Today we’d like to introduce you to Shameka Logan-Johnson.
Hi Shameka , we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I worked as a nurse in various settings and found my passion in corrections and mental health. I also have had family and personal mental health struggles. After pondering for many years with ways to give back to the mental health community I decided to further my education in mental health as my specialty.
Born and raised in a small town in South eastern VA, I moved to the Raleigh area as a travel nurse and is where I started working on furthering my education. Graduating from VCU in 2016 and then Walden University in 2021 as a Psy NP. I began networking and found that there was a great need for mental health providers in the rural area of Johnston Co, NC. For a short period I worked in the behavioral health unit in Smithfield and found it hard to find places accepting outpatient referrals. This is when I started questioning myself and never thinking I would be ready to have my own private practice. Days went by and I would doubt if I was good enough or smart enough. I had several conversations with my fiancée who always believed that I was capable of doing everything that I set out to do. I would say why me and he would say why not you. Finally in January 2024 I decided that I had nothing to loose and the worst that could happen is that I could always work as a nurse. So in March 2024 we set out to put things in place and I was able to open and see my first client in office in July 2024. We are 18 months in with over 150 active clients and I have no regrets. Thanks to God, my Fiancé, my parents, children and mentors I honestly feel that I am living my purpose.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Honestly, due to the shortage of mental health facilities and the lack of mental health staff, referrals continues to be a big issues. When sending patients for specific evaluations, IOP, intensive in home services, and even individual therapy there has been long waiting lists for appointments. There is also a high turnover at many facilities which can cause even more frustration for the clients.
Occasionally there are transportation issues in the rural and underserved communities however in many cases we offer telehealth services to accommodate our clients.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Heart and Mind Behavioral Services PLLC?
Our services are grounded in scientific research and tailored to support enduring mental wellness. Discover effective strategies and personalized approaches for sustainable mental wholeness. Together with our client we seek the most appropriate evidence based treatment in the areas of Bipolar, PTSD, Complex PTSD, Depression, Anxiety, Schizophrenia, BPD and ADHD. We also offer genetic testing for medications and neurocognitive ADHD testing.
We partner with churches, community organizations, law makers, and volunteering at communities events. We also partnership with Care Solace in the local schools.
Our practice offers evening and weekend appointments for the convenience of our working clients.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
We proudly accept major insurance plans, including Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), Medicaid, Aetna, Medcost, Cigna and United Healthcare (UHC), making quality care accessible and convenient for you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://heartandmindbehavioral.com/
