “When I grow up, I want my own private practice”—I didn’t really have a timeframe for this dream, and I would surely make it happen one day! Come the spring of 2019, I mentioned to my husband that “it was time”—I really didn’t know how I was going to do this or where to begin; therefore, taking a leap of faith, I plugged away in looking up what this process entailed. I talked to some colleagues who were already on their own doing private practice and what their journey was like. So that spring I started my journey—- establishing a brand name and an LLC while also looking into the credentialing process with insurance agencies.
Additionally, I started looking for workspace—while working in the Kent County area for 10 years, I wanted to have my practice in my hometown of Holland. I was blessed by finding space in which the landlord allowed me to rent with a very reasonable rate. I transitioned into my practice by working parttime at my former workplace and transitioning into my practice parttime that summer, by the fall of 2019, I was in full bloom! I worked at this location for approximately 3 years–learning more and more about private practice and just putting myself out there– as my main concern was being able to find clientele.
I joined different agencies by contracting my services and still actively advertising my practice via Facebook, Google, Psychology Today, word of mouth, and creating a webpage. My practice was slowly blossoming, and I was getting noticed!
Telehealth services were introduced in 2020, and I was also able to provide some coaching to another clinician having her join my practice as well. As we got busier, it brought us to our new and bigger location in Holland–adding yet another clinician to our office.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Absolutely not, this was totally a work in progress! Research was always how I learned, in addition to trial and error. Paperwork has always been a part of this business, therefore, learning the ins/outs of credentialing, working with various insurance agencies, preparing & developing assessments and notes, learning the whole billing process, and just staying on top of all this—I was up late many a night, let me tell ya!
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
For over 20 years I have been involved in the mental health system and have had the privilege of helping individuals & families achieve their goals and overcome a variety of challenges (i.e. depression, anxiety, mood disorders, new transitions, relational, & substance abuse struggles). While speaking both English & Spanish languages, my hope is that each individual that I encounter will gain a better understanding of themselves and also learn valuable skills to move forward towards a more fulfilling and flourishing life—to be able to find ‘Peace of Mind’–within themselves and within their surroundings.
I work with individuals & families from various cultural backgrounds, and my passion is working with adolescents, adults, and families. I have worked with many experiencing a variety of challenges with the hopes of obtaining ‘Peace of Mind’.
Additionally, I have experience in the Criminal Justice System and am a Certified Advanced Alcohol & Drug Counselor as well. I am aware that seeking support and change is a big step and can be scary—yet it is a fulfilling venture! We all have something to learn, and parts of ourselves that need exploring. I offer individual, couples, and family counseling services, offering services that can be paid via insurance plans, EAP’s, or easy self-pay—NO one goes unserved!
What were you like growing up?
I grew up in the small town of Holland—always willing and wanting to learn new things. I would ask myself—“what do I want to be when I grow up?” I went to beauty school and received a Cosmetology degree/license after graduating high school. While still having my hands in hair, I also studied at Davenport College and Grand Valley State earning a degree in Criminal Justice. I had a 10-year career at our local police department. I loved it! I later attended school again focusing on a Psychology degree. I worked in mental health for a few years following that degree. Still wanting something more, I then pursued my graduate studies in Mental Health Counseling at Webster University while working full time as a MH case manager.
It seemed I was ‘always’ plugging away in school—my sister teasing me telling me I must have earned a doctorate degree by now with all the schooling I completed! The thing is—each job I had, always led me on different path—with finally achieving my life goal—to have peace of mind in a career that I truly love and am passionate about—serving and helping people.
Pricing:
- Counseling Intake – $180
- Individual counseling – $155
- Couple / Family – $125
- Alcohol / Substance Assessments – $180
- Most Insurances Accepted
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lisabenavideslpc.wixsite.com/peaceofmindcounselin
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/16BLGsbTYn/
- Other: https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/472225
