Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Epting.
Hi Andrea, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I am a third-generation Savannah native and St. Vincent’s Academy Graduate (class of 1998). I am a wife and mother of 2.
With a propensity for problem-solving (other peoples’ not my own, of course), I figured why not make money doing it! $200,000, and 6 years later, I had a master’s in psychology with a specialty in Professional Counseling. Over the next two decades, I specialized in trauma-initiated chemical and behavioral addictions and compulsivities and love every minute of it!
We’ve been impressed with Heads-Up Guidance Services, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Have you ever doubted your purpose, contribution, or ability to make a positive impact despite your desire, efforts, and passion? Well, this is where I found myself in 2008. Unable to make an impact in the lives of those I served. I found myself working inside a “Mis-Managed” care system that was sicker than the individuals I was trying to treat. The “Revolving Door” of clients and the debilitating clinician turnover led me to believe that the “almighty buck” was being prioritized over the people that the system vowed to serve. I knew that I had a choice to make … to be part of the problem or part of the solution. That same year, in 2008, the concept for a revolutionary Solution was developed (by yours truly – inspired by the Holy Spirit) and named Heads-Up Guidance Services, which would go on to be lovingly referred to as “HUGS” by the Savannah community and surrounding areas.
Our mission is simple yet profound. We are making exceptional behavioral health counseling accessible to all motivated individuals, and we train and utilize compassionate volunteer professionals to meet the communities’ counseling needs.
We exist to ensure that no one seeking professional counseling will be denied services. HUGS’ professional clinical volunteers provide and expand their services to fill the critical behavioral health needs in this community. HUGS’ approach and response is unique, innovative, unduplicated, and a creative solution to the Mental Health crisis that plagues our neighbors, families, businesses, and the Low Country at large. At HUGS, we seek to be part of the long-term solution to mental health and to break through the most common barriers to quality professional counseling. We choose to work outside of the managed care system by training and utilizing volunteer professional counselors, clinical social workers, and certified addiction specialists to provide services at an 80% discounted rate (less than an in-network copay). Our approach allows for individuals and families to fund their own program with community support.
We do not work with third-party payors, insurance companies, or government entities but are funded by our discounted services, influential supporters, and civic-minded establishments. This allows HUGS’ clinicians to fully prioritize the clients and their treatment – at HUGS’ our professionals volunteer their services and work unencumbered by systematic “red tape.”
HUGS’ has proven that socially conscious professionals and motivated participants, along with community support, can result in exceptional counseling services at no cost to the taxpayer.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Major Gift Campaign – https://www.headsupsavannah.org/support-our-mission
Pricing:
- $40 intake
- $25 session for individual services
- Support by becoming a Friend of HUGS for $25/month
- Support by becoming a Business Sustainability Partner for $100/month
Contact Info:
- Website: www.headsupsavannah.org
- Instagram: HUGS_Counseling
