Meet Sandra Kushnir | LMFT and CEO of Meridian Counseling

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sandra Kushnir and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sandra, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
At Meridian Counseling, our mission is deeply rooted in creating a positive social impact within our community and beyond. As the founder, I am committed to ensuring that our services extend beyond traditional therapy to foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for everyone we serve.

Community Support and Awareness: One of our primary goals is to raise awareness about mental health issues and the importance of seeking help. We actively participate in community events, provide educational workshops, and use our platform to advocate for mental health awareness. By doing so, we aim to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage more individuals to seek the support they need.

Accessible Mental Health Services: We are dedicated to making mental health services accessible to all, including those who may face financial or logistical barriers, we do this by being directly in-network with insurance plans including Medi-Cal, Medicare, and private PPO/HMO plans throughout California, and Utah. Our telehealth platform allows us to reach individuals who may not have access to in-person services, ensuring that help is available regardless of location. Additionally, we offer a range of services that cater to diverse needs, including individual therapy, group therapy, and specialized programs for various populations.

Support for Marginalized Groups: At Meridian Counseling, we understand the unique challenges faced by marginalized groups, including first-generation individuals and minority communities. We provide culturally sensitive therapy that addresses the specific needs and experiences of these groups. Our goal is to empower individuals by helping them navigate their unique struggles and build resilience.

Professional Development and Education: We also invest in the growth and development of our clinicians. By providing ongoing training and professional development opportunities, we ensure that our team is equipped with the latest knowledge and skills to provide the highest quality care. This commitment to excellence not only benefits our clients but also contributes to the overall advancement of the mental health field.

Through these efforts, Meridian Counseling strives to create a lasting positive impact on our community and the world. We are committed to fostering a supportive environment where everyone can access the mental health care they need and deserve.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Certainly! Here is a detailed response:

Growing up as a first-generation American with Jewish parents who fled the USSR as refugees, my journey has been shaped by unique experiences and challenges. My family settled in Salt Lake City, where we navigated the complexities of integrating into American society while holding onto our cultural heritage. The impact of generational trauma, particularly the experiences my family endured before and after immigrating, deeply influenced my path in life.

Witnessing the struggles and resilience of my parents and community inspired me to pursue a career in mental health. I was driven by a desire to understand the effects of trauma and to help others heal and thrive. This passion led me to become a licensed marriage and family therapist and ultimately to found Meridian Counseling.

Starting Meridian Counseling was a way for me to make a broader impact, offering support to individuals from diverse backgrounds and helping them navigate their own challenges. The journey of building this company has been incredibly rewarding but not without its obstacles. As a young female founder, I often found myself needing to work harder to prove my credibility and competency. There were moments of self-doubt and external skepticism that I had to overcome.

Despite these challenges, I am incredibly proud of what Meridian Counseling has become. We have created a space where clients can receive compassionate, high-quality care, and our providers feel supported and empowered to make a difference. The impact we have made on our clients and community is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our entire team.

Throughout this journey, I have learned invaluable lessons about resilience, the importance of staying true to my vision, and the power of community and support. Each challenge and success has reinforced my belief in the work we do and the positive change we can create.

What sets Meridian Counseling apart is our commitment to accessibility, inclusivity, and excellence in mental health care. We strive to provide services that are not only effective but also culturally sensitive and adaptable to the needs of our diverse client base. Our focus on both telehealth and in-person options ensures that we can reach individuals wherever they are.

I am grateful for the journey that led me here and for the incredible team that has helped build Meridian Counseling into the impactful organization, it is today. Our story is one of resilience, growth, and unwavering commitment to mental health and well-being. We look forward to continuing to support our clients and community, making a meaningful difference in their lives.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friends were visiting the area, I’d want to show them the best time ever by immersing them in the unique experiences Los Angeles has to offer. Here’s what a perfect week might look like:

First off, we’d spend some quality time in Santa Monica. A visit to Dog People would be a must, especially if they’re a dog lover. It’s a fantastic spot where we can enjoy a delicious breakfast and soak in the vibrant, dog-friendly atmosphere.

For dining, Fia in Santa Monica is one of my top recommendations. The Mediterranean cuisine is exquisite, and the ambiance is just perfect for a relaxing evening. Another great spot for a memorable meal is Elephante, also in Santa Monica, which offers stunning views and a fantastic menu.

On Saturday, we’d check out Saturday Soul at the Kinn. It’s a unique experience that combines great music, food, and a lively atmosphere, making it a perfect way to spend an evening.

Los Angeles is also known for its amazing outdoor activities, so we’d hit some hiking trails. The views from places like Griffith Park or Runyon Canyon are breathtaking, and it’s a great way to get some exercise while enjoying the natural beauty of the area.

Exploring different neighborhoods is another must-do. We’d visit fun coffee shops and vibrant communities around LA, like Silver Lake’s Alfred Coffee for its trendy vibes, or wandering around the artsy streets of Venice. Each neighborhood has its unique charm and plenty of hidden gems to discover.

Overall, LA is filled with so many fun, interesting, and exciting places to check out. Whether it’s dining at fantastic restaurants, enjoying the outdoors, or exploring diverse neighborhoods, there’s something for everyone. It’s all about experiencing the eclectic mix that makes Los Angeles such a vibrant city.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to recognize Kevin Lehtinen, our CFO. Kevin made an extraordinary transition from an engineering background into the mental health sector. His unique perspective and skills have been instrumental in helping us scale the company. His dedication and strategic thinking have been pivotal in navigating the complexities of running and growing our business.

I want to highlight Nancy Le, LMFT, our Chief Clinical Officer. Nancy manages our entire clinical staff with unparalleled expertise and compassion. She has built our medication management and psychiatry program from the ground up and continuously oversees the clinical quality of our practice. Her leadership and commitment to excellence are core to our ability to provide high-quality care. I truly couldn’t have done it without her.

Additionally, I must acknowledge Daniel Meas, our CTO. Daniel joined us recently from the software tech world and has been a game-changer in building our tech platform. His work has significantly improved our ability to deliver quality care efficiently and scale as an insurance-based, hybrid mental health clinic. His innovative approach ensures we stay at the forefront of technological advancements in mental health care.

Each of these individuals has played a crucial role in Meridian Counseling’s journey. Their support, mentorship, and dedication have been invaluable, and I am incredibly grateful for their contributions.

Website: https://www.meridian-counseling.com

Instagram: @sanj_kushnir and @meridian.counseling

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandra-kushnir-lmft-9a880374/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meridian.counseling/

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/meridian-counseling-los-angeles-2

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uy5Ta8b6mHY