In Session with Forgewell Solutions: Kelsey Maloley

At Forgewell Solutions, we’re passionate about supporting clinicians as they grow

practices that feel meaningful, sustainable, and fully their own. In our new clinician

spotlight series, In Session with Forgewell Solutions, we’re giving you a behind-the-

scenes look at the therapists in our community.

We are excited to kick off this series with Kelsey Maloley, LMHC, who is dedicated to

helping individuals and families navigate the challenges of trauma, addiction, and

emotional well-being. From balancing a full-time leadership role at Harvard T.H. Chan

School of Public Health to building a thriving private practice, Kelsey’s story is both

inspiring and refreshing.

MEET THE CLINICIAN

Q: Who do you see and what do you treat?

I work with adolescents, adults, and couples navigating anxiety, depression, PTSD,

personality disorders, and substance use disorders. A large focus of my practice is

supporting loved ones and partners of individuals struggling with active addiction. I’m

especially passionate about helping clients better understand relationship dynamics,

build healthier boundaries, and reconnect with themselves throughout the healing

process.

THE PATH TO PRIVATE PRACTICE

Q: What made you want to move into private practice?

I was drawn to private practice because I wanted more flexibility, independence, and the

ability to create a schedule and environment that truly aligned with the kind of clinician I

wanted to be. Once I became independently licensed, it felt like the right next step both

professionally and financially. I also loved the idea of building something that was fully

my own.

Q: How is private practice going for you?

It’s going incredibly well! I genuinely love having my own private practice. Like most

clinicians starting out, I definitely ran into a learning curve with billing and insurance

claims during the first few months, but once I became more familiar with the processes,

the administrative side became much more manageable. Watching the practice

continue to grow has been really rewarding.

Q: Is your private practice your only “job”?

I currently work full-time as the Assistant Director for Program Delivery within the

Advanced Learning Academy at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health while also

seeing clients two evenings a week in private practice. Balancing two careers definitely

requires organization, discipline, and strong time management, but it is absolutely

possible. My biggest advice to clinicians considering private practice is to start

small—begin with one day or a few clients a week and gradually build from there in a

way that feels sustainable for you.

FINDING FORGEWELL

Q: What brought you to Forgewell?

I was searching for office space and happened to come across Forgewell’s website.

From my very first conversation with Karen, I immediately felt welcomed and supported.

Her warmth, professionalism, and genuine passion for helping clinicians succeed made

it clear that Forgewell was exactly where I wanted to grow my practice.

Q: How has Forgewell Solutions helped you?

Forgewell has made the transition into private practice feel far less overwhelming.

There’s such a strong sense of community and support among the clinicians here,

especially because many of us have gone through similar experiences and use the

same EMR system. It’s incredibly reassuring to have people you can ask questions to or

troubleshoot with. I also really value the new learning and training sessions that Karen

has launched for clinicians. Being able to learn from each other is incredibly educational

and encouraging as a community. Starting a private practice can feel intimidating, but

Forgewell creates an environment where you truly don’t feel alone.

WORDS OF WISDOM

Q: What is one piece of advice you would give to someone thinking about moving to

private practice?

Stay organized from the very beginning—especially when it comes to credentialing,

insurance panels, billing, and documentation. Having solid systems in place early on

makes a huge difference and helps reduce stress as your caseload grows. Also, don’t

be afraid to ask questions and lean on others who have already been through the

process.

BEYOND THE OFFICE

Q: Could you share something fun about yourself?

Outside of my clinical work, I love anything creative and people-centered. I’m a huge

believer in balancing hard work with humor, connection, and good coffee. In between

jobs I make time for beach days, long walks with my black lab Clancy, and spending

time with the people who matter most to me.

Interested in learning more about starting your own private therapy practice?

If you’re a friendly, professional clinician, ready to take the next steps toward private practice in the south shore, we would love to speak with you.

Please contact Karen Peabody: 774-222-3196 | Email: info@forgewellsolutions.com

Karen Peabody, LICSW is a therapist and business consultant for social workers and therapists interested in starting their private practice. She founded Forgewell Solutions in East Bridgewater, MA. Her office is a great place to start a private practice. Visit her FOR THERAPISTS page to learn more.