Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenny White.
Jenny, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Branch Above Counseling was inspired by my own personal journey of navigating mental health systems for my own family member, observing the gaps in support and services for the entire family system, and noting areas that could be expanded to ensure people are getting what they need from mental health services. I began my business offering parent coaching in 2017 and have now expanded services to include individual, couples, family, and marriage therapy, a child loss support group, and trauma therapy. I also specialize in men’s wellness and working with first responders.
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?
Being a parent of a child with extra needs comes with plenty of challenges, learning lessons, and rewards. One of the biggest challenges in building a private practice right now is navigating an insurance landscape that’s increasingly closed off to solo providers. Many insurance companies are limiting network expansion, often stating they’ve ‘met capacity,’ which creates a significant barrier to entry—especially for small, community-based practices.
What makes this particularly difficult is that the need for mental health services is higher than ever, yet the systems designed to increase access are restricting providers who are ready and willing to serve. As a result, it forces new business owners to make tough decisions—whether to operate as private pay, which can limit accessibility for clients, or to absorb financial instability while waiting for contracts that may not come.
It’s required a lot of adaptability—diversifying referral sources, educating clients on out-of-network benefits, and building a sustainable model. It’s challenging, but it’s also pushed me to be more innovative and intentional in how I grow the practice.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Branch Above Counseling in a private therapy practice located in Otsego, MN. We serve a variety of clients from ages 6+. We offer individual, family, couples, and child therapeutic services. We specialize in working with men’s wellness, first responders, and trauma therapy. At Branch Above Counseling, we take pride in showing up for our clients, advocating for their needs, and treating them like family.
What sets Branch Above Counseling apart is our commitment to truly seeing the whole person—not just the symptoms they’re experiencing. We take a relational and individualized approach, recognizing that each client’s story, values, and family system play a critical role in their healing.
We offer a space that balances clinical expertise with genuine human connection. Clients often come to us feeling unheard or misunderstood, and one of our core priorities is helping them feel deeply supported while also equipping them with practical tools they can use outside of session.
What really stands out is our ability to meet clients where they are—whether that’s working through complex trauma, navigating relationship challenges, supporting neurodivergent individuals, or helping families build stronger connections. We’re not a one-size-fits-all practice—we’re intentional, collaborative, and focused on meaningful, lasting change
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
My favorite childhood memory is exploring the woods and going fishing in our sandpit with my brother, even if he caught bigger fish! I was and am my happiest when I am outside, in nature, in a boat fishing, around a campfire or exploring a new campsite.
Pricing:
- Insurance Contracts
- Self-Pay
- Contract Pay
- Out of Network Superbills
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thebranchabove.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenny.the_branch_above/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBranchAbove
