Exploring Life & Business with Renee Best, LCMHC, QS of Anew U Counseling Services PLLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Renee Best, LCMHC, QS

Hi Renee, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
In 2014 I was finishing my bachelor’s degree when I loss my father. I was set to graduate May 17, 2014 and my father passed on May 2, 2014. It was a huge loss and while I was trying to finish my final exams I heard a calling from God, urging me to become a therapist. It was a shock to my plans, but I decided to listen and began my educational journey just three months later.

However, as life would have it, the weight of grief caught up with me, and I received my first ‘C’ in my Master’s program. Taking a year off and seeking counseling myself allowed me to come back stronger, armed with a deep belief that if I was going to train as a therapist, I needed firsthand experience.

After finally graduating in 2018, I initially planned to continue working in corporate America while gaining the necessary hours to become fully licensed. Yet, destiny had different plans. I was pushed, almost uncomfortably, out of my corporate job and into the world of therapy on a full-time basis. And you know what? I’m grateful for that gentle nudge because within less than two years, I achieved full licensure and officially opened the doors of my private practice in 2020, just before the pandemic hit.

Since then, Anew U Counseling Services PLLC, previously All of You: Mind Body & Spirit Counseling PLLC has flourished beyond my wildest dreams. In a span of three months in 2020, we were fortunate enough to welcome seven more talented therapists into our team. In 2021, there was a change to the business structure and I found myself running the practice on my own, but God was faithful. The path leading me here has been filled with moments of fear, overwhelming challenges, and yes, my fair share of mistakes. But in hindsight, I wouldn’t trade any of it for the world. The reason being: I have the privilege of working alongside an amazing group of therapists, supported by an exceptional team that stands solidly behind the scenes. Today, we have a team of over 30 therapists, and amazing leadership team and across three locations.

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?
“Smooth road”, now that would be too easy. I wish I could say it’s been smooth, but the mental health field can be stressful and I don’t mean working with clients. You see, working with my clients has been the highlight of my journey and that feeling continues today. It’s the business side of the therapy that can be a challenge. Curiously, graduate school fails to cover the ins-and-outs of the ‘business of therapy.’ So it’s a steep learning curve, and that can raise stress levels rather quickly!

I remember starting out with a business partner, but that partnership dissolved just a year later. From there, it was a mixture of hiring and firing, managing finances, and much more that kept me tirelessly working on the business of therapy. Though tough, it was worth it all. The positives greatly outweigh the negatives. I’ve met some incredible peers who have become more like family, and many of them still work alongside me today. I have a solid foundation with support from my husband, my mom, sister and kids, who cheer me on. An amazing group of friends who consistently show up for me and of course God who is always at the head of my life.

In the end, it’s been a journey of highs and lows, but one I wouldn’t change for anything. We’re proud of the community we’re building for our clients and team members, and we know the challenges have made us better equipped to make an even bigger difference in the world of mental health.”

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Anew U Counseling Services PLLC is a privately-owned mental health practice dedicated to providing a judgment-free space for individuals, couples, families, and groups to embark on their healing journey. We are an eclectic team of therapists fervently committed to serving our community and breaking down the negative stigma of therapy, especially within minority communities. Our range of services encompasses assessments, medication management, and individual, family, and couples therapy. We take great pride in offering a collaborative and tailored approach to counseling, ensuring each client receives the support and guidance they need. At Anew U, we strongly believe in empowering individuals to effect positive change in their lives, placing a strong emphasis on fostering a supportive and safe environment for our clients.

Interviewer: What sets you apart from others? What are you most proud brand wise?

What sets us apart is our unwavering dedication to being an integral part of our community and striving to eliminate the negative perceptions surrounding therapy within minority communities. We go beyond just providing traditional therapy services; we embrace diversity, inclusion, and cultural sensitivity in our approach. Furthermore, our acceptance of most insurances, including Medicaid, and our provision of both in-person and telehealth visits, enables us to make our services accessible to a wide range of individuals. At Anew U, we also believe that therapy doesn’t have to be mundane; we infuse our practice with a spirit of fun and creativity, making the therapeutic experience engaging and relatable for our clients.

Interviewer: What do you want our readers to know about your brand, offerings, services, etc?

We want our readers to understand that Anew U Counseling Services- PLLC is an inclusive and client-centered practice that places the individual and their unique needs at the forefront. Our team of therapists is dedicated to providing a safe and supportive space in which our clients can navigate their personal transformative journeys. We offer a comprehensive range of services and pride ourselves on our cultural competence, preparedness to address diverse needs, and our commitment to making therapy an accessible and enjoyable experience.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I appreciate the growth because it provides additional resources that was not available when I moved here over 30 years ago. When I think about possible improvements, I would have to say affordable housing and access to healthcare. It can be difficult when you are working with clients to find them services for “all” of their needs, not just mental health.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.anewucs.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anewucservices
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anewucservices