My Why: Charrissee McArthur

MY WHY

I am a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor with 25 years of experience in the substance abuse and mental health industry. I have worked with numerous populations to date and have observed the difficulty people with military and first responder backgrounds have in a traditional treatment setting. I recognized that the standard treatment modality did not work for present and retired warriors. After being invited to visit Warriors Heart, I knew I had found my way HOME.I was born in Monterey California on Fort Ord, Army Base. My dad was active duty when he died. I also had 5 uncles who served in the Vietnam War and a brother that is a retired Lt. Colonel. I also am the great-great granddaughter of a buffalo solider. I myself am living amid the effects of the war involving drug and alcohol abuse.  The aftermath and destruction caused by that “war” resulted in a hurt, damaged family structure. As the adult child of an alcoholic, I gained an understanding of the traits of a child of alcoholic/substance abusing family members and began my personal journey of healing and growth. I am passionate about the clients at Warriors Heart and can’t in good conscience leave a warrior “on the battlefield.”