Kristin Kate White
Kristin Kate White is an LPC-Candidate and mental health advocate based in Texhoma, Texas, dedicated to improving access to mental health services in rural communities. She currently serves as a case manager at the Northwest Center for Behavioral Health and provides counseling support through Improving Lives Counseling Services. Kristin’s professional focus is deeply informed by her lived experiences as a parent of three autistic children and as a survivor of domestic abuse, driving her commitment to empower families and individuals navigating complex behavioral, developmental, and emotional challenges.
Her journey into mental health began with a desire to better support her children outside of traditional ABA therapies, which inspired her to pursue a bachelor’s degree in psychology followed by a master’s in clinical counseling from the University of the Cumberlands. Kristin combines her personal and academic experiences to provide compassionate, values-driven care, specializing in autism support, domestic abuse counseling, and assistance for clients facing life transitions, grief, or overwhelming stress. In addition to her professional work, she volunteers at the local domestic abuse crisis center, offering pro bono counseling to those in need.
Looking ahead, Kristin plans to establish a private counseling practice in rural Oklahoma, addressing the critical gap in mental health services for communities located hours from substantial medical care. She is passionate about creating safe and supportive spaces where clients feel seen, heard, and empowered to heal. Beyond her professional endeavors, Kristin enjoys spending time with her family, quilting, and engaging in community initiatives, including plans to launch school supply drives and other programs to support local families.
• University of the Cumberlands - MA
• National Leadership Society
• President’s List
• Honor’s Program
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to standing by my own values, not what society valued. I had to find out who I was, and I was 30 doing that, because I recently fled domestic violence and was trying to figure out who am I outside of a mom. Definitely deciding what my values were and what I wanted my life to mean at the end of it - that's what has driven my success.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is simple: don’t let anyone hold you back—no matter who they are. Whether it’s a parent, a partner, or a friend, if you have a goal, you have the right and the ability to pursue it. I teach my daughter this same principle: no one is allowed to stand in your way. Believe in yourself—you can achieve it.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is the shortage of mental health and medical services in rural America, which often requires patients to travel long distances to access specialist care. Additionally, finding virtual associate roles can be difficult. On the other hand, this also presents a significant opportunity: the chance to expand and strengthen rural private practice capacity, improving access to much-needed care for underserved communities.
Locations
Northwest Center for Behavioral Health
Texhoma, TX 73960