Today we’d like to introduce you to Shaletha Richard.
Hi Shaletha, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey has been rooted in both purpose and calling. I’ve always had a heart for people especially those navigating stress, trauma, and life transitions. That passion led me to pursue my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and become a Licensed Professional Counselor.
Early in my career, I worked in settings that allowed me to see firsthand how mental health impacts every part of a person’s life especially in schools and community systems. Working with adolescents and families deepened my conviction that access to quality counseling can truly change trajectories. I began noticing how much stronger outcomes were when students had consistent therapeutic support, which sparked my growing passion for advocating for more LPCs in school systems. Over time, I felt called to step out and build something of my own. That’s how Richard Counseling Services was born. Starting my private practice was both exciting and stretching learning the business side, credentialing, marketing, insurance panels all while continuing to show up clinically for clients. But it allowed me to serve in a way that aligns with my values: faith-centered, clinically sound, and emotionally safe.
Today, I’m not only focused on individual client care, but also on larger systems change. I want to design scalable school-based counseling models and influence policy and leadership at a higher level. My vision is bigger than just sessions it’s about building systems that make healing more accessible.
Personally and professionally, I’m in a season of intentional growth. I’m stepping into this chapter grounded in prayer, strategy, and preparation believing for breakthrough emotionally, spiritually, and professionally. This journey has been about alignment aligning my calling, my education, my faith, and my leadership. And I truly believe I’m just getting started.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road but it’s been a meaningful one.
Starting my private practice came with a steep learning curve. Navigating insurance, contracts, business operations, and financial uncertainty while still growing as a clinician stretched me in new ways. I’ve also faced moments of self-doubt, especially as I’ve stepped into leadership and considered bigger goals like systems change. Balancing entrepreneurship, clinical work, and personal growth hasn’t always been easy, but each challenge has strengthened my confidence, resilience, and clarity about my mission.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Richard Counseling Services ?
Richard Counseling Services is a private practice focused on providing intentional, high-quality mental health care for individuals navigating anxiety, depression, life transitions, and relational stress. My work centers on helping clients gain clarity, emotional stability, and practical coping tools that lead to real, sustainable change.
I specialize in working with high-functioning adults who may look “fine” on the outside but are carrying stress, burnout, unresolved trauma, or internal pressure. Many of my clients are professionals, caregivers, or individuals in transitional seasons who want both emotional support and structured, goal-oriented growth.
In addition to adults, I also specialize in working with children and adolescents. I help young clients navigate emotional regulation challenges, academic stress, identity development, peer relationships, behavioral concerns, and family dynamics. My experience in school-based counseling settings gives me a deep understanding of how mental health impacts both academic performance and social development. I work closely with families to strengthen communication, build emotional intelligence, and create practical strategies that support long-term resilience. With younger clients, I integrate developmentally appropriate interventions, psychoeducation, and parent collaboration to ensure growth extends beyond the therapy room.
My approach blends clinical excellence with warmth, a faith-informed perspective (when desired by the client), and strong psychoeducation so clients truly understand what’s happening in their minds and bodies. What sets my practice apart is the balance between compassion and structure. Clients don’t just vent — we build strategy. Sessions are thoughtful, intentional, and grounded in evidence-based modalities like CBT, TF-CBT, DBT, and EMDR while also honoring the client’s values and lived experience.
I’m also deeply passionate about system-level impact, particularly increasing access to licensed professional counselors in schools, which shapes how I think about accessibility and long-term change. Brand-wise, I’m most proud that Richard Counseling Services represents professionalism, safety, and integrity. It reflects who I am faith-driven, growth-oriented, and committed to excellence. I want readers to know that this is more than a therapy service; it’s a space for breakthrough, clarity, and sustainable emotional health across every stage of life.
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
My biggest advice for finding a mentor is to be intentional and specific. Instead of just asking someone to “mentor” you, identify what you admire about them their business model, leadership style, clinical expertise, or systems thinking and reach out with clarity about what you’d like to learn. People respond well to focused, respectful requests. Networking has worked best for me when it’s relationship-based, not transactional. I’ve built strong connections through professional associations, consultation groups, insurance panels, EAP relationships, and simply reaching out to other clinicians to collaborate. Showing up consistently, being professional, and delivering quality work builds your reputation faster than any marketing strategy. What’s also helped is positioning myself in rooms where I want to grow whether that’s leadership conversations or business ownership spaces. Sometimes mentorship comes organically when you demonstrate commitment and excellence. My biggest takeaway: don’t wait until you feel “ready.” Start building relationships early, stay humble, and lead with value. Networking isn’t about collecting contacts it’s about building trust.
Contact Info:
- Website: Richard Counseling
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richardcounseling/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/richardcounselingjs
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/82310165/admin/dashboard/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@therapywithshaletha
Image Credits
Photos taken by Bralynn English
