In a world increasingly focused on physical health and fitness, the importance of mental well-being often takes a back seat. However, the truth is, mental health is just as crucial to our overall wellness as hitting the gym or eating nutritious meals. While therapy is becoming more widely talked about and utilized amongst younger generations, taking the next steps in the mental health journey can be a daunting task. This is where Jennifer Wood, MS, Founder & CEO of Mindful Health, comes in, reshaping the landscape of mental healthcare with a unique and holistic approach.
The Birth of Mindful Health
Wood's journey in mental health spans over two decades, filled with a deep understanding of the industry's strengths and shortcomings. "I wanted to create a space where clients could get high levels of care but in a nice, upscale environment that doesn’t feel like a doctor's office or hospital," she shares. This desire to break down stigma and offer exceptional care led to the inception of Mindful Health.
Mindful Health isn't just another clinic—it's a sanctuary designed to embrace those seeking mental wellness. Offering services such as individual therapy or psychiatry, partial hospitalization, and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), Mindful Health’s spa-like environment is a place where clinicians pay special attention to the mind-body connection, and helps clients build the skills they need to reach their full potential.
Wood explains, "Our goal is to wrap our arms around our clients, so they have a mental health home to stay healthy and prevent hospitalization." From a single clinic in North Texas, the organization swiftly expanded to four clinics across the state in just two years, a testament to their impact and success.
A Mission of Intentional Care
The mission of Mindful Health is clear: intentional and exceptional care for clients, coupled with a nurturing environment for their team. "Healthy people help others become healthy," Wood emphasizes, highlighting the importance of prioritizing team well-being to deliver top-tier care.
The approach at Mindful Health extends beyond traditional therapy and psychiatry. Holistic options such as yoga, physical exercise, nutrition, and aromatherapy are integrated into their programming, recognizing the intricate connection between mind and body.
Like any startup, Mindful Health faced hurdles. "Staffing was our biggest obstacle," Wood reveals. Building a team willing to take a leap of faith in a new venture wasn't easy. Yet, they succeeded in assembling a remarkable team that embodies the organization's values.
For Wood, the proudest moments are those that validate their impact. "A patient recently wrote a letter that we have since featured on our website and social channels with his permission. It talks about how he was hesitant to get care but he took a chance on us and it changed his life. It validates the work our team does every day and receiving that has been the highlight of my year thus far.
“In addition to that, in our most recent employee engagement survey, 98% of staff reported being happy at work and being proud to work for Mindful Health. We are creating a culture people want to be a part of.”
To aspiring entrepreneurs, Wood imparts invaluable advice. "Be intentional in every aspect of what you set out to do," she urges. From website design to team culture, intentionality is key. She emphasizes the importance of learning from others and remaining adaptable—a lesson she's embraced in Mindful Health's evolution.
Choosing the .health Domain
The choice of domain (mindful.health) reflects Wood’s commitment to excellence. "It was recommended as the best out there," she explains, aligning with their mission of providing premium care.
Jennifer Wood's journey with Mindful Health exemplifies the transformative power of intentional care in mental health. As we embark on a new year focused on health and fitness, let's remember that true wellness encompasses both body and mind. Thanks to trailblazers like Wood, mental health is receiving the attention and care it deserves—one intentional step at a time.
Starting a new business in mental health is undoubtedly challenging, but with passion, intentionality, and a supportive team, Jennifer Wood and Mindful Health are proving that exceptional care can change lives and communities for the better.