Paula Steele, LICSW-S, is a dedicated mental health professional committed to providing compassionate, first-rate care to individuals in crisis. Since joining WellStone in 2017 as an outpatient therapist, she has played a vital role in expanding crisis care services, becoming the Director of Acute Care Services in 2019 and later the Director of WellStone Emergency Services in 2021.
In her leadership role, Paula has been instrumental in building a safe, supportive space for individuals facing mental health and substance use crises. Her work is driven by a commitment to fostering a culture of respect, acceptance, dignity, and hope—ensuring that every person who walks through the doors of the crisis center leaves feeling supported and empowered in their recovery journey.
Beyond her work at WellStone, Paula serves as a Community Mental Health Officer and Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Coordinator, working closely with first responders and law enforcement to enhance crisis intervention efforts. She also co-chairs Madison County’s CIT Steering Committee, advocating for better resources, training, and support for those experiencing mental health emergencies.
In this episode of SheBoss, we sat down with Paula to discuss the critical role of crisis care, the importance of dignity in mental health treatment, and how she is leading the charge to provide hope and healing to those in need.
Follow Paula and WellStone’s work:
WellStone Website: https://wellstone.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paula-steele-licsw-wellstone-emergency-services-director/
