Celeste Graham, LCSW-BACS
Celeste Graham, LCSW-BACS, is a seasoned behavioral health professional with over 30 years of experience in social work and psychiatric practice leadership. She holds a Master of Social Work (MSW) from Louisiana State University and has devoted her career to building and enhancing mental health services across Louisiana and Texas. Celeste’s expertise spans clinical supervision, crisis intervention, program development, community mental health services, and operational leadership of inpatient and outpatient psychiatric programs.
Currently, Celeste serves as Director of Operations for Dr. Jose Rodriguez and Associates, where she oversees psychiatric contracts, expands private practice services, and supports the growth of behavioral health programs throughout the New Orleans–Baton Rouge region. Previously, she was Director of Central Intake at Beacon Behavioral Partners, where she developed and managed centralized intake systems for multiple psychiatric hospitals and outpatient programs. She also played a pivotal role in establishing a 24/7 crisis center in Baton Rouge, demonstrating her commitment to timely, compassionate care at the critical point of a first psychiatric break.
Throughout her career, Celeste has been a dedicated mentor, guiding numerous emerging social workers and fostering leadership within the behavioral health field. Her professional philosophy emphasizes compassion, reducing stigma, and meeting individuals where they are in their mental health journeys. As a Board-approved LCSW supervisor, she continues to influence the next generation of clinicians while actively participating in church and community-based mental health initiatives.
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker
• Louisiana State University - MSW
• Social Work Licensure Supervisor
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to compassion, authenticity, and perseverance, along with a lifelong commitment to helping others—particularly those living with serious mental illness. I also credit the guidance of mentors, a dedication to continuous learning, and leading with empathy as key factors that have shaped my journey.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received came from former supervisors and senior professionals in behavioral health and social work, as well as leaders I collaborated with while developing crisis centers and community mental health programs. Their guidance emphasized the importance of staying patient, compassionate, and solutions-focused, while always keeping the needs of the people we serve at the center of every decision.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this field is to follow your passion, remain authentic, and lead with kindness and compassion. It’s important to stay grounded in the reason you chose this work, even when faced with challenges or difficult moments.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
Some of the biggest challenges in my field today include the ongoing stigma surrounding mental illness, workforce shortages, burnout, and limited access to consistent psychiatric care. At the same time, there are tremendous opportunities to expand community-based services, integrate mental health into primary care, grow private practice networks, and mentor the next generation of behavioral health leaders.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me in both my work and personal life are compassion, kindness, authenticity, service, integrity, and advocacy for vulnerable populations. I strive to bring these principles into everything I do, whether I’m supporting clients, mentoring colleagues, or engaging with my community.
Outside of work, I am passionate about spending time with my family, cooking, gardening, entertaining, dancing, participating in church activities, and caring for my French bulldog, Pascal Pierre. These activities bring me joy, balance, and connection in my everyday life.
Locations
Dr. Jose Rodriguez and Associates
Baton Rouge, LA 70810