Guest Contributor: Erika Armstrong
Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and the founder of The Orchard Counseling
What does Black Mental Wellness mean to you?
Black Mental Wellness means mental freedom and advancement. Black mental wellness means a reduction in societal limitations making way for healthier generations to follow.
How do you promote change and well-being in the Black community?
I lead with my own story, A story of humble beginnings, perseverance, accomplishment and service.
Tell us about your educational and/or professional training, and current area of expertise related to mental health and wellness?
I have a Bachelor of Arts degree from the Historically Black Lane College in Jackson TN and hold a Master of Science Degree from Southern Arkansas University in Magnolia Arkansas. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in both Arkansas and Texas.
What are some ways that you promote mental health and wellness through your area of expertise (yoga instructor, clergy, mental health professional, etc.)?
I have over 20 years’ experience working with children and adolescents in a variety of capacities and within many systems. I serve as a Behavioral Health Clinician at Arkansas Children’s Hospital and work in my own Private Practice known as The Orchard Counseling
How can we encourage more people to seek mental health treatment?
We can encourage more people to get mental health treatment by being more transparent about our own challenges. Also, we can be more present in our communities.
What are your recommendations for ending stigma in the Black community?
Transparency and allowing ourselves to be more open with the community about firsthand experiences.
What can potential clients expect during an initial session? Follow up sessions?
Clients can expect explanation of services, exploration of presenting issues and gentle rapport building. Follow up sessions might include homework relative to the change one wants to see.
Do you have an experience with seeking mental health treatment that you would like to share with the Black Mental Wellness audience?
In my article “It’s a Thin Line…From Patient to Provider”, I tell of a time long before I became a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, that I struggled with Anxiety and Depression which led to an inpatient stay. Years later I would become the Therapist helping others to overcome or manage the same struggles.
What wellness strategies do you think should be given more attention within the Black community? Are there any reasons why you think they are not given more attention?
Promoting clean living and thinking could help the black community in countless ways. Really hammering down on the idea of “mind, body, spirit” is crucial. These things are often not given more attention because we as black people are often so distracted by things that are less healthy and counterproductive to mental wellness (whether we realize it or not).
Guest Contributor
Erika Armstrong is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in both Arkansas and Texas and the founder of The Orchard Counseling. Her passion for mental health stems from personal experiences growing up in a family impacted by undiagnosed mental illness, abuse, and adversity. Despite these challenges, she became the first in my family to graduate from college, go on to graduate school, and obtain professional licensure—a journey that’s fueled her commitment to helping others navigate their own paths toward healing. In her professional work, she draws on a diverse background that includes education, children and family services, juvenile services, early childhood interventions, and inpatient psychiatric therapy. Her experience has given here a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by individuals and families across different stages of life. She is also a proud member of the American Counseling Association and an active member of the Prince Hall Affiliated, Order of the Eastern Star Jurisdiction of Arkansas. Additionally, she has had the privilege of being one of the original Healthy Steps Specialists in Arkansas, a program that continues to expand across the state. Her work with the Healthy Steps Program earned her the Arkansas Children’s highest honor, the Individual Champion for Children award, and recognition as a University of Arkansas School for Medical Sciences Team Pediatrics Superstar. Through her practice, she is dedicated to providing compassionate care and advocating for the importance of mental health services, particularly for those in underserved communities. Her goal is to empower others to break cycles of trauma and lead fulfilling lives.
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