Recent research shows that about 87% of American youths have suffered from mental health issues. This figure underscores the importance of mental healthcare for people of all ages, especially as we face new challenges related to technology, economics, and more.
The modern mental health crisis (and several other humanitarian causes) led Kerry Rollins to launch the Rollins Counseling Center. The group practice aims to help people recover from trauma and other mental health-related challenges that are holding them back from maximizing their true potential.
In this interview, Rollins shares her entrepreneurial journey, her plans for her business, and how she joined EO Boston. Read on!
Tell Us About Yourself and Your Business
After many years as a solo psychotherapist, I launched my group practice in late 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. My goal was to create a group mental health psychotherapy practice that provides quality trauma-informed counseling services both virtually and in person within our community.
I also wanted to expand and make mental health services available to first responders. The pandemic's shift toward telehealth presented an opportunity to reach more clients and make mental health treatment more accessible.
By the end of 2022, Rollins Counseling had grown to employ 22 staff members and opened a second office. As of now, we have over 30 clinicians and three full-time administrative employees. Continuing its rapid growth and dedication to accessible mental healthcare, we recently opened a third office in May 2024.
I place a high value on my clinicians, emphasizing a supportive environment that promotes their clinical growth. Rollins Counseling is committed to providing high-quality, evidence-based, trauma-informed therapy to all our clients.
How Did You Become an Entrepreneur?
Becoming an entrepreneur was a natural progression for me. I have always been independent and driven, and my passion for providing quality mental health care has been a cornerstone of my career.
While operating my private solo practice for many years, I eventually recognized that my income potential had plateaued. Supporting a family heightened my desire for greater financial security to ensure a stable future for my children.
Additionally, my work with first responders sparked an idea to expand services targeted at this unique population—a goal that necessitated the assembly of a dedicated team. The prospect of collaborating with a team became increasingly appealing as I realized the combined expertise would significantly enhance the quality of care we could offer.
I also felt a strong desire to share my clinical knowledge and mentor other clinicians, empowering them to provide the highest-quality trauma-informed care. I wanted to create a team of clinicians to provide quality trauma-informed mental health counseling while also supporting the professional growth of others in the field.
What Have Been Your Greatest Challenges and Successes in Business?
I had to figure things out and learn as I went along. It was challenging, scary, and fun at the same time. As the practice grew, it took a bit before I found the correct people for our leadership team. We now have a dedicated team of administrative and clinical leaders in the right roles, all sharing their unique talents and strengths.
Why EO Boston?
I was already familiar with and using elements of entrepreneur organizations when a member of EO Boston told me about the group. I just joined, and I am looking forward to getting more involved.
What’s on the Horizon for You?
Currently, the plan is to continue working on streamlining processes and program development.
What’s the Best Piece of Advice You Can Give to Up-And-Coming Entrepreneurs?
My advice is to do what you are passionate about and always lead from a place of honesty, respect, transparency, and direct communication. I have found that when you do “what is right,” even when it’s not in your best interest, the universe will take care of you.
Connect With Kerry Rollins and Other Business Leaders
One of the best ways to grow as an entrepreneur is to network with fellow businesspeople, share ideas, and learn from their mistakes. EO Boston is the leading Boston entrepreneur network and home to some of Massachusetts's biggest serial business leaders. At EO Boston, you can access mentorship, peer learning, and numerous exclusive entrepreneurship events. Join now to take your business to the next level.
Comments