A licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) and national certified counselor (NCC)*, Laura M. Golden is the 2023 South University, West Palm Beach Alumni Achievement Award winner. Laura graduated in 2018 with her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
For Laura, working in college admissions inspired her decision to go back to school for a master’s degree. Laura, who also holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology, spent nearly nine years assisting prospective college students, including two years at South University. “After working many years in the field helping prospective students reach their goals, I took the leap of faith to return to school,” she says. “My career in college admissions was the catalyst to further my own education.”
After spending so much time helping others, pursuing a career in the counseling field was a natural fit. Based on her time working at South University, Laura decided to enroll in the Clinical Mental Health Counseling program at the West Palm Beach campus. “Knowing that South University offered a top notch program made it easy,” she says of making this choice. “South University offered both the educational and clinical competencies necessary to prepare students for real world practice.”
While at South University, Laura was involved in numerous school activities, including as a member and officer of Chi Sigma Iota, an honorary society for graduate counseling students. Through her experiences in and outside of class, Laura built close relationships with her peers as well as South University faculty and staff. She continues to be in contact with many of the people she met at South University today.
As a licensed* therapist, Laura is skilled in the areas of addiction, dual diagnosis, trauma, life transitions, crisis intervention, case management, and more. In addition to working with clients in private practice at Golden Path Counseling, Laura has a leadership role at Origins Behavioral Healthcare, a healthcare organization providing treatment for addictions. Laura also acts as a supervisor for interns from graduate level counseling programs. She has previously served as a child trauma therapist as well as supporting community mental health, working with both children and families.
For those considering South University Laura advises, “I was able to experience South University as an employee and student. I trust the staff and education provided. Take the leap of faith, trust the process and change your life!”
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*While our program is designed to prepare grads to achieve initial eligibility criteria to become licensed in their state and certified through NCC, it is up to each student to review the national and state licensure requirements for licensure, as well as the eligibility criteria to sit for licensure exams. South University cannot guarantee each graduate will pass the required licensure examinations. Outside agencies control the requirements for taking and passing certification/licensing exams and are subject to change without notice to South University
South University does not promise or guarantee licensure, employment, or salary amounts.
Testimonials have been provided by students/alumni in their own words and without coercion. The information and opinions expressed herein represent the independent opinions and ideas of the student/alumni and do not represent the opinions and ideas of South University.
