We must create the resources that we need to thrive.

Marigold’s story begins with a couple of burnt-out therapists in search of a practice environment that didn’t exist. Leah and Zach Polk realized their experience was not unique when their own colleagues and mentors began sharing the pitfalls of private practice. For example, many clinicians outgrow group practice environments within a few years, especially if those environments depend on retaining a hefty portion of therapists’ earnings or impede professional development. The problems with current models of group practice go beyond typical corporate methodologies, or implicit hierarchies - they can directly work against the mental health of the clinicians and clients they claim to serve.

Instead of replicating previous models, which depend on continuously growing a base of clients and clinicians, we decided to start by asking ourselves “what is enough?”. What feels like enough space to practice? What feels like enough session hours per week? What feels like enough in earnings? Asking “how much is enough?” instead of “how much can I get?” underscores the inherent difference of our therapeutic environment. This approach is consistent in our professional values, which are inevitably felt by the clients within our space.

We are deeply committed to evolving and discovering new ways of serving therapists and clients alike. When something doesn’t work, we let go and pivot. When something is undeniably supportive - we get out of the way and let it work. Therapists deserve a safe, ethical, and supportive practice space without feeling trapped or overwhelmed. We hope by developing a space like Marigold, we can be an example and resource for our community of mental health workers in St. Louis for many years to come.

Always independent. Forever authentic.

- Co-owners, Leah and Zach Polk