Community Highlights: Meet Angela Espin of Chronic Health Counseling, PLLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Angela Espin.

Hi Angela, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My name is Angela Espin, MSW, LCSW, founder of Chronic Health Counseling (CHC). CHC was established in 2018 to bridge the gap of being diagnosed with a chronic medial condition and addressing the mental health and other associated issues that arise from having a life altering medical condition.

I was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes (T1D) March 1979 at the age of 6. Technology at that time was barely developed and I would have to check my urine, eat a restricted diet and inject pork based insulin. The physical management of the disease took over all of the energy so much so that no one, including my six year old self was equipped to deal with the emotional impact and trauma that inherently comes with living with this type of invisible disease. The overall feeling I have when I recall my earlier childhood years, is “Do everything perfectly, and hope you don’t die, but you know you are sick and broken, but act like everything is okay anyway.” This feeling was every moment of every day.

I carried this pervasive anxiety with me until I discovered alcohol as a teenager. I recall after a night of underage drinking with my friends I thought, “Hm. I didn’t think about being a diabetic one single time last night.” I found my solution! The chase began and I spent the next two decades in self-destruct mode with all of the types of trauma that come with that spiral.

I got sober January 7th, 2010. After I got my life back together, I decided to return to graduate school to pursue my master of social work degree. When I first started, my main interest was studying the positive outcomes of inmates who participate in prison dog training programs, where dogs that would otherwise be euthanized, get fostered by non-violent offenders who train them to be service animals and adoptable pets.

At one point in my studies, I came across an article about the death causalities of people with T1D. In the study, it showed that 38% of people who were diagnosed with T1D who lived in Denmark died from substance abuse related disorders and not T1D related issues. This hit me hard and I could not ignore what I was supposed to do. In that moment I realized I had never fully accepted having T1D. My life changed in that moment. I started applying the principles I had learned to treat my substance use disorder to my diabetes management. I used concepts like, “Taking one day at a time” and “Easy does it, but do it!”

As I continued my coursework and research, I discovered how much trauma is associated with living with T1D. I started looking at the similarities of emotional and physical symptoms of T1D and alcohol use disorder. They are both invisible, chronic medical conditions that are fatal if not treated, a hypoglycemic episode mimics alcoholic detoxification symptoms (shakiness, sweating, confusion), they both involve intense cravings; sugar and alcohol both ignite pleasure centers in the brain; people hesitant and resistant to clinical treatment. There are many more similarities, but that can be a whole different discussion.

After establishing my practice, I found there are so many people with other chronic medical conditions that were the source of not only physical, but also emotional suffering. At CHC, we not only help the identified client, but also provide caregiver support and assist other healthcare professionals with issues as secondary trauma, compassion fatigue and burnout.

I am so grateful for my experiences that have led me to this point in my life. That my own story can maybe give someone hope that life is worth living and there is a place for someone to listen, who cares and can help ease some of the emotional burden of living with a life altering, disabling condition.

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?
The main challenge I’ve had is to manage my own wellness while helping others. I also had to learn things as I went when it came to running a business, becoming an owner and manager as well as learning the insurance system. Running a mental health practice is challenging in and of itself.

We’ve been impressed with Chronic Health Counseling, PLLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Currently I am the CEO, CFO and also carry a small caseload. I am very proud of our brand, logo and marketing materials. Having started this practice with a credit card to being a fully operational agency generating revenue is wild for me to think about. We have a niche in the mental health community where we address trauma from a different angle. There are not many practices to cater to the needs of those with medical trauma and chronic illness. We have also revamped our logo, marketing materials and website to look more professional and polished. We offer initial evaluations, individual, family and couples therapy, and clinical supervision. We provide in person services at our Concord, NC location and serve via telemedicine statewide in NC.

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I wish I could answer this. I do not see it going well. Insurance is getting more expensive, Medicare is cracking down on how we administer services. I’m very fearful that with the insurance industry being the way it is (a scam), they will want to cut reimbursement for mental health services.

Pricing:

• $140 for individual session
• $180 for couples and families
• We accept most insurance

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.chronichealthnc.com