Today we’d like to introduce you to Tanika Walker.
Tanika, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My name is Tanika Walker, and I am a licensed social worker that provides therapy to adults and children and am the CEO of Breathe Freely Behavioral Health Systems in Baltimore, MD. Ever since I was a child, I wanted to help to make Baltimore a better place. As a child, I noticed the disparities and differences in communities. I could not understand why this was allowed and I was determined to help. In high school, we were given a test on what our career should be, and it said I was a helper. I battled between social work and psychology. My guidance counselor, whom I will never forget Ms. Gwen Kellam, said I should do social work and influenced me to start my first-year undecided and then choose between the two after taking some classes. Once understanding what a social worker does, I was determined that was what God had for me. Initially, I wanted to be a community social worker and work on advocacy, and lobbying, and also wanted to build rec and community centers (something I am still passionate and interested in). I began to work with children in foster care providing services and working for child protective services in Pittsburgh and in Maryland. I also was an advocate in Michigan for a while when I lived there
After working for different mental health agencies, I noticed that owner’s passion was not to help but to bill. I decided to open Breathe Freely as I wanted a safe place for people to be able to address their mental health needs. I wanted it to be a place full of resources and healing. I wanted our agency to be known as a place where people can feel comfortable with achieving their goals. I also wanted it to be a place where the stigma of mental health can be erased and to be seen as just as going to the doctor for a physical or an injury, just a regular practice of our life. As a result, the name Breathe Freely connects to our goal. For people to have a place to relax, relate and release and work on their goals. Breathe Freely is a place for all who are age 5 and above. We offer therapy, medication management, groups, and Psychiatric Rehabilitation Program (PRP), which is a supportive service to help those who struggle with mental health.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
My journey as a clinician has been amazing. On my journey, I met some very impactful people. From my professors at college to my collogues and most importantly the persons I have served. I am not going to say it was a smooth road but every bump along the way has prepared me and elevated me to be the clinician and person I am today. I think that all of my experiences have shown me and brought me full circle to show that when God created me, he knew that I needed to help people to deal with their mental health. I actually left the law field to return back due to the need for quality mental health representation. Something I always tell people is life is not meant to always be smooth. Life is like a roller coaster. People do not get on rollercoasters because they are easy or provide a minimal experience. Roller coasters are known for their twists and turns and their unknown dips. If we equate life to this, then we can see it is through the difficult moments that shape and impact us to be who we are. I believe that this is what helps me as a person to be a better advocate and clinician.
I can honestly say that opening Breathe Freely was one of the most dedicated tasks I have had to encounter. There were and still are a lot of sleepless nights. One must do a lot to operate and manage a mental health agency. This is something I take very seriously as it is something that I am determined to ensure that our mental health of the Baltimore community needs is met. Therefore, the road has not always been smooth but every step and every twist and turn was worth it and something I would never exchange as it propelled me to my destiny and my purpose
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Breathe Freely is a mental health agency that is located at 6600 Belair Road, suite 1a, Baltimore, MD 21206. Our agency provides mental health services to those ages 5 and above. Our dedicated staff provides therapy, medication management, groups, and psychiatric Rehabilitation Services (PRP). We provide services in our office, home, school, community, and virtual. Our team is determined to address all mental health needs. Our agency accepts Medicaid insurance and all services we render are covered through the insurance company. Our agency is accredited by CARF International.
During our most recent survey, the surveyor said that “Breathe Freely is determined to be a staple in the Baltimore Community. They offer quality services that take a different twist and approach to ensure needs are met. Breathe Freely has determined that their only competition is themselves which allows them to provide the best services as they are truly focused on how they can get better every day. We have created a calm and peaceful atmosphere to allow persons with mental health feel accepted, understood, and heard. It is our goal to address the mental health needs of the community to thus positively impact Maryland and make it the best state in the world.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
Breathe Freely is always accepting new clients. We can be reached at 410-670-9860. Our website is www.breathefreelybhs.com and our email address is wecare@breathefreelybhs.com.
It is our desire to help each person to meet and achieve their mental health goals. Just like our motto. We believe that everyone should breathe freely and we are here to assist in any way we can.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.breathefreelybhs.com
- Instagram: @BreatheFreelybhs
- Facebook: BreatheFreelybhs
