Her Story
About Akasha
I didn't always know I wanted to work in mental health. I actually started off as a math major because I consider myself a logical thinker and really liked working with numbers. But during my sophomore year of college, I took a family studies class and the material was very easy for me to consume. I really enjoyed the content and wanted to learn more about family dynamics and society, so I ended up changing my major in the second half of my sophomore year. I began my career in mental health about 3 years ago on my college campus, working with other college students. After graduating from Sacramento State in 2024, I moved into a foster agency and now work with a family agency where I've recently been promoted to a lead position. My day-to-day involves documentation, preparing for client sessions, checking in with team leads to assess program strengths and areas for improvement, mentoring new staff, and providing direct client care. I work with high-risk clients, including those with suicidal histories, so safety assessments and consultations with my team are critical parts of my work. I'm passionate about being a witness to people's lives, even during the ugly and hard parts, because I believe that presence is very valuable and powerful for those I serve.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Akasha
01What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
In this field, we can't control everything, and it's really hard because we are people who want to help. But I was told that the beauty of this work is that you are witnessing someone else's life, even all the ugly, hard parts. And that is very valuable for that person. So even though you can't fix everything, just being a witness to someone's life is very powerful, very valuable. This advice has really shaped how I approach my work and helps me understand the true impact I can have, even when I can't solve every problem.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I think this field is very women-impacted, and while you see a lot of women in mental health, I want to let women know that even though it may be stereotypical, that doesn't take away from the fact that they are very educated. It's not just because of stereotypes or because people think you have maternal instincts or something. It's because this is a passion of yours, and you are educated, and you have every right to be here. Don't let anyone diminish your expertise or credentials just because helping professions are associated with women. Your education, your passion, and your skills are what matter.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge I see in mental health right now is self-care and burnout. I hear a lot from my coworkers that they're exhausted or overwhelmed. This continues to be a major topic in the mental health field because people often feel overworked with high caseloads, and we're constantly trying to figure out how to manage that and help people not get that burnout. On the opportunities side, there's a lot of professional development available in the field. I was able to get a scholarship through fundamental health in the county for my master's program. And there are really great people in this field because this is their passion, so there's a wonderful opportunity to learn from others and be in a community where everyone shares the same passion as you.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I really value curiosity, open-mindedness, respect, and humility. I think those values go a really long way in both my work and personal life. Being curious allows me to continue learning and understanding the people I work with on a deeper level. Open-mindedness helps me approach each client and situation without judgment. Respect is fundamental to how I interact with clients, families, and colleagues. And humility reminds me that I don't have all the answers and that being a witness to someone's journey is valuable in itself, even when I can't fix everything.
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