Our story
Always getting better.
Kelly Mental Health began with one clinician who wanted to help people in a big way. It is named for her, and it is now a team.
When I started Kelly Mental Health, I wanted to help people in a big way. I wanted to resolve the problems in our city, and the way that made most sense was to start with individuals, because one person can change the lives of everyone around them.
I was once told that the definition of hell is when the person you are meets the person you could have become. I have always kept that in mind, because it would be a tragedy to waste this terribly short life being held back by fear, thoughts of inadequacy, or the opinions of those who also struggle with those issues. You have to answer to yourself in the end, and I choose to make decisions that will leave me with the least amount of regret.
One person can change the lives of everyone around them.
Striking out on my own in 2016, I had pretty simple, if grand, goals in mind: create a workplace for others that I would be happy to go to every day, help clients with the most cutting-edge, up-to-date psychological treatment, enhance that treatment with real, down-to-earth human connection, and save the world. Or at least everyone in this geographical area.
We have gone through so many growing pains over the years, and each lesson in business came with significant, heartfelt lessons for me personally.
- Boundaries Check
- Self-compassion Check
- Owning mistakes and addressing perfectionism Got it
- Understanding the patterns in our lives shaped by trauma, attachment, and how we see our own value Still working on it
It was not just our clients who were benefiting from what we were creating. It was ourselves, everyone around us, and our community as a whole. As we grew and found staff who truly embodied what KMH stands for, I realized how much having the right people makes all the difference.
That is why I chose those words: always getting better. Because as soon as you figure things out, life changes. You level up. And there is always more to learn.
Linda N. Kelly, MSW, RSW, CEO of Kelly Mental Health
Why solid wood
It can be sanded back, again and again, without losing its strength.
Look around the cottage and you will see deep, solid wood in the shelves and tables. Not veneer. Solid wood can be revitalized over and over, and its real beauty comes through every time. Like our clients.
The big, sturdy tables are for research, too. We spread out the books and get absorbed in them, so we keep learning how to do this work well.
Timeline
From one clinician to a team
- 2010
Trauma-focused work begins
Linda begins providing trauma-focused psychotherapy after her Master of Social Work.
- 2016
Striking out on her own
Kelly Mental Health opens, with simple, if grand, goals: a workplace people are happy to come to, cutting-edge treatment, and real human connection.
- 2020
Talking about it, out loud
The podcast launches during the pandemic, because the more we talk about mental health, the more normal it becomes.
- Today
A full clinical team
14 clinicians and 3 support staff at The Cottage on Dawson, and Monday mornings on 99.9 The Bay.
Our mission
We empower people to become the best versions of themselves.
Who we are
A private mental health clinic specializing in treatment for trauma-related issues. We work collaboratively, using individually tailored, evidence-based treatment plans.
Our philosophy
Counselling can give people the tools they need to survive and flourish: insight into themselves, positive coping skills, and productive changes that improve their overall well-being.
What we stand for
Respect
Treating all individuals with consideration and dignity is the most vital step in creating positive, empowering relationships. We listen with our full attention; we remain present.
Willingness to learn
A student mentality: always striving to gain knowledge about ourselves and the world around us.
Courage
Accepting responsibility, doing the right thing under any circumstances, facing fears, and being strong for ourselves and for each other.
Compassion
Based in empathy and understanding, we do what is right and help those in need. Every individual deserves to be heard, seen for the best they can be, and treated with kindness.
Humility
We are all learning, growing and changing every day. We know we don't always have the answers, but we are always willing to find out.
Resiliency
Bouncing back with determination; always having another card to play, in a culture that promotes personal power and the ability to change.
Health
Physical, mental and emotional health lets us operate at our best, and contributes to growth, new skills, and bettering ourselves and others.
The people
Having the right people makes all the difference.
The clinic carries Linda's last name, and it takes a whole team to run it. Meet the clinicians, and the admin team who answer the phone, take payments, and help you figure out coverage.
Meet the team
It's time to build your own legacy.
Book online any time, or call and a real person will help you find the right clinician.
Wondering about cost? See coverage options.