Today we’d like to introduce you to Michelle Cappetto.
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?
I have always wanted to help people, and I knew that leadership was my calling. As a young adult, I was not sure what that path looked like. I navigated through many jobs and educational programs before I became the leader and business owner I am today. I was lucky enough to find several mentors that assisted me in becoming who I am today. I now give back and do the same and provide mentorship for up-and-coming professionals. I am an idealistic dreamer with the drive to make those dreams become a reality. Advocate for a positive life for everyone she meets is her top priority. Nothing lights up her world more than helping others, creating lasting change, and moving forward no matter how hard the climb. She enjoys all activities related to Lake Erie, learning, pop culture, and checking out local events around Cleveland. Michelle is also a sustainable living enthusiast and tries to make a positive impact on the environment. In her spare time, she like spending time with family, friends, and her dog Francis.
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?
During the pandemic, it was a challenge to hustle and get a HIPAA-compliant telehealth program up and running overnight. I wanted to be sure that clients had access to therapy even during all of the uncertainty with COVID. Looking back, this turn of events changed the whole course of how we provide services for the better. We are now able to offer clients more options for how they are seen, and we can now reach clients all over Ohio, not just Northeast Ohio. One of the biggest struggles we face today is keeping up with the demand for services. Pre-pandemic 1 in 12 people utilized therapy now that figure is 1 in 4. We continue to expand our team to better serve the community, and we are always looking forward to grow and change with the demands of the time.
We’ve been impressed with Healing Pathways Cleveland, but for folks who might not be as familiar with them, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I have worked in the mental health field for 10 years. Prior to opening my own practice, I had worked in community mental health agencies, hospitals, in private practice settings. In 2017 I decided I was reading to take initiative in my own career and began a Ph.D. program and open a group counseling practice. In 2018, after a year of planning, the practice was opened, and I graduated with my Ph.D. in 2020. It has always been my dream to lead a team of professionals and give both our clients and our therapists the best experience possible. It was my goal to make sure any client could come to our practice and receive affordable care. This is why we are paneled with around 30 different insurance companies, including EAP and Medicaid. I also strived to have comfortable and inviting office accommodations so clients can healing in a calm environment. I also have a strong focus on creating positive relationships among our team of therapists. In a time of radical changes to the workplace Healing Pathways Cleveland seeks to be innovative in the ways it creates a culture of kindness and camaraderie amongst staff members. I attribute our success to word of mouth from therapists and clients alike. As a practice, we have a positive reputation in the community, and the dedication we have for helping clients speaks for itself.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
When I decided to open my practice, it was a huge risk. I was a doctoral student, and I had never owned a business before, and I had no formal training. I took a leap of faith and spent a year educating myself on how to own a counseling practice and came up with a strategic plan to get this business up and running. Over the years we had to make a lot of adjustments and pivots as most start-ups do. I have learned that lying into uncertainty and going for uncharted territory will always lead to new growth when you stay confident and don’t give up.
Contact Info:
- Website: healingpathwayscle.com
- Instagram: @healingpathwayscle
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/healingpathwayscle/
Image Credits
Michelle Cappetto
