Today we’d like to introduce you to Anissa Keyes.
Hi Anissa, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started Arubah Emotional Health Services, PA 9 years ago and grew the company by filling in gaps in the Mental Health Field, by making Mental Health services accessible to those least likely to receive the support. We went into the community spaces, providing on site services. I am an African American female business owner, so this was very important in the North Minneapolis community especially because oftentimes the populations that need it the most were not being served by people that were reflective of them. If you can imagine, we very quickly grew.
Soon after, through my own healing process, I began to learn about bodywork and how trauma gets stored in the body and that traditional talk therapy doesn’t typically address that part of your trauma. We begin to make those services accessible, creating a more holistic model of healing. The agency continued to grow and 3 years ago we purchased our first office space, while continuing to rent the others.
We continued to provide the services in the community and expand and recently was able to purchase a 20,000 sqft space to house our headquarters, but also help other black owned businesses have a brick and mortar as well.
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?
Not at all, it was and still is always difficult to obtain financing. I had a history of bankruptcies, and foreclosures in my past, so though I was acquiring real estate and increasing my credit score, my choppy past didn’t allow me to have great interest rates and I was always denied a line of credit. This business was built without any financial support and grants.
Additionally, the challenges of the populations we serve meant having to consistently create ways to serve them the neediest of them, without always being paid for the great work we were doing.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
We are honored that you chose to partner with us in your healing journey. When you enlist our services, you can expect to be treated with respect, understanding and compassion. We provide a warm, safe and comfortable setting and work to ally and walk with you on your healing journey.
The next step is to fill out an intake packet online or on paper. These questions help us get the basic information about you and your needs. After that is complete, our intake specialist will help you set up your first appointment with a therapist.
Arubah prides itself on having a diverse group of staff with various backgrounds and competencies. We invite you to take a look at our bios on the website. If someone stands out to you we will try to connect you. Otherwise, our intake specialist will be happy to help you find the right therapist for you. Every therapist at Arubah is culturally competent and will see you for you, the whole you.
At your first session, you can expect to be asked more questions about your background and reasons for seeking therapy. You are also welcome to ask any questions you have for your therapist! We believe relationship is key to healing. The first few sessions will be focused on building trust and understanding between the therapist and you. Then, you and your therapist will create a treatment plan together in a collaborative way and decide on next steps going forward.
Therapy sessions typically last about 50 minutes and the frequency of appointments will depend on your specific treatment plan. Regular attendance is strongly recommended for the fastest path to recovery.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
This has been a struggle for me.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.arubahemotionalhealth.com
