About Us
Our non-profit organization began with the dreams of Dr. Letitia Browne-James ("LBJ"), Ph.D., LMHC-S, NCC, BC-TMH, an avid professional counselor, counselor educator, mentor, and advocate. Through personal and professional experiences, Dr. LBJ noticed "gaps" in accessibility to quality mental health services for under-served and never-served individuals. She reached out to her like-minded colleagues to help bridge these gaps.
In 2023, LBJ Behavioral Services, Inc. was established to reduce barriers to accessing quality mental health services in Central Florida and surrounding areas in person and by telehealth. LBJ Behavioral Services, Inc. provides counseling services for individuals, couples, and families who otherwise may not be able to access them.
Board of Directors
Dr. Letitia Browne-James
(she/her)
Ph.D., LMHC-S, NCC, BC-TMH
President
Dr. Letitia Browne-James (Dr. LBJ) is the Founder and President of LBJ Behavioral Services, a nonprofit offering mental health services to those who can’t afford them. She is also Founder and Owner of Dr. LBJ, Inc., the parent company of her group counseling practice, Victorious Living Counseling & Consulting, LLC.Dr. LBJ is a Board Certified Counselor, Board Certified-TeleMental Health Provider, Licensed Mental Health Counselor (FL), Qualified Clinical Supervisor (FL), and Florida Behavioral Health Case Manager Supervisor with over 20 years of experience working with adults, children, families, and couples in many clinical settings as a counselor and an administrator. She is an Assistant Professor and the Marriage, Couples, and Family Counseling Program Coordinator at Adler Graduate School and Adjunct Faculty at other universities. Dr. Browne-James is an author, sought-after speaker, researcher, and consultant on mental health issues, teaching, clinical and administrative supervision, multiculturalism, social justice, advocacy, ethical practices, human trafficking, the intersections of mental and physical health issues, and many other topics.
Dr. Browne-James earned her Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision with a specialization in Counseling and Social Change from Walden University, her master’s in Mental Health Counseling with graduate certificates in Marriage and Family Therapy and Play Therapy from the University of Central Florida, and her bachelor’s in Psychology from Bethune Cookman University.
Dr. Browne-James is an Advisory Council member at the National Board for Certified Counselors Minority Fellowship Program-(MHC), a member of the Association for Counselor Education and Supervision’s Social Justice and Human Rights Committee, the Florida Counseling Association’s Public Policy and Bylaws Committees, Bylaws Committee Chair at the Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development, a Non-Physician Member of the American Board of Internal Medicine Specialty Board and, a member of Tampa General Hospital’s Patient & Family Coalition, a Board member on Boys Town of Central Florida Board of Directors. She is a Past President of the Florida Counseling Association, Florida Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development, and the Omega Zeta Chapter of Chi Sigma Iota Counseling Academic and Professional Honor Society at Walden University. She is also a Past Treasurer of the Association for Multicultural Counseling and Development, a former Advisory Board Member of Orange County’s Florida Assertive Community Treatment Team, and a former Ethics and Compliance Advisory Board Member at Patients Like Me.
Dr. Browne-James is an active member of several professional organizations and the recipient of many professional and service awards, including the National Board for Certified Counselors Excellence in Clinical Mental Health with Underserved Populations Award, Black Women Handling Business Women in Medicine Award, Bethune-Cookman University 40 Under 40 Outstanding Alumni Award, National Board for Certified Counselors Doctoral Minority Fellow, Chi Sigma Iota-Omega Zeta Chapter Outstanding Doctoral Student Award, Valencia College Bridges to Success Woman of Distinction in Health Award, and Orlando Strong Florida Governor’s Medal of Unity Award.
You may contact Dr. Browne-James at 407-368-9848 ext. 5
Dr. Elisa Niles Thorne
(she/her)
LMHC-S, NCC, CCTP, CCMHC, RPT-S
Vice President
Dr. Elisa Niles Thorne (“Dr. E”) is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the State of Florida and a Licensed Professional Counselor in the U. S. Virgin Islands. She is a Board Certified Counselor and a qualified supervisor for mental health and marriage and family therapist interns. Dr. E is a recipient of the National Board of Certified Counselor- Minority Fellowship Program (2016). She completed her education at the University of the Virgin Islands in 2002, 2005, and at Argosy University in 2009. She completed her Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision at Walden University. Her dissertation examined the Impact of Trauma on Reoccurring Homelessness in the U. S. Virgin Islands.
Dr. E’s specializations include Christian counseling, clinical supervision, dissociative disorders, play therapy, trauma/complex trauma, and women’s issues. She has presented at local, state, and national conferences. She is now a published contributing author in the textbook:
Fazio-Griffith, L. J., & Marino, R. (Eds.). (2021). Techniques and Interventions for Play Therapy and Clinical Supervision. IGI Global. http://doi:10.4018/978-1-7998-4628-4
Dr. Elisa currently works as Core Faculty at Hodges University in Fort Myers, Florida. She is the Founder and Owner of SoundMind Counseling and Consulting Services, LLC. Dr. E hails from the Caribbean Island of St. Thomas, United States Virgin Islands, and has lived in Jamaica and Antigua. She enjoying cooking, dancing, and going to the beach.
Dr. Jackie L. Montgomery
(she/her)
Secretary
Dr. Jackie L. Montgomery is a public figure professional dedicated to helping others overcome trauma and deepen their spiritual connection. As a certified trauma trainer, coach, Christian counselor, author, and pastor, she has empowered countless individuals to overcome challenges and pursue their dreams.
Jackie holds a Doctorate in Philosophy of Christian Counseling with a major in Clinical Psychology from a Christian perspective and an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity. Education is her passion, reflected in her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Christian Education from Metropolitan Christian University. She is also certified in CFARS and FARS through the Department of Children and Families and serves as a certified mentor at Fuller Theological Seminary for Bible Translation. She has a certification in Public Relations & Communications Management instructed by MTF Institute of Management, Technology and Finance.
Her passion for mental health was ignited by her two-year-old grandchild's intellectual disability, which she addressed through tireless work, resulting in the child maintaining a 3.98 GPA. This personal journey catalyzed her mental health counseling career, where she is recognized for her patient and unique skill set.
Jackie transitioned to the Florida Association of Christian Counselors and Therapists to enhance her pastoral counseling with a Clinical Pastoral Education certification. She uniquely bridges mental health and church, offering a holistic approach to healing.
She is the founder of New Faith Christian Church, now New Faith Christian Experience, and the Founder and President of Healing Horizons 101. Additionally, she co-founded PSI Staffing for nurses and has been a business consultant for over 25 years, working with major corporations like Lockheed Martin, MVCI, AT&T, and Harcourt Brace Jovanovich.
Jackie is known for her ability to help clients overcome limiting beliefs and embrace their full potential, often choosing challenging cases like returning citizens and survivors of trauma. Her coaching techniques are rooted in empathy, encouragement, and practical strategies.
As a prolific author, Jackie has written several books on trauma recovery, personal development, and spirituality, offering practical insights for individuals on their healing journeys. Her writings inspire and guide readers worldwide.
In addition to her counseling and writing, Jackie serves as a pastor, leading a vibrant community of believers in their spiritual growth and personal development. Her compassionate and inclusive approach to ministry creates a nurturing environment where individuals feel accepted, valued, and supported. Through her sermons and pastoral care, she encourages her congregation to pursue their passions, fulfill their purpose, and overcome mental barriers.
Shannon Kratky
(she/they)
MS, LPC, LCDC, NCC
Treasurer
Shannon Kratky (she/they) is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC - TX), Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC – TX), and National Certified Counselor (NCC). She is also a PhD Candidate in Counselor Education and Supervision at Oregon State University. Shannon also holds a Master of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from The University of Texas at San Antonio and a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and Addiction from Texas Tech University.
Shannon owns and operates a private practice, Courageous Story Counseling, PLLC, in San Antonio, Texas, where she specializes in working with folx with complex/developmental trauma, addiction, neurodiversity, LGBTQiA2S+ needs, and disabilities. Shannon is certified in Eye-Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) through the EMDR International Association. They enjoy using this evidence-based, mind-body therapeutic modality to help clients experiencing anxiety, post-traumatic stress, addiction, and other “disturbance” in their lives.
Shannon currently serves as on the NBCC Foundation Minority Fellowship Program in Addictions Counseling Advisory Council and the NAADAC LGBTQiA2S+ Clinical Standards Committee.
While attending UTSA, Shannon was awarded and completed the Minority Fellowship Program in Addictions Counseling by the National Board of Certified Counselors Foundation (NBCCF), where she committed to providing services for underserved and never-served populations. As a mental health and substance use counselor, Shannon remains committed to serving these populations.
Dr. Antwan L. Player
(he/him)
Ed.D., LPCC, LMHC
Board Member
Dr. Antwan Player is an assistant professor at Adler Graduate School located in Minnetonka, Minnesota, and has 10+ years as a clinical counselor. Antwan holds two licenses, one in Minnesota as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC)/ LPCC Supervised Professional Practice (LPCC-S) and another in Florida as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC).
Dr. Player is a member of various organizations and was previously the Ethics Co-Chair for the Minnesota Counseling Association and will be the Ethics Chair for the Association for Multicultural Counseling & Development (AMCD).
From a clinical standpoint, Dr. Player's clinical philosophy focuses on helping individuals reach self-actualization. His clinical experience has afforded him the opportunity to work with a range of diverse populations, including, high-risk adolescents, parenting enhancement, black men, and individuals of the LGBTQIA2+ community to name a few.
Administrative Support
Mrs. Martha James
(she/her)
Office Administrator
Martha James retired after 30 years working as a Medical Transcriptionist at Juan F. Luis Hospital in St. Croix, United States Virgin Islands in the Pathology Department, transcribing surgical, cytology, and autopsy reports. She was responsible for pathology billing, payroll, and other office procedures. She also worked part-time as an Enumerator for the U.S. Census Bureau in St. Croix by collecting data while conducting door-to-door interviews.
She recently worked at Connextion / Optum in Orlando, Florida, as a Customer Service Representative and Quality Assurance Leader, monitoring inbound and outbound calls to identify customer needs and expectations.
You may contact Martha at 407-368-9848 ext. 1
More About
LBJ Behavioral Services, Inc.
LBJ Behavioral Service, Inc. is a newly formed nonprofit organization with a mission to fill gaps in mental health services for individuals and families in the community. The organization aims to remove financial barriers and deliver culturally competent and ethical care to ensure accessibility to quality mental health services.
Operating as a charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, LBJ Behavioral Services, Inc. is dedicated to reducing barriers to accessing mental health services. The organization is focused on counseling and case management activities to achieve its goals.
Counseling services form a significant portion of LBJ Behavioral Services’ planned activities. These services will provide assistance and support to uninsured or underinsured individuals, irrespective of age. Mental health professionals, including licensed counselors and students under supervision, will conduct the counseling sessions. The organization will offer services at a dedicated location within an existing center, as well as in the community, using telehealth options. Funding for counseling services will come from various sources, including fundraising, grants, and donations.
Case management is another essential activity LBJ Behavioral will undertake. It involves providing comprehensive support to uninsured or underinsured individuals, regardless of age. The organization's staff members or designated case managers, with expertise in social work, counseling, psychology, or related fields, will assess individuals' needs, develop personalized care plans, and facilitate access to appropriate services and resources. Case management services will be available at the dedicated center location and within the community.
Approximately 90 percent of the organization's resources, including time and budget, will be allocated to counseling services. LBJ Behavioral has a strong commitment to meeting the mental health needs of the uninsured and underinsured population. The remaining 10 percent will be dedicated to case management activities, ensuring holistic support for individuals.
LBJ Behavioral Health recognizes the importance of funding to sustain these activities and ensure their availability. The organization will actively seek financial support through fundraising efforts, grants, and donations. Ninety percent of the budget will be allocated to supporting counseling services, while the remaining funds will contribute to case management and operational costs.
By focusing on counseling and case management, LBJ Behavioral aims to address critical gaps in mental health support, improve the well-being of the target population, and enhance their overall quality of life. As a newly formed nonprofit, LBJ Behavioral Health is poised to make a significant impact in the community by providing accessible and culturally competent mental health services to those in need.