Department Of Health Hires Territorial Director Of Mental Health

ST. CROIX — Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Michelle Davis announced Monday that D.O.H. has hired a new territorial director of mental health, whose focus will be to strengthen the department’s mental health programs.

Ms. Davis sees the appointment of Berlina Wallace-Berube as “the first step to building a solid foundation for mental health equity in the U.S. Virgin Islands,” according to D.O.H.’s press release.

Mrs. Berube holds a master’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in education, counseling and guidance. In addition to being a licensed social work associate who also possesses a consultation and related therapy services license, Mrs. Berube is currently the chair-elect of the American Counseling Association, North Atlantic Region and the past president of the American Counseling Association of the Virgin Islands. Additionally, she was appointed to the Law Enforcement Planning Commission State Advisory Board in 2014.

Previously, Mrs. Berube served in various volunteer roles at the V.I. Department of Health’s Division of Mental Health, Alcoholism and Drug Dependency Services, to include chair of the Strategic Prevention Framework State Incentive Grant’s Evidence-based Workgroup. While pursuing her masters in psychology, Mrs. Berube also completed a two-year internship at the Charles Harwood Complex, coordinating trauma training and seeing clients for therapy on a regular basis.

In a story published on The Consortium on May 15, Mrs. Berube and her father, Berle Wallace,  who recently graduated together at UVI, gave accounts of their journey. The story garnered widespread attention and served as a source of inspiration to many.

Correction: August 16, 2016

A previous version of this story, because of incorrect information provided by the Department of Health, stated that Mrs. Berube’s new job title was medical director, when it’s actually territorial director of mental health. We’ve updated the story to reflect the correct information.