About our Cooperative

What is a Cooperative?

A therapy retail cooperative is a business model where independent therapists and mental health professionals come together to operate a shared practice. Instead of working for an employer, members of the cooperative are co-owners and share the responsibilities and profits of the business. This model allows therapists to maintain their independence while benefiting from shared resources, such as administrative support, office space, and marketing, and having a voice in how the practice is run.

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  • Cooperatives are open to all individuals who are able to use their services and are willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without discrimination

  • Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their cooperative. The goal is for benefits to Members to be proportonate to their transactions with the cooperative.

  • Members actively participate in setting policies and making decisions. Each Member has one vote, ensuring equal participation. In DMC, this means that each therapy business that pays a Membership and has a contract with DMC as a Member is entitled to 1 vote in various practice policies

  • Cooperatives work for the sustainable development of their communities through policies approved by their Members. These principles guide cooperatives in their operations and help them serve their Members and communities effectively.

  • Cooperatives are autonomous, self-help organizations controlled by their Members. If there is entry into agreements with other organizations (outside the scope of Membership), they do so on terms that ensure democratic control by their Members.

  • Cooperatives provide education and training for their Members, elected representatives, managers, and employees so they can contribute effectively to the development of their cooperative.

  • Cooperatives serve their Members most effectivey and strengthen the cooperative movement by working together through local, regional, national, and international associations.

The 7 Principles of the Cooperative Model

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Our Progress

We have made a significant progress in all of our goals developing as a cooperative. While we still have a way to go, we are immensely proud of how far we’ve come and are dedicated to continuing to progress!

  • Our cooperative is continuing to develop and has made significant strides! Here is what we have managed to accomplish through mutual engagement and community effort!

    • We have developed and are operating as a cooperative

    • We are offering Community Support and Allied memberships

    • We are offering sub-leases for our in-office spaces in Puyallup.

    • We are offering opportunities for participation in the Cooperative’s ongoing development.

    • We have offered community-building and collaboration with like-minded care providers and mission-aligned practices.

    • We have started taking referrals and offering therapy from all of our Members.

    • We recently received Behavioral Health Agency designation!

  • We are constantly working towards our next goals as dictated by our Members. Here is what we’re working on now!

    • HCA Designation

    • Developing and launching our Affiliate Membership by obtaining insurance contracts for our members, including Medicare and Medicaid.

    • Working towards ACA/APA.NBCC CEU accreditation for Membership CEU offerings.

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