Alumni Feature

Ralitsa Wierson '13
Master of Arts in Community Counseling

Ralitsa graduated Summa Cum Laude from Valley with a Master of Arts in community counseling as part of the program’s first-ever graduating class. She was an international student from Bulgaria who had previously graduated from Valley with a Bachelor of Arts in mass communication and a minor in public relations. Ralitsa received numerous awards and recognitions during her time at Valley. Following graduation, Ralitsa worked as a Student Success Counselor at Valley. She received her Licensed Professional Counselor status in Missouri in 2016 and in Arizona in 2017. In less than two years with Southwest Behavioral and Health Services in Arizona, Ralitsa received several promotions and reached the position of a Lead Behavioral Health Professional in one of the company’s outpatient sites in Northern Arizona.

In her current position as a Lead BHP, Ralitsa provides direct care and also fulfills administrative responsibilities.​ She provides assessments for new clients, individual counseling, group counseling, couple’s and family counseling, case management, and crisis intervention working with clients of all ages.​ She also monitors compliance with standards and requirements of outpatient services as well as serves as the clinical point person for SBH staff requests related to outpatient services. Ralitsa ​completes on-going professional development through online and face-to-face trainings and seminars to stay current on emerging trends and regulations in the mental health field. ​