Mental Health Counselor Thankful for Her Start at RichmondCC

Jan. 20, 2026 - Paula Colden of Richmond County is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor with Trillium Health Resources, where she helps Emergency Departments determine best next steps for those who come into the ER suffering from mental health issues. This position is a long way from her factory job sewing pantyhose back in the 1990s.

Despite having a college degree, Colden’s work experience back then was in retail or factories. However, that all changed when many textile mills began moving operations overseas. Colden became a displaced worker herself when Leggs announced it was closing.

“Staff from Richmond Community College came to the factory prior to its closing and talked with the employees about learning a trade or earning a college degree. After listening to their presentation and reviewing the different programs, I decided to further my education at Richmond Community College in Human Services,” Colden said.

She enrolled in 1993 and graduated in May 1995 with an associate degree in Human Services. She began working one-on-one with children with a mental health diagnosis.

“My role was to teach skills and use behavior modification to assist with improving overall behavior that was problematic in the home, school or community setting,” Colden said.

In 1997, she decided to continue her education, and she enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts in Sociology program at the University of North Carolina – Pembroke. Because of a partnership between RichmondCC and UNCP, she was able take all her UNCP classes at night at RichmondCC’s campus in Hamlet, allowing her to work while going to school.

Within two years, Colden had her bachelor’s degree, and she was promoted to a supervisory position.

“Over the next several years, I was able to provide a multitude of services. In addition to supervising other staff, I provided groups for children, ran a wilderness camp, provided oversight to several foster care homes, and worked with the IDD (Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities) population,” she said. 

However, Colden wasn’t done adding degrees to her name. She started pursuing a master’s degree in mental health counseling from Webster University in 2003. Webster University is in Myrtle Beach, S.C., but she attended her classes every other weekend, so she was able to continue to work full-time. She earned her master’s degree in 2005, and in 2008, she passed the state exam to become a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor.

“I have worn many hats as a result. I have been a clinical director at several agencies, essentially in charge of all clinical operations. I have also provided outpatient therapy to adults and children for several years,” Colden said.

In 2018, she went to work for Sandhills Center, which was the managing care organization for Medicaid funded services. She worked as a hospital disposition care manager and was assigned to several hospitals to assist with patients with Medicaid who were being treated for mental health, IDD or substance abuse related issues. She ensured that these individuals were linked to the proper services for continued care upon their release from the hospital.

In 2023, Sandhills Center merged with Trillium Health Resources.

“I love my current position although I no longer provide face-to-face services. I currently work from home, and all my responsibilities are carried out by phone, e-mail and virtual meetings,” Colden said.

Colden has two grown sons and two grandsons, who keep her busy in her free time.

Colden is thankful when she thinks back to that day when she learned about the Human Services program at RichmondCC.

“I am forever grateful for the opportunity afforded to me at RichmondCC, because for me, this is where it all began,” Colden said. “If you enjoy helping others, the Human Services program is an excellent opportunity to get you started in that direction. This program will open the door for so many opportunities.”

Get Your Start at RichmondCC

RichmondCC is now accepting new students for the 2026 spring and summer semesters. Applications can be completed for free online. Call (910) 410-1700 or text (910) 518-9685 for more information.