Her Story
About Rebecca
Rebecca Elijah, AMFT, is a child therapist, life purpose coach, entertainer, and musician dedicated to integrating mental health, creative expression, and personal development. Based in Las Vegas, Nevada, she provides therapy services to children in kindergarten through 12th grade and their families across more than 23 schools in Los Angeles, California. As an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT), she specializes in child therapy, music therapy, and life coaching for entertainers, helping individuals navigate emotional well-being while pursuing personal and professional success. Rebecca earned a master's degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Pepperdine University and a bachelor's degree in Human Development and Family Systems from the University of Nevada, Reno.
Drawing from her own experience in the entertainment industry, Rebecca has developed a unique approach that bridges mental health and the performing arts. In addition to her clinical practice, she coaches entertainers on maintaining emotional wellness in high-pressure careers and is passionate about expanding the role of entertainment and music therapy within film, television, and the arts. She also serves as the founder of Empowered, a nonprofit organization that brings performing arts programs to underserved schools, using music, acting, and creative expression to help young people address bullying, gang violence, low self-esteem, and other life challenges. Her dedication to service and community impact has earned her an Award of Recognition from the NAACP Reno Chapter as well as the Able Women Award.
Beyond her work as a therapist and nonprofit leader, Rebecca continues to pursue her passion for the arts as a singer-songwriter, actress, and model, with plans to release her first music album. She is committed to advocating for mental health awareness, empowering women to prioritize self-care, and creating opportunities for healing through creativity and authentic human connection. Rebecca also volunteers with nonprofit organizations and plans to further contribute to the profession through involvement with the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. Guided by compassion, faith, and a commitment to lifelong growth, she remains focused on helping individuals discover their purpose while making a lasting impact in both the mental health and entertainment industries.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Rebecca
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my faith, perseverance, and my commitment to living out my purpose. My experiences in both the entertainment industry and mental health have given me a unique perspective on helping others, and I have remained dedicated to continual learning and personal growth. By embracing every opportunity to serve, mentor, and inspire others, I have been able to combine my passions into a career focused on healing, creativity, and empowerment.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I have learned that success comes from staying true to my purpose and remaining authentic to who I am. Every experience—whether in entertainment, therapy, or nonprofit work—has prepared me for the next opportunity. I believe in continually investing in my education, trusting the process, and allowing my passion for helping others to guide every career decision.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I encourage young women to believe in themselves and never allow fear, rejection, or self-doubt to keep them from pursuing their dreams. Continue learning, find mentors who genuinely support your growth, and stay committed to your purpose even when the journey is difficult. Your voice, experiences, and creativity are valuable. Take care of your own mental health, prioritize self-care, and remember that you can build a career that reflects both your passion and your values. Never stop growing, and always use your gifts to positively impact the lives of others.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the greatest opportunities in my field is the growing recognition of mental health as an essential part of overall well-being, particularly within the entertainment industry and among young people. I believe there is tremendous potential to expand entertainment and music therapy by integrating mental health awareness into film, television, and the performing arts. Through my work with students across 23 K–12 schools in Los Angeles and through Empowered, I see firsthand how creative expression can help children overcome bullying, gang violence, low self-esteem, and emotional challenges. I hope to continue expanding these services while helping entertainers prioritize their emotional wellness in high-pressure careers.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide my work and personal life are compassion, authenticity, faith, service, creativity, and empowerment. I believe in helping others discover their purpose while encouraging emotional wellness, resilience, and self-expression. Whether I am providing therapy, coaching entertainers, mentoring youth through Empowered, or creating music as a singer-songwriter, I strive to lead with empathy and integrity. I am passionate about helping women prioritize self-care, supporting underserved communities, and creating opportunities for healing through both mental health and the arts.
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