Ashley Abrams, MS ALC CTAPSB, has transformed her own battle with mental health into a powerful career dedicated to helping young people facing similar challenges. Diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder at just 17, Abrams experienced firsthand the stigma, fear, and confusion that can surround mental health struggles. In an environment where mental health was a taboo subject, her diagnosis left her feeling isolated. However, rather than being defined by her struggles, Abrams used her personal experiences as a catalyst to become a passionate advocate for youth mental health, working tirelessly to break the stigma and provide guidance and support for others.
Turning Pain Into Purpose: From Personal Struggle to Professional Commitment
Abrams’ journey into mental health advocacy started with a deeply personal experience. At 17, when she was diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder, she faced a lack of understanding and support. Mental health struggles at the time were not openly discussed, leaving her feeling embarrassed and ashamed. However, rather than letting these challenges define her, Abrams was driven to learn more about mental health and how to support others going through similar experiences. It was this resolve that led her to a career where she could directly impact the lives of young people navigating their own battles with mental health.
Now serving as a juvenile court liaison and outpatient therapist at AltaPointe Health, Abrams works with youth in Talladega, Randolph, Clay, and Coosa counties in Alabama. She provides individual and family counseling while coordinating care between the juvenile court system, schools, families, and mental health services. This role enables her to work closely with young people who often feel marginalized or misunderstood by the system, helping them navigate the complexities of juvenile justice while addressing the mental health concerns that are often at the root of their challenges.
Educational Foundation and Commitment to Service
Abrams’ educational journey laid the foundation for her current advocacy work. After earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology and criminal justice from Troy University in 2012, she continued her education, completing a Master of Science in Counseling from Faulkner University in 2019. It was during her time at Faulkner that Abrams found not only academic knowledge but also a community of mentors who shaped her approach to life and work.
As she reflects on her time at Faulkner, Abrams speaks warmly about the university and the profound influence it had on her career. “Faulkner was a place that felt like home,” she says. “The professors and mentors there taught me not only academic lessons but also how to serve others, live out my faith, and lead with compassion.”
These lessons have become central to her advocacy for child welfare and juvenile justice reform. Abrams is also a certified teacher of the Parent Project, a program designed to teach parenting skills to manage difficult behaviors in children and adolescents. Additionally, she specializes in treating adolescent problematic sexual behaviors, an area where she believes early intervention and support can make a significant difference.
Advocating for Youth and the Community
Beyond her direct work with clients, Abrams is deeply committed to professional development and community involvement. As an instructor for the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC), she provides juvenile probation officers with essential knowledge about mental health, ensuring that those working with young people are equipped with the tools to recognize and address mental health challenges.
Abrams is also an active member of several community organizations. She serves on the board of the Randolph County Children’s Policy Council and is part of the Talladega County Multineeds Team, a group focused on addressing a wide range of community needs. Through these roles, Abrams advocates for systemic changes that improve access to mental health resources and support for at-risk youth.
One of the most rewarding aspects of her work, Abrams says, is helping youth recognize their potential. “I want to teach what I wasn’t taught, help where I wasn’t helped, and show our youth that some of the things we struggle with the most in life are actually our own superpowers,” she explains. By empowering young people to view their struggles as opportunities for growth, Abrams helps them build resilience and self-worth.
Ongoing Professional Growth and Achievements
Over the years, Abrams has continued to expand her expertise. She completed her Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) certification and earned her Clinical Trauma Specialist Certification, further solidifying her qualifications to work with youth facing trauma and mental health challenges. These credentials, combined with her lived experience, have made Abrams a trusted voice in the field of youth mental health.
Reflecting on her educational journey and the lessons she has learned along the way, Abrams acknowledges the significant role that Faulkner University played in her development. “The education I received while at Faulkner not only taught me what I needed to learn as requirements but also taught me lessons I needed to know in life,” she shares. “This has been invaluable to me in my career.”
A Lasting Impact on the Community and Beyond
Faulkner University is justifiably proud of Ashley Abrams, not only for her academic accomplishments but for the profound impact she continues to make in the lives of others. Through her work at AltaPointe Health and her advocacy for mental health and juvenile justice reform, Abrams is not only helping individual youth but is also playing a key role in changing the way mental health is addressed within the justice system and beyond.
Ashley Abrams’ journey from a young person struggling with mental health to a professional dedicated to youth mental health advocacy exemplifies the power of turning personal adversity into a force for positive change. Her work is a testament to the importance of education, compassion, and community support in breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health and providing young people with the tools they need to overcome their challenges.
With her unwavering dedication and commitment to service, Abrams is not just a counselor or advocate—she is a beacon of hope for those who need it most. Through her work, she continues to inspire others to break the silence around mental health and make a lasting difference in the lives of the next generation.
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