Physiologists often report that it takes a lifetime for some people to determine what they want to do in life. That is not the case for David Burton. Since the age of nine Burton knew he was destined to help people.
Diagnosed with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder at a young age, Burton said he was assigned to a Christian therapist who gave him the tools to help him stay focused. “She helped me identify who I was,” said Burton.
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| KEYS TO SUCCESS—David A. Burton, LCSW, senior clinician at Global Wellness.
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Because of the questioned often asked of him and his interest and fascination as to why people think and act the way they do, he knew he wanted to go into the mental health profession. His life’s passion is helping people go down “the yellow brick road” and finding what they already have inside.
A licensed clinical social worker, Burton fulfilled his dream when he developed and opened what he believes is the first minority-based full functioning mental health clinic in Allegheny County. He defines his business and theory of Global Wellness as a trifold therapeutic service delivery with the mission to connect individuals, families and organizations to their defined wellness. Using a holistic approach, Burton said Global Wellness was designed to provide mental exploration, adaptation training and physical/spiritual counsel. “The holistic treatment model provides a map to a better you.”
Burton and six other associates provide services to their clients that include individual, couple and family therapy that integrates into the counseling process of behavioral sciences and the resources from a client’s particular religious faith. It includes mental health evaluations, drug and alcohol assessments and family interactions. They incorporate community education promoting healthy choices and lifestyles for individuals and families as well as career assessments and counseling.
Their consulting services range in team building, executive coaching, individual, family and couples therapy, entertainment-sports therapy, business planning, program development, clinical supervision and keynote speaking.
The associates in Global Wellness include Kevin Debow, MPSY; Adella Dixon, MSW; Laurie Hayes, MPST; Michelle McMurray, LSW; B. Orlando Minniefield, MSW; and Beverly Stribling, MS. Shannon Musgrove serves as executive assistant for the main office located at 5504 Penn Ave. Satellite offices are in Oakland and on the North Side. Burton is also affiliated with the counseling ministry at Mt. Ararat Baptist Church.
Under the assumption that all people should be well holistically, Burton said through Global Wellness their goal is to heal one person at a time. “Wellness is an individual thing, when individuals become well the world will be well.” He points out that his group of cultural competent practitioners is setting out to reduce therapeutic stigma, by removing the “labeling” that comes with traditional mental health services.
“I enjoy assisting people change and explore new dimensions of themselves.” Burton said explaining that seeking out therapy is an individual choice. He says people seek our services for a variety of reasons. Working with a therapist can help provide insight, support, and new strategies for all types of life challenges. Therapy can help address many types of issues including depression, anxiety, conflict, grief, stress management, body-image issues, and general life transitions. “A 45-minute weekly session helps hold one accountable to meeting their goals.”
In recognition of July being National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, Global Wellness is sponsoring an afternoon community day event aiming to educate the public on mental health issues and the benefits of utilizing a therapist. Activities of the 2-7 p.m., July 29 event will include blood pressure and cholesterol screenings by UPMC, massages, face painting, food, giveaways, facials by Mary Kay, mental health screenings and ask the therapist sessions provided by Global Wellness associates. “This fun-filled event held at our Penn Avenue facility is for the whole family,” said Burton.
A Greenville, S.C. native, Burton received a bachelor’s Degree in psychology from South Carolina University and a master’s degree in social work from the University of Pittsburgh. Recognizing that Pittsburgh is listed as one of the best cities to start a business, he said he started his business here because he wanted Global Wellness to be part of the movement. “Pittsburgh has a rich history and the components to be one of the major small cities in the U.S.
“Through our business development services we are looking to strengthen our succession planning, group decision making, preventative management, professional conduct, cultural competence, supervision, business planning, staff training and improve our organizational programming,” he pointed out, noting that they provide keynote speaking for events, company retreats and workshops.
Even though the company is based in Pittsburgh, Burton said they assist people globally. “We’ve done video blogs in France, Mexico, Puerto Rico and Dubai.” Recently returned from Dubai, he said his goal is to travel to Africa before the year ends.
Burton believes that within 10 years Global Wellness will be the premier clinical service organization not only regionally, but also globally. His philosophy is that life is a game of chess consisting of strategic thinking and teamwork. There has to be a relationship between the pieces and everyone must understand their role. His role is to help people get well one person at a time.
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