2022 Health Care Champions Therapist: Jeffrey Alderman

Jeffrey Alderman knew he was in the correct field when interning at an alternative school as part of his educational experience.

There, he was able to convince three of the children he worked with to enroll in college instead of dropping out of school.

“The field had me from that point on,” Alderman says. “It is an honor to be someone’s therapist, to see someone that once felt everything was hopeless believe in themselves and take charge of their life. That experience is hard to beat.”

Alderman now is working to erase the stigma sometimes associated with mental health care by being accessible as a therapist at Eustasis Psychiatric & Addiction Health since 2021.

His work includes group therapy for trauma and with LGBTQ groups, as well as individual therapy for substance use, depression, suicidal ideation and gender dysphoria, among other mental health concerns. He’s also involved in eye movement desensitization and reprocessing trauma therapy.

“As a therapist, I feel education is the key, not only academically but educating the population on mental health – not only about the problems but also in the solutions,” Alderman says.

He adds, “I also feel that overcoming the stigmas attached to mental health is equally important. If we can overcome these stigmas, more individuals that need help will get help.”

A consistent challenge as a therapist, he says, is working to improve clients’ self-esteem. Issues with confidence can be a roadblock to self-improvement.

“Once we have made progress, the client and I explore options for self-improvement, getting into school, looking for a better job and improving family relations,” Alderman says. “Low self-esteem seems
consistent with many different diagnoses.”

Outside of work, Alderman stays involved with self-help groups. He’s spoken at various meetings when asked.

“I feel as a therapist one of the best things I can do for my community is make myself available and provide information and education on mental health,” he says.

He adds, “Most individuals are just not aware of programs or services that may be a life saver for their loved ones. If I can help an individual get the services they need, then I become an asset to my community.”

1. Breanna Jain, CEO of Eustasis Psychiatric & Addiction Health, is quick to applaud the work Alderman is doing.

“Jeffrey Alderman is one of the best therapists that I have ever met,” Jain says. “He has a tremendous heart for patients that are going through the worst period of their life: emotional/psychological trauma.”

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Jain says Alderman worked with “grace and clinical excellence” to make sure his clients were well cared for.

“As COVID-19 hit our community hard, Mr. Alderman never missed a day of work and was always a life force to these patient populations who had their lives now further shaken up by the unknown,” she says.