The growing problems around mental health continue to prevail across many communities around the nation and globe. Sadly, there are still many stigmas around psychological issues such as depression, bipolar disorders, anxiety-related issues, trauma disorders, and so on, especially among families. RBS Counseling and Educational Services hopes to bring those misconceptions down by merging counseling services with education.
RBS is a program that seeks to provide families and children with mental health support, education, and life coaching. The organization was founded by LaDeidra Stokes-Roberts, a mental health counselor and entrepreneur born in New Jersey and raised in Estill, South Carolina. The program specializes in helping children deal with their psychological challenges by tapping into their interests and strengths to create a more desirable experience.
“We like to provide a lot of hands-on and fun activities during each session that connect education and life coaching,” explains LaDeidra about the programs at RBS. “The program provides education, life coaching, and trauma-informed care training to educators and human service providers. We also offer services via face-to-face, phone, virtual websites, as well as group sessions.”
LaDeidra Stokes-Roberts started her mental health journey by attending the South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, South Carolina, then completing a Master of Arts in Human Service Counseling for Marriage and Family at Liberty University. The mental health advocate also has a Master’s in Human Services focusing on Social and Community Services from Capella University and is now looking to complete a Master of Social Work.
The birth of RBS Counseling and Educational Services began when LaDiedra and her family came together to continue the legacy of her late mother, Richardean B. Stokes. The latter passed away in February of 2016. The organization came to life in February 2019 and has worked non-stop to provide education and counseling to children and families in need of support, especially those who have gone through traumatic experiences in the past.
As a way of giving back, the organization has run multiple programs to support the youth and those battling mental health issues, including back-to-school care events, mental health awareness forums, workshops, educational programs and materials, and many more. However, what motivates LaDeidra to take RBS Counseling and Education to even greater heights is her passion for mental health and greater overall wellness. In the coming years, she hopes to expand the organization to various states and areas in the country and help break wrong mindsets about mental health and make people realize that it’s okay to ask for help.
Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, RBS Counseling and Education Services met a few roadblocks, with some clients canceling because of the challenging season. But LaDeidra Stokes-Roberts continued to serve clients through weekly and bi-weekly check-ins through virtual and phone sessions. Today, the organization has pivoted well and expanded its reach, helping more people deal with their anxieties, depression, and other psychological challenges.
Now, LaDeidra hopes to connect with more families through technology and change their lives through better mental health support. LaDeidra has two amazing children, Deyonna Stokes-Roberts and Kaden Roberts, who provide support and inspiration.
To learn more about RBS Counseling and Education Services, visit its website and Instagram.
