Harris Sumo, MSW, LGSW

There are many challenges in life. Some of these challenges could be financial, family issues, physical health, mental health, spiritual, cultural, and or marital. As humans, we face those challenges in our lives, and they can have the potential to affect how an individual lives daily. One of my greatest passions in life is to serve and work with individuals struggling with life’s challenges. It pleases me when I help an individual overcome his or her life’s crisis. There is nothing more rewarding for me than to see a person being whole.

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Mental illness has no borders. It affects everyone, regardless of our life’s status.  It affects the rich, the poor and everyone in between. But seeking help to address mental health can be an issue for those who lack access to the resources to afford such services.  Growing up as a child and through adulthood, I have seen negative effects of mental health on families and individuals.

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I grew up in an extremely poor family. Poverty can have many negative adverse effects on families. I watched people struggle from stress, depression, and anxiety due to poverty. Not having the means to provide for one's daily needs can lead to or exacerbate mental health issues.   

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Seeking or addressing mental health illness, especially in historically marginalized communities, can be a challenge. The inadequacy of mental health services, the lack or diverse provider representation and the stigma associated with mental illness can sometime be a barrier to seeking help.

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In some cultures, and communities, mental health or mental illness can be viewed as a 'taboo.' In some instances, those who struggle with the illness can be viewed as being demon possessed and potentially ostracized from their community.

 

I desired to pursue a career in social work so that I could work as a mental health practitioner to be a part of the needed efforts to eliminate access barriers to care for people from marginalized communities. I hope for mental health and treatment to become normalized so that more people will feel comfortable and safe accessing the care they need. Being Liberian American, I am especially passionate about mental health and treatment becoming embraced in African communities across the diaspora. 

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Education: 

Master of Social Work-University of Minnesota

Bachelor of Science-Metropolitan State University

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Professional License(s)

Licensed Graduate Social Worker-Minnesota Board of Social Work​

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