We had the good fortune of connecting with Amanda Brooks and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amanda, how do you think about risk?
I think about risk as an opportunity for success. Risk has played a huge factor in our business as well as our personal lives in a positive way. An example of how risk has benefited our business is the decision we made to leave the traditional sector and build our own business. I owned a private practice back in 2014 and it closed down due to financial challenges in 2016. I was left with large financial burdens to personally pay as a result. Instead of looking at this as a failure, I looked at the risk I took as an opportunity and an education in what to do and what not to do. I decided to take another risk in 2019 and open up a private practice in mental health counseling. When COVID hit in 2020, our business began to explode and has grown significantly ever since We now have a thriving practice that makes an impact in the lives of children and families that are in need. Taking risks is difficult; however, it is an opportunity for blessings if you have the tenacity and right perspective.

What should our readers know about your business?
Our facility has a mission of reuniting families and people in the community through mental health counseling. We have a passion for helping reunite families and people in our community that have experienced challenges with work/ life balance, relationships, depression, anxiety. What sets us apart from other businesses is our desire to treat the root of the challenge and not just the symptoms. Another way we are set a part is our humility and willingness to collaborate with our community to find lasting solutions.

Our humble story began in 2019. I was working in the school system as a mental health counselor. After 6 weeks of working with the school, I was terminated without reason in December of 2019. My husband/ business partner experienced health challenges a few months after this event that prompted difficult decisions. Would we pursue the risk of starting a mental health agency to impact lives? Or should we play it safe and find a reliable job to survive? My husband and I decided to take the risk and honor of opening up a private practice. Since we made this decision, we have not regretted it! We want people to know that we operate in honor and humility. I am the CEO of a company; however, I do not consider this an ownership, I consider this as a privilege to serve the people. I am a steward of a vision to help people gain their freedom and sense of wellbeing back!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My favorite spot in the city is Devil’s Millhopper as it is a great place for nature hikes and the local greenery of Gainesville. Spots to eat would be Cheesecake Factory as it has excellent customer service, excellent food!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to dedicate our success to Jesus Christ as he is the author and finisher of my faith. He has opened many doors that we could not have opened ourselves without his favor!

In addition, I am thankful for my husband for his assistance with operating our business.

We are thankful for all of our clinicians and staff that have made this vision a reality to help set people free.

Website: Brooksbehavioral.com

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutDFW is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.