Local counselor proposes two‑part mental‑health initiative for Augusta public safety and workforce development

Althea Collins, a licensed professional counselor and clinical supervisor, proposed a two‑part initiative to expand local mental health capacity and provide trauma‑informed, resiliency support for law enforcement and first responders.

Collins said part one would offer free clinical supervision to master’s‑level and prelicensed clinicians to speed local workforce development and reduce wait lists. "The faster that we could prepare qualified mental health professionals in our community, the faster we can reduce wait lists, improve access to care, and respond before [issues] escalate," she said.

Part two would provide structured mental‑health support, trauma‑informed training and resilience workshops tailored to officers and first responders, including early‑intervention and burnout‑prevention services. Collins said she had assembled a team of licensed counselors and social workers and had reached out to regional sheriff's offices; she told the commission the proposal is a for‑profit endeavor.

Commissioners encouraged Collins to meet with county sheriff and fire leadership; Mayor Johnson and staff offered to help arrange meetings. Collins asked the commission for three specific items: departmental buy‑in for officer support, public visibility and outreach, and collaborative funding to sustain the work. No formal city funding or contract was authorized at the meeting.