Jude Black

About Jude Black

Dr. Jude Black emerges as a distinguished figure in mental health, her life\'s tapestry interwoven with the rich legacy of a West Virginia coal miner\'s granddaughter & shaped by her adventures across 19 global relocations. This extraordinary journey, coupled with over 3 decades as a military spouse, curated a profound resilience and fervent dedication to mental health advocacy. This dedication is exemplified through her founding of the Appalachian Counseling Center, E-Therapy Cafe, and the Appalachian Trauma and Resiliency Center.Under Dr. Jude\'s visionary leadership, her companies embody a commitment to inclusivity, providing a haven for those seeking wellness. Her innovative approach skillfully combines traditional therapeutic practices with the latest technological advancements, ensuring accessibility to diverse populations.Dr. Jude\'s impact extends beyond borders, earning her international acclaim as a clinician, speaker, and advocate for mental health. Her work has been featured in esteemed outlets such as The Mental Health Television Network, Elle Magazine, MTVNews, and Military Times, highlighting her efforts to promote mental health awareness and support, particularly within the military community. Her advocacy efforts reach the corridors of the Pentagon, where she addresses critical issues like Toxic Leadership, demonstrating her commitment to fostering a healthier environment for service members.Her leadership prowess is further demonstrated through her adept organization of major events, management of extensive volunteer networks, & leadership of pivotal committees across the private, nonprofit, and governmental sectors. Dr. Jude\'s passion is also evident in her role with the nonprofit Appalachian Trauma and Resiliency Center, where she provides free expert therapy and education to first responders, law enforcement, firefighters, and veterans, focused on serving those who serve others.Her advocacy has led to significant legislative advancements, notably influencing the Veterans Full Employment Act of 2013 in Maryland, establishing a national standard for military credentialing & licensing policy.Dr. Black\'s career is defined by her relentless pursuit of growth, her ability to forge meaningful relationships, and an unwavering commitment to aiding those in distress, culminating in her being honored as the 2024 Remarkable Woman WV. Her dynamic energy & empathy have enabled her to make lasting connections worldwide. For Dr. Black, the privilege of listening & providing space for others to share their stories is the essence of her mission.

Experience

1. Chief Executive Officer

   Appalachian Counseling Center

   Mar 2019 — Present · Fairmont, WV, US

   Appalachian Counseling Center is an outpatient counseling center in the heart of West Virginia, focused on creating hope, peace, & resiliency the Mountain State. The center(s) serves all of West Virginia leveraging technology offering tele-health therapy sessions. In person or “Walk and Talk” therapy sessions are available at one of our two clinic locations.“Our centers are a place to come in, grab a cup of coffee, sit down, work it out and then go live your life\"- Dr. Jude Black*Clinics located in Fairmont, WV and Huntington, WV. Tele-health offered statewide.

Education

• Capella University

  Post Baccalaureate Certificate, Professional Counseling

  2006 — 2008

• Capella University

  Master of Science (MS), Mental Health Counseling

  2006 — 2010

• Capella University

  Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Counseling Studies

  2011 — 2015

• Fairmont State University

  BS, Criminal Justice/Psychology

  1988 — 1991