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Our world-class team is made up of licensed professionals, experienced caregivers, and behavioral health experts who are passionate about making a difference. With a foundation in compassion, professionalism, and expertise, our team works tirelessly to provide exceptional care tailored to the unique needs of each resident.
Individuals have a right to reach their full potential across various dimensions of wellness.
Every individual has the ability to grow, learn, and achieve. We help our individuals grow towards confidence and independence.
We foster a culture of inclusivity and compassion - At Living In Balance, every individual is heard, valued, and supported.
Each Individual is unique, so is their path to success. Our customized care plans focus on the specific needs, strengths, and goals of each individual.
Meaningful opportunities help encourage learning, social engagement, and personal development. Vocational development and skill-building are at the center of what we do.
Education
* Master of Arts (M.A.) in Human Services Counseling, Health & Wellness
Liberty University
*Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Health & Wellness
Virginia State University
*Qualified Mental Health Professional - Adult (QMHP-A)
Professional Experience
Tamara Lucas is a dedicated human services professional with more than ten years of experience providing counseling, case management, and person-centered support to adults and adolescents. Her expertise spans residential, educational, community-based, and behavioral health settings, with a specialized focus on supporting individuals with co-occurring mental health conditions and intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).
Known for her compassionate approach and strong clinical foundation, Tamara is committed to helping individuals overcome barriers, achieve personal goals, and improve their overall quality of life.
Areas of Expertise
Mental Health CounselingCase Management
Recovery Planning
Psychosocial AssessmentsIntellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD)
Dual Diagnosis Support
Person-Centered Care
Community Resource Coordination
Mental Health Court Collaboration
Professional Highlights
Throughout her career, Tamara has successfully managed diverse caseloads while providing comprehensive assessment, treatment planning, and ongoing support services. She has extensive experience conducting psychosocial evaluations, developing individualized recovery plans, and facilitating both individual and group counseling sessions that promote growth, stability, and independence.
Her commitment to quality care extends beyond the office through regular home, vocational, and educational site visits, ensuring that services remain responsive to each individual's unique needs. Tamara also collaborates closely with treatment teams, families, community partners, and court systems to help individuals access resources and achieve meaningful outcomes.
As a Mental Health Court Liaison, she has played a vital role in connecting individuals to behavioral health services while supporting successful community integration and recovery.
Personal Philosophy
"Helping one person may not change the world, but it can change the world for one person."
Tamara believes that every individual deserves compassionate support, respect, and the opportunity to reach their fullest potential. Her passion for service and dedication to empowering others continue to positively impact the lives of those she serves every day.
Timere is a licensed professional counseling resident and certified prescreener specializing in areas of Counselor Education, Outpatient Therapy, In-Home intervention, Assertive Community Treatment, and Crisis & Emergency Services. With 17 years of experience, she is avid about providing compassionate and evidence-based mental health care and wrap around services. Most recent career path has allowed her to serve the “differently abled” (ID/DD) population, and she finds this to be the highlight and most rewarding of all of her professional experience and overall career.
Timere holds undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Sociology, both obtained from Virginia Tech, c/o 2006. She attended graduate school at Virginia Commonwealth University obtaining a master’s degree in Counselor Education c/o 2010. She utilizes an eclectic treatment and support approach, drawing from various therapeutic modalities such as Existential, Solution-Focused, and Cognitive Behavioral psychotherapies. Her clinical style allows her to tailor treatment plans to meet the unique needs of each client with the aims of improved self-awareness, gained insight, reignited determination, and informed choice.
Timere believes that mental health is an integral part of overall well-being. In all of her practices, especially the residential setting, she strives to create a safe, collaborative, and supportive environment where clients can explore their challenges, develop coping mechanisms, and achieve their goals.
For the privacy and safety of our individuals, we do not publicly share the exact address of our care facility. However, Living in Balance Residential Homes is located in a safe neighborhoods across central Virginia, offering a secure and welcoming environment for our residents to thrive.
Our home is situated in a well-maintained community that provides both comfort and convenience, ensuring that individuals have access to essential services, recreational opportunities, and social activities.
To learn more or schedule a private tour, please contact us here. We look forward to welcoming you and sharing how Living in Balance provides a supportive and enriching home for those we serve.
