Mr. Clarence K. Bumpas, MA, LPCC, PSC, Up U.

Featured Interview

Mr. Clarence K. Bumpas, MA, LPCC, PSC, Up U. | ASMP/MMHI

What role do you play in your Industry?

What year did you start in your industry?

What Certifications, Degrees, Titles and Experience do you have in your industry?

BA- Communications & Human Services MA- Clinical Mental Health Counseling - LPCC : Licensed Pro. Counselor Candidate - PSC : Professional School Counselor -U.P. : Unlicensed Psychotherapist - QPR Instructor : Question Persuade Refer Instructor (Suicide Prevention) - MH First Aid Provider

Why & How did you get involved in your industry?

To become the change I needed as a youth and to assist in redefining the narrative of mental health and medical professionals.

What do you love most about your role in your industry?

The ability to model the change I feel necessary to provide culturally ethical services to under-served and disparaged populations in need.

What is the best advice you have received about how to impact your industry?

Be human and never to forget to see the person because that connection is the most important thing!

What do you think are the top 3 things that help people excel in your industry?

What encouragement would you give to those who are interested in being in your industry?

Do it, change won't occur if there is no agent! We need more that look like you to add to the cultural awareness necessary to break the existing barriers stigmatizing our communities mental health.

What do you think is the most important qualities for people to have in your industry?

What obstacles have you overcome, or are you overcoming to excel in your industry?

Beyond the obvious low numbers of colleagues that look like me or share a similar background, the existing literature(though increasing) omits a great deal of common struggles facing minority and underserved persons.

What accomplishments are you most proud of in your life?

The list could ramble, but most recently I am proudest of completing my masters degree and earning a fellowship through the National Board of Certified Counselors!

Who is is one person that has influenced your direction in life? Explain How.

What advice would you give to the younger generation?

Continue progressing and attempting bridging the generational gaps. It's imperative to start true healing.

What do you want your legacy to be?

That I helped shift the one-dimensional conditioning that has continued to plague those who follow.

What else would you like people to know about you?

That my past, given it's bumps, has been the most powerful motivation to my current elevation. It's also shifted my perspective to that of putting people over pennies and why it matters!