Rick Emerson is the President and Founder of Emerson Centre. He created Emerson Centre with the mission to provide services to at risk youth and their families. Rick currently serves as President of the Board of Directors and President of the non- profit corporation. 

He has had thirty years of extensive administrative and practical experience in psychotherapy coupled with an advanced degree concentrated in therapy and intervention. 

He is currently an Adjunct Professor of Sociology at LA Tech University, and has maintained his own private practice for twenty-five years. While President of Emerson Centre, Rick has completed training for Forensic Interviewing of Children at The National Children's Advocacy Center in Huntsville, AL. Rick currently conducts forensic interviews of children for the Pine Hills Child Advocacy Center. 

From 2003 through 2005, he was a member of the Governor's Children's Cabinet Research Council representing the Louisiana University Board of Regents. Over the course of his career, he has created, developed and administrated an outpatient day treatment program for substance abuse disorders, as well as a domestic violence program for male offenders serving five North Louisiana parishes. 

Through his private practice, he established a program for students at Louisiana Tech and Grambling University, Louisiana Center for the Blind and other economically disadvantaged individuals to receive therapeutic services at reduced rates. 

He has also conducted seminars regarding anger management, chemical dependency, adult/child issues, self-esteem, parenting, and children of divorce. In 2006, he was recognized by Blue Cross and Blue Shield for his life's work in helping children of Louisiana by being honored with the Angel Award. 

In his spare time, Rick loves playing golf and being able to share his knowledge of the game with children at Emerson Centre, and in turn teaching them life lessons through the game of golf. 

Rick received his BA in Psychology from Harding University and his Masters of Social work from Louisiana State University. He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for the State of Louisiana and a member of the National Association of Social Workers.

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