Meet Sharli Berry of Tempe

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sharli Berry.

Hi Sharli, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I grew up in E. St. Louis, IL. As a child, I saw several people in my neighborhood with mental health issues, but I had no idea what it was at the time. People experiencing a mental health crisis were the norm. But looking back, now I can see that it shouldn’t have been the ‘norm.’ I realize that my neighbors could have had a better quality of life if they were educated about mental health. I was a 911 Operator/Radio Dispatcher for Phoenix Police Department for 14 years. While working for the police department, I realized I wanted to know more about what happened after I disconnected from the caller in crisis. I wanted to know that the callers would be okay, but I still wasn’t aware of a different way to help. One day, a co-worker said I should be a counselor. I had to look up what a counselor does because I had little interaction with or understanding of the mental health profession. I started and completed my bachelor’s and master’s degrees while working at the police department. I graduated with my Master’s in Counseling in 2013 and left the police department in 2014 to pursue my career in mental health full-time.

It wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
I initially had to take a pay cut to start my career in mental health. Working with insurance companies and advocating for clients to get insurance companies to pay for their treatment has been a struggle. Advocating for mental health in the Black Community has not been a smooth road. It is a challenge to rid my community of mental health stigma. We (BIPOC Mental health professionals) are constantly battling against others in the mental health profession who don’t understand the need for Black Mental Health advocates.

Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am the owner and Clinical Director of Destiny’s Door Counseling Services and the Founder and Executive Director of Black Therapists in AZ. I am most proud of my work in the community as an advocate for Black Mental Health.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
The best advice is to ask someone who is doing what you desire to do. Invite them to lunch or dinner, pick their brain, and ask them to mentor you.

Contact Info:

• Website: destinysdoorcounseling.com
• Other: blacktherapistsinaz.org

Image Credits
Primeview Photography