Dr. Cherisse Hunter-Southern, Ed.D., LPCC
Dr. Cherisse Hunter-Southern, Ed.D., LPCC, is a licensed mental health professional, educator, and founder of H.E.A.L.S. Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing culturally competent therapy and life skills to diverse populations, including children, families, and formerly incarcerated individuals. With a deep commitment to mental health equity, Dr. Southern specializes in addressing generational trauma, emotional regulation, and the unique mental health needs of people of color. Her clinical approach emphasizes compassion, relatability, and creating safe, nonjudgmental spaces where clients can be challenged to grow while learning practical, applicable coping strategies.
Dr. Southern earned her Doctor of Education in Counseling Psychology from Argosy University, following a Master of Science in Counselor Education and School Counseling from California State University, San Bernardino, and a Bachelor of Arts in Human Services from California State University, Fullerton. Over her career, she has combined her clinical expertise with her passion for education, serving as a psychology professor at Riverside City College and San Bernardino Valley College. In these roles, she mentors students and provides internship opportunities through her nonprofit, helping shape the next generation of mental health professionals.
Throughout her career, Dr. Southern has been recognized for her dedication to both her clients and her students. She attributes her success to her ability to listen deeply, ask challenging questions, and offer practical strategies that empower individuals to create meaningful change. Whether guiding a student toward advanced academic pursuits or helping a client navigate complex emotional challenges, she finds fulfillment in witnessing transformation and fostering resilience. Her work continues to break down stigmas surrounding mental health while promoting accessible, inclusive, and effective care.
• Argosy University – Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Counseling Psychology
• California State University-San Bernardino – Master of Science (M.S.), Counselor Education/School Counseling and Guidance Services
• California State University, Fullerton – Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Human Services
• Doctor of Education
• Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
• Founded H.E.A.L.S. Inc.
Areas of Specialization/Expertise
- Formerly Incarcerated Individuals
- Children
- Families
- Generational Trauma
- Emotional Regulation
- People of Color Mental Health
What do you enjoy most about practicing medicine?
What I find most rewarding is watching the transformation in people - whether it's clients or students. With my students, I call it 'glowing up' - seeing them go from not wanting to be in class and being afraid to pursuing master's programs and doctoral programs. It's like watching a flower unfold. I get to write letters of recommendation and be part of their journey, and I always tell my students what a privilege it is for them to allow me to be part of their journey. With my clients, especially working with kids, it's amazing when they start asking 'are we going to go see the feelings doctor, mom?' because somebody is actually on their level, playing games with them, and not just trying to force them to understand emotional regulation. The biggest reward is when people learn something in my class and then I start hearing them on campus talking about what they learned, really challenging each other. To see students come from our community colleges to master's programs, through doctoral programs - that's rewarding, that's fascinating.