About Us

Our Origin Story

 

CITCA was founded in 2019 by Jacqueline Stevenson, who brought together a group of graduate student peers to respond to a growing need for community-based mental health awareness. What began as grassroots outreach—facilitating conversations, sharing resources, and reducing stigma—quickly revealed a deeper gap in access to care, education, and opportunity.

As community needs became clearer, CITCA evolved beyond awareness alone. The organization expanded to offer trainings, youth-centered programs, and rehabilitative services designed to strengthen mental health, support educational pathways, and increase economic opportunity. Grounded in lived experience and guided by community voice, CITCA continues to grow as a partner to communities—building systems that support long-term well-being and resilience.

Who CITCA Serves

CITCA serves communities most vulnerable members, with a focus on:

  • Youth facing poverty, behavioral health challenges, or risk of justice involvement

  • Families navigating public systems, special education, and economic hardship

  • Neurodivergent individuals and those impacted by trauma

  • Communities affected by homelessness, violence, and systemic inequities

Our work began in Baltimore and has expanded through partnerships across multiple states, allowing us to maintain deep local relationships while growing our national reach.

About Our Founder

J. H. Stevenson is the Founder of Counselors in the Community Association (CITCA). Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, Stevenson’s work is deeply shaped by her lived experience growing up in communities impacted by poverty, mental health challenges, and systemic inequities.

She founded CITCA in 2019 after organizing a group of graduate student peers to engage in community mental health awareness efforts. What began as grassroots outreach quickly evolved as she witnessed firsthand the gaps families face in accessing care, education, and meaningful opportunities. Determined to move beyond awareness alone, Stevenson built CITCA to deliver community-centered programs, training, and rehabilitative services that promote long-term health, stability, and economic mobility.

Stevenson brings a multidisciplinary background spanning healthcare, behavioral health, education advocacy, and organizational leadership. Her approach blends lived experience with evidence-informed practice, emphasizing equity, collaboration, and systems-level change. Under her leadership, CITCA has grown from a local initiative into a nationally expanding organization partnering with communities, clinicians, and public agencies across urban and rural America.

Jacqueline Stevenson, President and CEO

Why Partner With Us?

We are pioneers of increasing community health and awareness. 

We know how to drive longitudinal outcomes. Leveraging 21st century strategies to deliver quality impact. By mobilizing resources and building alliances we drive transformation!

Since 2019 we have strengthened youth development through Social Emotional Learning (SEL), academic programs, and leadership development throughout communities across America. Collaborating with clinicians, agencies, and those in need, offering hybrid opportunities to expand access to care, resources and support. Our efforts have supported over 400 children with SEL, assisted 75 individuals in receiving career development, and expanded mental health resources to more than 5,000 community members nationwide. 

CITCAUSA, Impact Report, 2024

See What Others
Have to Say?

My experience with CITCA has been a blooming transition. From attending workshops to volunteering and leading workshops and mentoring others, then paid apprenticeships helping me find my way after high school to leading projects and speaking in front of hundreds of peers, community leaders, and inspiring entrepreneurs. I can honestly say these opportunities have given me life changing experiences that have shaped my mindset and keeps me empowered.
Ci’Nya Johnson
Ci'Nya J.Seinior and Program Manager
Being at CITCA has been very beneficial to me more than i expected it to be. The impact CITCA has made on me has only been positive. Working at CITCA has many benefits including a supportive environment and team. The feedback, advice, and support i’ve received from my team and Director has helped me improve and broaden my thought process. It has also made me feel like I finally have a support system at work who believes in my ability to do each task assigned. I have also started going to therapy again and have been inspired to by the work we do here at CITCA. Even though I’ve only been here a short while, I know that this is the best place for me and I wouldn’t change a thing.
Trinty K.
Trinty K.Digital Media Associate
My experience with CITCA has been great so far I've learned a lot in just this short amount of time and it has changed me a little but I think for the better. I feel like this has been very beneficial to my mentality and can be extremely beneficial to my professional image. I see myself going pretty far with this opportunity, at least I hope to.
Jason C.
Jason C.Field Outreach Associate
Hey! My name is Jaydin. My experience with CITCA has been a great learning experience so far, and I’m eager to continue growing and applying my new skills in different areas of my life. I’ve been enjoying doing projects, meeting new people, building relationships, and preparing myself to engage with communities in ways that foster growth, collaboration, and positive change. Being a part of CITCA has been beneficial in so many ways. It’s providing my professionalism an opportunity to flourish and allowing me to prosper in any workforce. In the future, I see the connections I built. That opened doors to opportunities that have helped me grow professionally and personally. By staying connected with the Individuals I met at CITCA and learning from diverse perspectives I will be able to gain valuable insight and skills that will contribute to my career journey. Apart from that, being able to look at the positive impact we’ve at CITCA made together and I’m able to say I contributed and/or made a difference.
Jaydin F.
Jaydin F.Field Outreach Associate
My time with the company has been a learning experience opening me up to a new methods of development. I've acquired a thought process being able to be more compliant and understanding with others of all ages. CITCA is a community organization which has shown me no matter your origin the environment you're placed in does not have to define the best version of yourself you could possibly imagine is out there. In my future I see myself rising to new employment levels and meeting more amazing people that teach me new ways to view the world as well as new resources to help all the people I can. 🙂
Kayla W.
Kayla W.Digital Outreach Associate

Be the Change

CITCA Initiatives!

CITCA has four very powerful initiatives designed to address key areas of community development and support. 

SEL for Communities

The Enhancing Children’s Social Emotional Leverage (ECSEL) initiative focuses on equity by fostering the social and emotional development of children. Through partnerships with schools and recreation centers, we provide both in-school and out-of-school support, alongside PRP (Psychiatric Rehabilitation Program) and medical partners, ensuring that every child has the resources and opportunities needed to thrive, regardless of their background. 

STEAM Forward

Empowering individuals through Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) education and opportunities, CITCA aims to bridge educational gaps and provide resources for skill development in these critical areas. Through initiatives such as the Digital Gen Program, the Youth Voice Podcast, and partnerships focused on expanding STEAM opportunities, we are committed to fostering growth and engagement in these digital fields.

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Stewarding Communities

We empowers local voices, promotes equitable policies, and ensures that community needs are represented and addressed at all levels of decision-making. Committed to service, we actively contribute to volunteer programs, offer internship opportunities, and supporting AmeriCorps and the Maryland Service Year Program to inspire ServiceCorps, boosting civic engagement and community empowerment.

Resilience Paths

Committed to workforce development, CITCA offers training programs, job placement services, and career advancement opportunities aimed at building a resilient workforce equipped to thrive in today’s dynamic job market. Through a focus on wellness, workforce empowerment, and psycho-social transformation, we are dedicated to transforming minds and lifestyles to support holistic personal and professional growth.

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  • Saturday - Sunday: Closed

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