We had the good fortune of connecting with Betsy Castro and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Betsy, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factor behind my success has been a combination of consistency, organization, and surrounding myself with entrepreneurs who are equally committed to both personal and professional growth. I’ve learned that success is not just about pushing through the busy days, but about showing up for myself even on the hard ones, believing in my vision when I don’t feel confident. Being intentional with my time and building a supportive community of like-minded professionals has allowed me to stay focused, grounded, and always moving forward.

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?
My business, The Mental Health VA, is dedicated to providing personalized, boutique-style support for mental health providers in private practice. We tailor each therapist’s experience by assigning a small team of HIPAA-compliant virtual assistants based on their unique needs, ensuring consistent, high-quality service. What sets us apart is our deep understanding of the mental health field—we don’t just manage admin tasks like client intake and scheduling, but also take charge of their online presence, allowing therapists to focus on their clients, grow their practice, or reclaim their personal time without risking burnout.

Building this business has been a journey of resilience, balancing my passion for mental health with the need to avoid burnout myself. What’s helped me the most is surrounding myself with a community of entrepreneurs who value both personal and professional growth. I’m proud that we’re not just offering administrative support but truly empowering therapists to find balance and thrive in their work and lives. My brand is built on heart, purpose, and a commitment to helping mental health providers avoid burnout while advocating for greater mental health awareness.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If one of my best friends were visiting Gainesville, GA, here’s how I’d plan a fun and mindful week for them:

We’d start at The Gainesville Square, grabbing coffee at Boarding Pass Coffee and exploring the local boutiques. For lunch, we’d stop at Atlas Pizza for a casual bite. A hike at Don Carter State Park would be next, followed by a peaceful picnic by the lake.

We would reserve one whole day for Helen, GA—a charming Bavarian-style town—where we’d enjoy sightseeing, shopping, and maybe even spend the night to fully soak in the experience. Another day, we’d hike Amicalola Falls for some breathtaking views, then unwind at a local winery. For something active, I’d take them to a class at Orange Theory to get in a good workout together.

We’d also spend a day at Lake Lanier, kayaking and enjoying the water. For a fine dining experience, we’d treat ourselves to dinner at Luna’s. To round out the week, we’d indulge in a spa day, finishing with one last walk around The Gainesville Square, reflecting on a perfect mix of adventure, mindfulness, and great food.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Shout to The Anima Collective, https://www.instagram.com/the_anima_collective/, my South Florida community, turned worldwide community. They have helped me in my entrepreneurial journey for years, and to this day, they make a huge difference every Monday morning. To my accountability partners, Arly, the best lawyer in South Florida who I get to call my friend, https://www.instagram.com/abogadamarlene/ , and my favorite jewelry designer, and also friend, Lily https://www.instagram.com/bylilianasalazar/.  My favorite business ladies from Georgia, whom I met when I moved here, have turned into my “Biz Besties”. Crystal, Coach, and Ads Strategist https://www.instagram.com/cjandcocreative/, Taylor, Social Media and Marketing Expert https://www.instagram.com/taylor_logue_/ and Riddhi Luxury and Interior Designer https://www.instagram.com/atlantainteriordesigner/  and of course my husband who is my ride or die and my parents and siblings who support me no matter what.

Website: https://www.thementalhealthva.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thementalhealthva/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hellobetsyann

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HelloBetsyAnn

 

 

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