We had the good fortune of connecting with Dr. Evelyn Roberts and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Dr. Evelyn, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Well, I grew up in a small town called Orville, AL, with a desire to make a positive impact on people’s lives. Being naturally talkative, I knew I wanted to use my voice in some way. As I embarked on my journey through college I ended up switching majors three times until I finally found my calling in Social Work. It was a decision driven by my deep-rooted passion for connecting with others and providing support.
The idea of establishing my own private practice arose as a leap of faith. Amidst the pandemic, I worked for an agency while pursuing a Ph.D. in social work at the same time. Balancing work responsibilities and being there for my children, who were also grappling with the challenges of the pandemic, became a significant priority for me. Although I cherished the work I was doing, I yearned for more time to focus on completing my Ph.D. And with my experience and clinical license (LCSW) in hand, I realized I had the ability to venture into independent practice. Little did I know, this decision would evolve into a heartfelt mission.
Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
At Four Thirteen Counseling Services, my primary goal is to collaborate with clients, tailoring their treatment to help them reach their fullest potential. In my private practice, I am committed to treating everyone with the utmost respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I strive every day to assist clients in overcoming a wide array of obstacles, such as addiction, depression, anxiety, anger, low self-esteem, grief and loss, and relationship issues.
As I delved into my practice, one challenge that has left me feeling powerless is the financial burden of seeking help. Today, I aim to make my counseling sessions affordable, ensuring that the cost of services doesn’t become an additional stressor for my clients by offering therapy sessions at reduced prices to those in need and college students. To extend this vision further, I aspire to establish a non-profit organization to enhance and expand these efforts and continue to support clients facing financial constraints, whether due to lack of funds, being uninsured, or high deductibles with their insurance.
In addition to counseling services, I support aspiring social workers and counselors through clinical supervision, helping them accumulate the required hours for their clinical license. I also share my expertise through speaking engagements, organize continuing education courses, and provide professional development training. I aim to make a meaningful impact on individuals’ lives and the community.
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Columbus is an incredible city to explore. Over the past decade, I’ve witnessed its impressive growth, blending history, culture, and diverse activities for everyone to enjoy. Downtown offers a range of entertainment options like Whitewater Express, Blue Heron Adventure Park, Coca-Cola Space Center, the Springer Opera House, and the River Center. For art enthusiasts, the Photoshop Selfie House and the Ma Rainey Museum tap into Columbus’s vibrant art scene and rich history.
When it comes to food, downtown has some fantastic choices. Southern Roots Country Store is a personal favorite, known for its extravagant milkshakes topped with anything from a whole Reese’s cup to a flaming smores treat. Agave Bar and Grill and Salt Cellar are also worth trying. Beyond downtown, Niecy’s Barbeque serves top-notch ribs, Rose’s Caribbean Restaurant is a go-to for amazing plantains, and Metro Diner offers mouthwatering chicken and waffles, along with refreshing mimosas. If you’re looking for vegan food check out Medley while enjoying Market Days every Saturday!
Columbus offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and culinary experiences. It’s a city that continues to grow and has something special to offer to all who visit.
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
When it comes to my success, I can’t take all the credit. I owe a huge shoutout to the agencies that have played a pivotal role in my personal and professional growth over the years. While I can’t possibly name them all, I want to highlight the transformative experience I had at New Horizons Behavioral Health in Columbus, GA, under the mentorship of the amazing Armanda Spears.
My time at New Horizons pushed me to my limits and beyond. It provided me with invaluable opportunities to connect and collaborate with esteemed organizations like the Department of Public Health and the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities. These connections opened doors for me to expand my horizons and make an impact beyond the boundaries of Columbus, GA.
I’m incredibly grateful for these partnerships. They have allowed me to amplify my voice and share my knowledge about mental health with a wider audience. I owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to the agencies that believed in my potential and gave me a chance to thrive.
Website: www.four13cs.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/four13cs/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-evelyn-roberts-lcsw-11a88393/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Four13CS/