Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Gardner.
Hi Sarah, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’m excited to share with you all about Maryland Neuropsychological Services (MNS), LLC’s, origin story.
As a child, I was always a “listener.” You know, the “quiet one.” Choosing a profession that involved empathic listening and helping just felt right. It turns out that it has been the perfect fit for me.
After earning my undergraduate degree, I began working on research projects involving autistic children and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices at Kennedy Krieger Institute. I began networking and soon started a “side-gig” providing in-home intensive behavioral intervention through the Maryland Autism Waiver. I went back to school and earned a master’s in counseling degree from Johns Hopkins University and then applied for a doctorate in psychology after realizing that I wanted to better help my clients by understanding the scores printed in psychological reports so I could better apply that information to their care. At the same time as learning about being accepted in a doctoral program in psychology, I opened my first practice that was geared purely towards mental health counseling, while also working full-time as a mental health counselor. Eventually I closed that practice when juggling dissertation and doctoral internship became burdensome. That was no biggie – I knew I’d be re-opening my practice and with a face-lift. And that is exactly what I did after finishing my doctoral internship and two years of post-doctoral residency in neuropsychology and autism. I went from an LGPC to an LCPC to a licensed psychologist and a neuropsychologist. My training was focused on helping my community and I knew I wanted to make my community a focus for my next practice.
Along with opening Maryland Neuropsychological Services, LLC, I’ve published several books, including “Moments of Clarity: Thoughts for Reflection” and “I AM Resilient! Sid the Skunk’s Superb Skills in Mental Toughness.” Another book designed for toddlers and kids with intellectual disabilities and level 3 autism is in the process of publication.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth road, and that’s perfectly okay. It has not been too bumpy. I would not call the bumps ‘struggles,’ just ‘challenges’ and areas that are helping us grow. Some of the challenges have involved finding the right people to help build MNS. I needed people who could compliment the areas of business that are not my strong suits (e.g., CPAs, attorneys, HR consultants). It also involved making sure I had the paperwork that is necessary for a mental health practice while, at the same time, not having too much paperwork.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Maryland Neuropsychological Services, LLC?
Maryland Neuropsychological Services (MNS), LLC, is built to help our community, officially opening its doors on October 16th, 2023. I am trying to build something different for Marylanders, having lived in Maryland for most of my life (Frederick County, Baltimore, Towson, Cockeysville, Laurel, Glen Burnie, and I might be a missing a few). I’ve learned that most psychologists do not accept insurance for testing. I understand why that is now that I’m running and growing a primarily insurance-based practice. Frankly, insurances do not compensate well for the type of specialized evaluation and diagnostic work that psychologists offer.
We currently accept a number of commercial insurances, as well as state insurance. Although, there are a couple of insurances we cannot accept because the compensation rates offered for testing are just too low for us to be able to pay our clinicians a reasonable wage and still sustain the business. For those we are out of network (OON) with, we’ve partnered with a group that helps those patients collect their reimbursements owed through their OON benefits package and for those without an OON benefits package for mental health services, we currently offer payment plans. MNS is truly trying to help make quality psychological testing and therapy accessible, not just for those who are affluent, but for all of our community members. Service accessibility for our community while providing a reasonable wage and a laid-back, rewarding, and fun workplace for our providers and staff.
I don’t know if there is something I am “most” proud about. I am proud about MNS, period. I am proud of our logo, which was personalized by a friend of the family (the sulci of the brain are the inlets of the Chesapeake Bay). I am proud of our mission. I am proud of the team of people who have been helping MNS continue its growth. I am proud of my clinicians (I am choosy about who I invite to provide care at MNS). I am proud of our patients who are putting in the work for their own growth and putting in the time and effort to learn about themselves.
Choosing MNS for your care means that you will be matched with a provider who cares about their community. It means that you will be provided with quality care and an individualized report (if receiving testing services), regardless of your financial status. We provide individual and family therapy (in-person and virtual), autism and ADHD testing for the lifespan, private school admissions testing, and so many different types of neuropsychological and psychological assessment. MNS is where mental health care quality meets with community. As the founder of MNS, I welcome you to reach out to us if you are in need of psychological/neuropsychological testing or therapy or other types of mental health service. Every brain has a story – let’s discover yours!
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I’ve learned, so far, in this business journey is that it’s okay to let the steering wheel go a little and to let other people drive sometimes. MNS isn’t just the story of Dr. Sarah Gardner. It’s the story of our Maryland community members, our exceptional providers and administrative support, and all the professionals who work behind-the-scenes (my trusted attorney and CPAs). It’s also the story of those who trained and educated me and MNS’ providers. Trust your people and trust yourself.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mdneuropsychology.org
