Counselors

Richard Odiam

Richard Odiam can’t remember a time when he didn’t want to help others. Richard joined JFS in 2009 as its director of clinical services overseeing the agency’s counseling services as well as case management.

“Experiences growing up in South Africa instilled in me an interest in helping others and in issues of social justice,” Richard said. “Clinical social work drew me because of its dual emphasis on helping individuals and on trying to address larger social problems which contribute to suffering.

Richard finds his current position very gratifying.

“I am able both to work with people individually and to oversee and develop programs responding to larger community needs.”  

Richard holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and sociology from Southwest Baptist University and a master’s degree in social work from the University of Kansas. A licensed clinical social worker, Richard came to JFS from Tri-County Mental Health Services, where he served as director of adult and youth services since 2000. At Tri-County, he directed a comprehensive array of outpatient clinical services.  Concurrent with his stint with Tri-County, Richard worked as a behavioral health surveyor for CARF, a national accrediting body for behavioral health organizations.  Prior to Tri-County, Richard worked at KVC Behavioral Health in both Lawrence and Kansas City, Kan. In addition, he serves on the board of directors of the KC Chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness and was selected as the organization’s 2008 Kansas City Professional of the Year.

Richard has worked with a broad range of clients, however much of his clinical experience has been with adolescents and their families

“Work with adolescents gives me the opportunity to incorporate a little irreverence and humor into my work, which I enjoy,” he said.  

Richard’s priorities at JFS include supporting the ability of the organization to provide care that is welcoming, responsive, and meaningful to those dealing with crisis or the everyday challenges of life.

“For many, it takes no small measure of courage to reach out for help when struggling with life's difficulties, and I want to ensure we consistently honor this courage through our ability to assist with access to resources and new possibilities.   Further, it is important to me that we remain attentive to the preferences and needs of those we serve.