My first job out of undergrad was at a Methadone Maintenance Program in Brooklyn, NY. For those of you who are unfamiliar with Methadone, it is a synthetic opioid agonist used for chronic pain and also for opioid dependence. It is used to treat chronic pain, and it is also used to treat addiction to heroin or other opioids. I was in my 20’s and had no prior experience working in addiction or providing counseling. I graduated with my bachelors in Sociology from Queens College and was unsure of my career path. I enjoyed learning but despised exams and papers so I was in a haste to get my degree and move on with my life LOL. I was presented with the opportunity to interview due to a family friend passing my resume along. ( It is so important to have connections) When I interviewed for the position, I was unsure of what would be required of me. I met with the Program Director by the name of Ms. E. She explained I would provide counseling and run groups. I accepted the position with some anxiety but little did I know that this would be the beginning of my career path. Here I was dressed in a suit and tie and quite timid, presented with a caseload of 60 clients. This was a life changing experience for me. I found myself enjoying my work and being able to support the clients. After two years and with much encouragement from my Program Director , I decided to return back to school for a Masters in Social Work. My aspirations was to address mental health in the black community and utilize platforms such as TV and radio to spread information to the community.

My name is Arron Muller from Queens, NY. I am the proud husband and father. My wife Dr. Trudy Ann Gayle-Muller and my two children Hudson and Harley. My wife and I started Life Matters Psychological Services in 2016, we have been able to service the community of Queens and Long Island with mental health services. We provide a unique service of couples counseling together. In addition to the private practice, I am the founder of Modify Wellness, Inc a non-profit organization provided mental health resources, trainings and information to organizations and companies. Recognizing the shortage of black male therapists, I curated a group of over 800 black male therapists throughout the United States to share resources, connect and provide referrals. My social media primarily on Instagram features positive affirmations, suggestions and tips on mental health. Black Kings Need Therapy Too, trademarked in 2021 is an initiative created to recognize the importance of Black Men going to therapy if they wanted to. I am most proud of being a the co-organizer of the First Black Men’s Mental Health Conference and Adelphi University in Garden City, NY. The event featured all Black Male Therapist/Educators on the panel. It tapped into the societal stressors that impacts the black man’s mental health.

In addition to training and knowledge, I believe there is a calling to do this work. While mental health is quite popular today. To hold space for your client and assist them in processing heavy situations is not easy. Being a therapist is much more than listening and giving advice. You must have keen listening skills, memory and empathy. There are much more skills and attributes but these come to mind first.

I met my business partner at the age of 14 years old at Martin Van Buren High School at the lunch table. She wrote me a note and had her friend send it to me LOL. We have been married for 8 years now.