Meet Keisha Ross

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Keisha Ross. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Keisha , so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
Thinking back to my earliest memories I can recall the generosity of both my parents. My father often helped young people through the youth Corp and eventually through the Army. My mother always had a healing type of energy, which led her to the healing arts. Both of them ended up in the ministry. I started from this focal point as it is part of how I found my purpose. My parents modeled compassion and selfless service. From an early age, I knew that I wanted to help others like my parents did and enjoyed math and science. Therefore, I thought I would become a medical doctor. I was focused on pre-med study in college up through my third year then it happened – I took a Social Psychology course and absolutely fell in love with the field of psychology. I changed my major and began the journey of learning about the field and how I can benefit others. I decided on the specialty area of clinical psychology, which provided flexibility to practice/deliver clinical services, as well as teach or conduct research. I have no regret with my decision as I am living my purpose, I help others to be their highest and best self whether it is through providing culturally appropriate clinical care, or educating undergraduate and graduate psychology students, or training and guiding the next generation of psychologists. I experience a level of satisfaction knowing that I help others to enrich their lives through healing in the form of improved mental health. When I hear patients tell me that they feel confident, happy again, safe, energized, able to trust themselves and others, able to be a healthier person overall, leading to being a better friend, spouse/partner, and/or parent I feel grateful that I am able to live and move in my purpose.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
As a licensed Clinical Psychologist, I love my career. I have provided clinical services to children, adolescents, and adults. My specialty areas include treating and understanding complex trauma, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and cultural competence. Being a clinical psychologist allows me to be an educator, trainer, clinical supervisor, leader/advocate, and consultant. I also am an innovator with subject matter expertise in race-based stress/trauma. I serve as a member of several local and national organizations holding executive membership and officer positions. My full-time work includes providing mental health services to Veterans through Veterans Healthcare System. Overall, my passion is in decreasing stigma about mental health with focus on advocacy/empowerment in urban areas and marginalized/underserved populations.

As Owner of New Horizon Psychological Services, LLC, I provide local, national, and international training. Also, one of my passions, is providing expert witness testimony with an emphasis on the impacts of structural racism, implicit bias, and historical/intergenerational trauma and its intersection with adolescent brain development. This is an area that is often overlooked yet a powerful opportunity to advocate for individuals in the criminal justice system from marginalized backgrounds.

Another fun part being a mental health professional is hosting my podcast, New Horizon: The Mind and Body Connection focused on Black Mental Health. It is a wonderful opportunity to decrease stigma related to mental health with an emphasis on minority mental health in the Black community. I enjoy showcasing Black/African American professionals as they discuss from their diverse background and lived experience discussing strategies for healing. I have interviewed professionals from diverse career fields including mental health professionals, educators/teachers, chefs, law enforcement, physicians and so many more. Guests share how their work connects to building healthy adaptive coping mechanisms necessary for healing from varied mental health challenges including stress, anxiety, depression, and racial trauma to name a few.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Three skills or areas that were helpful in my journey include perseverance, endurance, and acceptance. There were times that I wanted to give up on certain goals. However, I persisted in order to be successful. For those early in their journey looking for advice I would suggest always believe in yourself because there will be “haters’ or “nay sayers.” Also, acceptance of who I am was helpful. There were instances in which I was tempted to compare myself to others. However, instead of trying to blend in I realized and learned that some of what made me different from others were actually my strengths.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
The most impactful thing my parents have done for me is love me unconditionally. Do not get me wrong, I had appropriate boundaries and consequences to actions implemented – when needed. However, my parents were not judgmental of me if I made mistakes. This afforded me a safe space to live, learn and grow from strength to strength.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Professional Headshots by FD Finch Photography – www.fdfinchphotography.com Photos of Keynote Speaker (blue suit) at the Mind Matters event in Des Moines, Iowa photos by Maharry Photography Juneteenths photo – public images from the News where I spoke about the impact of slavery, past and present, at the First Annual Juneteenth Caribbean Heritage Walkathon hosted by Art 2063 on June 19, 2021 on the Cricket Field in Forest Park Forever in St. Louis.

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