Meet Dr. Rachel Scheinfield

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Rachel Scheinfield and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dr. Rachel, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
When I decided to pursue private practice as a psychologist, I wanted to have the ability to tailor my work to my professional values, interests, and specialty areas. There was great appeal about having autonomy over the treatment approach and specializations that align with my passions. I also desired having more flexibility and control over my schedule, patient load, policies, and business structure. I previously worked in the school system for many years, and in my own practice, I am not bound by any institutional policies or other constraints that may dictate the treatment options or manner in which I perform my job. Additionally, starting my own practice was an opportunity for work-life balance, in which I can design a schedule that fits my personal needs and determine whether I would like to see patients in person, virtually, or via a hybrid of both formats.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
My years of experience working as a school psychologist in the school system gives me a unique skill set and perspective for private practice. By having the distinct expertise as a school psychologist in combination with extensive clinical training, my specialty allows me to provide a more comprehensive level of care and an in-depth understanding of a child, teen, or young adult’s needs, which can include academic, attention, social, emotional, or behavioral concerns. Additionally, I am able to help parents navigate any challenges that they encounter with their child, supporting them in the home and school setting.

I feel very proud to have this type of specialized training, since it sets me apart from many other psychologists who work with children and do not have this level of direct school-based experience. I have a broad knowledge base of school structures and special education services, vast experience working with diverse student populations and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, and the ability to engage in early identification and intervention to help prevent long-term challenges. Furthermore, I can provide a holistic, well-rounded approach and roadmap that fosters positive growth and empowers children, teens, young adults, and parents to thrive, build resilience, and develop the tools to effectively manage the challenges they encounter. Ultimately, I strive to provide services that are in synch with my brand of “Guiding Growth, Resolving Challenges, and Unlocking Potential.”

When I began private practice, there was a big learning curve because I had never operated my own business prior to that time. Many business practices had to be self-taught, despite having some guidance from others in the profession. I recognized that many of my colleagues did not operate their business in a way that aligned with my beliefs and needs. Consequently, a lot of trial-and-error took place with establishing the proper policies, fee structure, and practices that worked for me and adhered to the way I wanted to run my own business. It was imperative for me to ensure that my patients not only were receiving the highest quality of care, but I also wanted their experience within my practice to feel professional, welcoming, and transparent. This required a lot of work on my behalf to create policies and paperwork that cover ethical and legal boundaries, but also clearly communicate information that is pertinent to my patients and the way my practice runs. While this process was not always easy, I aimed to learn from these challenges and apply the lessons to grow my business. I still continue to view my business as an ongoing opportunity for learning and growth, and I am always developing new ways to make improvements.

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?
I consider myself to be quite the foodie, so our visit would definitely consist of delicious cuisine at Tomo, Antico Pizza, Amore e Amore, Rumi’s Kitchen, Arnette’s Chop Shop, Daily Chew, and Brooklyn Bagel. We would also find time to stop by Victory Sandwich Bar for a whiskey coke slushie, a pimento cheese with bacon jam appetizer, and sandwiches, and then cocktails would take place in the evening at The Garden Room. We would venture to some of the hotspots around town such as Ponce City Market and Krog Street Market, take a stroll on the Beltline, and stop by Old Fourth Ward Park or Piedmont Park to relax and enjoy some great people watching! Some other activities would include hiking on the East Palisades trail, catching an Atlanta Braves game, and finding an outdoor concert at the Botanical Gardens.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to begin by thanking my adoring husband Brett, my precious children Brayden and Hudson, my parents Dena and Sam, and my brother Aaron. Your unwavering love, encouragement, and support have been the foundation of my success, and it is a daily reminder to always grow, strive to be my best, and have gratitude for the blessings in my life. You have always been true cheerleaders for me, and I am beyond grateful for you and for everything you have done. I love you with all of my heart. I would also like to recognize all of my mentors and colleagues throughout my training and career for their guidance, insights, and teachings. I am deeply appreciative of your support and the knowledge you have shared with me. Thank you for always believing in me and for fostering my professional growth and career.

Website: https://www.drscheinfield.com

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-scheinfield-68ab0523