Brooke Buck's journey from solo practitioner to founder of an award-winning mental health practice offers a fascinating window into the challenges and triumphs of today's behavioral healthcare landscape.

Ten years after founding Cloudbreak Therapy in Alexandria, Virginia, Brooke has built a thriving practice with 14 staff members offering trauma-informed care across multiple states. Her approach balances clinical excellence with business savvy, especially when navigating the complex challenges facing small private practices today.

The emotional weight of trauma work combined with technology's blurring of professional boundaries has made clinician burnout a pressing concern. Brooke's practice addresses this through intentional boundary-setting, regular supervision, and creating a culture that values self-care. "We can't fix anyone," she emphasizes, highlighting how the "imposter syndrome" many therapists experience contributes to burnout.

When COVID struck, Cloudbreak quickly pivoted to telehealth while experiencing an uptick in demand. Today they maintain a hybrid model, recognizing that some clients—particularly children and those requiring higher levels of care—benefit most from in-person sessions, while telehealth remains essential for reaching rural populations.

Perhaps most revealing is Brooke's candid discussion of the financial realities facing insurance-based practices. Some insurers haven't increased reimbursement rates in eight years, effectively creating a 30% pay cut when adjusted for inflation. Despite this challenge, Cloudbreak remains committed to insurance accessibility while advocating for fair compensation through persistent value proposals and formal complaints.

Looking forward, Brooke is launching TheraGrace, a nonprofit aimed at funding therapy for individuals facing financial hardships. This initiative reflects her mission to dismantle barriers to mental healthcare while addressing growing demands for specialized services, particularly in ADHD and autism support.

Ready to explore innovative approaches to sustainable mental healthcare delivery? Listen now to gain actionable insights from a leader who's successfully balancing clinical excellence with business sustainability in today's complex healthcare environment.

📇 Guest Contact & Social Links

Name: Brooke Buck, MA, LPC, ADHD-CCSP
Role: Psychotherapist and Founder, Cloud Break Therapy + Cloud Break Kids
Website: www.cloudbreaktherapy.com
Email: brooke@cloudbreaktherapy.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooke-buck
Phone: 703.855.4330
States Licensed: VA, DC, MD, SC