Rasheen Powell

I'm a New York State Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW-R) and the CEO and Clinical Director of New Purpose Counseling, PLLC — a growing behavioral health private practice here in Buffalo, NY. For nearly 20 years, I've also provided verbal and supportive therapy for incarcerated individuals in the New York State prison system through the NYS Office of Mental Health's Central New York Psychiatric Center. I'm passionate about helping nontraditional, marginalized, and so-called "difficult to engage" populations — children, teens, and people of color — start and continue finding their purpose on their healing journeys. I believe some people are struggling in silence because of stigma, or a belief that they're weak if they seek mental health counseling. I believe the opposite: it takes strength to be vulnerable and to process things you've never said out loud to a professional. I earned my bachelor's degree in Sociology with a minor in Political Science from Savannah State University, and my Master of Social Work from the University at Buffalo. I'm a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Ionic Lodge #88, and the National Association of Black Social Workers of Buffalo.