Meet Machanta Newson, ACSW, C-SWHC, LCSW-S | Licensed Clinical Social Worker & Psychotherapist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Machanta Newson, ACSW, C-SWHC, LCSW-S and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Machanta, looking back, what do you think was the most difficult decision you’ve had to make?
The most difficult decision I’ve had to make thus far is the decision I made to resign from the VA after 14 years of federal government service! I resigned on 1/25/21 to pursue my private practice full-time. Although difficult, I have no regrets!

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I manage a psychotherapy practice in Ovilla, TX which provides counseling. The majority of the clients that I see in my practice struggle primarily with anxiety and depression. I do also see several couples & work with them on relationship issues. I am most proud to see that people that look like me are having the courage to step out of the stigma and seek help. I began my practice as a way to reach my community and to help them to see that getting counseling isn’t scary, against God, or a sign of weakness. I pride myself in really getting to know my clients and building a positive rapport with them in a relaxed and comforting environment. I must say that it is hard! They don’t teach you in school how to manage a business and so there is a big learning curve. It is lonely at times and you feel really vulnerable and unsupported at times. I am overcoming this by reaching out to fellow colleagues who are also in private practice and building a network of support around them. My story is like that of so many other African Americans and that is that you don’t talk about mental health issues. You pray about it, you keep everything in the family, you stay silent. I realized that this doesn’t help and it keeps people sick and the pain stuck. I wanted to be a part of making a change and leaving a different legacy for my children and those following behind me. To let them know that it’s good to get help. It’s blessed to get help. Getting help shows strength. I’ve learned that if you build it, they will come and that we, clinicians of color, are needed.

I also manage my 11yo daughter’s non-profit, Kennedi Kares. My daughter has a heart for the homeless and it has now grown into my heart as well. I am also on the city council in my community and just recently launched my small crafting business, Mekka Creates. This is just a few of the things that I have my hands in. So needless to say, I am one busy lady!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Food: Elaine’s, Babbs Brothers BBQ, Cake Bar, Emporium Pies, Beto & Sons, Andalous Mediterranean in Arlington, Rudy’s Chicken, & Wingfield’s Burgers

Drink: I’m not a drinker but I would say Beto & Sons since I’ve seen them make some pretty cool drinks

Visit: Deep Ellum & Bishop Arts District. Alliance Outlet stores, King Spa

Hangout: I still feel very new so I’m not sure of cool places to hang out. We would more than likely go thrifting, shopping, or do activities with our kids and families together. We more than likely would invite people over to play cards, board games, and billiards.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would say that I want to shoutout to my husband, Kenyatta, first for always supporting my dreams and crazy ideas! Then I would like to just thank all of the colleagues that I had who encouraged me that I could do this and who have provided support and encouragement along the way when times are hard.

Website: villagecounselingtexas.com

Instagram: @thevillagecounseling

Facebook: @restorationhealinghope

Youtube: @thevillagecounselingandconsultingpllc

Other: Tiktok: @mnewsonlcsw