Meet Stephanie Rios | Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Private Practice Owner of SMR Mental Health Counseling

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

Hi Stephanie, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
I’m mostly inspired by the people I have met throughout the years whether it be clients, colleagues, and friends. I also look forward to helping to others struggling with mental health issues or need additional support, which also gives me inspiration to keep doing what I’m doing.

What should our readers know about your business?
I opened my own mental health counsseling private practice, SMR Mental Health Counseling, in September 2023, and it based in South Florida. I have worked with previous group practices prior to setting out on my own. I have also worked in different settings such as substance abuse treatment centers, a non profit orgranization, and an employee assistance program. I have learned a great deal about the mental health profession while working in these different settings as I was lucky to work with experienced leaders in the field. It took me over the past couple of years or so to figure out what I really wanted for myself in terms of the trajectory of my career. I had to research things such as building a private practice, networking strategies, figuring out a brand, and planning the financial side of things as well. It has been difficult at times as things can change and evolve quickly. The main lesson I encourage others to listen to would be to stay on the path as there will be obstacles along the way, but don’t let anything take you away from realizing your goals and dreams.

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’ve lived in South Florida for over 22 years now, so I’ve come to learn so much about the culture and different things you can experience down here. I would definitely recommend going to the Florida Keys as there’s no other place like them. You can experience nature there by swimming there, snorkeling, fishing, and boating. There are many good restaurants there as well such as Lorelei Restaurant & Cabana Bar, and Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen. I would also check out Wynwood for the art displays and restaurants. I also recommend checking out latin resturants such as La Carreta, CVI.CHE 105, and Dr. Limon too.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to send a shoutout to the clients that have inspired me over the years in my career as I’ve learned so much from them. I also credit my family especially my father Carlos, my mother Dora, and my sister Michelle as they have given me the support over the years. My father, Carlos, was a huge influence as he was a psychiatrist who worked mostly with children and adolescents. He passed away in 2002, but I try my best to make him proud. He influenced me in that he was a model of giving back to others, especially to those struggling with mental health issues and substance abuse. I come from a Hispanic household as both my parents immigrated from Peru to seek a better life for themselves. I learned a lot about the importance of family and helping others from both of them. My sister Michelle continues this in her own career as she’s a physician herself. I also like to send a shout out to all my friends, colleagues, and my boyfriend Brian as they are also part of my support system. I have met many mental health professionals in this field who live and work in South Florida who have either their own private practice or group practice or work in other settings, who are colleagues of mine. I look at them all as models staying on the path of success whether it be running a business, or being part of an organization. 

Website: https://www.smrmentalhealthcounseling.com/

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-rios-ms-lmhc-qs-2471b6151

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553196831127

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/stephanie-rios-ms-lmhc-qs-davie

Other: Psychology Today profile: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/stephanie-rios-plantation-fl/890067