Today we’d like to introduce you to Kimberly Garrison.
Hi Kimberly, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I completed my doctorate in Clinical Psychology in 2014 from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. I moved to Denver to complete my doctoral internship at Jefferson Center for Mental Health. I spent six years at JCMH serving the communities of Jefferson, Gilpin, and Clear Creek counties where I developed a broad and diverse clinical skill set. In 2019, I had the opportunity to become a Clinical Director for an up-and-coming behavioral practice where I gained extensive skills in leadership, business management, and balancing competing demands. That experience allowed me to feel confident starting my own practice that would be focused on client care, clinician empowerment, and work/life balance in a highly demanding field that often results in burnout.
I started Fearlessly Authentic Psychology in 2021 as a sole practitioner and have since grown it into a thriving and rewarding practice. We currently have two locations, one in Lakewood and one in Denver, have a team of 8 clinicians, and serve approximately 200 clients. We accept 8 insurances, including local Medicaid plans, and offer sliding scale services to ensure accessibility to therapy services to all of our community members. My goal is to have a practice that clinicians want to work at because they feel valued and supported, and they will then in turn provide the best possible care to our clients. Fearlessly is always working to expand our services and meet our community’s needs.
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?
It has not always been a smooth road. The biggest challenge has been learning to navigate insurance billing in an effective and efficient way. There are often delays due to no fault of our own that are financially painful for a small business to weather. It is challenging at times to remain patient and hopeful that things will eventually work out. But they always have, and I choose to believe that they always will.
The other biggest challenge is what most small business owners deal with, and that’s achieving some level of work/life balance. I started this practice with that at the center of my ideology and as we grow, it can be challenging to hold to that value. I know that some seasons are busier than others and that ultimately, I love what I do but it is only one part of my life. My family, friends, husband, and doggo’s are my highest priority as they are the reason I am able to continue thriving in this field after more than a decade.
As you know, we’re big fans of Fearlessly Authentic Psychology, LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Fearlessly Authentic Psychology is a small group therapy practice serving individuals, couples, and families in the Denver and Lakewood communities. We provide comprehensive counseling services to people across the lifespan and aim to support the most important relationships in your life by providing family and couples counseling. Our team has a variety of specialties that allow us to serve a wide range of people with different needs. We specialize in counseling with ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Codependency, Narcissistic Abuse Recovery, relationship difficulties, depression, anxiety, mood disorders, women’s issues, and identity development. We provide comprehensive psychological testing and evaluations which includes ADHD, ASD, Cognitive disorders, mood disorders, and personality disorders. Dr. Garrison also offers ESA letters and military entrance examinations.
We are passionate about serving every member of our community and are strong allies for the LGBTQ population, the neurodivergent folks, women and minorities. What I am most proud of about our brand/practice is the emphasis on authenticity.
We don’t believe that therapy should feel clinical or intimidating. At Fearlessly Authentic Psychology, we intentionally challenge the traditional “how does that make you feel” therapy approach. We focus on real, honest conversations and human connection over perfection or formality. Our therapists are carefully selected to join the team based on their ability to know who they are and to lead their sessions from a place of authentic connection through their own shared humanity with their clients. We do much more than reflect and validate feelings in this practice. We challenge, we share, we grow…right alongside our clients. This allows us a level of connection and relatability that is often missing in this field and that the world needs now, more than ever.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
People are often surprised to learn how much of a running a therapy practice is about leadership, business decisions, and building a strong team- not just seeing clients (even though that remains my favorite part of the job). I have no background in business management and have been self-taught every step of the way. I come from a family of entrepreneurs who all own small businesses in different fields, and that mindset has allowed me to weather many storms because I know that hustling for my own dream will always be worth it.
Pricing:
- Sliding scales starts at $50/session for interns
- $100 for Master’s level clinicians
- We accept Aetna, Anthem, United, Cigna, Kaiser, CCHA Medicaid, Colorado Access Medicaid, and Rocky Mountain Health Partners medicaid
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.fearlesslyauthenticpsych.com
- Instagram: fearlessly.authentic.psych
- Facebook: Fearlessly Authentic Psychology
