For many psychology students at UW-Whitewater, the path after graduation follows a familiar route: graduate school, clinical training and eventually a role in counseling or mental health services. But for some alumni, however, that journey leads to building their own practice.
As conversations around mental health continue to grow and demand for services increases nationwide, a number of former Warhawks are stepping into entrepreneurial roles, launching private practices that combine clinical care with business ownership.
For Sara Persha, that journey began with both personal motivation and academic influence. After earning her undergraduate degree in psychology and later completing her master’s in clinical mental health counseling at UW-W in 2021, Persha opened True Direction Counseling in Oconomowoc.
“I saw how much mental health support was needed and how helpful I could be,” Persha said.
Her interest in psychology was shaped early on by a combination of curiosity about the brain and personal experiences within her family. Persha’s time at UW-W further developed her interests through coursework and mentorship, particularly in areas related to child and adolescent development.
“I scheduled one-on-one meetings with my advisor whenever I could,” Persha said.
Persha’s practice focuses on children, teens and young adults navigating anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder and major life transitions. Her background working in higher levels of care, including partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient and inpatient settings, provided a strong clinical foundation before she transitioned into a private practice.
Rather than jumping straight into entrepreneurship, Persha took a gradual approach. After becoming fully licensed, she began her practice part-time, working evenings and weekends while maintaining a full-time job. As her client base grew, she was able to transition to a full-time practice.
“That slow transition helped me figure out if it was something I really wanted,” Persha said.
For Persha, one of the biggest advantages of private practice is flexibility. This flexibility allows her to manage both her practices and responsibilities as a new parent.
Persha explained how there is much more to running a private practice than just providing therapy. She noted responsibilities such as marketing, managing electronic health records, handling intake paperwork and navigating insurance systems.
For current students interested in following a similar path, Persha encourages curiosity and connection.
“Don’t be afraid to reach out to people who already own practices,” Persha said. “Talking to people in the field has been a huge support for me.”
While Persha’s story highlights a gradual and self-directed path into private practice, Lindsey Speaker, a 2018 graduate of UW-Whitewater’s clinical mental health program, took a route shaped by both personal interest and professional experience.
“I have always been interested in people and their stories,” Speaker said.
Originally majoring in communication sciences and disorders, she later switched to psychology after realizing her interests were better aligned with understanding human behavior and mental health. Coursework in social psychology, abnormal psychology and neuropsychology, along with an internship at a domestic violence shelter, solidified her decision to pursue a career in counseling.
“That experience made me realize I wanted to go to grad school and help people in those situations,” Speaker said.
After gaining experience in residential and private practice settings, Speaker and a colleague began discussing the possibility of opening their own practice. That idea became a reality when the small practice they worked for was acquired by a larger corporation, bringing changes that did not align with their values.
“When those changes didn’t align with how we wanted to provide therapy, we decided it was time to go out on our own,” Speaker said.
Today, Speaker is a co-owner, administrator and psychotherapist at Rhiza Counseling in Madison. The practice has grown significantly, now serving more than 400 clients and offering specialized care in areas such as trauma, anxiety, eating disorders, neurodivergence and LGBTQ+ issues.
Despite their success, Speaker emphasizes that private practices aren’t necessarily the best starting point for new graduates.
“There is a lot to learn outside of private practice that can help you become a better therapist,” Speaker said.
She noted that working in these different settings helped her build skills, confidence and a professional community.
That sense of community is something both alumni say remains essential, even after leaving the university. Both Persha and Speaker credit UW-Whitewater’s hands-on training, particularly practicum, internships and group work, with preparing them for the realities of clinical practice. These experiences helped them develop both technical skills and confidence in their ability to connect with clients and navigate complex situations.
They also acknowledge that the transition from student to professional can come with challenges, including self-doubt and imposter syndrome.
“Trust your gut and be confident in yourself,” Persha said. “Do things outside of your comfort zone, even if it feels scary.”
For current UW-W students, their stories offer a reminder that a psychology degree can lead to more than just a traditional career path. It can also provide the foundation to build something entirely your own; a career that not only supports others, but also reflects your values, goals and vision for making a difference.
