Zuleika Aldridge Prince
Zuleika Prince is a seasoned behavioral health leader with more than a decade of progressive experience in clinical care, program oversight, and integrated behavioral health services. As a Behavioral Health Manager at Grady Health System, she provides clinical supervision and administrative leadership to multidisciplinary teams across inpatient psychiatric and medical-psychiatric units. Her work centers on ensuring high-quality, patient-centered care while supporting clinicians, social work discharge planners, and certified peer specialists in delivering effective mental health interventions.
Before stepping into management, Zuleika built a strong clinical foundation as a Senior Licensed Mental Health Clinician, where she provided individual and group psychotherapy to adults with severe and persistent mental illnesses. Her expertise spans diagnostic assessments, treatment planning, crisis intervention, and coordination of complex discharge and community linkage needs. In addition to her work within hospital settings, she has maintained a long-standing private practice—Aldridge Counseling & Consulting Services, LLC—where she offers individual, couples, and family therapy, along with clinical supervision and professional mentorship for emerging clinicians.
Zuleika is currently a Doctor of Behavioral Health candidate at the Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies, expanding her focus on integrated healthcare and system-level behavioral health solutions. She holds an MSW jointly awarded by the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and North Carolina A&T State University, and she has served in multiple counseling and care coordination roles throughout her career. Known for her dedication, leadership, and commitment to improving mental health outcomes, Zuleika continues to shape the field through compassionate practice, thoughtful supervision, and an unwavering mission to advocate for both clients and clinicians.
• Doctor of Behavioral Health Candidate
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker
• Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies
Cummings Graduate Institute for Behavioral Health Studies
Doctorate of Behavioral Health-Candidate
• University of North Carolina at Greensboro
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
MSW
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute much of my success to the early influence of my father, who worked in human resources and had an unwavering passion for helping people. Growing up, I watched him support others with empathy, patience, and integrity, and those values deeply shaped the way I view service and leadership. His example taught me that meaningful work begins with a genuine commitment to improving the lives of others.
That foundation inspired my path into behavioral health and continues to guide the way I approach my career today. Whether I’m supporting patients, supervising clinicians, or building stronger systems of care, I carry forward the principles he modeled—compassion, resilience, and a belief in the potential of every individual. His influence has been the driving force behind my dedication to this field and the work I strive to do every day.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is: don’t be afraid to shrink your presence or dim your light. Early in my career, I sometimes held back—hesitating to share ideas, advocate for myself, or take on leadership opportunities. Hearing this advice reminded me that my voice, perspective, and skills have value, and that leaning into opportunities and stepping confidently into my role is essential for growth.
This guidance has shaped how I approach my work every day—whether mentoring clinicians, leading teams, or advocating for patients. It’s a constant reminder to show up fully, embrace challenges, and contribute my best without apology.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the behavioral health field is simple: believe in yourself and your ability to succeed. Doubt is natural, but it shouldn’t hold you back. Even when you feel uncertain, take action, step into opportunities, and embrace challenges. Confidence grows through experience, and the more you engage, the more capable and self-assured you will become.
I’ve found that moving beyond hesitation and committing to your goals allows you to discover your strengths, expand your skills, and make a meaningful impact in the lives of others. Trust yourself, take bold steps, and remember that your contributions are valuable and necessary in this field.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in behavioral health right now is access to care. With the current political and economic climate, many patients risk losing their healthcare coverage, which directly impacts their ability to receive the mental health services they need. This creates both a gap in care and a strain on providers, who are working hard to meet increasing demand with limited resources.
At the same time, this challenge presents an opportunity for innovation and advocacy. Behavioral health professionals have the chance to develop new models of care, expand community-based resources, and advocate for policies that ensure mental health services remain accessible to all. By addressing these systemic issues, we can work toward a more equitable and sustainable mental health system.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide both my work and personal life are integrity, humanity, and my spiritual beliefs. Integrity ensures that I act ethically and honorably in every decision, maintaining trust with colleagues, clients, and the community. Humanity reminds me to approach every individual with compassion, empathy, and respect, recognizing the unique experiences and challenges they face.
My spiritual beliefs provide a foundation for purpose and balance, helping me stay grounded and focused on what truly matters. Together, these values inform the way I lead, provide care, and engage with others, ensuring that my professional actions and personal choices align with my deepest principles.