Amanda Halamka

So nice to meet you! First off, what’s your name? Tell our readers a bit about yourself—where you’re from originally and where you live now.

Hello! I am Amanda Halamka! I am a counselor, single mom, Grammy, business owner, Girl Scout volunteer, Disney lover and friend. I was born in Michigan, lived in Iowa, and when I was 9 my family moved to Arizona.

Tell us one thing you love about where you live now.

I love Arizona because the sunrises and sunsets are amazing all year long.

Tell us a little more about what your company does and how it started. How does it help your customers?

I am the owner of Amanda Halamka LPC, PLLC. I am a counselor in my own practice and love it. I have owned several different businesses over time, so when I received my independent license, it only made sense to start my own practice. I started counseling because I want to help others. I am committed to owning and running my business as long as I am capable, which will help customers because I will be able to help them for a long time.

If someone wants to start a business, what advice would you give them?

Owning a business is so rewarding in so many ways and also can be hard in so many ways. My advice to others who want to start a business is to be willing to ask for help, know you do not know it all, and understand that there is always some hustle involved. You will sometimes have a lot of freedom and other times when you work more hours than you would like. Ultimately, though, it is all your choice in what you want to see within your company.

What is one piece of feedback from a happy customer or client that you won't forget?

WOW! This one is so hard for me because I have been a counselor for 11 years and my journey has been rewarding in so many ways. I would say seeing clients use skills, balance their emotions in their daily life and truly have acceptance of the traumas in their life.

Where do you see your company in the future?

I will be here for as long as I am physically capable of providing care. I love my career! Maybe some day I will train others, but there is not a plan for that currently.

What is the biggest misconception about your industry?

Mental health has so many misconceptions. Mental health should be just as important as physical health. You are important, and mental health is not just for bad or negative times. Mental health is real! Mental health is more than childhood trauma or any trauma that has occurred. Counseling can help with everyday life. Having someone emotionally unattached to you who can validate and listen is so needed by us all. I am here to guide you through your journey of life without judgment.

What has been one of your biggest struggles building your business, and how did you deal with it?

My biggest struggle in growing my business has probably been the shift from cash pay to insurance. Although it was super necessary to begin taking insurance in our economy, it was a drastic change for me. Navigating insurance panels and getting approved was a lot of work. I learned a lot through the process, and it was also super hard. I am so glad I can provide insurance assistance to my clients because it makes mental health counseling more affordable. Understanding every client's insurance benefits and co-pays has been a learning process as well, and now I do understand how health insurance works.

Who was your favorite music artist and athlete growing up?

My favorite music artist was New Kids on the Block... does this show my age? I also have always loved Elton John. I love a lot of music genres though.

Any shoutouts you want to make?

I want to give huge shout outs to my children! Collin and Kennadi, I am so grateful for all of your support through the years. I know when mommy was in school that it was so hard, and we sacrificed so much to be where we are today. I am so proud of both of you for being the humans you are. I love you both so much! I hope you saw me live my dreams and it gives you motivation to always live yours!!!

Where can our readers learn more about you and your company?

You can find me on social media or my web page (AmandaHalamka.com) or Google me.