Willow Tree Therapy Services
Willow Tree Therapy Services was born out of founder Amanda Bailey’s lifelong passion for helping children and families heal. Bailey earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Stetson University in 2008 and later completed her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2017. Prior to opening her private practice, she spent many years working within the foster care system as a case manager and adoption recruitment and post‑adoption specialist, followed by service in the Baker County School District. These experiences deeply shaped both her therapeutic approach and her conviction that Baker County needed accessible, specialized mental health services close to home.
For Bailey, therapy is centered on creating safety, slowing things down, helping individuals make sense of big emotions, and providing a supportive space where clients feel truly seen and understood. When she opened Willow Tree Therapy Services in 2020, her primary focus was clinical care and serving families. She never envisioned herself as a business owner and initially struggled to even claim that title. She stepped into the business side out of necessity, recognizing that long‑term service to her community required thoughtful and sustainable growth.
Without a formal business background, Bailey faced significant challenges navigating zoning requirements, financing, strategic planning, and financial projections. These unfamiliar processes felt overwhelming and far outside her comfort zone. When she began exploring the purchase of a permanent office space, she knew she needed trusted guidance.
At the encouragement of her family, Bailey sought out local small business support and connected with the Florida Small Business Development Center at the 成人AV视频 (SBDC at 成人AV视频). That connection proved to be a turning point. Her SBDC consultant helped her reframe her role, not only as a therapist, but as a business owner with a clear vision. He guided her through the differences between commercial and SBA loans, provided data to support the rezoning process, and helped translate planning and financial projections into manageable, actionable steps.
What stood out most to Bailey was the relationship‑driven approach. The SBDC met her where she was, never rushing the process or talking over her head. Instead, they took the time to explain each step, answer questions, and provide support exactly when it was needed. That steady guidance gave her the confidence to move forward with purchasing and rezoning the building that is now home to Willow Tree Therapy Services.
Today, Willow Tree Therapy Services serves individuals across the lifespan and continues to grow thoughtfully and sustainably. Bailey supervises graduate counseling students, offers therapy groups and support services, and remains committed to meeting the long‑term mental health needs of families in her community. Her strengths as a business owner mirror her strengths as a therapist, listening carefully, thinking long‑term, and remaining deeply connected to those she serves.
Bailey continues to work with the SBDC as she refines her goals and clarifies the future direction of her practice, ensuring Willow Tree remains both financially strong and mission‑driven. She views the SBDC as an essential long‑term partner in her success.
“The SBDC is an incredible resource, especially for business owners without a traditional business background,” Bailey shared. “They meet you where you are, take their time, and never make you feel rushed or unprepared. They turned something overwhelming into something manageable and gave me the education, support, and confidence I needed to grow my practice in a thoughtful and sustainable way.”