African American Private Practitioners in Behavioral Health

Brenda T. Thompson is a licensed clinical social worker, psychologist and community activist who has resided on the south side of Chicago for over 70 years. Brenda has more than 50 years of clinical and administrative experience. Brenda graduated from Roosevelt University with a Bachelors of Arts in social work in 1978. She received her Masters of Social Work degree from Loyola University of Chicago in 1982. She recently completed a Ph.D. in International Psychology from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Brenda has traveled to more than 13 as a result of her educational pursuits.

Brenda T. Thompson began her career as a Case Manager at Metropolitan Family Services (formerly United Charities of Chicago). In 1989 Brenda became Vice President of Mental Health Clinic Services at Grand Prairie Mental Health Center (formerly Family Services Centers South Cook County). In 1995 Brenda became Second Deputy/CEO at Beacon Therapeutic Diagnostic & Treatment Center. Having gained a wealth of knowledge in both clinical and administrative experience from her work in the social service arena, in October 2000, Brenda established a private practice in order to provide culturally sensitive services to individuals, families, and communities impacted by the injustices of racism. Her individual private practice evolved to a group practice in honor of her mother Mrs. Eddie Mae Branch-Carter who is 92 years old and has spent her life helping others.

Today, E.M. Branch & Associates, Inc. offers an array of clinical and consulting services provided by a diverse group of highly qualified level professionals. E.M. Branch & Associates also has a non-profit entity The Branch Family Institute. dedicated to serving disadvantaged and underserved families affected by poverty racism and other issues affecting the family unit The Branch Family Institute mission is to “strengthen families” by providing an array of clinical activities. Brenda has her hands full overseeing the daily operations of both E.M. Branch & Associates, Inc. and The Branch Family Institute. She also has the loving support of her husband Steven of 55 years. Her two children Nikia (50) who has followed in her footsteps as a licensed clinical social worker. Nikia also recently graduated from The Chicago School with a Ph.D. in Psychology. Her Steven (47) also works with her at Branch as Billing Manager. Brenda also enjoys spending time with her three grandchildren JeKeisha, Steven III, and Kyle. As well as her great-grandchildren D.J. and Malia.

Dr. Earnest Web has over fifty-seven years of working in mental health as a psychotherapist providing individual, group and marital counseling. He has a Ph.D. in psychology from Northwestern University in Evanston, IL and a Master’s Degree in Social Work from Aurora University’s George Williams College in Aurora, IL.
Dr. Webb has worked in a variety of mental health settings as a therapist, mental health consultant and administrator. Over thirty years ago Dr. Webb left the mental health establishment and started a full-time clinical private practice. He is a founding member of the African American Private Practitioners in Behavioral Health and served as its first president.
In addition to providing clinical services Dr. Webb is President of Home to Ghana NFP, an agency that provides human service programs in Ghana West Africa as well as provide educational excursions to Ghana for those in the African Diaspora. Dr. Webb believes that knowing one’s history and actually going back to Ghana is good for one’s mental health. He has been to Ghana providing these services 39 times since 1999.
Dr. Webb believes that we perceive ourselves as ordinary until welcome to the realization that we are extraordinary which releases our ability to reach our full potential.

Pamela E. Geddes-Renfroe, M.A., CRC, LCPC, is a seasoned behavioral and mental health professional with over 27 years of experience supporting individuals with disabilities — from teenagers to senior citizens — who, as a result, face barriers to attaining meaningful employment. She began her career with the State of Illinois, where she served first as a counselor, then as a counselor supervisor, and ultimately as a Senior Public Service Administrator, managing eight local offices in the south Cook County region. Pamela’s work has focused on helping individuals overcome physical, mental, and behavioral health challenges that might otherwise limit their employment opportunities, while also guiding them toward greater independence and self-sufficiency.
In addition to her state service, Pamela has five years of experience in part-time private practice with Inner Healing Counseling. She has dedicated herself to serving all communities, including LGBTQ+ individuals and other special populations, with compassion and respect. Pamela holds a Master’s in Community Counseling, is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, and is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in the State of Illinois. Her career reflects both a deep commitment to counseling and a strong belief in expanding access to behavioral health care for diverse populations.