SAN JOSE, DINAGAT ISLANDS — In the peaceful municipality of San Jose, an enterprise with a deeper purpose is helping address the community's need for mental wellness support. Better Steps Psychological Services, owned by Marjory C. Roflo, has grown beyond being a business to become a space where people can seek professional mental health care. What started as a home-based practice in 2023 has developed into a dedicated clinic providing psychological assessments, counseling, psychotherapy, and psychoeducation to individuals, families, and organizations throughout the province.
A Journey of Purpose and Professional Growth
Building Better Steps was a gradual process that required commitment and determination. Marjory initially operated the practice from her home, motivated by her goal of making mental health services more accessible to people in Dinagat Islands. After completing the necessary registration requirements, the business secured its permit to operate from the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) in 2025, marking an important step in establishing the credibility of her practice. By January 2026, Better Steps had transferred to a newly renovated office, providing a more professional and welcoming environment for its expanding services. The move from a home-based practice to a dedicated clinic demonstrates Marjory's efforts to create a sustainable and trusted enterprise while navigating the challenges of providing services in a geographically isolated province.
Turning Challenges into Clarity Through Mentorship
Although the need for mental health services was clear, Marjory encountered a challenge common among growing small businesses: finding ways to expand while remaining faithful to the purpose of the practice. Through the Kapatid Mentor ME (KMME) Program, a flagship DTI initiative implemented with Go Negosyo, she received guidance that helped bring greater structure to her business plans. The program's lessons in marketing, financial management, and operations helped Marjory better understand the direction of Better Steps. She was also able to identify areas that needed improvement, including clinical workflows, records management, and organizational structure, which are now influencing the clinic's development. The mentorship further improved her approach to resource planning and strategic partnerships, reinforcing the importance of strong business systems alongside professional clinical expertise.
A Lifeline for Dinagat Islands
Better Steps Psychological Services plays a role in the community that extends beyond business and economic activity. The clinic provides psychological assessments for employment, adoption, and wellness screening, along with IQ and EQ testing, giving residents access to services that may otherwise require travel to mainland Mindanao. Its counseling and psychotherapy services also provide a safe environment for individuals facing trauma, stress, and other emotional difficulties. By offering these services locally, the business helps address an important gap in the province's mental health resources while complementing government efforts to improve access to care. For a community with limited mental health services, Better Steps serves as an important source of support. Looking ahead, Marjory plans to standardize clinical workflows, pursue specialized training in trauma-focused therapies, and establish partnerships with other therapists and licensed psychologists. Through stronger branding and referral networks, Better Steps hopes to serve more individuals, families, schools, and government offices seeking mental health support. Marjory's experience shows how faith, perseverance, and meaningful mentorship can help transform a small enterprise into a valuable part of community wellness.
