Starting a business during a global pandemic is not an easy feat – but, Alfreda Small was up for the challenge. Alfreda Small recognized the lack of mental health care in her community in Horry County and vowed to make a difference.
Small identified a need and addressed it head-on.
She decided she was going to open up her own counseling practice, which she created during the height of COVID-19 induced shutdowns.
The greatest challenge Small faced was finding and establishing her clientele. However, as the word began to spread of her practice, so did the number of people eager to seek help for their own mental health struggles.
Another difficulty Small faced surrounded the decision to accept insurance or not. Originally, Small only wanted to accept private pay but she soon realized the overwhelming need for her to enlist her practice with insurance companies. That decision also grew her client base, making it more affordable for patients.
Speaking on the decision to open the mental health practice, Small said, “I feel like I am filling in the gap.”
Alfreda Small is certainly filling the gap and continues to pave the way for accessible and affordable mental health care in her community.