In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month (MHAM), Monarch is proud to highlight the professionals who provide compassionate care and support to individuals facing mental health challenges. Tashea Cheeks, a Behavioral Health Therapist V serving Guilford County through Monarch’s virtual services, brings experience, empathy and deep commitment to her role. With more than five years at Monarch and a background in community mental health, private practice and correctional care, Tashea exemplifies the values that guide our behavioral health services. Monarch’s MHAM theme, “Feel it to Heal it,” speaks directly to her patient and person-centered approach that helps people move forward at their own pace. To learn more about Tashea’s perspective and experiences, we invited her to complete a Q&A as part of this month’s spotlight.
Q: What experiences — whether in school or earlier in your career — helped shape the therapist you are today?
A: I earned my bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies from UNC Greensboro, and later, a master’s in Professional Counseling from Grand Canyon University. Those programs gave me a strong foundation and since then, I’ve worked in a variety of settings — community mental health, private practice, correctional systems and partial hospitalization programs. Each of those roles taught me something different and helped shape how I support people today.
Q: What led you to choose this path — and what keeps you going?
A: I’ve always felt a strong pull to help others and to be part of their growth. That’s really what continues to motivate me — seeing the progress people make, even the small steps. It’s incredibly rewarding.
Q: When someone comes to you dealing with anxiety, depression or trauma, how do you begin to support them?
A: I always start with compassion. I focus on listening — really listening — so they know they’re heard and understood. That trust is so important in the healing process.
Q: What helps you create a safe space for someone who’s unsure or afraid to open up?
A: I stay nonjudgmental and patient. I never push someone to share before they’re ready. I just try to make it clear they’re supported and that they can take things at their own pace.
Q: Progress in therapy isn’t always linear. How do you stay patient and encouraging throughout the ups and downs?
A: Patience is one of my natural strengths. I know that everyone is on their own timeline when it comes to healing. I celebrate the small wins — like just showing up for a session — just as much as the bigger milestones.
Q: Has there been a moment in your work that really reaffirmed why you do what you do?
A: Yes — there was a client who once said to me, “You’ve saved my life more than you know.” That moment really stuck with me. It reminded me that just being there for someone can make all the difference.
Q: What do you wish more people understood about therapy or mental health in general?
A: That support is out there, and healing really is possible. There are people, therapists included, who genuinely care and want to walk with you through whatever you’re facing.
Q: This year’s Mental Health Awareness Month theme is “Feel it to Heal it.” What does that message mean to you?
A: To me, it’s about being real — showing up with empathy and understanding. When we truly take the time to understand someone’s experience, that’s when real healing can begin.
Q: Therapy can be emotionally demanding. How do you take care of your own mental health?
A: I try to keep a healthy work-life balance. Travel is my go-to form of self-care. But even if I can’t take a trip, I plan little staycations to give myself time to rest and reset.
Q: What would you say to someone who’s thinking about therapy but feeling unsure?
A: You’re not alone, and it’s totally normal to feel nervous. But reaching out is such a brave first step, and it can lead to so much growth and healing.
Q: And for someone thinking about a career in behavioral health — any advice?
A: It’s a deeply rewarding field, but also challenging at times. I’d recommend exploring different areas, talking to people already in the field, and if you can, shadowing someone. It really helps to see what the work is like day to day.
View our “Feel It To Heal It” Mental Health Awareness Month campaign page with downloadable resources.