Today we’d like to introduce you to Margena Carter.
Margena, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started out working as an inter at Pasa Alta Manor Board and Care home in Pasadena, CA. I was a psychology student that has an interest in mental health disorders and this helped to open doors for me. From there and graduating, I got my Masters Degree in Psychology and begin working In Partial Hospitalization Programs which, is a day program for those suffering from severe mental health disorders. Then I went on to work in-patient with the acute mental health population that were placed on psychiatric holds. From PHP to lock-down psychiatric facilities where the patients remained in the hospital for nine months or more before being released into the community. Then, I went on the work in private practice for about one year and opened my own private practice in 2016. We are in our 3rd year of business with a mental health contract with Kaiser and still growing.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It was difficulty moving to CA without family. I am originally from Rochester, NY so that is where my parents live. Also, dealing with micro-ageism and racism but the biggest hurdle was teaching myself how to be a business owner, a businesswomen and a boss. I learning’s all the laws and details of private practice through Google and Facebook groups.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Carter Care Therapeutic Services story. Tell us more about the business.
It’s a private practice that specializes in Mental health and love. I treats the serious underlying mental problems that block healthy relationships. As a result, I help others gets to the core of the problem. I works with patients suffering from co-dependency, low self-esteem, depression, sexual dysfunction, trauma, anger, personality disorders and addiction. I also counsels couples who want to restore their relationships rather than break-up or divorce. I am most proud that its a women owner business and I did it by myself and it’s still working flouting and doing quite well. What sets me apart is that I am a black psychotherapist with a flushing practice in Manhattan Beach, CA. There are not many AA therapist and I am proud to say that I am one of the few Black therapist.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
No, really, I don’t really think I had luck, I 2nd year in business, I was doing well enough to keep the practice up but not enough to pay all my living expenses. And, the business was growing so fast that I was unable to work another job. I lived off save for the first two years and at the end of the second year. I had to cash out my 401k to pay bills. But through hard work and dedication in 2019 our practice has officially become a 6 figure business. 2019 the practice made more than six figures and that I am proud of… I don’t think it’s luck, it’s hard work.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.CarterCareTherapy.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/margenacarter/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/margenacarter/
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