What's New

What's New: Embark Mental Health

Prioritizing and normalizing the mental health conversation

By Kjersten Joachim | Photos by Maggie Sweets Photography

Left to Right: Nicole Velgersdyk, Sarah Varilek, & Brittany Tennant

For many industries, the COVID pandemic was not an ideal time to open a new business. But for licensed mental health therapists Sarah Varilek, Brittany Tennant, and Nicole Velgersdyk, the timing was perfect. Armed with a passion for helping others, their dreams aligned to create an opportunity to do just that.

Embark Mental Health opened its doors in southeast Sioux Falls back in January. “We chose to open the business during a pandemic because no one was immune to the stresses and impact on mental health that it had,” said Varilek. “We felt our goals to open our practice would be able to help others have another option to take care of themselves mentally and receive the supportive nature of therapy services.”

The three women had worked together before pursuing other areas of mental health, and they came back together with a common goal in mind – helping people to embark on their journey to prioritize (and normalize) their mental health. By sharing a passion for pursuing mental health normalcy beyond just a single clinic, the owners seek to spread this message on a community level.

“Our goal is to have mental health considered as a part of overall general health much like seeing a primary care doctor, dentist, or optometrist,” said Velgersdyk. “You are important enough to take the time to take care of yourself mentally and emotionally. We all have turbulent times in life and need guidance during those times. We are ready to be that support when you are ready.”

Embark Mental Health provides mental health therapy services in the Sioux Falls area for children, teens, adults, families, and couples dealing with life’s challenges. Varilek explains that for many clients, the scariest part is taking that first step to call and come in. “Many times, after that first meeting, there can be so much relief; relief in telling your story, and knowing that you do not have to go through it alone.” Tennant added, “the nice thing about therapy is – I’m not family, I’m not a friend, and you’re not going to see me at the dinner table tonight. You can come in, talk about what’s going on, and then go about your day.”

“Everyone has emotions. We’re supposed to feel them – otherwise, we’d be robots. But sometimes we need help sorting through those feelings, and that’s where therapy can fit into someone’s life,” explains Velgersdyk.

For more information on Embark Mental Health, visit embarkmentalhealth.com or call (605) 961-4746. n

South of Mitchell - Along Highway 37

155 West 1st St • Dimock, SD • (605) 928-3833

Mon–Fri 8am–6:30pm • Sat 8am–4pm www.dimockdairy.com • cheese@dimockdairy.com

ARE YOU IN CHARGE OF A FUNDRAISER OR GIFTS FOR CLIENTS OR CUSTOMERS?

WE HAVE WHAT YOU NEED – DIMOCK CHEESE GIFT BOXES!

We have great options in a variety of prices! Call now to reserve your Dimock Cheese gift boxes and check this project off your to-do list! 3