Meet Trailblazer Rhonda Sturdivant

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rhonda Sturdivant.

Rhonda, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My interest in becoming a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) was piqued during my Senior year of college at The Florida State University. I was completing an undergraduate internship at the Leon County Health department, providing case management for pregnant women who were in receipt of Medicaid and WIC services. Program participants were assisted with medical care during pregnancy, along with supplemental food benefits, and assistance with childcare following childbirth. The ability to help others in need was, and still is, a joy that is hard to explain. Unfortunately, it was too late to change majors. So, there I was, completing a degree in a field that I had no desire or intent to ever work. But hey, I had a degree, right?

I worked at the Florida Department of Education for a few years, and returned to school to complete a Bachelor’s (BSW) and Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW). I completed my MSW internship at the Atlanta VA Healthcare System in 2007, and was hired full-time in 2009. I’ve worked within the emergency department, inpatient medicine, and outpatient/primary care settings. Since 2016, I have served as the Primary Care Social Work Program Director, with current supervision of 26 LCSWs.

In 2014, I took a leap of faith, and established a part-time private practice for counseling services, River Rise, LLC, of Mableton, GA.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My journey has been far from smooth. I was the first in my immediate family unit to attend college. There wasn’t a great deal of preparation for the rigor of college life as an independent young adult. I nearly flunked out of school within the first two years. However, after a tearful meeting in the advisor’s office with my best friend, I had the support and focus needed to keep going. I changed my major from pre-med to Family, Child, & Consumer Sciences, and kept pushing forward.

In the Spring semester of my Senior year, I had another awakening and healthy dose of reality. I was pregnant! *gasp* I was young and not in a relationship with someone I’d want to have a future with, but I feel having my daughter was the best decision I could have made. The internal expectations of motherhood made my tunnel vision and drive stronger than ever. I completed my first degree in December 2002, and gave birth to my daughter in January 2003.

I set concrete goals to return to school to obtain a degree in Social Work. I applied for the Master’s program, but was denied admission. My resolve was to return for my Bachelor’s in Social Work, and I was accepted. I completed the program in 2.5 years, graduating in December 2006. I worked full-time during most of this time, and it was often very overwhelming. Thankfully, I had an enormous amount of support from my Mother and several friends along the way. Following receipt of my BSW, I applied for the MSW program and was accepted. I was encouraged to apply for a graduate assistantship by Ms. Verrano, a graduate program advisor, but did not have confidence in my chances. I ignored the repeated emails regarding the deadline. Two days prior to the deadline, I remember getting a call from Ms. Verrano, offering additional encouragement to not count myself out due to how I perceived my circumstances. Nervously, I listened, and was amazed that I was one of four students awarded the assistantship for my admission term. Again, my support system, aka “village”, is second to none! My friends often provided care for my daughter while I was attended evening classes, study groups, etc. In December 2017, I graduated with my MSW with clinical concentration.

If I had to give advice to young women, my response would be simple and three-fold.
1. Even when you may feel at your lowest, DO NOT give up!
2. DO NOT place limits on the possibilities and trajectory of your life.
3. Connect with other like minds to help keep you on the best path for growth. Build your tribe and connect with a mentor(s).

I know, it sounds easier said than done, especially when your heart is overwhelmed and your mind can’t quite make sense during those dark moments. However, those strong connections become your sounding boards for discussion of strategies and creative ideas, and the people you can depend upon to lift you up. *Just be sure you’re willing to do some lifting and support as well. *

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about River Rise – what should we know?
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and sole owner of River Rise, LLC, an outpatient, private counseling practice in Mableton, GA. Through River Rise, LLC, I offer supportive therapy to aide in the increase of individual problem-solving skills, and strengthening of interpersonal relationships. I work alongside my clients to build communication skills, improve coping strategies, and work towards resolutions to create opportunities for growth. There is an old SW adage, that we strive “to meet the client where they are”. I am committed to this concept, and it is always my goal to develop a shared treatment goal and plan with each of my clients. I am paneled with EAP and insurance agencies, but I also offer services at a sliding-scale because cost should never be the barrier to obtain care.

My approach to care includes psychodynamic assessment, motivational interviewing and a combination of treatment modalities to best meet the needs of the client. A few treatment models often used are Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy. I care for clients ages 8 and up. My specialties include interpersonal growth/development, depression, anxiety, life transitions, medical/illness, and stress management. I am known for my reserved, but direct approach. I want my clients to feel comfortable and aware of their presence in a supportive and safe environment. However, I will require that they are committed and remain accountable throughout care.

I am a third year Doctoral of Behavioral health candidate, and my goal is to continue development of my brand as a consultant in support of local medical offices, lacking of support in coordinating patient care to improve treatment compliance. Although many health systems have joined the wave of integrated care, it is not a realistic option for many community medical private practices. As a Behavioral Health Consultant, I seek to support these practices with development of collaborative care treatment, with consideration of each individual’s medical, mental health, psychosocial, economic, educational, financial, and cognitive status. Wholistic care is the ultimate goal,

My methods of treatment are unorthodox, as services are provided through in-office visits, mobile/home visitation, telephone consultation, online sessions, and within the community setting. We can work out during our sessions, as long as confidentiality and privacy is maintained, and the goal is met.

So much of the media coverage is focused on the challenges facing women today, but what about the opportunities? Do you feel there are any opportunities that women are particularly well positioned for?
Despite the steady presence of the gender wage gap, women continue to obtain undergraduate, graduate, post-graduate, and doctorate degrees at a growing pace. Women are well positioned for opportunities within all areas of employment, in addition to entrepreneurial efforts. Rather than focus on the wage gap and other valleys within the workplace, I would rather acknowledge the many women whom have set standards and broken barriers in their respective arenas. I believe the possibilities are endless.

Pricing:

• $100-120 per individual session
• Sliding Scale rates available following consultation

Contact Info:

• Website: www.riverrisellc.com
• Phone: 678-687-9350
• Email: rhonda@riverrisellc.com
• Instagram: @riverrisellc
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/riverrisellc/

Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.