We had the good fortune of connecting with Crystal Brown and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Crystal, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
Social Impact: How does my business help the community?

Strengthening Communities: By promoting the well-being of both my staff and clients, I contribute to building stronger communities by providing services that the community members need, such as counseling, mentoring, peer support, vocational assistance, and more. When individuals receive the care they need and experience positive transformations, they are more likely to engage in their communities, forming meaningful relationships and positively impacting those around them.

After spending nearly 20 years working in a social service, education and behavioral health field, I witness significant gaps in care provision. Caseloads were unimaginably large, with no way to provide support to these individuals and families safely. I observed agencies crossing ethical lines on how they provided services and billed insurance, particularly Arizona State Health Insurance (AHCCC).
Driven by a deep commitment, to addressing these issues, I took the leap and opened LUCA Counseling & Wellness Center. My mission is to provide quality wraparound care for all individuals, and families, while keeping caseloads reasonable and ensuring the well-being of our clients and staff. I believe that every person deserves to be and on their journey toward wellness and recovery.
How Can We Help?

At LUCA, I prioritize ethical practices, ensuring transparent billing and responsible service delivery. I want my clients to trust that they are receiving the care they need without any unnecessary financial burdens. Creating an environment of trust and respect is paramount to me.

Above all, I am passionate about uplifting communities in Arizona. I want to create a space where individuals feel welcome, heard, and empowered to make positive changes in their lives. By offering compassionate care and fostering inclusivity, I aim to contribute to the overall well-being of our communities.

LUCA Counseling and Wellness Center is more than just a business to me; it is a way to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those I serve. Together with my dedicated team, I am committed to providing the support and guidance necessary for individuals to thrive and create healthier communities in Arizona.

LUCA stands for “Lifting Up Communities in Arizona” because that is what I was meant to do. To be a light and encouragement in our community.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Over the years, I have had the privilege of working in various impactful roles. Throughout my career, I have been dedicated to helping individuals overcome trauma, assisting domestic violence survivors in finding safety and security, helping keep children safe, and keeping families together, while also supporting at-risk teens on parole and probation, and working with youth from all different backgrounds, cultures, and personal preferences. I also have a strong background in providing vocational services and conducting child forensic interviews.

My professional journey has been multifaceted, encompassing roles as a Social Worker, Child Forensic Interviewer, Special Education Teacher, Vocational Counselor, Director of Performing Arts, High School English Teacher, Business Owner, and now Master Level Intern Therapist. This wide range of experiences has equipped me with a unique set of skills and a deep understanding of the challenges individuals face when dealing with trauma and various life issues.

Having worked with diverse populations, I have honed my ability to empathize with a wide range of individuals and provide the support they need. I am passionate about utilizing my expertise and experience to make a positive impact on the lives of those I serve, fostering healing, empowerment, and personal growth.

I strive to continue to use my background to provide compassionate and effective care to individuals in need, making a meaningful difference in their lives.

In addition to my professional background, my personal experiences have uniquely equipped me to understand and empathize with individuals who have endured childhood trauma and abuse. As a teenager in foster care, I faced the challenges of navigating the foster care system and overcoming the aftermath of severe trauma. Living independently at the age of 16, I had to quickly learn how to handle adult responsibilities and make important decisions. This experience fueled my determination to break the cycle of generational trauma and create a better future.

Furthermore, I served as a therapeutic foster parent for teenagers on parole and probation for 8 years. This role provided me with firsthand insight into the unique needs and struggles of teens who have experienced trauma. It deepened my understanding of their challenges and enabled me to develop effective strategies to support their healing and personal growth.

By combining my personal experiences as a former foster child, and trauma survivor, along with my professional expertise, I possess a comprehensive understanding of the emotional, psychological, and practical aspects of overcoming childhood trauma. This understanding allows me to connect with individuals on a deeper level and provide the support, validation, and guidance they need to heal and thrive.

Through my work as a therapist and as the Practice Owner of LUCA Counseling and Wellness Center, I am dedicated to breaking the cycle of trauma and empowering individuals to create positive changes in their lives. My personal journey has fueled my passion to make a difference and support others in their own journeys of healing and resilience.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting Arizona for a week, I would plan an amazing itinerary to show them the best of what the state has to offer. We would start in Phoenix, exploring the downtown area and checking out the Phoenix Art Museum. We’d grab some delicious Southwestern food at a local restaurant before taking a day trip to Sedona, famous for its beautiful red rock formations. We’d go hiking in spots like Cathedral Rock or Devil’s Bridge and maybe even treat ourselves to a spa day or a thrilling jeep tour. Dinner with a view of the red rocks would be a must. Next, we’d head to Flagstaff where we’d enjoy the scenic beauty of Walnut Canyon National Monument. We’d take a walk through the historic downtown area, exploring the shops, and maybe even sampling some local craft beers at a brewery.

A visit to Jerome would be a must. We’d spend our time browsing art galleries, and antique shops, and learning about the town’s intriguing history.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have been fortunate to have the constant support and guidance of two incredible individuals throughout my entrepreneurial journey. Katherine Christopherson, my mentor, has been there every step of the way, believing in me and encouraging me to maintain faith in myself. During the challenges that come with owning a business from scratch, Katherine has consistently provided a sense of calm amidst the storm.

Additionally, my husband, Larry Brown, has played a pivotal role in my pursuit of my dreams. He has believed in me and supported my decision to further my education by pursuing a master’s degree in counseling. Larry has been a constant source of encouragement, urging me not to give up, even when faced with difficulties.

The unwavering support and belief from Katherine and Larry have been instrumental in my journey of opening my counseling agency and have fueled my determination to make a positive impact through LUCA Counseling and Wellness Center’s services.

Website: www.lucawellnesscenter.com

Instagram: @lucawellness

Twitter: @lucawellnessaz

Facebook: @lucawellness

Youtube: @lucawellness

Image Credits
Image Credits to Devin Hill, photo and videographer.

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