Heather E. Willis, MSW, LCSW

Heather E. Willis, MSW, LCSW

Licensed Clinical Social Worker | Advocate for Rural and Native American Mental Health | Community-Based Mental Health Provider

My name is Heather E. Willis, MSW, LCSW, and I am a licensed clinical social worker based in Northeastern Oklahoma. I have dedicated my career to supporting individuals, families, and communities in overcoming mental health challenges through compassionate, culturally responsive, and accessible care.

My work is driven by a deep passion for advocacy and a strong commitment to serving rural and underserved populations, particularly Native American communities. I understand the unique cultural and historical contexts that shape mental health within these communities, and I strive to provide care that honors identity, tradition, and lived experience. Culturally informed, trauma-aware practice is the foundation of my approach.

One of the principles I hold most closely is the importance of meeting people at their barriers. Whether those challenges are geographical, financial, cultural, or emotional, I believe mental health care must adapt to the needs of those it serves. I work to ensure that clients feel safe, heard, and supported, wherever that may be on their journey.

Throughout my career, I have worked in a variety of clinical and community settings, including rural outreach programs, community mental health agencies, direct practice, forensic social work within the justice system as well as outreach coordination networks and multifaceted teams within community settings.

My therapeutic approach is strengths-based and collaborative, emphasizing resilience, empowerment, and connection. I view each client as the expert in their own life, and my role is to walk beside them, offering guidance, tools, and encouragement.

Advocacy is at the heart of everything I do. Whether I am working directly with clients or contributing to broader efforts to improve mental health systems, I am committed to addressing disparities, promoting equity, and expanding access to care. I believe that mental health is a fundamental human right, and I strive to ensure that care is available to all, regardless of background or circumstance.

It is an honor to be part of the healing process for so many individuals and families, and I remain deeply committed to this work. Being able to serve the Tulsa area as well as Northeastern Oklahoma communities in utilizing my toolkit to contribute to the well-being of Urban, rural, and Native American communities has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career. I am passionate about creating lasting change; one person, one family, and one community at a time.