For Dr. Cashuna Huddleston, psychology is more than a career. It’s a calling shaped by family experiences, resilience, and a determination to break the silence around mental health in Black communities.
“What really drew me to psychology was witnessing, really early on, how unspoken struggles with mental health affect individuals, families and whole communities,” Huddleston said. “My dad fought in the Vietnam War, and I remember, as a little girl, hearing him screaming at night. I didn’t know that was a byproduct of PTSD. And on top of that, he was drafted, which brings a whole different layer of trauma in and of itself.”
Her maternal grandfather’s battle with Alzheimer’s deepened that calling.
“I saw the destructive effects it caused within family dynamics and the lack of understanding around it,” she said. “Just understanding those neurocognitive disorders—and helping families heal through them—was a turning point for me.”
Huddleston said those experiences cemented her desire to pursue psychology. “I wanted to be part of breaking the silence around mental health, particularly in Black communities, and to help people find healthier ways to heal and thrive.”
A Strong Foundation
Huddleston earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Grambling State University, a master’s from Texas Southern University and a Ph.D. in counseling psychology from the University of Houston. She completed internship residency training at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and a post-doctoral fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine. She is also a trained and credentialed mediator.
Her upbringing in Tupelo, Mississippi, shaped her perseverance.
“Being born and raised in Tupelo, where the state has some of the highest poverty rates in the U.S., taught me resilience,” she said. “My family showed me that resilience not only means surviving but also pushing forward and honoring the sacrifices of those before me.”
As the first in her maternal family to attend college, Huddleston said determination became her foundation. “I possess the intellect, but creative resourcefulness, hard work and balance got me my three degrees.”
Leadership and mentorship
Now an assistant professor at Texas Southern University, Huddleston has combined research, clinical work and teaching with community advocacy. She has also run her Houston-based private practice, New Way Psychological Services, for nearly a decade.
Along the way, she has partnered with organizations serving veterans and families, drawing from her own experiences. “I’ve done a lot of work with veterans because of my dad, but also with families in general—helping people cultivate resilience,” she said. “Psychology is about more than treating symptoms. It’s about helping people reclaim their stories and create lives that reflect strength, purpose and wholeness.”
Her leadership extends nationally. She co-authored a grant funded by the American Psychological Association to advance career development for women of color, and as past president of the APA’s Psychology of Black Women division, she hosted 100 Black Women in Psychology to empower others in the field.
“My mission is to make sure future generations of women professionals — especially women of color — are equipped with the tools they need to thrive.”
– Dr. Cashuna Huddleston
“My mission is to make sure future generations of women professionals—especially women of color—are equipped with the tools they need to thrive,” Huddleston said.
Building a practice
At New Way Psychological Services, Huddleston provides care for children, adults and couples using approaches such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, Mindfulness and Attachment-based strategies. She also conducts evaluations for learning disabilities, neurodevelopmental disorders and pre-surgical readiness.
“Starting and running my private practice has been fulfilling,” she said. “It’s given me the autonomy to design my services, choose my niche and work with clients long term to witness sustained progress and growth.”
Centering balance
Huddleston is candid about the importance of self-care.
“I couldn’t do the work that I do every day if I’m not showing up as whole of a person as I need to,” she said. “Working out has literally saved my life. I love hiking, running, playing basketball with my son. Those things keep me centered.”
She encourages others to do the same. “Self-care is non-negotiable. Setting boundaries and giving ourselves breaks are essential to preventing burnout. You have to put yourself first before you can show up for anyone else.”
Looking ahead
Huddleston continues to expand her impact with new projects: developing a grief app (Thrive365Therapy), broadening her consulting services and preparing to launch a podcast, Shrinks with a Drink.
“My goal,” she said, “is to offer a space where healing and growth can happen—not just for individuals, but for entire communities.”
About Dr. Cashuna Huddleston
- Hometown: Tupelo, Mississippi
- Education:
- B.A., Psychology, Grambling State University
- M.A., Psychology, Texas Southern University
- Ph.D., Counseling Psychology, University of Houston
- Internship: Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Post-doctoral Fellowship: Baylor College of Medicine
- Trained and credentialed mediator
- Professional Roles:
- Founder, New Way Psychological Services
- Past President, APA Division on the Psychology of Black Women
- Mentor for aspiring Black psychologists and young male athletes (Suits for Success)
- Recognitions:
- Co-author of APA-funded grant on leadership and career development for women of color
- Multiple leadership awards from APA and community organizations
- Passions: Increasing representation of Black psychologists (only 4% nationwide), mentorship, advocacy for women of color in mental health
- Hobbies: Circuit training, running, traveling, fashion, spending time with family and friends
- On the horizon: Developing grief app Thrive365Therapy, launching podcast Shrinks with a Drink, expanding consulting and training opportunities
