Today we’d like to introduce you to Amethyst St Thomas.
Hi Amethyst, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My name is Amethyst St. Thomas. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and the founder of Chantelle’s Wellness Club, LLC—a private mental health practice rooted in inclusion, cultural responsiveness, and the belief that everyone deserves access to quality, affordable care.
My journey into private practice began in 2021, during one of the most pivotal moments in recent history. At the time, I was working on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, witnessing firsthand how deeply the lack of accessible mental health services was impacting individuals—especially Black communities. It broke my heart to see people in pain with nowhere to turn. That experience sparked something in me. Though I was serving in academia at the time, my heart kept pulling me back to direct client care.
I knew I wanted to create a space that centered the needs of those who are so often left out of traditional mental health systems. I launched my first practice under the name Inclusive Therapy Club, LLC—a virtual safe haven designed to reach people where they are, especially during the isolation of the pandemic. Like many Telehealth practices, mine was born from necessity, but its mission was deeply intentional: to dismantle barriers and bring healing within reach.
I spent nights researching how to build a brand and days laying the foundation for what would become a multi-state practice. Already licensed in Florida, I expanded my reach by earning licensure in the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, Texas—and most recently, with licensure pending in New York. I knew the communities I wanted to serve weren’t confined to one zip code.
With social media becoming an increasingly powerful tool, I leaned into Instagram to market the practice and build authentic connections. Drawing from past experience hosting mental health talks on Facebook Live, I transitioned to Instagram Live, using the platform to spark dialogue around wellness, identity, and healing. These conversations weren’t just content—they were community.
In June 2023, the practice underwent a heartfelt rebrand and became Chantelle’s Wellness Club, LLC. Chantelle is my middle name, given to me by my late aunt—my mother’s sister—a woman who constantly reminded me of the power in being unapologetically myself. Naming the practice after her was a tribute to her legacy and to the generations of Black women who taught me that authenticity is its own form of healing.
Today, Chantelle’s Wellness Club has grown into something I am deeply proud of. We’ve had the privilege of partnering with organizations such as Casa Valentina, providing mental health services to at-risk and former foster youth, and Brothers in Arms, offering care to veterans navigating the complex realities of post-service life. Beyond therapy, I’ve also been able to give back to the field by offering clinical supervision to Registered Clinical Social Work Interns pursuing licensure. Guiding the next generation of social workers has been one of the most fulfilling aspects of this journey.
As I look ahead, I’m excited for the continued growth of Chantelle’s Wellness Club—not just in numbers, but in impact. We’re not just providing therapy—we’re building a movement centered on healing, empowerment, and the belief that mental wellness is a right, not a luxury.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road to private practice was anything but easy. Starting a business is no small feat—it tests not only your skills but your resilience, your values, and your vision. In the early days, I often found myself asking the same question that haunts every new business owner: Where do I begin?
My initial dream was to build a group practice, a collective built on shared values and a common mission. But as the journey unfolded, it became clear that not all visions align. That misalignment forced me to pivot and continue the journey on my own. It was a difficult but necessary decision—one that ultimately led to growth I hadn’t anticipated.
Launching a practice meant wearing many hats. As someone with no formal business training, I was suddenly a business owner, a service provider, a marketer, and an accountant—all while still showing up for my clients as a clinician. It was overwhelming, to say the least. At the time, I had only been practicing independently for two years. But even amidst the uncertainty, I held onto one thing firmly: my belief in the mission, the value of my work, and the integrity of the care I provided.
Today, I am incredibly grateful to have built a team that shares that vision and helps me steer the ship. Their support has been instrumental in transforming a daunting solo journey into a meaningful, collective mission.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Chantelle’s Wellness Club, LLC?
At Chantelle’s Wellness Club, we believe mental health care should be accessible, affirming, and rooted in compassion. Our practice was founded on the belief that everyone deserves a safe space to heal—regardless of their background, identity, or life experience. We specialize in trauma-informed, strengths-based care that’s both culturally responsive and LGBTQ+ affirming.
We work with individuals and families facing a wide range of challenges, including depression, anxiety, PTSD, trauma, substance use, anger management, personality disorders, gender identity, and life transitions. Our goal is not just to treat symptoms but to truly empower our clients—helping them build coping tools, improve relationships, and achieve long-term emotional wellness.
What sets Chantelle’s Wellness Club apart is our holistic and client-centered approach. We don’t see mental health as separate from other aspects of life—it’s deeply connected to our physical health, relationships, and sense of purpose. We honor the whole person: mind, body, and spirit.
We’re especially proud to serve our community with care that is culturally competent and affirming. Too often, marginalized communities are left out of the conversation around mental health or feel unseen in traditional clinical settings. At our practice, we make it a point to center those voices and create a space where clients feel truly seen and respected.
We provide individual psychotherapy, family therapy, and comprehensive mental health assessments. Whether someone is seeking support for everyday stress or navigating more complex mental health challenges, we meet them where they are. All of our services are delivered with deep respect, cultural awareness, and a commitment to collaboration.
I’m incredibly proud of the community we’ve built. What started as a solo practice has grown into a space where both clients and clinicians can thrive. Brand-wise, I’m most proud that Chantelle’s Wellness Club represents inclusion, safety, and authenticity. It’s more than a therapy practice—it’s a movement toward more equitable, compassionate care.
I want readers to know that you are not alone—and healing is possible. We understand that reaching out for help can be hard. But at Chantelle’s Wellness Club, you’ll find a team that’s here to walk alongside you with care, intention, and respect. Whether you’re taking the first step or continuing your journey, we’re here to support your wellness every step of the way.
What matters most to you?
As a Black woman business owner, and a mental health professional, I know firsthand how our communities have often been left out of the conversation when it comes to emotional wellness. For generations, we’ve been taught to “just be strong,” to push through pain, and to carry the weight of trauma in silence. But I believe we deserve more than survival—we deserve space to heal, to be soft, to be supported, and to be understood.
That’s what drives everything I do. Chantelle’s Wellness Club was built with the intention of creating a space where Black individuals, LGBTQ+ folks, and other marginalized communities can show up fully—without needing to code-switch, explain their experiences, or minimize their truth. We provide care that acknowledges both personal and collective trauma, while affirming the strength, resilience, and beauty within our identities.
Mental health matters for all people, but it’s especially crucial for Black people—because our pain is so often overlooked or dismissed. What matters most to me is breaking that cycle. I want people to know that it’s okay to ask for help, that healing is possible, and that we don’t have to carry everything alone.
If I can help even one person feel less alone in their struggle, or help someone begin their journey toward healing, then I know I’m living in my purpose.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.chantelleswellnessclub.com
- Instagram: @chantelleswellnessclub
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chantelleswellnessclub/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chantelleswellnessclub/
- Twitter: https://x.com/chantellesclub
Image Credits
Nkosazana Barton
