How One Small Team Uses Online Booking to Deliver Community Care

Thomas McCarty, owner and operator of Tree of Life Acupuncture, is driven in life by a deep desire to help others. Growing up in Metairie, Louisiana, Thomas was fascinated by how natural remedies could restore balance in the body. 

This curiosity led him to explore Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM,) and soon enough, he was on his way to becoming a skilled acupuncturist. In 2010, he earned his master’s degree in TCM, became a licensed acupuncturist in Minnesota, and spent nearly a decade helping people find relief and balance, one needle at a time.

But something kept calling him back to Louisiana.

Coming home

In 2018, Thomas returned to New Orleans and founded the People’s Community Acupuncture Collective (PCAC). His mission? To make acupuncture accessible and affordable for everyone, especially those who might not otherwise afford it.

At PCAC, Thomas is creating a practice that’s as community-focused as it is affordable. 

They operate on a sliding scale from $25-$45, and offer walk-in NADA (auricular acupuncture) sessions for just $5-$10. This approach ensures that care is available to all, regardless of financial situation.

Addressing public health crises through community care

Thomas’s commitment to community wellness goes beyond general care. He’s deeply involved in addressing the devastating opioid epidemic that has impacted so many lives in New Orleans. 

Thomas and his team believe that acupuncture, particularly the NADA protocol (auricular acupuncture), offers a powerful alternative for those struggling with addiction and chronic pain—a common gateway to opioid misuse.

Twice a month, Thomas and his colleagues also provide free acupuncture sessions for veterans and others in need. 

The PCAC Community

Thomas isn’t doing this work alone. He works with an incredible team of talented acupuncturists and healers; and together, they’re creating a welcoming space at PCAC where patients feel empowered and supported. 

One of his colleagues, Emily Cronin of Cinnamon Twig Acupuncture,  is a board-certified acupuncturist who brings her expertise in restoring balance to the whole system—body, mind, and environment. She incorporates modalities like cupping, moxibustion, and dietary therapy into her treatments, offering dynamic care that complements the work Thomas is doing.

Through word of mouth and a strong commitment to their community, Thomas, Emily, and the rest of the team at PCAC have built a practice that’s not just about treating symptoms—it’s about fostering connections and helping their patients live healthier, more balanced lives.

How YCBM empowers Thomas to focus on his healing work

Running a community acupuncture clinic like PCAC comes with its challenges, but Thomas has found a powerful ally in YouCanBookMe's patient scheduling software. This tool has become essential in managing the day-to-day operations of his practice. 

PCAC uses YouCanBookMe to:

• Automate reminders and follow-ups: Automated reminders ensure that patients remember their appointments, leading to more consistent care.
• Stay agile when it comes to rescheduling: Online booking allows patients to easily adjust their appointments as needed, keeping Thomas’s calendar full and flexible.
• Save time and focus on the mission at hand: With YouCanBookMe managing the online booking process, Thomas has more time to dedicate to patient care and less to administrative tasks.

And when it comes to managing finances, Thomas relies on QuickBooks—a tool recommended by his colleague Emily. Though he’s still getting the hang of it, QuickBooks is helping him streamline the financial side of his practice, ensuring that PCAC can continue to serve the community effectively.

PCAC + YouCanBookMe = Accessible acupuncture

For PCAC, accessible acupuncture is at the heart of their mission. By integrating YouCanBookMe’s powerful booking tools, they’ve created a seamless online booking experience where clients can easily schedule appointments that fit into their busy lives. 

With features like custom online booking pages (see below,) and calendar overlays, which allow clients to match their availability with PCAC’s schedule at a glance, PCAC clients can enjoy a simple, user-friendly booking process.

(See the live page)

Bringing it all together

With the support of YouCanBookMe, Thomas, Emily, and their incredible colleagues are making an actual difference in New Orleans.

Their work at PCAC is about more than just treating symptoms—it’s about creating a healthier, more connected community. Whether it’s managing digital appointments, addressing the opioid epidemic, or providing affordable care, Thomas and Emily are dedicated to helping their community heal.

If you’re in New Orleans and seeking a holistic approach to wellness, Thomas McCarty, Emily Cronin, and the People’s Community Acupuncture Collective are here to help. With their expertise and YouCanBookMe's support, you’re in good hands—literally!

Nonprofits like PCAC can benefit from using YouCanBookMe to save time and focus on their mission. It’s free forever—no credit card required. Sign up today and streamline your scheduling so you can concentrate on making a difference.