Dr. Shayla Polk, LCSW

Dr. Polk has almost 10 years of experience in the field of mental health, wellness, and substance abuse prevention. Her dedication and expertise have led her to her current role as the Executive Director for Louisiana's Governor Jeff Landry's Office of Drug Policy. In this capacity, Her responsibilities extend to overseeing the infrastructure for substance abuse prevention and managing five influential boards and commissions. In this capacity, she also provides essential guidance and training to community-based coalitions aimed at reducing underage drinking. Additionally, she collaborates with the Louisiana Department of Health and The Office of Behavioral Health to deliver training and technical assistance that promotes mental health and overall wellness.

 

Dr. Polk's multifaceted background also includes 10 plus years of experience as a former trauma-informed therapist, an adjunct professor of social work, a holistic wellness coach, a consultant, and a highly regarded speaker.

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With her extensive knowledge and experience, Dr. Polk specializes in a wide range of mental health areas, such as trauma, depression, stress management, anxiety, crisis intervention, suicide prevention, mindfulness, and the strengths perspective. She is well-versed in the eight dimensions of wellness and is committed to empowering individuals to overcome mental health challenges and achieve holistic well-being. 

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Beyond her impactful work, Dr. Polk is frequently sought after as a speaker and presenter in the mental health community and is a published author, having written "My Voice, My Healing, My Resilience: A Black Boy's Journal" and "Dream, Heal, Inspire: A Journal for Black Girls." These journals reflect her commitment to providing valuable resources for the mental health and well-being of Black boys and girls.