Influential Woman · Mental Health

Monique Simmons

CCBHC Program Director, The Link & Option Center, Inc.

23Years experience

1Award received

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree Master's degree from Governors State University Degree 2013 Degree Bachelor's degree from Roosevelt University Degree 2008 Member National Association of Social Workers Member Phi Alpha Honor Society

Her Story

About Monique

I am a Program Director at a Certified Behavioral Health Clinic in Chicago, where I've been for about three months in what is essentially an executive director position - a career advancement from my previous role at HRDI. I've been in the mental health field for over two decades, and my passion has always been helping people heal. My most notable professional achievement is healing people under a year, having people successfully complete treatment in less than a year. Since 2021, I've owned my own private practice called Faith is Key Counseling, which started as a virtual practice and is moving to in-person services. I specialize in faith-based mental health because I wanted to make a difference for people who were having a hard time finding a therapist who could incorporate their faith into treatment. As a Christian, I believe that the Word of God is very important and is a healing tool, so I wanted to be that one that allows someone to incorporate the Word of God in their treatment. I'm currently onboarding additional providers to expand the practice.

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Monique

01What do you attribute your success to?

I attribute my success to being selfless. Everything that I've done, every place that I've worked at, I have gone into it with the understanding that I'm there to help someone else. It wasn't about me, it wasn't about the money, but it was giving it my all. And that, in itself, has helped carry a name. I focus on helping others first, and that approach has built my reputation and success in this field.

02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?

The best career advice I've ever received is to do what you love, and it won't feel like a job. This advice has guided my entire career in mental health and has kept me passionate about helping people for over two decades.

03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

My advice to young women entering the mental health field is: don't settle for the first no. Persistence is key in this industry, and you can't let initial rejections or obstacles stop you from pursuing your goals and making the difference you want to make.

04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?

The biggest challenges I'm facing in the mental health field right now are funding and getting funders to understand the importance of mental health. A major issue is that you can't just look at or treat someone from one side of the spectrum - mental health impacts or goes hand-in-hand with your physical health. We need funders to recognize this holistic connection and support comprehensive mental health care accordingly.

05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?

My faith is the most important value to me in my work and personal life. It's something I value deeply, and it has helped me understand that denial is just a delay and that everything is not for you. My faith has helped me grow more and understand that I have purpose, and I do things with purpose. And with purpose, there comes value. I've learned that everybody's not going to appreciate your value, but that doesn't diminish it. My faith guides everything I do and helps me stay grounded in my mission to help others.

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