Today we’d like to introduce you to Mary Katherine Richey.
Hi Mary Katherine, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Success didn’t arrive all at once for me—it was built quietly, one day at a time.
Before I became the owner of two psychiatric businesses, I was a single mother navigating the everyday realities of responsibility, exhaustion, and uncertainty. There was no perfect moment, no clear path laid out. There was simply a decision: to keep going. My father, a dedicated entrepreneur and lifelong role model, has always told me, “move forth with.” By definition, it means to go forth and conquer. For me, it became something more personal—a guide to keep moving forward through my circumstances. I found that, as I continued moving forward, many things began to work themselves out along the way.
Nursing school came first, and it wasn’t easy. Balancing coursework, clinicals, and parenting required constant adjustment. After becoming a nurse, I continued to push forward, knowing my long-term goal was bigger than my current circumstances. Earning my PMHNP-BC was another milestone, but even then, the journey didn’t suddenly become simple. It remained what it had always been—a daily commitment to progress.
Perseverance, for me, wasn’t about grand gestures. It was about showing up on the days when motivation was low, when life felt overwhelming, and when the outcome felt far away. Taking things day by day made long-term goals feel manageable. Over time, those small, consistent efforts began to add up.
Starting my own long-term care practice wasn’t just a business decision—it was personal. In rural East Texas, many individuals lack consistent access to mental health services. I felt called to serve these underserved populations, meeting people where they are, regardless of their background or stage in life. Through this work, I’ve had the privilege of caring for individuals from all walks of life, each with their own story.
My private practice was born from a similar sense of purpose. I wanted to create an environment that felt open, honest, and free of judgment. Too often, people hesitate to seek help because they fear being misunderstood or dismissed. I believe it is essential that every client feels seen, heard, and genuinely supported—especially during the most vulnerable times in their lives. Transparency and trust are not optional in this work; they are foundational.
Through my long-term care practice, HKR Psychiatry, I’ve found deep meaning in working with individuals who feel displaced or who have never truly felt “at home.” Mental health care is not just about treatment—it’s about creating a sense of safety. For many, that emotional safety is something they’ve never consistently experienced. Being able to offer that space is not only my mission, but my purpose.
Looking back, the journey from single mother to business owner in one year may seem fast from the outside. In reality, it was built over years of persistence, sacrifice, and steady effort. There was no shortcut—only the willingness to keep moving forward.
If there’s one thing my story reflects, it’s this: long-term goals aren’t reached all at once, but through small, intentional steps taken every single day. Move forth with.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The path wasn’t without its struggles. Single motherhood, while one of the most meaningful roles in my life, was also one of the most challenging to balance alongside nursing school, clinical hours, and working in the hospital. After graduation, I stepped into a role with a psychiatry practice, continuing to learn, grow, and refine my direction. Through it all, my parents were a steady source of support, and I was fortunate to cross paths with mentors and friends who believed in me—often before I fully believed in myself.
Starting my own practices brought the same questions many entrepreneurs face: Am I doing this right? Am I doing enough? What else do I need to do? I worked diligently to build a strong foundation for both practices, learning the formalities and navigating the unknowns that naturally come with entrepreneurship. At the same time, as a mental health provider, there was a deeper question that stayed with me: Am I truly doing enough for my clients? Are they receiving exactly what they need?
In those first few months, those questions were constant—but they were also clarifying. They pushed me to stay engaged, to be intentional, and to keep improving. Over time, they began to settle as I learned to trust the processes I had built and the teams supporting the work. One of the most meaningful lessons I’ve learned along the way is simple: if something isn’t working, do something else. Adjust, pivot, and keep moving forward.
Of course, the thought “What if I fail?” crossed my mind—but I’ve always embraced a sense of adventure. I understood what I was stepping into and knew it would require long hours, flexibility, and consistent effort. I was prepared for that, and I leaned into it.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about HKR PSYCHIATRY & CYPRESS PSYCHIATRY ?
What sets HKR Psychiatry apart is the level of intention, presence, and personal investment I bring to the work every day.
With HKR Psychiatry, serving long-term care, I focus on close attention to detail and the thoughtful treatment of complex psychiatric conditions, with a special emphasis on the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia. These cases require more than a surface-level approach—they demand patience, consistency, and a deep understanding of each individual. Rather than operating within a high-turnover, corporate model, I provide one-on-one, individualized care that is truly tailored to each patient’s needs.
A key part of that care is relationship-building. I work closely with nursing home staff and develop meaningful connections with families, creating a collaborative approach that supports the patient from every angle. This continuity not only improves outcomes, but also builds trust—something that is essential in long-term care settings.
I also have the privilege of working with a medically fragile pediatric population. These are complex and often intensive cases that require both clinical precision and genuine compassion. Being able to connect with this population—one that many providers may not have the opportunity to serve—is both humbling and deeply meaningful. The work is challenging, but it is also incredibly rewarding and, at its core, truly beautiful.
In my private practice, my approach centers on authenticity and transparency. I don’t shy away from the raw realities that many individuals are facing. Instead, I meet clients where they are, stepping into those difficult spaces with them and helping guide them through what can feel overwhelming or even impossible. My goal is not to offer a one-size-fits-all solution, but to provide honest, supportive care that respects each person’s unique experience.
I also recognize that mental health care is not one-dimensional. There are many providers and many approaches, and I firmly believe that clients will find the practice that feels right for them. I’m grateful to be one of those options—offering a space where individuals can feel seen, heard, and supported in a way that is both genuine and lasting.
Any big plans?
I’m looking forward to continuing my work with a student I’ve had the privilege of precepting over the past year. Teaching and mentoring have been incredibly rewarding aspects of my career, and it’s an honor to support the next generation of providers.
She will be focusing on the pediatric population within private practice at Cypress Psychiatry, and I’m excited to see her grow in this space. Investing in future clinicians is something I value deeply, and being part of that journey is both meaningful and inspiring. I also look forward to continuing to grow HKR Psychiatry while further strengthening its commitment to individualized, high-quality long-term care.
Pricing:
- HKR PSYCHIATRY
- I’m credentialed for Medicaid, Medicare, United Behavioral Health, PPHP, Molina, Humana and others
- Cypress is private pay only- I provide a superbill
- Initial Evaluation- 275
- 30 minute follow up- 150, 10 minute follow up 75
