We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Amber Bartholomew a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Amber, appreciate you joining us today. What was the most important lesson/experience you had in a job that has helped you in your professional career?

Early in my career in behavioral healthcare, I found myself navigating through various work environments – from those with strong ethical foundations to others tainted by questionable practices. Given my history of addiction, the profound impact of harmful actions on individuals and their families hit close to home. Witnessing corruption and greed within some programs became a stark reality check.

The most significant lesson I gleaned from these experiences was the absolute necessity of never compromising my ethics, morals, or values for anyone. This commitment was deeply rooted in my personal journey of overcoming addiction, where I had firsthand knowledge of the lasting harm caused. It fueled a promise to always strive to do the right thing and prioritize the well-being of clients and their families.

This lesson has become the cornerstone of my professional identity. Stepping into the behavioral health treatment field, I carried this unwavering commitment with me. It serves as a constant reminder that, regardless of external pressures or challenges, the welfare of clients and their families must always take precedence. The dedication to “do no harm” and to be a positive force for change has guided my actions and decisions throughout my career.

My journey from personal struggles to professional commitment illustrates the transformative power of ethical conduct. By aligning my professional choices with my core values, I not only honor a promise to myself but also contribute to the positive evolution of the behavioral healthcare field.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I found my passion for helping those struggling with addiction and mental health after my own lived experience struggling with substance use 10 years ago. When I first began seeking treatment, very few options in Colorado existed. I didn’t want to die an “addict” and my family was desperate to find me help. I had been homeless for years and Medicaid addiction treatment didn’t even exist. So, needless to say, my option was to attend a two-year Therapeutic Community or go back out on the streets. This pivotal moment ignited a curiosity that led me to delve deeper into the intricacies of behavioral healthcare and how to help families and individuals find quality and accessible resources. Over the years, I’ve honed my skills and expertise to work in a dual role of outreach and special projects.

In terms of what I offer, my focus is on providing resources for those who struggle with substance use, trauma, and mental health across all age ranges. Whether solving complex problems for clients and helping them find the next step in their healing journey or working closely with executive leadership on the development and implementation of new services to help bridge gaps in our community, my goal is to help make behavioral health treatment more accessible without sacrificing the quality of those services.

What sets me apart from others in the industry is my authenticity and respect for the client experience, ensuring their needs are always considered first and foremost. It could be a distinctive approach, a commitment to core values and guiding principles, or a track record of driving new relationships to help better connect individuals with needed services. I believe in hard work, resilience, and a solid commitment to responsible and ethical treatment. I strive to integrate these beliefs into every aspect of my work.

I take great pride in the work I have done to help expand my organization’s services to help fill gaps in care, providing more hope and options for those from all socioeconomic classes. It symbolizes my dedication to excellence and the positive impact I aim to make in the behavioral healthcare industry.

For potential clients, colleagues, friends, or families, I want them to know that there is hope and help available, and some organizations are constantly working to expand the help they can provide. I am always happy to help provide resources for anyone seeking help, as I once needed. Whether you’re seeking help for a loved one or yourself or simply looking to build your resources to help others, my commitment is to deliver quality resources that I would feel confident sending my family there. I invite you to join me on this journey of helping normalize the human experience. We all have struggles; together, we can bridge the gap and help people find hope, healing, and support despite their current struggles.

If you could go back, would you choose the same profession, specialty, etc.?

If I were to rewind the tape of my life and consider a different path, the thought lingers for a moment, but the conclusion is unwavering – I wouldn’t change a thing. My journey, marked by struggles and triumphs, has led me to a profession and a life that I believe is purposeful.

Life has presented me with its share of challenges, some of which were downright horrific. Yet, I hold fast to the belief that these hardships were not in vain. They were, in fact, the forging fires that shaped the resilient person I am today. The battle with substance use, while arduous, became the crucible in which I discovered not only recovery but also a set of morals, values, and a structure that I might not have acquired otherwise.

The scars from my past are not blemishes to hide, but markers of strength earned through adversity. They are a testament to the journey that brought me to where I am now – a place adorned with the love of a beautiful family and surrounded by a team that wholeheartedly believes in me. Even on the days when I struggle to see my own potential, their unwavering support becomes the beacon that guides me.

I am far from perfect; my journey is still a work in progress. Yet, it’s precisely these imperfections and ongoing struggles that connect me to others on a profound level. My experiences have given me insight into the darkness that some may face, and I have made it my mission to be a guiding light for those searching for hope at the end of a seemingly endless tunnel.

My life has unfolded with a purpose, and I’ve embraced it wholeheartedly. Every twist and turn has led me to this point, and I am committed to using my story to fight for others who may be grappling with their own battles. Life’s tapestry, woven with both shadows and light, is a narrative I wouldn’t trade for anything, for it has led me to a place where I can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

Beyond training and education, one of the most crucial aspects of working in behavioral healthcare is the ability to cultivate genuine empathy and compassion. While academic knowledge equips professionals with the necessary skills, it’s the compassionate understanding of individuals’ struggles, pain, and triumphs that truly defines the quality of care provided.

In the realm of behavioral healthcare, individuals often seek assistance during vulnerable moments in their lives. Empathy goes beyond textbook knowledge, allowing practitioners to connect with clients on a deeper, more human level. Understanding the nuances of emotions, fears, and hopes empowers healthcare professionals to tailor their approach, fostering a therapeutic alliance built on trust and mutual respect.

Empathy plays a pivotal role in creating a safe and supportive environment, breaking down barriers that may hinder effective communication. It enables professionals to view clients holistically, recognizing the impact of external factors, past experiences, and individual differences on mental health.

Moreover, empathy is a catalyst for destigmatizing mental health issues. By approaching clients with compassion, professionals contribute to breaking down societal barriers that surround behavioral health concerns. This empathetic approach not only facilitates more open and honest communication but also helps reduce the shame or fear often associated with seeking mental health support.

Ultimately, the ability to embody empathy distinguishes exceptional behavioral healthcare practitioners. It transforms clinical interactions into meaningful, human connections, fostering a therapeutic environment that promotes healing, growth, and positive change.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.forgingnewlives.com
• Instagram: www.ccctreatment.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amberbartholomew/