Focus On: Dr. Alison Bomba in Frederick, MD

I believe in a world where we cheer one another on and we don’t see any other entrepreneur as a competitor. (It’s why I love the Rising Tide Society so much!) I love when I see other business owners support one another and I can’t possibly count all of the times I’ve been inspired or motivated by another business owner. It can be a lonely world, sitting in a corner of your home, balancing the roles of parenthood, wife, photographer, creative and just overall human with obligations to friends and the house and hobbies and passions. It feels a lot less lonely when you celebrate all the other people who get it.

Today’s Focus On is a spotlight on Dr. Alison Bomba, a psychologist in Frederick, MD. Enjoy this peek into her business, her balance and her dreams. Be sure to follow her, cheer her on and stay tuned for more entrepreneur spotlights every two weeks.

Photo Credit: Mary Kate McKenna Photography

Please introduce yourself!

My name is Dr. Alison Bomba. I am a psychologist and own a solo private practice in Frederick MD. I treat children, adolescents, and young adults (ages 3-25) and specialize in grief/loss therapy and the Cognitive Behavioral Treatment (CBT) of anxiety disorders and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).

When did you start your business? What inspired you to do this?

I worked as an independent contractor at a group practice in Howard County for 9 years before branching out on my own and opening my independent practice in Frederick (where I live). I desired owning my own business because I wanted control over the way my practice was run. It’s important to me that I provide both high quality evidence-based treatments as well as high quality customer service.

About how many hours a week would you say you spend on your business? What are some of the behind-the-scenes things that your business requires that people may not realize?

I schedule 20 patients per week and spend approx. 10 additional hours per week on patient coordination, planning and preparation for sessions, and taking care of administrative responsibilities. I stay connected to other mental health professionals in the community by participating in networking meetings, peer supervision, and case consultations. When I am not in the office, I volunteer in the community with membership in The Rotary Club of Carroll Creek and The Mental Health Association (MHA) of Frederick County. I currently serve as the President of the Board of Directions for MHA.

On a scale of 1-10, how balanced would you say you are between your work and family/personal life? How do you try to balance both worlds?

7/10. Work/life balance is always a struggle, but I’ve become much better at setting these important boundaries. I do not see patients in the evenings or on the weekends. I have established clear expectations with my patients re: my availability and do my best to protect my time with family and friends. That being said, I am an extrovert and tend to often over-schedule social and community/volunteer events. I enjoy being an active member of the community in which I live and work. It’s difficult for me to say no to things about which I am so passionate, and there’s so much about which to be passionate in Frederick!

Dr. Alison Bomba, Frederick MD Psychologist, Focus On: Entrepreneur Spotlight

How has the Coronavirus quarantine/self-distancing guidelines affected your business?

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, I am no longer offering in-office sessions. I am working from my home and offering all services via telehealth. This has been a huge and abrupt transition for me as I had not previously offered any services via video. I was forced to quickly purchase a telehealth platform, learn how to use it, become trained in how to maximize telepsychology with children (which requires a considerable amount of energy and creativity), work with my attorney to create new and updated consent forms, pursue temporary and emergency licensure in PA and WV (as I have several patients who reside in these states and my Maryland license requires that patients be in the state of MD when psychotherapy takes place), and educate my patients on how to use my new virtual platform. While this was quite the whirlwind learning curve, I am grateful that my transition to telehealth has been fairly seamless. I now have COVID-19 to thank for my newfound means of providing care to patients!

What new/additional offerings can people see or receive from your business while your business looks a little different now?

I have transitioned to providing ALL services via telehealth!

What is the first thing you’re going to do when it’s back to “business as usual”?

I will resume in-office appointments (although I will continue to offer telehealth as an option for patients for whom it’s appropriate). I can’t wait to connect with people in person again! Oh, and I will visit my hair stylist!

What would you say is the biggest challenge in owning your own business?

I need to begin expecting the unexpected! Carving out time to manage the unexpected things that occur is one of my biggest challenges…and unexpected things seem to occur all the time! While I tend to budget my time quite well for day to day operations, it’s challenging to triage and restructure the day/week when unplanned tasks need to take priority.

What has been your proudest moment/greatest victory as an entrepreneur?

It was anxiety-provoking to leave the group practice that had become familiar and comfortable to pursue the opening of my own business. I essentially had to start over with regard to marketing and networking as I was relocating my independent practice two counties away. I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly my schedule filled. My schedule has remained full with a wait list ever since. That being said, I experience proud moments all the time! I love being able to empower youngsters and to assist them in better tolerating the discomfort of difficult and unavoidable emotions like anxiety and grief. It’s incredibly rewarding to recommend a decrease in the treatment frequency with a patient because progress is being made!

What is the hardest part of being a business owner?

One of the more difficult parts of being a business owner is managing various roles. I am the owner of the practice, the sole practitioner, the secretary, the marketing director, the outreach coordinator, etc. That being said, I am fairly business savvy and enjoy the various aspects of entrepreneurship.

How important is it to you to support other entrepreneurs and business owners? What are some ways that you try to do this?

I very much appreciate fellow entrepreneurs and do my part to support them whenever possible! I shop local, provide personal recommendations for small businesses when appropriate, and offer reviews for exceptional service!

What are your one-year and five-year goals for your business?

I would like to relocate my practice to Downtown Frederick, where I live. My office is currently located on Buckeystown Pike. My current office space is wonderful; however, I’d like to be in the heart of our wonderful town. This is a one to five-year goal for me, as I’d prefer to take my time with my search in order to find a space that best fits my needs.