The City of Birmingham #Strong Her Campaign

Crystal Mullen-Johnson’s mother died when she was 14. Then, she buried her mother one day before her 15th birthday.

Although Crystal had family support to get through tough times, she did not have professional counseling to address the deeper pain of losing her mother at such a pivotal time in her life.
It wasn’t until Crystal was enrolled at Alabama A&M University, her mother’s alma mater, that Crystal realized what she needed: stronger mental health options. And with that, Crystal pursued studies to become a mental health care expert. She secured a degree in social work.

For 16 years, Crystal has been helping people cope with stress, depression, anxiety and more. Clients have sought counsel from her on everything from divorce and the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina to most recently, coping with the threat of COVID-19. Through her company in downtown Birmingham, Strive Counseling Services, she provides therapeutic counseling to address mental health conditions.
“It’s my social responsibility, as a mental health provider, to raise awareness about mental health,’’ said Crystal, 39. “In 2019, I started the Community Mental Health Awareness Initiative, in partnership with the City of Birmingham, to host free, monthly educational learning sessions at the downtown Birmingham library. These meetings, which involve licensed mental health or healthcare professionals, are held for one hour, once a month on a Saturday. Times and dates vary.’’

“This program is game changer for Birmingham in that it educates attendees about mental health,
provides free resources and removes the stigma about mental health,’’ she said.
(Because of the coronavirus threat, Community Mental Health Awareness Initiative sessions have been postponed until further notice. To learn more, visit www.strivebhm.com.) #StrongHER