Meet Erika

Erika Mendenhall is an Associate Clinical Mental Health Counselor (ACMHC) at Red Sands Psychiatry, Restorative Therapy, & Counseling. She specializes in providing therapeutic support and counseling for trauma, attachment issues, and emotional regulation, while offering structured behavioral and cognitive therapies to help clients navigate anxiety and unhelpful thought patterns.

 

She attended Brigham Young University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, before later receiving her Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of West Alabama. Throughout her career, Erika has worn many hats, starting out in social work in the early 2000s before spending years as a professional navigating the fast-paced business world. Ultimately, her passion for mental health drew her back to counseling, and she returned to school in 2021 to complete her master’s degree. Today, she proudly serves clients throughout Southern Utah and Nevada as a member of the Red Sands team.

 

As Erika puts it, "When we know better, we do better!" She is fascinated by the idea that the power to make lasting, meaningful change resides within each of us. This is a truth she strives to help every client discover, unlock, and put into practice.

 

Erika is real; one of the first things people notice about her is her warmth and ability to light up a room. She understands that seeking counseling is a massive, courageous step, and she proudly serves as both her clients' biggest advocate and cheerleader as they work together to build a happier, healthier life. Erika deeply believes there is always hope, regardless of how dim a situation may seem, and that things can and will get better. As a counselor, her primary focus is to provide hope, knowing that the last thing anyone needs in the midst of a struggle is shame for being human.

 

Outside of counseling, Erika is a creative at heart. She loves crafting beautiful desserts, fashioning flower arrangements, and planning events. She also unwinds by getting out into nature, walking her dogs, and spending quality time with her family.

 

Her favorite quote is:

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“Don’t put out your fire because someone else doesn’t understand your flame.”