If mental health or wellness is your business, then you already know the chief benefit to conducting it in person.
“It’s the best way to nurture real relationships,” said Talha Baloch, MD, an Eden Prairie psychiatrist specializing in the treatment of mental health conditions, substance use disorders and behavioral addictions. “Telehealth does have its benefits, including expanded access for underserved communities, continuity of care during public health emergencies, and support for homebound patients. Even so, telehealth cannot replace the depth of connection – a cornerstone of mental health and wellness work – that in-person care provides.
“In-person treatment is widely regarded as the gold standard for quality care. When I am seeing a patient in person, I can assess vital signs, conduct a physical exam, and notice subtle behaviors or changes that may not be apparent on a screen. These limitations of telehealth are shared across the field, regardless of specialty. For practitioners whose work is inherently hands-on, such as physical therapists, acupuncturists and massage therapists, virtual platforms offer little meaningful substitute.
“I’m also not the only clinician who doesn’t need a full-time office. Solo practitioners, startups, and part-time practices could make better investments than an annual lease. All of them would ideally rent workspace by the hour, or for short, flexible terms, while they grow.
“And they wouldn’t rent it just anywhere. Most coworking spaces aren’t suitable for our intensely personal line of work. Their concrete floors are noisy. Conversation carries through walls. They are filled with mostly good people, albeit not necessarily ones who have taken oaths to safeguard confidential information. And to be frank, if someone is receiving treatment for mental health, then it’s for the better if they aren’t surrounded by modern, corporate interior design. Rather, they would have a warm, inviting atmosphere where they feel comfortable opening up and sharing their concerns. That’s all to say that mental health and wellness clinicians really should practice within a more pleasant and private environment than what’s generally available.”
Talha went ahead and did something about it. He and his wife, Iqra, who is also in the healthcare field, founded Mindful Spaces in Eden Prairie late last year.
“We envisioned the ideal office-sharing community, and built it from the ground up,” Talha continued. “We found a location overlooking Bent Creek Golf Course – quiet, bright, and surrounded by pristine nature. We next hired Danish Teak Classics of Minneapolis to design a warm, welcoming environment using carefully considered, responsibly sourced materials, along with sound-dampening walls and ceilings, all chosen to minimize chemical exposure, reduce waste, and support an environmentally mindful, calming aesthetic.
“Mindful Spaces offers six private offices with large windows, a dedicated room for group therapy, and a flex space for acupuncturists, massage therapists and others who need a bit more room. The space also includes an inviting reception area, individual workstations, printing and secure shredding services, as well as mailbox and virtual address options to ensure your practice projects the same level of professionalism you bring to your work. Mindful Spaces also offers the flexibility you need for your practice, with office space for rent on an hourly, daily, weekly or monthly basis.”
At the time of writing, Mindful Spaces members include Margo Abrams, Psy.D., psychologist and founder of Brighter Side Therapy Services; Amy Cantazaro, Ph.D., psychologist with Timberline Psychological Testing; and Sue Goehl-Manolis, RN-C, APRN, CNP, nurse practitioner and founder of Conceivable Fertility and Wellness.
“Anyone who practices here gains a rich referral network,” said Talha, who operates his own Comprehensive Psych Solutions out of Mindful Spaces. “I personally have asked Margo and Amy for help pinpointing diagnoses of autism and ADHD, which they are both extremely knowledgeable in. I’ve also referred patients who are struggling with fertility issues to Sue, who does outstanding work in that area. Mindful Spaces’ centralized offerings also represent a more convenient, integrated experience for patients pursuing multiple forms of care.
“Mindful Spaces serves yet another pressing need in the healthcare community. Our industry is becoming increasingly dominated by venture capitalists and private equity groups. Their profit-first mentality compels healthcare providers to see too many patients, and spend too little time treating each. By making good workspace available to private practitioners, we’re helping them provide an altogether higher standard of care, and avoid the burnout now plaguing healthcare professionals nationwide. Our ultimate goal is to keep independent practitioners independent.
“I became a psychiatrist because I want to help people, plain and simple. Mindful Spaces is just another extension of that desire.”
Mindful Spaces is located at 7525 Mitchell Road, Suite 315 in Eden Prairie. Visit MindfulSpacesMN.com to learn more!