Her Story
About Bethany
Dr. Bethany Mills currently serves as Chief Psychologist for the Federal Bureau of Prisons at a high-security men’s penitentiary in Kentucky, where she brings more than 20 years of experience in clinical psychology and approximately 12 years within the federal prison system. Throughout her career she has worked in a variety of settings--elementary, middle, and high schools, community mental health centers, university counseling and health services offices, inpatient and outpatient psychiatric treatment programs, and substance use treatment programs. Her breadth of experience across these settings has strengthened her ability to navigate challenging situations while providing thoughtful leadership and support. In addition to her federal career, Dr. Mills is certified as a professional coach, speaker, and trainer with the John Maxwell Leadership Team. Her work in this field focuses on helping professionals avoid or recover from burnout while developing healthier, more empowered approaches to work and life. She attributes her professional achievements to her faith, a strong work ethic instilled by her parents, and the grace to recognize that meaningful goals do not always unfold according to a predetermined timeline. Through her clinical expertise, leadership experience, and commitment to personal growth, she strives to help others recognize their value, navigate challenges with resilience, and pursue lives and careers that are both successful and fulfilling.
Outside of work, she has been married for over 30 years and is a mother of four amazing children. She is also the primary caretaker for her older brother, who lives with them and has Down syndrome. She is happiest when spending time with her family or at the beach, lake, or pool!
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Bethany
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my faith in God, a strong work ethic, and the grace to be patient with myself throughout the journey. I believe every opportunity I have been given has been a reflection of dedicating my life to the Lord and seeking His guidance for the path He has intended for me. I also credit my parents for instilling in me the values that have shaped my approach to work and life. My mother returned to school to earn her nursing degree and went on to serve as an ER nurse for approximately 25 years, demonstrating resilience and commitment, while my father came from humble beginnings, built his own business through hard work and determination, and was always generous to others. Their examples taught me the importance of perseverance, integrity, and giving back. Most importantly, I have learned to extend myself grace and recognize that meaningful goals sometimes take longer to achieve than expected, and that patience is an essential part of success.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Go all the way. When I knew I wanted to help others and pursue a career in counseling an advisor told me to get my doctorate. He explained a doctorate would open so many doors and I could eventually create my own job and write my own job description. I am so glad I stayed the course and got my doctorate early in my career. It was a long process, but so very worth it!
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
You have to decide what you will and won't do. As a working woman, we often have to work harder because of our gender to prove we are "worth it." Agencies and organizations will take everything you give, so you have to decide where to draw the line. Figure out what your non-negotiables are and stick to them. You are your own best advocate. So decide your priorities and then protect them. You do not have to do everything and you certainly do not have to do everything right now. It's okay to have margin.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Specifically in the Bureau of Prisons, we are short-staffed on psychologists. More broadly, for women in the workforce, especially in the helping fields, we do not prioritize our own health. We put our clients' needs or our staffs' needs above our own because we believe we have to take care of others. At the end of my day, the only people I need to take care of are myself and my family. For my clients and staff, I need to do my job and support them, but I don't need to make their success or failure dependent on me doing their work for them. I also should not define my worth as a clinician or supervisor on their performance or success. I can be the best psychologist, but if the client doesn't do the work or the staff member doesn't do their job, failure is inevitable. However, that failure does not necessarily reflect poorly on me.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
As a Christian, my faith is the guiding principle of my work and personal life. I weigh every decision against my morals (treat others as I want to be treated; love the Lord first, and love others as I love myself). Those values are honesty, integrity, kindness, compassion, helpfulness, self-control, and patience.
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