Leading the Way in Mental Health Advocacy
Posted on August 12, 2026
Demonstrating an unwavering commitment to mental health advocacy, professional development, and community impact, Laventrice S. Ridgeway, Ed.D., has been named president of Chapter VIII of the Alabama Counseling Association (ALCA). Ridgeway is associate dean of student affairs at the University of South Alabama Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine.
In his new leadership role, Ridgeway will guide Chapter VIII — which serves counselors, educators, and mental health professionals across seven counties in Southwest Alabama — in its mission to elevate the counseling profession, foster collaborative learning, and advocate for wellness across the region.
As the counseling landscape continues to evolve, leadership within professional organizations plays a critical role in supporting practitioners on the front lines of community mental health. For Ridgeway, stepping into the presidency is both an honor and an opportunity to build stronger bridges between counselors, students, and the communities they serve.
"Counseling is fundamentally about human connection, resilience, and empowering individuals to thrive," Ridgeway said. "Stepping into the role of president for Chapter VIII is a privilege. My goal for this upcoming year is to foster an inclusive environment where local counselors feel deeply supported, professionally energized, and equipped to advocate for the mental health needs of our diverse communities. Together, we can drive meaningful change across Southwest Alabama."
Under Ridgeway’s leadership, Chapter VIII will focus on several key initiatives during the upcoming term:
- Expanded continuing education: Providing high-quality workshops, seminars, and clinical training opportunities tailored to modern counseling challenges.
- Advocacy and outreach: Amplifying the voice of professional counselors in local and state-level policy discussions regarding mental health access.
- Mentorship and student engagement: Creating strong networking pipelines for counseling students and emerging professionals entering the field.
- Community partnership: Strengthening ties between local mental health organizations, educational institutions, and healthcare providers.
A three-time graduate of the University of South Alabama, Ridgeway earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology, a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling, and a Doctor of Education in educational leadership. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor by the Alabama Board of Examiners in Counseling and a National Certified Counselor by the National Board for Certified Counselors.
