297 Millennium - Eighteenth Edition HEALTH AND WELLNESS With over 40 years of experience to her credit, Dr. Constance Y. Williams celebrates a wealth of success in mental and behavioral health services. She holds a BA from Elmhurst College and a master’s degree from the University of Connecticut, and she ultimately achieved a PhD at Kent State University. She began her career at Jackson Park Hospital and completed an internship at Cook County Hospital that led to a full-time position as a psychologist. As she continued to grow as a practitioner and manager, Dr. Williams became deputy of a hospital for community services in New York City. Building on her experience in community mental health, Dr. Williams served for nine years as the bureau chief of mental health for the city of Chicago and worked as a joint commission surveyor for their mental health awareness program. She joined the Illinois Division of Mental Health as deputy director of children and adolescent services, spending 12 years in the role before moving to the adult side of the care program to become the regional director for Regions One South, One Central, and One North. Dr. Williams takes great pride in her work as the bureau chief of mental health for the city of Chicago. She considers her work in establishing a mental health center tailored to the needs of African American patients to be the highlight of her career. She also notably led a team responsible for the creation of the city’s 988 crisis hotline program. In addition to her work in behavioral health leadership, Dr. Williams was a respected member of the faculty at several universities. Though Dr. Williams retired in 2023, she remains active as a speaker and consultant. In the coming years, she hopes to publish a book and develop a travel program for seniors to help them gain autonomy and broaden their horizons. CONSTANCE Y. WILLIAMS, PHD PSYCHOLOGIST, REGIONAL DIRECTOR (RETIRED) Illinois Division of Mental Health Chicago, IL
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