Meet Nina Kaiser, the Founder and CEO of Practice San Francisco, a mental health and wellness center offering tailored support to children, teens, and families.
Nina’s decision to launch Practice San Francisco was driven by her experience as a psychologist, where she saw the limitations of traditional one-on-one therapy. Recognizing the need for a more holistic approach, she developed a model that integrates therapy with educational programs, equipping families with practical life skills. Her emphasis on early intervention aims to prevent crises before they begin and reduce the stigma around mental health conversations.
During our interview, Nina shared the challenges of leading a mental health practice during the pandemic, the fulfillment of witnessing families’ transformations, and the intentional strategies she uses to maintain balance between her career and family life.
Tell us the story behind your company’s founding. How and why did you start working on Practice San Francisco?
As a psychologist operating as a sole proprietor, I found that there were far more children and families in need of mental health support than I was able to serve personally. In addition, I found myself teaching kids and teens the same skills in therapy session after therapy session. I realized that the field of mental health is based on an outdated model that focuses on one-on-one therapy intervention accessed only after children and their families are already struggling. The skills that we teach clients in treatment—skills around awareness and management of stress and emotions—are effective as mental health interventions. However, these skills also are essential life skills for everyone.
I wanted to build a company that allowed increased availability of one-on-one mental health services for the increasing number of kids and families already suffering and in need of support. I also wanted to be able to deliver innovative educational, skill-focused interventions to more kids and families at earlier points in their mental health journeys with the goal of preventing later mental health challenges. We do this through our group programs and also by partnering with schools and corporations to reach families and offer research-based support around parenting and emotional health and wellness.
Looking back, what are the most meaningful impacts Practice San Francisco has had? How do these outcomes align with your original vision?
Our team has served thousands of clients in one-on-one or small-group services in our clinics, in addition to school and corporate partnerships. It is rewarding to hear feedback from families about the way in which the support has transformed their day-to-day lives. I’ve also found it very meaningful to build a work environment and culture that supports our staff in growing and thriving. This focus on staff development also allows our team a greater impact. Our team culture and the opportunities we offer for professional and career development allow us to recruit, train, and retain outstanding clinicians and provide the highest quality services to our clients and community partners.
What sets Practice San Francisco apart in a crowded market? What do you believe is your unique contribution to your industry?
Our focus on mental health education and prevention is completely revolutionary in the mental health industry. We are trying to solve and prevent mental health crises for kids and their families before those crises even exist. Nesting our intervention services in the context of education and prevention programming allows us to build relationships with families early in their mental health journeys; normalize conversations about mental health; equip families with foundational skills; and reduce barriers to accessing treatment if/when families do reach a point at which they need more intensive support.
Can you share a time when you struggled with burnout or stress? What steps or practices helped you regain your balance and well-being?
Navigating the financial, logistical, and emotional challenges associated with leading a team of mental health providers through the pandemic left me completely depleted. I have been really intentional about seeking out peer support by networking with and finding communities of other business owners. It has been helpful to have opportunities for connection with others who get the challenges I’m confronting as a founder. I also try to pay attention to how I’m doing and get intentional about action when I notice that I’m having a harder time. I think we all know that moving our bodies, consistently nourishing and hydrating ourselves, and meeting our sleep needs is important. Yet it’s hard for all of us to stick to these fundamental self-care needs, especially during more stressful times.
I have a weekly scheduled Pilates session that I never miss. I have my own therapist and find that just having that space blocked out on my calendar to check in is hugely helpful.
What has been your greatest challenge in blending work with life? How have you managed to create a sense of harmony between the two?
I feel fortunate to have a really full and rewarding professional and personal life. I just try to operate with a lot of intentionality, integrity, and a healthy dose of self-compassion. I heard someone say once, “You can do anything, but you can’t do everything.” This is so true. In this phase of life, being present, connected, and showing up skillfully with my two elementary school-aged kids matters most to me. I often have to slow myself down to remember to show up in a way that’s in alignment with those values. I also try to remind myself that being human requires intention, attention, and ongoing course-correction. There are some days and times when I realize that I need to allocate more energy toward work. There are other days and times when I realize that I need to allocate more energy and attention toward my personal life.
What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in your entrepreneurial journey so far?
Opportunities and communities that grow your own skills as a leader and an entrepreneur are critical to the growth of your company. Honestly, running a business and parenting my kids are the two greatest growth experiences of my life. I’ve found resourcing myself with opportunities to learn and grow in community with others on parallel paths to be invaluable.
“Opportunities and communities that grow your own skills as a leader and an entrepreneur are critical to the growth of your company.”
What advice would you give to other women wanting to start or grow businesses in an intentional way?
Dream big and keep your feet firmly planted on the ground. It’s important to have big goals as well as to carefully evaluate and understand financials and potential risks as part of your decision-making. It’s also really critical to remember that growing a business is a journey. Like any journey, it is going to have ups and downs. The downs do not mean that you’re doing it wrong. You’re going to confront challenges—some of which will be of your own making as you grow and learn; and some of which will be out of your hands. Take deep breaths, stay grounded in what’s most important to you, take care of yourself, and keep putting one foot in front of another.
Nina is a member of Dreamers & Doers, an award-winning community that amplifies extraordinary women entrepreneurs, investors, and leaders by securing PR, forging authentic connections, and curating high-impact resources. Learn more about Dreamers & Doers and get involved here.