Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Alise Novak.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Vayda Mental Health Collaborative was born out of the dream of Drs. Alise Novak and Katie Isham who wanted to create a space where client’s are well cared for because their providers take good care of themselves and each other. The first priority of us as clinic owners is to cultivate a team of mental health providers who value autonomy, flexibility, balance, and delivery of excellent patient care. We know our clients are well cared for, when our providers are.
We have organically grown to a team of 20+ dedicated and authentic therapists who treat a variety of mental health concerns. We are specialized in reproductive, perinatal, and women’s + maternal mental health. We have experts in these fields to support those impacted by infertility, pregnancy complications and miscarriage, stillbirth and infant loss, and third party reproduction. With a deep understanding of human development and relationships, we also support families navigate parenting stress, relationships challenges, and grief + loss. Additional areas of focus include trauma/PTSD, anxiety, disordered eating, sex and intimacy concerns, LGBTQ+ issues, and neurodiversity including ADHD and Autism.
We also value meaningful relationships with community partners. Part of our mission is to, truly, wrap around our clients and their families. We are proud to have collaborations with the Anoka-Hennepin School District to provide individual and group therapy to students within alternative education programming for transitional students and teen parents. Within the teen parenting program specifically, we support young parents and their infants with pregnancy and birth support, perinatal mental health, maternal wellness, and provide therapy to these mothers (and dads) and their babies. We also support the mission of a nationally renowned non-profit, The Star Legacy Foundation, to provide awareness, advocacy, and FREE virtual support groups for those impacted by pregnancy loss, stillbirth and neonatal death.
Here at Vayda MH, everyone is welcome to come, just as they are, to find a partner in their healing journey. We strive to be a safe space in our community for those from all walks of life.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Like any healthcare business, our growth and sustainability has not been without wrinkles and struggle. We are impacted by the ever-changing (and challenging) world in health insurance, employment law, and best practices for our patience. As owners we work very hard to maintain Vayda Mental Health’s reputation in the community that is accessible and provides exceptional service to our clients. Just as importantly, as partners and mothers ourselves, we also are steadfast not to waver in our mission to have a workplace that allows for the flexibility and balance for our therapists to also be…. humans. We genuinely want our staff to focus much of their time and energy on being home with their families, experiencing the world with friends, snuggling their pets, or anything else that brings them meaning and joy. We value this because this IS what makes great therapists.
One of our greatest learning curves has been following roads to growth while also not overextending ourselves (or our team) and following any shiny new opportunity that lands in our lap. We continue to be grateful for the trust our clients and community have in us to meet them where they are in their healing journey.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
We are a small private practice mental health clinic in Coon Rapids, MN. We provide individual, couples, family, and group psychotherapy services, comprehensive psychological evaluations, and advocacy and community outreach. We have a team of highly skilled and specialized mental health therapists and psychologists who treat reproductive trauma, perinatal mental health disorders, anxiety, mood disorders, concerns related to sexuality and intimacy, and parenting and play therapy. We also provide assessment and therapy services for clients who identify, or are wondering if they identify, as neurodiverse (Autistic or have ADHD).
We are known by clients and the community as being down-to-earth, authentic, playful, and warm. We are also known to provide excellent care. Our team is committed to anti-racism, feminism, and being allies for LGBTQIA+ communities.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
This is such a great question! Creating and maintaining fewer real and meaningful relationships tends to work better than having many surface-level networking connections, in our experience. Accept invitations and show up for people and other businesses in your community. Align with your values and be radically YOU. This way team-members and clients who are a good fit can find their way to you.
Pricing:
- In-office or Virtual appointments available
- In network with all major health insurance companies
Contact Info:
- Website: www.vaydamentalhealth.com
- Instagram: vaydamentalhealth
- Facebook: vayda mental health collaborative
