My name is Debra Doodkevitch and at 72 years old I feel like I'm in a race for time. I've been a clinical social worker for over 40 years—20 of those serving the Las Vegas community in a solo practice I call The Brain Train Center. Rooted in a holistic approach to mental health with tools like HeartMath and neurofeedback, I take pride in being accessible to clients with all types f insurance .

However, after recent events I maybe forced to close my doors.

Still, I'm trying hard as I can to bounce back fully and help myself so I can continue to help others, as well.

Living with mild cerebral palsy and essential tremors since childhood has shaped how I show up for my clients—with empathy, persistence, and adaptability. I've never let these challenges interfere with my work before but in recent years, a series of medical issues—including serious vision loss—have made it difficult to manage my practice and daily life.

After the pandemic I reopened the office to in person visits Two months later I shattered my leg in a disabling fall that took nearly a year to recover from. It was during this time—while still regaining the ability to walk safely—that I began noticing severe problems with my vision. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to pursue clear answers or treatment until I was mobile again and then, it took 2 years to find a surgeon that would take me. For several weeks I had to limit activities because I couldn't drive.

Over the past 8 months, I’ve undergone four eye surgeries: retinal repair, cataract removal in both eyes, and most recently, eye muscle alignment. While I’m now driving again and gradually regaining my reading ability, the recovery has been slow, and my income has dropped dramatically.

This past December I lost my longtime office of 15 years just a week before the first cataract surgery. I’ve been fortunate to work out of a dear friend’s space now, but with months of unbilled and unpaid insurance claims, managing administrative tasks and handling personal challenges has been overwhelming.

I’ve always taken pride in my work and contijue to maintain a 5-star rating on Healthgrades.com since 2015. I have consistently been the “last stop” for clients who felt they have nowhere else to turn but lately, I’m falling behind—on paperwork, billing, even responding to new referrals—and that’s not acceptable to me.

I have about six weeks of savings left. I’ve explored loans, but have been told I need to repair my roof before I can qualify due to home equity requirements. While I do have equity, I can’t access it fast enough. UPDATE: I've managed to raise funds to help with my roof.

:Now I'm asking for help to

Hire administrative support to stabilize my practice and catch up on billing

Continue offering affordable, insurance-based mental health care to those who depend on it

This moment isn’t just about keeping my practice going —it’s about preserving my personal mission to keep my unique services accessible to people who need it now more than ever.

If you can give, thank you. If you can share, that matters just as much.

With gratitude,

Debra