From Personal Loss to Purposeful Healing: UA Little Rock Alumna Advocates for Mental Health

As July marks Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, University of Arkansas at Little Rock alumna Kimberly Robinson is encouraging people to seek support without shame.

Inspired by her mother’s illness, Robinson has spent the last 26 years helping individuals navigate trauma, anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges as a licensed certified social worker.

A Little Rock native, Robinson earned a Bachelor of Arts in sociology with a minor in psychology and a Master of Social Work from UA Little Rock. When her mother became ill, Robinson wanted to connect her with the resources she needed to get well. Although her mother passed away before Robinson received her acceptance to graduate school, that experience shaped a career dedicated to helping others through life’s most difficult moments.

“I will say it once, and I will say it again. There is no shame in seeking support,” Robinson said. “We seek support for physical health, but somehow think mental health can be treated by being positive and keeping it to ourselves.”

Robinson credits UA Little Rock with preparing her to serve her community by connecting her with organizations and mentors who shared her passion for advocacy.

Her journey to graduate school, however, wasn’t easy. After not being accepted the first time she applied, Robinson enrolled in a post-baccalaureate social work course before applying again.

“I did not get accepted the first time, but I was determined to get into the program,” Robinson said. “I applied the second time and got in. My life was never the same.”

Throughout her time at UA Little Rock, faculty members also helped shape Robinson both professionally and personally. As an undergraduate, the late Dr. Doug Buffalo encouraged her to become a teacher’s assistant after recognizing her talent in social statistics. During graduate school, the late Judith Faust left a lasting impression by emphasizing the importance of communication, writing, and advocacy.

“She believed that social policy can change the world, and I agreed with her,” Robinson said.

Although Robinson once dreamed of becoming a singer or dancer, encouragement from her father ultimately led her to social work.

“My father, Ocie Robinson, told me I should be a social worker when I was a kid because I always listened to my friends and offered advice,” Robinson said. “I did not want to do that and wanted to be a singer or dancer. However, I began to think about how I enjoyed helping others and seeing the lightbulb go off when they made decisions that were healthy for them.”

Twenty-six years later, Robinson remains passionate about social work because of its flexibility and the opportunity to make a lasting impact. Throughout her career, she has embraced new opportunities whenever she felt ready for a change, allowing her to continue serving others while avoiding burnout.

“I am proud of the longevity of my career,” Robinson said. “There is nothing wrong with pivoting if it keeps you vibrant and continuing to work in your field.”

Over the course of her career, Robinson has also witnessed a significant shift in conversations surrounding mental health, particularly in communities of color. While stigma still exists, she said more people are willing to seek help than when she first entered the profession, a change she believes accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Mental health was considered taboo when I graduated from the MSW program, especially with African Americans and other minorities,” Robinson said.

For those considering therapy, Robinson encourages people to keep searching until they find someone who feels like the right fit.

“If you do not feel comfortable with the person you picked, try again,” Robinson said. “We try on clothes until we find the right fit, right? The same goes for therapy.”

The greatest reward, Robinson said, has been watching people transform their lives and gain the confidence to navigate difficult seasons on their own.

“I get satisfaction knowing that the people I work with are improving their lives and that they know how to handle the bad days based on the tools we have worked on in treatment,” Robinson said.

As she reflects on the journey that began at UA Little Rock, Robinson hopes current students remember to use the resources available to them, including the university’s counseling services, and never let setbacks define their future.

“Stay encouraged. Be of good cheer. This journey will lead to many other roads. Please do not give up on your dreams,” Robinson said. “I was not accepted the first time I applied to the graduate program. But I knew that I wanted to help others and applied again. If you get a no, that is fine. If you believe you are chosen for something, you keep going.”