By Fred L. Jones, Jr.
Eagle Staff Writer
fjones@theoklahomaeagle.net
North Tulsa Counseling Services is owned by Ms. Shelia B. Thompson. She is the first African American woman to open her own counseling agency in Tulsa, Okla.
Thompson has worked in the mental health field for over 25 years and in 2011 she founded North Tulsa Counseling. Her vision for creating North Tulsa Counseling has always been to educate North Tulsa and surrounding communities on the importance of mental health, and having services be provided by professionals that look like them. Her mission has been to spread the word that you can receive mental health services without the negative stigma.
Thompson graduated from Raymond S. McLain Senior High School. She has a master’s degree in Human Relations from OU-Tulsa, a bachelor’s degree from Langston University and an Associate degree from Rogers State College.
She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), an LPC Supervisor, and a member of National Certified Counselors.
She often volunteers at McLain High School, serves on the Langston Hughes Academy board and the Urban Innovative Development Corporation board.
Thompson was awarded the State of Oklahoma Citation of Recognition in March 2013 by former Senator Jabar Shumate, District #11, and former State Representative Kevin Matthews, District # 73, and former State Representative Seneca Scott, District # 72, for having a business in Tulsa north.
Thompson is the recipient of the 2014 “Women of Color” Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
The North Tulsa Counseling has received accreditation from CARF International and is ranked in the top 3 percent in the world for having zero deficiencies. The agency provides home and school based Individual Therapy, Family Therapy and Crisis Intervention services.
Only about one-quarter of African Americans seek mental health care, compared to 40 percent of whites. Here are some reasons why:
- Distrust and misdiagnosis.Historically, African Americans have been and continue to be negatively affected by prejudice and discrimination in the health care system. Misdiagnoses, inadequate treatment and lack of cultural competence by health professionals cause distrust and prevent many African Americans from seeking or staying in treatment.
- Socio-economic factors play a part too and can make treatment options less available. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, as of 2012, 19 percent of African Americans had no form of health insurance. The Affordable Care Act is making it easier and more affordable to get insured.
While we recommend you go directly to a mental health professional because this is their area of expertise, if you do not feel comfortable right away, a primary care doctor is a great place to start. The primary care doctor might be able to start the assessment to determine if you have a mental health condition or help refer you to a mental health professional.
Visit North Tulsa Counseling Services at www.northtulsacounseling.com or call 918-794-0197.
