Meet Shirley Collins-Clark

Shirley Collins-Clark received her Master of Social Work from the Diana R. Garland School of Social Work, Baylor University, Houston campus. Undergraduate degrees–BS in Healthcare Administration from Texas Southern University, Houston, Texas, and BS in Biblical Counseling from the College of Biblical Studies, Houston, Texas.  She has served as Director of Clinical Innovation and Strategy, and Program Director of Substance Use Disorder/Medication Assisted Treatment programs within local behavioral health and community health institutions. Shirley has more than 15 years of experience as a license addiction counselor working both in inpatient and outpatient settings; and has certifications as a Christian Counselor and Anger Management Resolution Therapist.  In addition to her clinical expertise, Shirley served as an advocate for mental health, substance use disorders, higher education, and prison reform.  She was one of 25 students selected as a Texas Legislative Intern during the 76^th Texas Legislative Session by Senator Rodney Ellis.  Shirley was appointed to the positions of Legislative Aide/Office Manager in the Offices of State Representative Joesph Deshotel, District 22 from (1999-2001); and later hired as the Executive Director of the Texas Legislative Black Caucus from (2001-2003). Shirley is also a co-founder of ABC Capital Investment Brokerage with her husband of 25 years.

Shirley Collins-Clark values a holistic therapeutic approach that is safe and tailored specifically to individual and family needs.  She  believes that healing is a collaborative effort and walks alongside clients to achieve a salubrious life and total wellbeing mind, body, and soul.  Shirley’s mission and focus is to promote resilience through clinical practices:  Trauma Focused CBT, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Trust Based Relational Intervention, Trauma-Informed, Person Centered and Strengths-based.  Shirley considers herself to be serendipitous and thrives to help individuals/families combat stigma of mental health disorders and/or substance use disorders by discovering their hidden treasures within; as well as explore solutions (gems) found in unexpected places amid complex circumstances.

A few fun facts about Shirley: loves to spend time with her husband of 25 years, adult son and 17 year old grandson. Her favorite things to do are traveling, intrigued with watching CSI, researching the psyche of serial killers, binge watching Korean Drama on holidays, and is an enthusiast of sports, law/horror novels, gardening, and event planning.