About Strive Mental Health Services
Strive Counseling Services began as the vision of Crystal Mullen-Johnson, a dedicated professional driven by a deep passion for mental health and social work. As a second-generation business owner, Crystal drew inspiration from her family's entrepreneurial legacy and her own life experiences to establish a practice addressing the growing need for accessible, compassionate, and high-quality mental health services in her community.
Crystal’s journey was profoundly shaped by personal experiences with grief, particularly the unexpected loss of her mother during her adolescence. These challenges instilled in her a commitment to create a safe and supportive environment where others could find the help she lacked during her own struggles. Armed with over 20 years of experience in social services, a robust educational background, and unwavering compassion, Crystal brings a unique blend of empathy, expertise, and resilience to her practice.
In addition to her role as a therapist, Crystal is an accomplished author of *The 21-Day Journey to Strive for a Healthier You, a book that inspires and empowers individuals on their path to healing. She is also the founder of *Nurture of Alabama, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to mental health and support. Crystal meets each client where they are, fostering a safe and nurturing environment for personal growth. Her philosophy, Change begins with you. Strive with me,”* encapsulates her dedication to helping individuals take meaningful steps toward a healthier, more fulfilling life.
Strive Counseling Services was built on a foundation of empowering individuals to overcome adversity and achieve personal growth. Its mission reflects Crystal’s unwavering belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to heal, thrive, and reach their full potential. The name “Strive” symbolizes persistence, resilience, and the continuous pursuit of self-improvement.
With a focus on serving adolescents and adults facing mental health challenges, Strive Counseling Services has become a trusted resource in Birmingham, Alabama. Its success has led to the planned opening of a second location in Demopolis, Alabama, in November 2024, further expanding its reach and impact on the community.
Meet The Team
Our team of mental health professionals is dedicated to providing you with the best care and quality service.
Dr. Demechiko French, the owner of Mechi Mental Wellness is a Board-Certified Nurse Practitioner, with training and experience treating patients with psychiatric disorders across the lifespan and practice settings, from hospitals to outpatient service and corrections. Dr. French is married to Monique Rusell French, and they have two wonderful kids, Harlee Elizabeth and Daxton Russell French.
Carliea Barckley is an Associate Licensed Counselor (ALC) with a strong foundation in trauma-informed care, addiction recovery, and developmental disabilities. With more than seven years of experience in the human services field, she has supported children, adolescents, and adults in diverse therapeutic environments—including residential homes, inpatient and outpatient clinics, and community-based programs.
Jenalyn Santos is a Medical Virtual Assistant based in the Philippines, supporting healthcare practices with reliable administrative and operational services. She has experience in insurance verification, eligibility and benefits coordination, patient scheduling, and managing daily virtual office tasks.
Testimonials