Pamela Shultz, MS, PLPC, NCC, PhD
Pamela Shultz is a dedicated mental health professional with nearly a decade of experience in human services and clinical counseling. She specializes in substance abuse case management and relapse prevention, bringing a compassionate, evidence-based approach to supporting individuals navigating challenges within the judicial system. Currently, Pamela serves as a Case Manager at the 24th Judicial District Specialty Treatment Courts in Gretna, Louisiana, where she facilitates recovery through collaborative treatment plans and comprehensive case management services.
Pamela holds a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Capella University, where she graduated with a 4.0 GPA and was a member of the Chi Sigma Iota National Honors Society. She is a Provisional Licensed Professional Counselor (PLPC) and a National Certified Counselor (NCC), credentials that reflect her clinical expertise and commitment to ethical, effective care. Pamela is also pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy in Industrial and Organizational Psychology at Capella University, demonstrating her dedication to advancing both her professional knowledge and the broader field of mental health.
Prior to her work in mental health counseling, Pamela served as a Hospital Corpsman in the U.S. Navy, an experience that instilled a strong foundation in service, resilience, and leadership. She has held roles in multiple counseling and case management settings, including DePaul Community Health Centers and CLG Counseling, where she provided group counseling and facilitated individualized treatment plans. Actively engaged in professional organizations such as the Louisiana Association of Addiction and Offender Counselors and the Military and Government Counseling Association—Louisiana Division, Pamela continues to advocate for mental health awareness and support sustainable recovery pathways for those in need.
• National Certified Counselor (NCC)
• Provisional Licensed Professional Counselor
• Capella university MS
• Capella university BS
• University of Alaska, Fairbanks AAS
• Capella University PhD Student
• Louisiana Association Of Addiction And Offender Counselors
• Louisian Military and Government Counseling Association
• Louisana Counselors Association
• Society for Sexual, Affectional, Intersex, and Gender Expansive Identities
• American Counseling Association
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to perseverance, a dedication to serving others, and a steadfast commitment to my personal and professional growth. I attribute my success to an unwavering belief that personal, professional, and social success begins with showing up and being willing to help others.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to lead with compassion, but anchor yourself in accountability. This has reinforced that compassion without structure can lose direction and structure without compassion can lose humanity.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is to trust your voice while maintaining and protecting your boundaries. This profession requires both heart and resilience. Meeting people at their lowest moments, remember that your empathy is your strength, not your weakness.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in my field currently involve integrating mental health services within the justice system and its organizational structures. Through combining evidence-based treatment and trauma-informed care, we can create pathways that promote healing, accountability, and long-term behavioral change. At the same time, there is a continual opportunity to advance overall health and well-being.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in my work are compassion, integrity, and a commitment to service. These values shape not only how I show up in my work, but also how I hope to inspire others to do the same.