Today, we’d like to introduce you to Amber Simpson.
Hi Amber, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Healthcare was not my initial career path. After dropping out of Northern Illinois University, I obtained my CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) because, quite frankly, I needed a job.
I fell in love with healthcare. This newfound passion led me back to school to earn my Associate’s in Science. Despite excelling in the phlebotomy course, I still internally struggled with it. As a left-hander, I found it challenging to confidently use my right hand without feeling like I was causing pain to the patient. So, I pivoted to Social Work, a field that allowed me to provide patient care from a different angle.
I pursued a Bachelor’s and then a Master’s degree in Social Work from Southern Illinois University, specializing in Health/Mental Health track. My education provided a strong foundation and opened doors to numerous opportunities.
Over the years, I’ve built several social work programs in various healthcare settings. My roles evolved from providing direct patient care to developing and managing innovative programs. My current position is with UT Health, housed at a level 1 trauma hospital (Memorial Hermann Hospital at TMC), and the owner (and therapist) for Eunoia Wellness Counseling, PLLC. I am also on the NASW-Texas Region 6 Board of Directors (representing Houston and Gulf Coast areas).
To further my career and impact, I’m pursuing an MBA with a Healthcare Administration Certificate from Texas A&M, which I aim to complete by March 2025. This educational path is driven by my goal to advance into executive leadership roles in the acute hospital/healthcare setting.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
My journey has been marked by numerous challenges and obstacles. One recent hurdle was balancing multiple roles and responsibilities.
Currently, I work full-time at a level 1 trauma hospital, manage a part-time private practice, and am a full-time MBA student. Adding to this already busy schedule, I adopted a German Shepherd puppy in December 2023. This combination of commitments has required me to realign my priorities and manage my time efficiently.
Early in my career, my first professional job after obtaining my Bachelor’s in Social Work was as an After-Hours Emergency Crisis Clinician. I went to the interview feeling confident but left feeling defeated, thinking, “I’m pretty sure I bombed this.” To my surprise, I got the job. My supervisor saw something in me and believed I would be great. Her confidence in me ignited a fire, and within a few months, I was training new hires. This experience was humbling and empowering, setting the stage for my future career growth.
Implementing new programs in established healthcare settings is both exciting and challenging. For instance, starting inpatient therapy services in a level 1 trauma hospital required gaining the trust of multidisciplinary teams and navigating complex administrative structures. This process demanded resilience, adaptability, and the ability to overcome resistance to change.
Balancing my professional and personal life has also been a challenge. Last year, I managed to take five trips to hike and explore, but this year, my free time has been devoted to studying and focusing on school, my full-time position, and my part-time private practice. These sacrifices have taught me the importance of flexibility and the ability to adapt, skills that are invaluable in both personal and professional settings.
Despite these challenges, I remain committed to my goals. The experience of juggling multiple roles has reinforced my dedication to advancing in executive leadership roles within the healthcare industry. By staying focused, I’m confident that I will continue to grow and make a positive impact in the field.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
In my private practice, Eunoia Wellness Counseling, I specialized in insomnia treatment (CBTI – cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia).
I offer a 6-week program virtual program and workbooks for each session statewide for Texas and Illinois residents. What sets my approach apart is the combination of traditional evidence-based interventions and the treatment of the individual as a whole with health, mindfulness, nutrition, yoga, etc. This integrative approach not only addresses the symptoms but also promotes overall well-being.
It’s hard to pinpoint what I am most proud of. Every stepping stone has served its purpose and been valuable. A few recent achievements to be proud of include developing and implementing inpatient therapy in an acute healthcare setting of a level 1 trauma hospital and opening my private practice a few years ago. Additionally, I worked with billing departments at the hospital to be able to bill for those services.
This program offers a way for patients who are in high need of mental health services and have medical barriers to receive the care that they need.
What changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
In the next 5-10 years, I see advancements in healthcare, particularly in the integration of mental and physical healthcare. The industry is increasingly recognizing the importance of treating the whole person and understanding that mental health is connected to physical health.
I’m committed to staying at the forefront of these changes. By integrating innovative practices into my work, I hope to positively influence healthcare policies and practices. My goal is to contribute to a healthcare system that values and promotes not only medical wellness but growth, innovation, and modern practices.
I want to continue developing programs that not only think outside the box but also benefit patients, communities, and the healthcare industry. This includes paving the way for social workers to have their voices heard and ensuring they are respected, valued, and compensated appropriately.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.eunoiawellnesscounseling.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ambersimpson_official
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ambersimpson.official
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amber-simpson-msw-lcsw-s-mba-candidate-b13923198/
