Episode Summary

Host Jennifer Gligoric spotlights Dr. Bergina Isbell, a Mayo Clinic and Johns Hopkins-trained psychiatrist, speaker, author, and founder of Lead Life, LLC. Dr. Isbell specializes in helping patients with treatment-resistant mental health conditions and special needs, using innovative interventions like Spravato and TMS. She shares her entrepreneurial pivots, lessons from setbacks, and her bold vision for a first-of-its-kind retreat and respite center for families with special needs. This episode is filled with actionable strategies for clinic owners on branding, education, resilience, and mission-driven growth.

Key Topics & Takeaways

Innovation in Mental Health Care

• Dr. Isbell’s clinic focuses on patients who have tried everything—multiple medications, even ECT—with no success.


• Spravato (S-ketamine) and TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) have helped many patients go from disabling depression to functional, fulfilling lives.


• The clinic’s “3R” approach centers on restoring patients’ lives through holistic, process-driven care.

Education and Breaking Through Stigma

• Educating both patients and providers is essential, especially in a field overshadowed by pharmaceutical advertising and stigma.


• Dr. Isbell adapts her message for each audience—using TikTok for younger patients, Facebook and Instagram for parents, LinkedIn for providers, and even comedic skits to make mental health more approachable.

Entrepreneurial Pivots & Lessons Learned

• Dr. Isbell’s journey into entrepreneurship was driven by family needs and the desire to serve patients more fully.


• She has pivoted from corporate medicine to telehealth, consulting, and ultimately to building her own branded clinic.


• Key milestones included the Goldman Sachs 10K Small Business program, Entrepreneurs Organization, and strategic partnerships to refine her branding and marketing.

Resilience in the Face of Setbacks

• When social media ad accounts were hacked, Dr. Isbell’s team pivoted to direct provider outreach and community engagement, ensuring the message stayed consistent.


• Support from a diverse accountability group and her faith were crucial in navigating challenges.

Consistent, Audience-Specific Messaging

• The clinic’s core message remains the same, but is tailored for patients, providers, or organizations.


• Consistency in the “perfect client journey” ensures all outreach aligns with the clinic’s mission and values.

Vision for the Future: Retreat & Respite Center

• Dr. Isbell’s big hairy audacious goal (BHAG) is to build a retreat seminar serving at least 6,000 families in the DMV, with a focus on autism and special needs.


• The first phase launches next year: a pilot home providing both Spravato treatments and overnight respite care for families—a first of its kind in the nation.


• Plans include expanding to serve more complex needs, with skilled nursing and mind-body wellness retreats.

Actionable Insights for Clinic Owners

• Innovate for Your Niche: Don’t be afraid to use groundbreaking treatments or approaches if they serve your patients best.


• Educate Relentlessly: Adapt your message and platform to reach different audiences—patients, parents, providers, and the community.


• Pivot with Purpose: When setbacks happen, lean on your network and values to find new paths forward.


• Brand Consistency: Keep your core message and client journey at the heart of all communication, even as you adapt for different audiences.


• Think Big: Set bold goals that align with your mission and community needs, and be willing to seize opportunities as they arise.

Memorable Quotes

“Consistency in your message and process is what builds trust and impact.” — Dr. Bergina Isbell

“I never wanted to be an entrepreneur, but I realized I wasn’t doing myself, my patients, or my family a service by staying in corporate medicine.” — Dr. Bergina Isbell

“The most valuable thing I can give is not a gift bag—it’s saving your patients.” — Dr. Bergina Isbell

“If your message is clear, you can adapt it for any audience—patients, providers, or organizations.” — Dr. Bergina Isbell

How to Support the Show

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About Our Guest

Dr. Bergina Isbell is a Mayo Clinic and Johns Hopkins-trained psychiatrist, speaker, author, and founder of Lead Life, LLC. She specializes in care for treatment-resistant mental health conditions and special needs, and is a pioneer in holistic, interventional psychiatry. Her mission-driven approach is transforming lives and setting new standards for mental health and family support.