WMU graduate student builds on 15 years of experience to advance mental health care

After 15 years working in the substance use field, Whitney Lewis wanted to expand her knowledge of mental health care and strengthen her ability to provide evidence-based therapeutic interventions. 

That goal brought Lewis to Western Michigan University, where she is pursuing a master's degree in counselor education through the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program. She is also dual-enrolled in the Substance Use Disorders and Professional Addiction Education (SPADA) program and expects to graduate at the end of the fall 2026 semester.

Lewis said WMU's Counselor Education program came highly recommended by several friends who are licensed professional counselors. Once she began taking courses, an experience with a SPADA instructor inspired her to pursue additional training in working with clients experiencing co-occurring disorders.

"I was deeply impressed by their passion for serving co-occurring clients," Lewis said. "I really appreciated their leadership, enrolled in SPADA at the first opportunity, and I am so happy I did."

Throughout her studies, Lewis has developed practical counseling skills through coursework, practicum and internship experiences. She said the training has helped her feel more confident in her daily therapeutic interactions and strengthened her commitment to client-centered care.

"I feel confident in how I show up for the clients we serve, and know that the ways I work with them are client-centered and deeply grounded in a multicultural framework," she said.

One of her most meaningful experiences came during her practicum, when she worked individually with a program supervisor. Initially nervous and questioning her abilities, Lewis said the personalized guidance helped her recognize her strengths while identifying areas for growth.

Rather than relying on generic goals, her supervisor worked with her to establish objectives tailored to her experience and professional development.

"I left that course feeling empowered and capable of stepping into the field as a master's-level practitioner," Lewis said.

As a veteran, Lewis has also navigated challenges related to funding and accommodations during her graduate education. She said the program's faculty and staff, including its director, have been supportive and accessible throughout the process.

"The staff, and even the director of the program, have all been easily accessible and willing to do whatever it takes to make sure I get the accommodations I need," she said.

That supportive environment, along with the program's flexibility, is among the things Lewis values most about her experience at WMU. She appreciates the opportunities to explore different counseling specialties and develop a professional identity aligned with individual interests and values.

Whether students hope to work with children, adults or veterans, or pursue specialized therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, Lewis said the program exposes them to a variety of professional pathways.

After graduation, Lewis plans to continue working with clients experiencing co-occurring disorders and eventually pursue leadership and supervision opportunities. She also intends to apply to WMU's doctoral program, with the goal of becoming an educator and supervisor in the clinical mental health field.

For prospective students considering WMU's College of Health and Human Services, Lewis points to the faculty as one of the program's greatest strengths.

"The professors' passion and experience create such a rich learning environment that you actually want to come to class every day," she said. "The stories they share and the skills they bring to the educational experience are inspirational and provide a foundation for success as professional counselors."