I am Dr. Rhonda Carter. I graduated from VCU with a bachelor’s in psychology and master’s in Rehabilitation Counseling. Since I loved school so much, I decided to get a doctorate in Counseling Psychology from Argosy University. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. 
 
I have over 25 years’ experience working with children, adolescents, and adults providing individual and family counseling, crisis intervention, and facilitating both substance abuse and family resource groups to address all facets of their lives and development. I also have a wide-ranging background in working with individuals with a long-term mental illness, autism, and intellectual and developmental disabilities, aging or older adults, dementia, traumatic brain injury, and veterans. I have taught at the Police Academy and am a member of a Hostage Negotiations team. In all capacities, I try to educate staff about mental health diagnoses/treatment, crisis services, and provide debriefings and diffusions in life-altering situations.
 
When I was a graduate student, I was one of few students interested in working in the mental health field where there are more clients who look like me than providers. As an adjunct professor, I worked hard to teach students the important work being done in this field. I wanted them to understand the passion I have of working with individuals with long-term mental illness. In my current position, I continue to supervisor students during their internship to give them the tools to be successful in the field. I also help them identify their career goals and aspirations. My goal is to help them find their niche in the field so they can reach their highest potential. 
 
I have so many research interests that it is hard to narrow them down or put them into words. I want to help as many people as possible because life is hard and it gets harder every day.

My most important job is being a dog mom to my lovable golden doodle, Maximilian.