Today we’d like to introduce you to Leticia Reed.
Leticia, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was born and raised in South Central LA and I wouldn’t change these humble beginnings for the world. I’m an avid believer in humble beginnings building one’s character, tenacity and drive. I believe my humble and solid foundation has most definitely helped me in business. In business, we all will inevitably encounter individuals will attempt to railroad and take advantage of us. Growing up around poverty (although I was shielded from the harsh reality of living an impoverished life due to my strong support system) has provided me with a level of gratitude and humility in addition a high-level of discernment and intuition needed to avoid pitfalls other will try to bury us in.
I attended the San Diego State University where I received a BA in Psychology and a Minor in Child Development. I also attended the University of Southern California, receiving a Master’s Social Work and eventually obtained licensure as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in California and later in the state of Nevada.
I’ve always desired to give back to my community for the purposes of addressing the stigma of mental health in the African American community.
I am the author of several books (found on Amazon) and in the process of creating other products to help transform lives, and promote self-esteem by addressing colorism issues and confidence plaguing the African American community.
I’ve been featured in numerous articles, participated in professional panels internationally, as well as participated in various radio broadcasts. In my spare time, I continue to host my podcast show, Leticia’s Virtual Couch (on the Anchor App and other streaming platforms) as well as provide book and business coaching for aspiring authors and mental health professionals seeking entrepreneurial opportunities and advancement.
I’ve always been passionate about helping others and erasing the stigma of mental health in the African-American community. One languishing and succumbing to effects of mental illness and the lack of access to quality mental health support is one too many. I strive daily to provide culturally competent and quality mental health services to bridge the gaps and disproportionate rate in mental services plaguing African-American communities throughout the country.
I, the “Rose that grew from the concrete”, never wanted to be limited to the confines of my community or become regarded as just another “Black Girl from the hood”, without any purpose or hope. I was determined to not become another nameless statistic among a sea of others who share my skin tone. I never allowed societal barriers to imprison and hinder my progression and advancement. I have always strived to become a beacon of hope for residents of South-Central Los Angeles and other urban communities across the nation.
I enjoy empowering, edifying and strengthening disenfranchised communities, specifically the African American community. It remains my mission to eradicate the stigma of mental health and transform disproportionate statistics/rates into statistics/rates that depict us growing, thriving and excelling. I want my personal journey to show others from my community of South Central Los Angeles that they too can make it.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Being a double “minority” has had its challenges, specifically in my field (Mental Health), dominated by white faces. From the constant microaggressions and overt and covery racial discrimination, I could have easily become jaded and cower silently under a rock. However, chose to spout and rise like a Rose from the Concrete and thrive.
Moreover, my experiences have been somewhat of a paradox as they have been blessings in disguise in that they have built my spiritual muscles. Nothing in life that over gained has ever come easy to me. I used to question GOD about his and was reminded that “Blessed is a [wo]man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, [she] will receive the crown of life which the LORD has promised to those who love HIM
James 1:12
I literally wouldn’t change anything about my life for all of the culmative events of my life have all contributed to who I have become today.
We’ve been impressed with Reed Behavioral Solutions, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I created Reed Behavioral Solutions in 2012 which began as a brick-and-mortar private practice, eventually venturing into a plethora of other avenues within the field of mental health spanning over 15 years. I have worked in various settings: child welfare, inpatient and outpatient clinical services, juvenile justice, adult rehabilitation and corrections, military (locally and internationally as a civilian contractor employee) and as a university adjunct professor. Over the years, I have enjoyed serving as a clinical supervisor, providing clinical training and oversight to some of the most intelligent, compassionate and invested mental health professionals entering the field.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
It has been said that my drive, tenacity, diligence, genuine compassion, integrity, faith, compassion, humor, personable and relatable persona, sets me apart from others. When we are called and anointed to do something, regardless of how many attempts to copy and emulate it, they will never be able to. No one can duplicate my “sauce”. My flavor is undeniably unique.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.leticiareedlcsw.com
- Instagram: Leticia_ReedLCSW
- Facebook: Reed Behavioral Solutions
- Twitter: leticia_reed
- Other: https://anchor.fm/leticia173
