Charla Yearwood, LCSW

Charla Cannon Yearwood (she/her) is a seasoned clinical social worker with over 15 years of practice experience and 8 years of leadership in the fields of social work, mental health, and community advocacy. As the Executive Director of Our Therapy Lab, Charla leads with a deep commitment to increasing access to culturally inclusive and socially conscious mental health services. She oversees the clinic’s training program, providing clinical supervision to all student therapists and ensuring that every client receives high-quality, compassionate care. Charla brings a unique blend of expertise in both teaching and clinical practice, which informs the supportive, client-centered environment that defines Our Therapy Lab.

Charla integrates evidence-based modalities like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) into her work. She specializes in addressing trauma, particularly for those who have experienced discrimination based on race, gender, or sexuality. In addition to her direct clinical work, Charla is a respected educator and researcher. She has taught social work courses at Indiana University, Michigan State University, Columbia University, and other esteemed institutions. Her academic work centers on challenging oppressive ideas within mental health and promoting liberatory counseling techniques.

In her role at Our Therapy Lab, Charla is dedicated to training the next generation of therapists. Under her guidance, student clinicians receive mentorship that emphasizes empathy, accountability, and transformation—core values that shape both her clinical practice and her approach to supervision. Her leadership ensures that the care provided through Our Therapy Lab is personalized, affirming, and grounded in the latest therapeutic advancements.