Exploring Life & Business with Selin Tastan of Carolinas Mental Health

Today we’d like to introduce you to Selin Tastan.   

Hi Selin, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story started in Istanbul/Turkiye many years ago. I am the only child of a couple who liked to travel different parts of the world and spoke multiple languages. I studied psychology in undergrad because I knew I wanted to do something related to human services. My first real job was in the corporate world. While I enjoyed what I was doing, I hated the lack of freedom and flexibility. This search for freedom and flexibility brought me to Detroit, MI to obtain my Ph.D. in Counselor Education. I loved everything about the program.

In 2020, I was working at a group practice as a fully licensed mental health counselor, taking care of two little kids and building a community of friends in Charlotte. When the pandemic hit, we were confused, scared, and panicked like most of the World. That being said, that part of my life holds a very special and positive meaning for me since 2020 is also the year I opened my own practice as a mental health professional.

Fast forward to today, I am the proud owner of Carolinas Mental Health, PLLC, an outpatient mental health practice, where I serve clients from both North and South Carolina and help them heal their traumatized parts and live a balanced and harmonious life.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I wish I could say the road was smooth, but it definitely had bumps, potholes, and even a few big cracks along the way. I had my fair share of ups and downs when I was adapting to a new country and culture and also after becoming a first-time mom. Some days were harder than others, but those were the days that helped me become resilient.

Professional journey wasn’t without hiccups either. I did not receive any training or education about navigating different rules and regulations of different state licensing boards, working with health insurances, or running a business. The learning curve was (and is) steep, and mistakes were inevitable.

One of the life lessons I learned is that it is not about the bumps on the road. It is how you pivot and change to continue the journey, despite those bumps.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next, you can tell us a bit more about your business.
I am a doctorate-level licensed clinical mental health counselor in NC (and licensed professional counselor in SC) who provides individual mental health counseling to adults. My primary specialties are trauma, anxiety, depression, and grief. I incorporate different tools from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Accelerated Resolution Therapy, and Internal Family Systems Therapy into my approach to treating my clients. Trauma is often at the center of most of our problems and being a part of that healing is an amazing experience. Every day, I show up for them as my authentic self with the only intention of making their lives better, alleviating their pain, and giving them hope. I show care, kindness, and respect. I give them my full attention, and this is my brand.

After the pandemic, I adopted a hybrid model where I see my clients in my office in South Park on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and I see them virtually Monday through Thursday. I accept some major insurances and private pay. I also offer a complimentary 10–15-minute phone consultation to all new clients to understand their needs and explore if we will be a good fit.

Pricing:

• Initial Assessment Session $150
• 45 minutes follow-up session $125
• 55-60 minutes follow-up session $140

Contact Info:

• Website: www.carolinasmentalhealth.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/carolinasmentalhealth 

Image Credits
Kate Lynn Imagery