CareSouth Carolina Welcomes Teresa Ford, MSW, LISW-CP, as School-Based Behavioral Health Counselor

Cheraw, S.C. — CareSouth Carolina is proud to welcome Teresa A. Ford, MSW, LISW-CP, EMDR-trained therapist and Licensed Clinical Social Worker, to its team of dedicated behavioral health professionals. 

Teresa will serve as a School-Based Behavioral Health Counselor, supporting students at Cheraw Primary School, Chesterfield-Ruby Middle School, and Chesterfield High School in Chesterfield County.

Teresa brings a strong background in trauma-informed care, clinical counseling, and community-based service. Over the course of her career, she has provided therapy in a variety of settings, including outpatient counseling, integrated health care, and telehealth. 

“I was drawn to CareSouth because of its deep commitment to community-centered care and its belief that behavioral health is an essential part of overall wellness,” Teresa shared. “After years of working through a trauma-focused lens, I felt called to serve in a setting where prevention, compassion, and collaboration come together to make care more accessible and meaningful for individuals and families. This opportunity allows me to be part of a team that is actively breaking barriers to care.”

In her new role, Teresa will provide critical mental health support directly within the school environment, ensuring students have access to care without the added challenges of transportation or stigma. 

“School-based behavioral health care allows us to meet children exactly where they are, both physically and emotionally,” she explained. “By embedding mental health support within schools, we remove barriers and create opportunities for prevention and early healing. I see this work as planting seeds of resilience.”

Teresa describes counseling as both an honor and a privilege.

“What I love most about counseling is walking with people through some of the most sacred journeys of their lives. It’s a privilege to witness transformation—the moment someone begins to feel heard and understood, and to believe in their own capacity to heal.”

Outside of her professional work, Teresa enjoys gardening, spending time with her grandchildren, and finding peace in nature.