Dawn LaCarte is a highly-regarded professional in the field of behavioral healthcare with more than two decades of experience. Her varied roles have included program director, senior-level administrator, therapist, and business development in every modality of treatment. She has also established DLC (Dawn LaCarte Coaching & Consulting), a comprehensive counseling and life coaching center, to aid people and families struggling with behavioral health issues. These include addiction, trauma, mental health disorders, and life transitional issues.
As a person in recovery since 2002, Dawn’s goal is to guide clients and their families through the convoluted treatment system and achieve beneficial outcomes that foster healing for the entire family. She is a New York State University at Albany graduate with a bachelor’s degree in social work where she also pursued her master’s degree. Dawn is a NYS OASAS Advanced Certified Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor, Certified Clinical Interventionist, Certified Grief Educator, CCAR Certified Recovery Coach and USUI Reiki Master Teacher.
LaCarte believes that providing active solutions to clients’ issues is more critical than simply nodding and listening, and her extensive knowledge allows her to do just that. She offers clients customized coping techniques to help them deal with the demands of everyday life. Her holistic approach to mental health addresses each client’s physical, spiritual, relational, and family health needs, resulting in a personalized treatment plan. Her sessions are interactive and authentic. Her clients’ sense of comfort and protection is enhanced by her down-to-earth and easy going demeanor, which encourages them to be open and honest.
Building collaborative relationships with other providers is of utmost importance and crucial to Dawn’s work. She feels the most gratification from collaborating with families to navigate the behavioral healthcare environment, ensuring that they are referred to the clinically appropriate levels of care to meet their unique requirements. For LaCarte, it’s about providing clients with direction, education, and advocacy to optimize their wellness journey. Interventions, counseling, case management, family, and relationship coaching are just the beginning of a robust process that can reunite families and empower individuals to lead more fulfilling lives.
When she is not coaching clients, LaCarte enjoys philanthropy, gardening, spending time with her family, and studying the latest findings and applications in cognitive psychology, internal family systems, business strategy, and marketing.
What made you decide to become an entrepreneur and start DLC?
In the early 2000s I noticed a shortage and need for specialized services and decided to take the initiative to launch DLC. Many individuals and families struggle with addiction and traumatic life transitions so DLC was created to provide tailored assistance to those who require it most. During its twenty years of operations, my unique approach to meeting clients’ needs has proven effective, making DLC a leader in providing discreet, comprehensive services to those struggling with some of life’s most complex issues.
What would you say are the top 3 skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur, and why?
In the two decades I have been an entrepreneur, the three most important skills an entrepreneur needs are effective communication, resilience, and networking
One thing I have learned throughout my career as an entrepreneur is that communication skills are essential for success. Understanding your clients’ needs and preferences, explaining complex concepts in clear terms, and staying calm in heated moments can truly set your business apart from the competition. Additionally, effective communication when hiring employees or communicating with colleagues will help build trust so that everyone works together harmoniously towards the same goal. Although communication can be difficult to master at first, investing the effort to do so could be the key to reaching that next level of success.
I have also learned that being an entrepreneur is no easy task, and having the ability to remain resilient throughout the journey is key. You will encounter difficulties along your business path and will have to rise above these setbacks to make a success of it. It requires mental fortitude, determination, and a strong belief that you can overcome any obstacle that comes your way. Only those entrepreneurs with this resilience can succeed in the highly competitive business arena; their ambition, tenacity, and courage help them survive the most challenging times and find ways to conquer new heights.
I’ve built an integrative network of resources advocating for the the needs of those afflicted with substance use disorder, trauma and mental health issues and their families which has led to long-term strategic partnerships. I’ve become an expert in the field of addiction and behavioral health which led to me building a brand as one of the thought leaders in the co-occuring treatment space. I utilize my clinical background to break into lateral markets where I quickly build trust with referents, clients and their families. I have built this network one conversation at a time, remaining genuinely curious about how I can help them.
You sound quite dedicated to your work; why? Is there a story behind it?
When I started my company, Dawn LaCarte Coaching & Consulting, my own mental health journey was still ongoing. Although it wasn’t easy, the support I received helped me on my own path to recovery – and this led to a promise I made to myself: to use my experiences and newfound knowledge to help others facing similar struggles. My deep commitment to helping people is why I am so determined in the the work I do – specialized counseling and life coaching services for individuals seeking solutions for their problems. Through Dawn LaCarte Coaching & Consulting, I am proud that I can help empower people to make positive life changes, find strength from within, and gain control of their lives.
How do you separate ‘Dawn LaCarte Coaching & Consulting‘ from your competitors?
I am proud to be a reliable resource in my field. I have cemented myself as a “go-to” person through my organizational abilities and communication skills. I make sure that I always stay in contact with teammates, clients, and their families – ensuring that all expectations are clear, and all information is being shared appropriately. My main goal is to foster and develop quality relationships so that we provide the best possible treatment for folks and their families. My coordination skills and access to resources allow me to easily achieve this mission.
Many people turn to me when seeking supportive, welcoming guidance. I’m dedicated to helping others lead a healthier, more consistent life and advocate for using evidence based methods and strategies. The entire process is made even kinder, easier, and more comfortable by the compassionate heart I bring to my interactions with clients. Whenever I work with an adult or family, I ensure that they feel welcome and empowered throughout their journey.
What was the biggest problem you encountered launching Dawn LaCarte Coaching & Consulting, and how did you overcome it?
Failure is something that entrepreneurs have to learn from; I learned that quickly in my endeavors. I faced issues with numerous projects, but the hardest was my decision to close shop on the reiki studio I had opened; it was a resounding hit to my ego and left me feeling like an utter failure. At those moments, you need encouragement from friends and family to regain your confidence, something I was fortunate enough always to have. Eventually, I viewed closing the studio not as a failure but as a crucial business decision because I could have ended deep in debt if I had stayed longer. It’s true: failure is one of the most unfortunate staples of being an entrepreneur, but it can ultimately help prepare you for success.
How do you stay driven and motivated to keep going in your business?
Working with those affected by substance use and co-occurring mental health issues is something I am dedicated to, and the growing need to address these problems keeps me going. With the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) estimating that 22 million Americans age 12 or older need treatment for substance use and millions more touched by addiction, it’s an issue that cannot be overlooked. My drive comes from helping normalize conversations about co-occurring disorders, so individuals feel less secluded and more supported. It’s an issue close to my heart as I have seen incredible transformations through proper treatment and care for individuals and their families.
How do you define success?
Success is more than just reaching the top of the ladder. It’s about creating a plan to achieve a goal and following through with it. I believe that when you take the time to set achievable goals and make an effort to reach them, it gives you confidence and accomplishment. Working towards these objectives can also help keep you focused on what matters most in life and can provide direction for your future. As you progress through life, setting measurable goals for yourself and working hard to reach them is essential for living a fulfilled life.
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