Monika Davis Scott, LMFT

I’m in behavioral health. Our department has been expanding, and it complements a lot of the other departments. It’s a very integrated method of care. We treat the whole person.

In the African American community it tends to be: don’t invite everybody into your business. No one wants to be thought of as crazy. But mental health and mental wellness are just as significant as physical health.

Roots is showing people how your mental health, physical health, nutrition, all of your well-being is important to make you a whole and happy and healthy person.

We’re located in deep East Oakland. There’s a lot of things going on in the community. A lot of challenges. But there’s good, too. There’s families here that want to raise healthy children and make positive changes in their lifestyle. 

My goal is to help families reach their equilibrium again. I help families understand, I’m going to be with you on that journey to help find some new coping skills, to help you manage what’s coming at you right now. You are the expert of your own life. I could write a book about all the things clients have taught me about dealing with adversity.

When I first came to Roots for my interview I came on a Welcome Wednesday, and it was just awesome. They had lunches set up. People were going into the clinic. They were coming up to see the behavioral health clinicians. They were working with navigators. Everything was open. It was just such a communal event. I thought, This is where I want to work.

Roots is a beacon in the community. Folks can come in and feel comfortable. They can just be very honest and transparent about what they’re going through. Everyone is welcome as they are. I think that shows. It’s genuine.