Laura Crawford

Laura Crawford is the transformational owner and leader of Advanced Practice Mental Health & Wellness, a thriving multi-location practice serving South Carolina communities. As a Licensed Master Social Worker, Laura acquired and completely rebranded the agency in June 2023, growing it from 2 nurse practitioners and 1 therapist to a comprehensive mental health organization with 6 locations, 5 nurse practitioners, 21 therapists, a case manager, and several administrative staff members.

Education: Laura graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a minor in Clinical Counseling from Capella University. She continued her academic excellence, earning her Master’s in Social Work, also Summa Cum Laude, from Ohio University.

Award Recognition: APMH was voted Best Mental Health Agency in the Pee Dee Region of South Carolina in 2024, recognizing the practice’s commitment to excellence and community impact.

In addition to her role at APMH, Laura serves as Director and Founder of Blue Skies Counseling and Family Services, a child placing agency dedicated to strengthening families and supporting youth in need.

Specialized Training & Certifications: Laura brings extensive expertise through her certifications in Polyvagal Theory, School Refusal, Attachment Trauma, and Trauma-Informed Care for First Responders. She holds specialized training in Personality Disorders, Internal Family Systems, and ADHD Treatment, allowing her to provide comprehensive care for diverse client needs.

Publications & Presentations: Laura’s expertise has been recognized through her published works including “A Passion for Wellness” (VIP Magazine, August 2024) and “Take a Deep Breath: Raising a Child with ADHD” (VIP Magazine, October 2024). She has presented “Flourishing: The Importance of Collaborative Care in Family Systems” at the Flourishing Families Conference (December 2024) and delivered a presentation on Polyvagal Theory at the Psychological Association Conference (March 2025).

Community Impact & Innovation: Laura has developed a comprehensive 12-week parenting series and is currently creating a caregiver training course. She collaborates with multiple local community agencies to strengthen the region’s mental health infrastructure and works with numerous universities to provide internship opportunities for current college students, demonstrating her commitment to both the community and the field of social work. Her volunteer work includes serving as a Guardian ad Litem and Parent Surrogate, representing children in foster care during IEP and 504 meetings.

Personal Mission: As a mother of nine children—five of whom were adopted from foster care—Laura brings personal understanding to her work with families in crisis. Her husband, a special education teacher with 25 years of experience, shares her commitment to supporting children and families. Laura specializes in marriage counseling, family crisis intervention, first responder mental health support, and serves as both counselor and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community.

Laura’s unique combination of professional expertise, personal experience, and community dedication makes her a transformative force in mental health care and family services throughout South Carolina.