EssentialSelfPdx

Meet Dr. Williams

Dr. Reiko Williams has more than 30 years of experience supporting children and families throughout the Portland metropolitan area. Her work has focused on helping children and families to navigate schools, community colleges, universities and other public service agencies, to achieve self sufficiency and healthy futures. Dr. Williams worked as social worker, mental health therapist, program director and also served as a school principal where she was responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of children in partnership with their families, school staff, and community. She has worked both for and in partnership with local non-profit organizations, i.e., Casey Family Programs, the Youth Employment Institute, REAP (Reaching and Empowering All People), African American Health Coalition, Portland State University, Portland Community College, Portland Public Schools and many others. Dr. Williams has served as a federal grant writer, professional development facilitator and consultant to a number of agencies and organizations. Her dissertation study was an exploration of the ways in which single Black mothers demonstrate their value for education. Dr. Williams is a Black woman who has had to navigate predominantly white spaces both personally and professionally and is especially committed to working in partnership with Black and other non-white women with achieving personal and economic independence and mental and emotional well-being.

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Counseling for individuals, couples and families

IN-PERSON & VIRTUAL SESSIONS

Our Services

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

If you are thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, please call 1-800-273-8255 to receive free and confidential support 24/7 from the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.

If you are in crisis or need immediate in-person support, please visit your nearest Emergency Room or walk in to the Psychiatric Emergency Service at Unity Center for Behavioral Health located at 1225 NE 2nd Avenue, Portland, OR 97232. No appointment needed.

    Commitment

    As a Black woman and social work educator, I commit myself and my practice to my Black brethren and subscribe to the following statements as set forth in the Code of Ethics established by the National Association of Black Social Workers:

    • I regard as my primary obligation the  welfare of the Black individual, Black  family, and Black community and will engage in action for improving social  conditions.
    • I give precedence to this mission over my  personal interest.
    • I adopt the concept of a Black extended family and embrace all Black people as my brothers and sisters, making no distinction between their destiny and my own.
    • I hold myself responsible for the quality and extent of service I perform and the quality and extent of service performed by the agency or organization in which I am employed, as it relates to the Black community.
    • I accept the responsibility to protect the Black community against unethical and hypocritical practice by any individual or organizations engaged in social welfare activities.
    • I stand ready to supplement my paid or professional advocacy with voluntary service in the Black public interest.
    • I will consciously use my skills, and my whole being as an instrument for social change, with particular attention directed to the establishment of Black social institutions.