Her Story
About Nikkie
Nikkie Rice, DSW, LCSW-S, is a dedicated behavioral health leader and veteran advocate who serves as the Director of a Vet Center in Lubbock, Texas, a nonmedical division of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. In this role, she provides both administrative and clinical oversight while maintaining a caseload of approximately 35 clients and conducting intake assessments for new veterans and their family members. With approximately a decade of experience in the behavioral health field, Rice specializes in supporting veterans affected by post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and military sexual trauma, providing individual, couples, and family therapy focused on military-related trauma.
Rice’s professional journey is grounded in a deep commitment to service and helping others navigate complex life experiences. She began her career in child protective services after becoming a foster parent in 2007, an experience that allowed her to witness firsthand the meaningful impact social workers can have on individuals and families. Her professional path ultimately led her to the Department of Veterans Affairs, where she combines clinical expertise, leadership, and advocacy to support veterans, service members, and their families. As a former career Army wife of 25 and a half years, Rice also brings a personal understanding of the military lifestyle and the unique challenges faced by military families.
Rice earned her undergraduate degree from New Mexico State University, her master’s degree in social work from the University of New England, and her Doctor of Social Work (DSW) from the University of Kentucky. Her areas of expertise include military behavioral health, PTSD, military sexual trauma, moral injury, suicide prevention, crisis intervention, and trauma-informed care. Through her leadership and clinical practice, Rice remains committed to advancing behavioral health services, advocating for veterans, and helping individuals and families build resilience, healing, and meaningful paths forward.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Nikkie
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the unwavering support of my family and the values instilled in me from an early age. My grandmother recognized my natural inclination to help others when I was young, and that sense of service has remained a guiding principle throughout my life. My journey has not always been easy, as I balanced work, raising a family, pursuing my education, and supporting a husband who was deployed for much of our more than 20 years together. Through every challenge, sacrifice, setback, and success, knowing that my family would stand beside me made all the difference. Their love and support gave me the strength and motivation to persevere and made the journey worthwhile.
02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the social work and behavioral health field is to find a mentor who can provide honest guidance and help you navigate both the opportunities and challenges of the profession. This career path is not always easy, and you may hear that it is expensive or that you will never make much money, but if you have a genuine heart for service, do not give up on your calling. Seek out internships and experiences in different areas of the field so you can explore your interests and determine where you can make the greatest impact. Most importantly, find someone who can help you understand the pros and cons, encourage your growth, and guide you as you build a meaningful and rewarding career.
03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge and opportunity in behavioral health right now are closely connected. The growing need for mental health services, driven in part by rising levels of stress and burnout, has created an urgent demand for qualified professionals while also placing significant pressure on the providers currently in the field. At the same time, this need presents tremendous opportunities for growth. Social work and behavioral health continue to expand, and online education has made the profession more accessible to nontraditional students and individuals pursuing a career change. I also see progress in reducing the stigma surrounding mental health treatment and reinforcing the understanding that seeking therapy is not a sign that someone is broken, but rather a proactive step toward well-being, healing, and personal growth.
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