Meet Paul Baumgartner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Paul Baumgartner and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Paul, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My decision to establish Synergy Emotional Wellness was deeply personal and driven by a series of experiences that highlighted the urgent need for accessible, compassionate mental health care – especially for adolescents.

It began when I noticed a troubling spike in adolescent suicide rates in El Paso County. That data became devastatingly real when my teenage son lost a friend to suicide. As a parent, witnessing his grief and confusion was heartbreaking, but what struck me even more was the struggle we faced in trying to find adequate mental health support for him. Many practices either didn’t work with adolescents or were no longer accepting new clients. It was a wake-up call.

At the same time, I was going through my own period of reflection. After returning from a military deployment, I found myself wrestling with questions of identity and purpose. That personal struggle, combined with my desire for a meaningful career change, led me to study systemic therapies – where I discovered a deep passion for working with individuals, couples, and families navigating identity, loss, and connection.

Starting my own business allowed me to bring all of these pieces together. With Synergy Emotional Wellness, I set out to create a space where adolescents facing anxiety, depression, societal pressure, and identity formation can be truly seen and supported. It’s also a place where individuals and families can explore change, grief, and reconnection, and where anyone seeking to reclaim or redefine their identity and purpose can do so with guidance and compassion.

Ultimately, the thought process was both personal and purposeful: I wanted to be part of the solution I couldn’t find when my own family needed it.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
What sets Synergy apart is the integration of lived experience, clinical expertise, and a trauma-informed, identity-affirming approach to care. We don’t just provide therapy, we create a safe and inclusive space where people are seen, heard, and supported through their healing journey. I’m especially proud of the work we do with adolescents and families – offering guidance that’s empathetic, culturally sensitive, and grounded in real-life understanding.

Starting a private practice was far from easy. It took emotional, financial, and professional risk. There were times I questioned whether it was sustainable – especially while navigating licensure, establishing a client base, and managing the demands of entrepreneurship. But each challenge strengthened my commitment and clarified my mission. I leaned on mentorship, community partnerships, and the support of loved ones to keep going. One major lesson I’ve learned is that healing, whether personal or professional, is not linear. Growth comes through showing up, being authentic, and staying connected to your “why.”

What I want the world to know about Synergy Emotional Wellness is this: We are here because mental health care should be human, compassionate, and accessible. We are here for the families who’ve struggled to find support. We are here for individuals who feel lost in transition. And we are here to help people reconnect – with themselves, their communities, and their purpose.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend came to Colorado for a week, I would want to cultivate a restorative, joyful, and connective experience of nature, culture, and art, while centering emotional well being, balance, and meaningful connection.

We might spend a day in the Colorado Springs area starting with a light breakfast at The Exchange On Tejon downtown followed by a climb up the Manitou Incline. We would recover with lunch at the Heart of Jerusalem Café and take a drive through Garden of the Gods.

We could spend one day in the Downtown Littleton District – with coffee at Mango Tree, or brunch at Terracotta, followed by a stroll down Main Street and lunch or dinner at Palenque Cocina y Agaveria.

One day we could pick up coffee at Kaladi Coffee Roasters, and spend several hours exploring the Denver Botanic Gardens before catching a meal at Tacos Tequilla Whiskey.

We might explore the Sante Fe Art walk one evening if they were visiting in the summer, or if closer to Christmas, the Kringle Market. We could do some shopping therapy at Park Meadows Mall another day, with dinner at Yard House. We could catch some live music from a local band at Pindustry and we would definitely have to try to catch a concert at Red Rocks one evening.

We could spend some time paddleboarding around Chatfield Reservoir, or if we wanted to escape the city, take a drive to Westcliffe and spend some time on Lake DeWeese. When leaving Westcliffe, we would stop for a slice at Tony’s Mountain Pizza in neighboring Silver Cliff.

We would certainly visit the River North (RiNo) Art District – with several options for a happy hour drink and Tapas or Paella at Barcelona Wine Bar. We could experience a concert at Mission Ballroom, or even swing downtown for a show at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I owe my success to a number of people and communities who have supported me throughout different stages of my journey. First and foremost, my sons, Drew and Alec, and former spouse, Shannon, deserve recognition for their sacrifices and unwavering support while I worked full time, raised a family, and pursued graduate studies. Balancing those demands wouldn’t have been possible without their understanding and encouragement.

My current partner, Anissa, has been a consistent source of motivation and reassurance, particularly as I’ve taken the leap into establishing my own psychotherapy practice. Her profound resilience and courage continue to inspire me daily. Her unwavering belief in my abilities, combined with her leadership coaching and steady encouragement, has been invaluable during this transitional period.

I’m also deeply grateful to the Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center, where I completed my internship. The supervision and mentorship I continue to receive from Kirsten and Zachariah have been instrumental in developing my clinical skills and deepening my commitment to serving the veteran community.

Dr. Vargas, one of my professors at Regis University, had a profound impact on my development as a therapist. His ability to model therapeutic presence and insight during each lecture made the learning experience both practical and transformative.

Additionally, I benefitted greatly from the guidance and mentorship of Cathy, a more senior classmate, who offered timely advice and shared her experiences around the educational and licensing process – helping me make informed decisions and feel less alone in the process.

Finally, I’m grateful to my military supervisors, who showed flexibility with my work schedule, enabling me to meet educational obligations without compromising my professional responsibilities.

Each of these individuals and institutions played a vital role in helping me reach where I am today, and I carry their influence with me in the work I do.

Website: synergyemotionalwellness.com (coming soon)

Instagram: https://instagram.com/SynergyEmotionalWellness

Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/company/synergy-emotional-wellness-pllc

Facebook: https://facebook.com/profile.php?id=61565580417408

Other: https://psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/paul-baumgartner-englewood-co/1616533