Professional Background
Qiana Marie Bush is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who started her academic career at Howard University and ended her studies at the University of Southern California where she earned a Master of Social Work degree. She has several years of experience working in a variety of capacities in the public service and private sectors. Qiana has held numerous leadership positions, asked to speak on panels related to mental health, and has received multiple recognitions and awards for her contributions to the field. She strategically led, organized and integrated a Behavioral Health Department for one of the largest outpatient clinics in Los Angeles County, Department of Health Services’ Ambulatory Network; she worked for the Department of Mental Health in various roles such as: supervisor, liaison and psychiatric social work whereby she conducted comprehensive bio psycho social assessments, offered treatment and created a safe space for those (ie. children, adults, Veterans) diagnosed with severe, persistent mental health conditions as well as implemented crisis interventions to ensure the safety of clients, clinics and community. Equally, she was employed as a liaison for the Department of Veteran Affairs whereby; she provided comprehensive mental health services to comorbid, chronically homeless Veterans. Qiana has been proactive in educating communities throughout Los Angeles County on mental health and the importance of prevention, self-care, treatment, and wellness. Qiana has been recognized for her strong, innovative leadership through which she was asked to become a faculty member with DHS’ Management Development Program. Qiana was selected and assisted DHS with creating a Strategic Plan to ensure the Agency implemented an Equitable, Inclusive, Diverse, Anti-Racist culture for employees, patients, and the communities which they serve. In addition, she received the Agents of Change Award from her Alma mater, at the University of Southern California and was nominated for the Rising Star Award from the Department of Mental Health. Qiana is passionate and honored to work as a Change Agent. Supporting her clients and communities she serves, mentoring, guiding, learning and teaching seasoned and those new to the field of mental health keep her motivated. Qiana’s end goal is to assist in ensuring all people are provided with equitable tools, resources and care, to live stable, well-balanced, healthy lifestyles.
Personal Background
Qiana comes from a rich diverse background that allows her to connect with clients from various walks of life. She has lived on opposite ends of the coast and has learned about people and culture throughout her travels abroad and domestically. Qiana is also a floral designer who enjoys making arrangements and incorporating floral healing into her private practice with clients. Lastly, on her downtime, you will find her participating in community service, laughing, traveling, and dining with loved ones.
Awards, Recognitions, Panelist/Speaking Engagements
- Panelist/Speaker-USC Employment Readiness Panel for MSW Graduate Students
- US Congress Service to the Community Award
- Panelist/Speaker-USC Primary Care Project (MSW Cohort Students in Scholarship Program)
- Panelist/Speaker-Department of Mental Health Countywide Supervisor Forum
- Department of Health Services Management Development Faculty Award of Excellence
- YWCA 1st Responder/Essential Worker Shero Award
- Panelist/Speaker-Cynthia Perry Ray Foundation/Sisters Can we Talk Nurses Series (Identifying and Managing COVID Fatigue)
- Department of Health Services Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Anti-racism Recognition (for contributions and advancing EDIA principles)
- USC School of Social Work Agents of Change Award
- Department of Mental Health Rising Star Award
- Veteran Health Care Daily Bulletin Award/Recognition