Meet Rashad Skinner, LCSW-S | Mental Health Therapist, Subject Matter Expert, and Non-Profit Executive Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rashad Skinner, LCSW-S and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rashad, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My inclination to start my own business stemmed from my first job out in high school and my first career job after college. My first job in high school was commission based which trained me to believe I would be rewarded based on amount of effort I put into my work. In commission sales, I never got a paycheck if I decided to not put forth any effort. With this mindset, I found it VERY difficult to work a salaried job after college. While on my first career job, I noticed many co-workers who put forth little effort and received the same compensation as those who went above and beyond. It was baffling to me.

In addition, while in the professional world, I would look at organizational charts of the executive positions and think, “I am the new guy. I will have to wait until all those people retire, as well as all the people between them and me, if I want my efforts to benefit anyone on a global scale. I can’t get to the top any time soon from here.” So, I felt the only way for my decisions and efforts can make the difference I wanted was to leave the bureaucracy of working for some big company and make my own.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I am the executive director and founder of Sapphire Therapeutic Services, Inc. – a 501(c)3 organization in Houston but serving the entire State of Texas. Our mission is to preserve and improve the family unit for children. Whether you need drug abuse counseling, help with anxiety, family counseling, or help finding a better life. Since 2009, we have been devoted to a person’s choice to change. Unlike many mental health treatment agencies, we accept traditional medicaid and private insurance. We have been providing virtual health prior to the pandemic with a certain degree of success.

This agency has been slow growing since I chose not to use start-up business loans. I don’t regret the decision not to use these loans because over the years, all of my decisions have been based on what was best my clients and not what was best for the bottom line. It was difficult to make the climb without capital but, at the end of the day, I can live with the notion I am truly my own boss.

I have learned a major lesson over the years that seems obvious looking back: No one will care or put forth as much effort toward your dream than you. Even if they believe in your cause, when times get rough, they see themselves as an employee and not a partner.

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 would show my best friend all the major attractions and industries, of course, to sell the city as a place they may want to live. The Theatre District, the Museum District, an Astros or Rockets game, the Energy Corridor, and the Medical Center. These things showcase the major player that is Houston.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Miracles happen everyday. I wouldn’t have met those who helped me along the way or known what to say in those key moments without the the Devine intervention of Jesus Christ. Without Him, I would not have met all the wonderful people who deserve a Shoutout for fueling my success throughout my journey.

Website: www.sapphiretherapy.org

Instagram: @thats.helpful

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rashadskinner/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TherapyNHouston

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SapphireTherapyTX/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/sapphire-therapeutic-services-houston?utm_campaign=www_business_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)