Today we’d like to introduce you to Madison Berry.
Madison, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
While I was in college, my beloved great-grandfather moved into a skilled nursing facility for long-term care. This experience introduced me to the world of geriatrics, inspiring me to focus my studies on older adults and healthcare. My first role as a social worker was in a skilled nursing facility, where I gained a deeper understanding of the systems of care for older adults and their caregivers. Following this, I spent five years working at a memory care community. In this role, I developed a true passion for dementia care, with a specific focus on family caregivers. I ran support groups, hosted social events, and provided educational opportunities for the families and loved ones of the residents. Through this work, I quickly identified how vital these programs are for families, and how often caregivers silently suffer.
During this same chapter of my life, I also got married and welcomed two babies. Balancing a professional desire to continue supporting family caregivers with a personal desire to spend more time with my own family, I decided to transition from full-time work and launch a part-time private practice. I now specialize in working with older adults and caregivers, meeting with clients virtually across Texas, as well as in person in South Austin and Buda.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
When I first launched my practice, I may have been wearing some rose-colored glasses. I can now look back at myself fondly, because if not for my optimism, I may not have taken the leap at all. When you are a social worker, your training is entirely about care, empathy, and clinical skills. Nobody teaches you how to build a website, manage billing, or market services. In those early months, I wasn’t just learning how to be a private practitioner; I was learning how to be a business owner while caring for a toddler and a newborn. It was overwhelming, but it forced me to grow in ways I never anticipated.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I provide mental health counseling for adults across Texas, specializing in work with older adults and caregivers. When I was a skilled nursing facility social worker, I had countless community referral partners marketing their services to me, but I never met a therapist who offered specialized care and support for the families. Identifying this gap and choosing to specialize in this population allows a group of people who are so often overlooked an opportunity to receive care themselves.
To bridge this gap further, I have expanded my practice to support professional carers—including healthcare workers, social service professionals, and educators, who face high rates of burnout. Additionally, I work directly with individuals navigating Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and the early stages of dementia, helping them process their diagnosis and preserve their quality of life.
I accept Medicare and various commercial insurances, and I work hard to ensure my services are accessible. My work with clients is collaborative, supportive, and grounded in evidence based treatment modalities.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Something people might not know about me is just how much I love to create. Holding space for deep emotional work requires a lot of presence, so I use things like reading, writing, painting, and baking as my escape. Working with my hands and immersing myself in a good story is how I quiet my mind, recharge my batteries, and make sure I can show up fully for the peopleI serve.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.madisonberrylcsw.com
