Today we’d like to introduce you to Janet Richards.
Hi Janet, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I began my career with a clear focus on helping people navigate mental health and substance-use challenges with dignity, structure, and evidence-based care. Early on, I saw how difficult it was for individuals and families to access services that were not only clinically sound, but also compassionate, coordinated, and practical for real life. That gap is what ultimately led me to create Balance Counseling and Recovery.
Balance Counseling and Recovery was built intentionally—from the ground up—to be a practice where high clinical standards, ethical care, and accessibility coexist. My background in counseling, supervision, and addiction treatment allowed me to design programs and policies that meet regulatory and insurance requirements while still keeping the client experience at the center of everything we do. Over time, the practice grew from a single-provider model into a multidisciplinary team offering comprehensive mental health and addiction services for adolescents and adults.
Today, Balance Counseling and Recovery continues to evolve, integrating both traditional and innovative approaches to treatment while remaining rooted in strong clinical foundations. My journey has been shaped by a commitment to quality, accountability, and growth—both for the clients we serve and the professionals who work alongside me. The work is demanding, but seeing individuals regain stability, insight, and hope makes every step of the journey worthwhile.
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 been a smooth road—and I don’t believe meaningful work ever is. One of the earliest challenges was leaving the security of a stable position to build something from the ground up. Stepping into private practice meant taking on financial risk, uncertainty, and responsibility not just for clients, but eventually for employees as well. That transition required a strong belief in the mission and a willingness to move forward even when the outcome wasn’t guaranteed.
Credentialing was another significant hurdle. Navigating insurance panels, compliance requirements, and payer timelines is often slow and complex, and delays can directly impact cash flow and access to care for clients. Building systems that met regulatory standards while still allowing the practice to operate efficiently required persistence, patience, and a steep learning curve.
As the practice grew, finding and retaining employees who truly align with the company’s mission became both essential and challenging. Clinical skill is critical, but shared values, professionalism, and a commitment to ethical, client-centered care matter just as much. Learning how to hire thoughtfully, set clear expectations, and build a cohesive team took time and experience.
Each of these challenges shaped the practice into what it is today. They reinforced the importance of structure, transparency, and staying grounded in purpose—especially during difficult moments. While the road has been demanding, those struggles ultimately strengthened both my leadership and the organization as a whole
We’ve been impressed with Balance Counseling and Recovery, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Balance Counseling and Recovery is a comprehensive mental health and addiction treatment practice built on the belief that effective care must be ethical, evidence-based, and genuinely accessible. We serve adolescents and adults, typically ages 13 through older adulthood, with a wide range of mental health and substance-use concerns. Our approach is individualized, meeting clients where they are while maintaining high clinical and professional standards.
We are known for providing structured, outcome-driven care using a broad range of treatment modalities tailored to each client’s needs. Our clinicians utilize evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR for trauma and adverse life experiences, DBT-informed skills, trauma-informed care, and mindfulness-based interventions. In addition, we offer advanced modalities including Rapid Resolution Therapy and Ketamine-Assisted Therapy in partnership with medical providers, allowing us to support individuals who have not found adequate relief through traditional treatment alone.
What sets Balance Counseling and Recovery apart is intentional design. From clinical documentation and treatment planning to compliance standards and staff selection, every aspect of the practice is built with purpose. We emphasize measurable goals, coordinated care, and accountability, while still fostering a warm, respectful, and nonjudgmental environment. Our team is carefully selected not only for clinical expertise, but for alignment with our mission, ethics, and values.
Brand-wise, I am most proud of the trust we have built with clients, referral partners, and the community. Balance Counseling and Recovery stands for consistency, professionalism, and integrity. We grow thoughtfully rather than rapidly, ensuring quality and ethical care remain at the forefront.
What I want readers to know is that Balance Counseling and Recovery is more than a counseling office—it is a carefully built organization committed to long-term, sustainable healing. Our brand represents balance, responsibility, and hope, and our services are designed to support adolescents and adults in creating meaningful, lasting change in their lives.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is integrity—both in how care is delivered and how the organization operates. Integrity is the foundation of trust, and without trust, meaningful therapeutic work cannot occur. It guides every decision we make, from clinical treatment planning and documentation to ethical billing practices and professional boundaries.
Equally important is honoring the individuality of each client. No two people come to therapy with the same history, needs, or goals, and treatment should never be one-size-fits-all. Individualized care allows us to meet clients where they are, tailor interventions appropriately, and respect the complexity of their experiences. When clients feel truly seen and understood, engagement and outcomes improve.
Results also matter. Compassion alone is not enough—treatment must be effective. I am deeply committed to measurable progress, skill-building, and helping clients experience real, sustainable change in their lives. That means using evidence-based modalities, setting clear goals, and adjusting treatment as needed to ensure we are meeting the client’s evolving needs.
Ultimately, what matters most to me is that clients receive care that is ethical, personalized, and impactful. When integrity, individualization, and outcomes align, we are able to genuinely meet the needs of the people we serve—and that is the standard I hold for myself and for Balance Counseling and Recovery as a whole.
Pricing:
- Insurance Accepted: Balance Counseling and Recovery accepts many major insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare, depending on the service and provider. Coverage and copays vary by plan.
- Self-Pay Rates: Individual counseling sessions are competitively priced and aligned with regional standards. Self-pay options are available for clients who prefer not to use insurance or whose plans are out of network.
- Payment Options: We accept major credit cards and CareCredit, allowing clients to spread out payments if needed. Payment plans may be available in certain circumstances and are handled on a case-by-case basis.
- Transparency: Clients are provided with clear financial expectations up front, including copays, self-pay rates, and any out-of-pocket responsibilities, to avoid surprises and ensure informed decision-making.
- Our goal is to balance accessibility with sustainability, ensuring high-quality care while being respectful of the financial realities many clients face.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://balancecounselingandrecovery.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balancecounselingandrecovery/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/balancecounselingrecovery
