Scaling Veteran Care: Sam Peterson’s Clinic Success

Episode Summary

Host Jennifer Gligoric welcomes Sam Peterson—former Army bomb technician, PTSD survivor, founder of Mind Spa Patriot Power Up, and the Invictus Project—to the Super Clinic Project Podcast. Sam shares his powerful transformation from military service and personal trauma to pioneering innovative mental health solutions for veterans and first responders. He reveals how his clinic blends ketamine therapy, hyperbaric oxygen, and TMS to help patients achieve rapid, lasting results. Packed with actionable strategies for creative funding, outcome-driven care, and leveraging partnerships, this episode is a must-listen for any clinic owner looking to make a bigger impact and scale with purpose.

Key Topics & Takeaways

From Battlefield to Boardroom

• Sam’s journey: Surviving PTSD, losing friends and mentors to suicide, and turning his own healing experience into a mission to help others.
• Transitioning from a patient in a broken system to an entrepreneur driven to change mental health care for veterans and first responders.

Innovative, Outcome-Driven Clinic Model

• Mind Spa’s hybrid approach: Combining cash-pay and insurance models to maximize access and affordability.
• Utilizing cutting-edge therapies: Ketamine infusions, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, TMS, and culturally competent psychotherapy for rapid symptom relief and long-term recovery.
• Partnership power: Leveraging state programs (like Colorado’s Path for EMS) and nonprofit funding to subsidize care for those in need.

Creative Funding & Community Collaboration

• Think beyond insurance: Tap into state programs, national and local nonprofits, and foundations that align with your clinic’s mission.
• Use AI-powered tools (like perplexity.ai) to identify funding partners and resources for your specialty.
• Offer discounts or creative packages to attract nonprofit dollars and help more patients access care.

Marketing, Mindset, and Growth

• Overcome skepticism: Educate patients about the benefits of innovative therapies and break through “pill-only” mindsets.
• Network relentlessly: Where there’s a need, there are organizations and communities looking to help—get proactive and reach out.
• Growth mindset: Sam is actively scaling his clinic and participating in the Super Clinic Project Mastermind to expand his impact.

Therapy Deep Dive

• Ketamine therapy: Rapidly reduces inflammation and symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and TBI—often with results in just a few sessions.
• Hyperbaric oxygen: Increases oxygenation and neuroplasticity, accelerating recovery.
• TMS: Uses magnetic fields to upregulate brain function, especially in executive centers.
• Integrated approach: Combining these therapies with talk therapy for full-spectrum healing.

Actionable Insights for Clinic Owners

• Get creative: Seek out nontraditional funding sources and partnerships—don’t just rely on insurance.
• Use AI tools to research nonprofits and funding programs in your area and specialty.
• Educate your patients and community about the value and science behind your services.
• Collaborate with organizations aligned with your mission for greater impact and reach.
• Track outcomes and patient stories to build credibility and advocacy for your clinic.

Memorable Quotes

“Most people think running a business is easier than combat, but honestly, entrepreneurship is its own battlefield.” — Sam Peterson

 

“I started off in mental health as a patient—and what saved my life is now what I offer to others.” — Sam Peterson

 

“The willingness to ask, network, and try new things is what sets successful clinic owners apart.” — Sam Peterson

 

“When you’re told ‘this is your life now’ by the system, you have two choices: accept it, or fight for something better.” — Sam Peterson

Exclusive Resources for Listeners

• Free Community & Training: Get bonus content, worksheets, and action items for this episode at superclinicproject.com (Free Skool section).
• Learn More About Mind Spa: Visit mindspadenver.com for details on therapies, resources, and patient i