Empowering New Mental Health Counselors

KJ Coleman Companies, LLC exists to increase access to quality coaching and counseling services for individuals in the community regardless of socioeconomic status. 

The Problem

Due to insurance limitations, associate licensed counselors often have the lowest paying and highest demanding jobs in the mental health field which often leads to burn-out, high turnover rates, and a lack of qualified providers as some clinicians opt to switch professions entirely. These negative outcomes disproportionately affect public schools and community mental health centers where associate licensed professionals are frequently employed. 

Many associate licensed professionals struggle to manage the financial burdens of completing the licensing process which includes paying for supervision, continuing education, and associate license renewals, while also managing full caseloads under the strictest medical insurance requirements. Under these conditions, it’s not hard to understand why burn-out is such a problem and how clinician burn-out disproportionately affects the mental health support available to those in lower socioeconomic communities. 

The Need

In 2021, the National Institute of Mental Health estimated that almost 20% of adults in the United States live with a mental illness. With the prevalence of people struggling daily with mental health concerns, the need for qualified providers continues to grow. Alabama employment trends projected a 17% growth in the counseling field between 2020 and 2030. New graduates are entering the field of counseling every year and many are struggling to navigate the steps to licensure amid financial insecurity.  

Our Solution

KJ Coleman Companies aims to solve the issue of burnout in new counselors and the resulting lack of access to quality healthcare for lower income communities by 

• providing professional coaching to new graduates and associate licensed counselors to aid in navigating the licensure process, working through ethical concerns, and developing a system of self-care to prevent burnout.

• offering business consultations to associate and professionally licensed counselors to support business goals, develop plans, and implement strategies to reduce financial strain by gaining and treating clients in a private practice setting.

The KJ Coleman Companies Team

Kalonda Coleman (Clinical Counseling) - Kalonda is uniquely qualified to improve access to quality mental health care in low-income communities due to her experience as both the business manager for a black-owned business and a mental health clinician supporting lower socioeconomic populations. In addition, Kalonda is a mother raising neurodiverse children. Kalonda understands through both personal and professional experience the burden of completing professional counseling licensure requirements and how that burden is passed down to the clients receiving treatment.  

Marcus Coleman (Operations) - Marcus is an integral part of the KJ Coleman Companies team. Marcus spent 10 years managing processes at a major engineering firm and another 5 streamlining operations at a local black-owned small business. Marcus is currently completing his master's in business administration and specializes in client interactions and business efficiency.

Kerry Johnson (Business Consultant) - Kerry is the founder and CEO of Kasix Management, LLC, a business management and sports consulting agency. With over 20 years of experience establishing small businesses and managing teams, Kerry is an invaluable asset to the KJ Coleman Companies team. Kerry is a respected leader in North Alabama who specializes in business planning and execution. 

How can you help?

We are seeking your support in expanding KJ Coleman Companies from a single clinician providing exceptional service for individuals seeking mental health treatment to a professional team supporting other clinicians who aim to provide high-level counseling services regardless of socioeconomic status. 

To complete this expansion, we are asking for the following:

• $1500 for website design and print materials to market new services
• $1200 for app to support new counselors with professional coaching

• $15000 for 3 month retainer for a marketing and branding consultant for new counselors
• $15000 for 3 month retainer for a business consultant for new counselors

Thank you!

We would like to sincerely thank you for any donation you can provide to support our cause. I have often been asked, "Why counseling?" My answer is always the same, "It's who I am." Most individuals in the counseling field would agree with this sentiment. Unfortunately, many never experience the fulfillment they desire due to challenges and roadblocks which lead to career burnout. People deserve counselors who are passionate about their profession. With your help, we can protect this passion in the new counselors in our community.