Heather Perkins, LCMHC, LCAS, ERPSCC, RPS
Heather Perkins, LCMHC, LCAS, ERPSCC, RPS is a seasoned criminal justice and behavioral health professional with extensive experience at the intersection of public safety, mental health, and crisis response. She has served in multifaceted roles that include crisis intervention, special victims support, and hostage and crisis negotiation. Her expertise spans de-escalation, trauma-informed care, stress management, and training law enforcement on safety, wellness, and effective responses to high-risk situations.
Currently, Heather serves as an Instructor and Developer at the North Carolina Justice Academy, where she leads cross-intervention programs for law enforcement, emphasizing critical skills in safety, wellness, and crisis response. She has successfully managed significant initiatives, including securing a $1.3 million grant to provide transitional housing, fund treatment for children affected by parental substance abuse orders, and develop curriculum tailored for youth impacted by trauma. Her hands-on experience also includes co-responder duties and direct counseling roles within law enforcement agencies, providing essential support to individuals and communities in crisis.
Heather holds dual Doctor of Education (EdD) degrees in Community Care & Counseling and Counseling, a Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling, and a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. She is a licensed LCMHC crisis mental health counselor, and also holds credentials as LCAS, ERPSCC, and RPS. An active member of Chi Sigma Iota Honor Society, American Counseling Association (ACA), and the EMDR Association, Heather is committed to advancing first responder wellness, promoting mental health awareness, and equipping communities and professionals with the tools to navigate high-stress and high-risk situations effectively.
• Liberty University - EdD
• University of the Cumberlands Graduate and Online - MA
• Shorter University - BS
• University of Pikeville - AAS
• American Counseling Association
• Chi Sigma Iota Honor Society
• EMDR Association
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a steadfast faith and the unwavering support of those around me. My belief in a higher purpose has guided me through challenges, while the encouragement, mentorship, and collaboration of colleagues, friends, and family have been instrumental in helping me reach my goals. Together, these influences have shaped my professional journey and inspired me to give back, fostering growth not only for myself but also for those I have the privilege to work alongside.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is to never work harder than my clients and to maintain a clear boundary between work and personal life leaving work at the door. This guidance has taught me the importance of balance, ensuring that I remain effective, focused, and fully present while serving others, without allowing professional responsibilities to compromise my well-being or personal time.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to prioritize self-care at all times. Maintaining your physical, mental, and emotional well-being is essential to sustaining a successful and fulfilling career, especially in high-stress environments. By caring for yourself, you build the resilience and strength needed to support others effectively while advancing professionally.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field today is that many organizations are understaffed and overworked, which places significant strain on both personnel and the communities they serve. This environment creates opportunities to implement innovative strategies for workforce support, resilience training, and operational efficiency, as well as to advocate for resources, staffing, and programs that prioritize mental health, wellness, and sustainable practices within public safety and behavioral health systems.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide both my professional and personal life are integrity, transparency, humility, and gratitude. I strive to approach every situation with honesty and ethical clarity, communicate openly and authentically, and remain humble in my interactions and achievements. At the same time, I maintain a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunities, experiences, and people that have shaped my journey, using these values to foster trust, collaboration, and meaningful impact in all that I do.