Each month we spotlight a different member of our wonderful, all-volunteer team. Get to know the people dedicating their time to increasing access to care at Therapy4thePeople.
This spotlight first appeared in the May 2022 edition of our monthly newsletter.
What is your current role at Therapy4thePeople?
I am currently the manager of the online directory. My role involves reviewing, editing, and approving listings of mental health services that are submitted by our team of Regional Ambassadors and by mental health providers across the country. I work closely with Regional Ambassadors to provide support and assistance as they continue to add more affordable services to the directory from our target geographic regions (Chicagoland, New York City, Denver Metro area, Arkansas, Philadelphia, and the DMV). I’m also excited to assist with an upcoming blog post geared towards helping refugee and immigrant help-seekers access culturally appropriate behavioral health services.
What motivated you to join Therapy4thePeople?
I joined the Therapy4thePeople team because I strongly believe in the mission of this organization. As a mental health provider who has personally sought out services and has helped others get connected to services, I know firsthand how difficult it can be to navigate the mental health system and access effective and affordable treatment. Being a part of this team gives me the opportunity to play a more active role in addressing systemic issues that are contributing to mental health disparities. I wanted to use my mental health background and training to help demystify the process of finding providers who offer affordable evidence-based interventions. I feel privileged to work with such a great team of mental health professionals who share the same passion of making mental healthcare more accessible, especially to underserved communities.
Where are you currently in your career, and where do you hope to go?
I am wrapping up my 5th year of my clinical-community psychology doctoral program at DePaul University. I am currently completing my training as a psychology extern in the Trauma Services Program at the Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital. In the coming months, I will be applying for pre-doctoral internship as I work on my dissertation and continue my clinical training at the Marjorie Kovler Center, a Chicago-based organization that serves asylee, immigrant, and refugee clientele. I hope to engage in more advocacy and consultation work as I continue providing clinical services to marginalized and underserved communities once I graduate from my doctoral program.
