Essence Porter-McDowell Lcsw

Essence Porter-McDowell, LCSW has a diverse and extensive work experience in the field of integrated substance use and mental health. Essence started their career at Horizon Health Services, where they held various roles including Program Director, Clinical Supervisor, Advanced Practice Clinician, and Mentor. Essence was also a participant in their Emerging Leaders Program, which focused on professional skill development. Essence then founded their own private practice, Essential Healing Therapy, LLC, where they serve as the CEO and Founder as well as a private practice therapist. Before Horizon Health Services, they worked as a Youth Counselor and Undergraduate Intern at Compass House Emergency Shelter and Resource Center. Essence also had experience as a Group Co-Facilitator at the Family Justice Center and Lakeshore Behavioral Health, Inc. Essence gained further experience as a Social Work Intern at the Family Justice Center, American Red Cross, and UNIVERSITY AT BUFFALO CHILD CARE CENTER INC.

Essence Porter-McDowell, LCSW, obtained their Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Sociology, with a dual major, from Canisius University between 2008 and 2012. Essence continued their education at the University at Buffalo from 2012 to 2014, where they obtained a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree with a focus on Social Work.

Essence also holds a High School Regents Diploma from the Buffalo Academy for The Visual & Performing Arts, where they majored in Vocal and Instrumental Music between 2004 and 2008.

In terms of certifications, Essence obtained their NYS Social Work License (LCSW) on August 26, 2019, from the ASWB - Association of Social Work Boards. Prior to that, they obtained their NYS Social Work License (LMSW) in June 2015. Additionally, they hold certifications in NYS Mandated Reporter obtained from the NYS Office of Children and Family Services in May 2015, and in Narcan obtained from Horizon Health Services in the same month and year.