In today’s fast-paced corporate world, the conversation surrounding mental health in the workplace has shifted from being an afterthought to a critical factor in employee well-being and organizational success. Companies striving to create resilient, innovative, and productive cultures increasingly recognize the importance of investing in mental wellness. Dr. LaVerne Collins, a licensed counselor and clinical mental health therapist with 30 years of experience, has positioned herself as a key voice in this movement.
With a background in management, public communications, and counseling, Dr. Collins has spent two decades training professionals to understand how mental health is shaped by trauma, culture, faith, and racial diversity. Her unique combination of expertise in both organizational leadership and clinical mental health allows her to bridge the gap between personal well-being and workplace effectiveness. As the founder of New Seasons Counseling, Training & Consulting, LLC, Dr. Collins has developed innovative approaches to helping leaders and organizations navigate the complexities of community mental health.
The stressors affecting employees today are more complex than ever. Two decades of public health crises—including pandemics, natural disasters, civil unrest, and political conflicts—have left lasting psychological effects on the workforce. Many individuals have continued working without acknowledging the trauma and emotional toll of these overlapping crises. “We really cannot afford NOT to bring mental wellness to the forefront of corporate conversations,” Dr. Collins asserts. The impact of trauma, she explains, is often misunderstood. “Trauma is never just an event,” says Dr. Collins. “It is the brain’s long-term response to anything that threatens a person’s sense of safety and well-being. When someone has experienced one or more traumatic events in their lifetime, the brain can go into protective overdrive. This trauma response may cause the individual to react in ways that seem extreme but are deeply rooted in their past experiences.” Even organizational restructuring can feel unsafe and unsettling. By recognizing the role of trauma in leadership, decision-making, and organizational culture, businesses can foster a more emotionally safe and effective work environment. Addressing these realities creates a culture of care that leads to long-term success.
Dr. Collins has been a featured speaker in corporate, community, and faith-based settings, helping people understand the importance of trauma-informed approaches to their work. Her presentations provide practical insights into how unresolved personal and collective trauma can affect leadership decisions, employee relationships, and ultimately, an organization’s bottom line.
Her signature talk, “Leading With Insight: The Impact of Unresolved Trauma on Workplace Dynamics,” explores how trauma influences workplace interactions and leadership effectiveness. Everything we do is influenced by the joys and the pains of our past. Leaders have not been exempt from trauma. She says, leaders seldom explore how their trauma responses show up in their work and their leadership energy. By shedding light on these dynamics, Dr. Collins equips leaders with the tools to create supportive, high-functioning environments. Another sought-after presentation, “The Business Case for Wellness: Fresh Ideas for Employee Well-Being and Corporate ROI,” challenges organizations to rethink traditional approaches to wellness, moving beyond surface-level perks to meaningful mental health initiatives.
The urgency of mental wellness in the workplace is underscored by research. According to the World Health Organization, depression and anxiety cost the global economy an estimated $1 trillion annually in lost productivity. Studies consistently show that employees who feel supported in their mental health exhibit higher engagement, loyalty, and motivation. Companies that prioritize well-being see improvements in productivity, reduced absenteeism, and increased employee retention. Dr. Collins emphasizes that a culture of mental health is not just a trend—it is a business imperative.
Dr. Collins provides practical tools to help organizations implement effective mental health strategies. She advocates for integrating wellness into corporate culture rather than treating it as an optional add-on. According to her, genuine support for employees goes beyond policies and programs—it requires fostering an environment where mental health is destigmatized, and self-care is openly discussed and prioritized. This includes providing access to counseling resources, offering mental health training for managers, and promoting work-life balance initiatives.
As a consultant and as a speaker, her strategies align with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) five essentials of workplace mental health and well-being: connection, balance, safety, growth, and meaning. By embedding these principles into their operations, organizations can create an ecosystem where employees feel valued and supported.
Dr. Collins highlights that promoting workplace mental health is not merely an educational effort but a strategic move toward building a thriving workforce. “Together, we can provide leaders with the tools and perspectives needed to create lasting change,” she says. “A workplace can be an engine of well-being when organizational goals align with the mental and emotional needs of its people.”
With her expertise, Dr. LaVerne Collins is transforming the way organizations view and implement mental wellness strategies. Her work inspires leaders to take a proactive approach to fostering resilience, productivity, and a culture where both employees and businesses can thrive.
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