Today we’d like to introduce you to Monica Whitlock.
Hi Monica, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I began my career in community mental health, where I gained valuable experience working in Intensive In-Home (IIH), Therapeutic Day Treatment (TDT), outpatient therapy, and job coaching services. Inspired to deepen my knowledge and expand my impact, I decided to return to school to earn my master’s degree.
After completing my education, I started my private practice part-time, offering therapy and clinical supervision for licensure over a year ago. Over the past three years, my practice has grown steadily, and I recently added two new staff members to the team. While there have certainly been growing pains, I’ve never regretted the decision to start my own practice.
My goal moving forward is to continue expanding, bringing on more clinicians, and providing them with the tools, support, and quality supervision they need to gain confidence and succeed independently.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road hasn’t always been smooth. One of the biggest challenges I faced early on was navigating insurance credentialing—it can be a long, confusing, and often frustrating process. Like many new business owners, I also had to learn the financial realities of running a private practice, including the lesson that you truly have to spend money to make money. From investing in quality systems and marketing to hiring the right team, each challenge has taught me valuable lessons about patience, perseverance, and the importance of building a strong foundation for growth.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My business, Insight Awaken PLLC, is a private practice dedicated to providing compassionate, high-quality mental health services, clinical supervision, and professional consulting. We specialize in working with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, life transitions, and trauma, while also offering support for new and emerging therapists who are seeking clinical supervision for licensure in North Carolina and Virginia.
What sets us apart is our holistic, supportive approach—blending clinical expertise with genuine care and mentorship. We don’t just focus on helping clients heal; we also aim to empower future clinicians to grow with confidence, competence, and authenticity.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the culture we’ve built—one rooted in integrity, collaboration, and community impact. I want readers to know that Insight Awaken PLLC is more than a therapy practice; it’s a space for transformation, growth, and rediscovery—for both clients and clinicians alike.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
Over the next 5–10 years, I believe the mental health industry will experience significant shifts, especially given the current political climate and the ongoing changes with Medicaid, Medicare, and insurance coverage. As premiums rise and reimbursement processes become increasingly complex, many providers and practitioners may begin transitioning toward self-pay models.
This shift will likely encourage a more client-centered approach, giving therapists greater flexibility in how they provide services while reducing administrative burdens. However, it also underscores the need for advocacy to ensure that quality mental health care remains accessible and affordable for everyone, regardless of insurance status.
Pricing:
- Evaluation- can be from $150-200
- 60 mins session$ 107-130
- 45 min session $75-100
- 30 min session $ 55-70
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.insightawaken.com
