Cecilia Yeboah-Williams is passionate about helping people overcome various mental challenges.

“Mental health matters; getting help is the first step toward living the life you deserve.” – Cecilia Yeboah-Williams 

Meet Cecilia Yeboah-Williams (PMHNP-BC, BSN, RN), a seasoned healthcare practitioner and the inspiring founder and CEO of Serenity Hill Healthcare in Denver, Colorado. Those who have had the privilege of interacting with her describe Cecilia as pleasant, down-to-earth, kind, and empathetic.

Over the past eight years, Mrs. Cecilia Yeboah-Williams’ unwavering commitment to helping others has been a beacon of hope for individuals, couples, and families navigating life’s challenges and mental health issues. Her organization, Serenity Hill Healthcare, utilizes youth involvement, mental health assistance, and marriage counseling to create a therapeutic atmosphere for all who engage their services.

Vera Azuka Idam, the publisher and executive editor of Afrik Digest Magazine, recently sat down with Cecilia for an enlightening interview. In their conversation, Cecilia opened up about her journey, her work, and the pressing issues affecting those struggling with mental health.

AfrikDigest: Can you introduce yourself?

Cecilia Yeboah-Williams: My name is Cecilia Yeboah, a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, a mother of four, a wife, and a Christian relationship counselor.

AfrikDigest: What inspired you to found Serenity Hill Healthcare, and what personal experiences led you to focus on mental health services?

Cecilia Yeboah-Williams: After working through different specialties in the nursing industry, my passion is supporting and helping individuals enjoy optimal mental well-being through medication management, public education via conferences, one-on-one mentoring, and counseling. I had the opportunity to support a friend through grief after the loss of her spouse, which resulted in anxiety and depression. My healthcare experience was a great resource to this friend, and coming alongside her during her loss brought me immense joy and fulfillment. This experience, along with encouragement from colleagues, led me to focus on mental health. I began my nursing career 25 years ago in Africa and have practiced in Africa, England, and the USA. Throughout my career, I’ve seen the great need for mental health support, which inspired me to pursue higher education in this specialty to provide a higher level of care.

AfrikDigest: Can you share the journey of establishing Serenity Hill Healthcare and some of the challenges you faced along the way?

Cecilia Yeboah-Williams: Establishing Serenity Hill Healthcare was driven by a deep commitment to providing compassionate and effective mental healthcare to those in need. Like many entrepreneurial endeavors, the path was filled with rewarding milestones and significant challenges. Securing the necessary funding was one of the first and biggest obstacles, as healthcare, especially mental health, can be resource-intensive. Navigating the complex web of regulations, licenses, and insurance requirements was also daunting. Being an immigrant and competing against well-known healthcare facilities added to the challenge. There were moments when it felt like we were hitting roadblocks that delayed our progress, however, persistence and attention to detail paid off, and I am proud to say that our efforts have been worth it.

AfrikDigest: How has the demand for telehealth services changed how you approach mental health care at your clinic?

Cecilia Yeboah-Williams: Telehealth service has been a game changer, for both the patients and providers; opening up the options for people to receive treatment when a client has challenges going to in-person sessions.  It has been a positive change, allowing individuals to be seen in the comfort of their space. This gives clients peace and creates a safe space to openly share without having to worry about transportation, time constraints, and the cost involved. It must be noted that we see both in-person and virtual depending on the needs of the individuals.

A pose of Cecilia Yeboah-Williams and her husband.

AfrikDigest: What impacts do you hope Serenity Hill Healthcare will have on the local community and beyond?

Cecilia Yeboah-Williams: Serenity Hill is dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive mental health care;  committed to helping individuals achieve optimal mental wellness. Serenity Hill sees this as a great opportunity to support both young and old in our community through medication management and psychotherapy in this stressful situation. Serenity Hill Health Care is dedicated to being an ally to all including the people of color, immigrants, and the underserved in our communities. Being an immigrant myself, I know and understand the challenges and needs of our community and am happy to provide support with cultural competence.

AfrikDigest: How do you ensure that your clinic provides compassionate care and support to those struggling with mental health issues?

Cecilia Yeboah-Williams: We do this by creating a welcoming atmosphere, being empathetic listeners, involving clients in their treatment plan, ensuring adequate psychoeducation on options that are available to them and assisting clients with needed resources to achieve identified goals while also ensuring patients feel safe to express their thoughts and feelings is critical. Strong confidentiality practices must be in place to foster trust. By integrating these principles, we at Serenity Hill not only offer effective clinical care but also ensure that individuals feel heard, valued, and supported on their mental health journey. Compassionate care is about more than treating symptoms; it’s about treating the whole person with dignity, respect, and understanding.

AfrikDigest: What role does customized individual treatment play in the success of your client’s mental health journeys?

Cecilia Yeboah-Williams: Customized individual treatment plays a crucial role in the success of a client’s mental health journey because it takes into account the unique experiences, needs, and preferences of each person. Mental health conditions are complex and vary greatly from one individual to another, and a one-size-fits-all approach is often insufficient. Customized treatment plans consider a person’s full life context—emotional, physical, and social factors. This ensures that interventions address underlying causes, such as trauma, relationship difficulties, or societal pressures, alongside clinical symptoms.

AfrikDigest: How do you address the stigma surrounding mental health, and what steps do you take to make your services more accessible? 

Cecilia Yeboah-Williams: Yes it’s true many people still hold misconceptions or prejudices about mental health. We actively participate in and create campaigns that educate the public on mental health issues, the prevalence of mental illness, and the benefits of seeking care. These campaigns we do are through social media, community events, and collaboration with schools, workplaces, and local or religious organizations. Offering educational resources about mental health conditions, their causes, and treatment options can challenge stereotypes and misconceptions. By normalizing mental health challenges and treating them the same way we treat physical health issues, the stigma surrounding them is reduced.

AfrikDigest: Can you share any success stories or client testimonials that highlight the impact of Serenity Hill Healthcare’s work?

Cecilia Yeboah-Williams: Yes sure. We have actually had lots of success stories. I don’t even know where to start, but one that I remember vividly was about a family that was on the verge of losing it after the head of the family got incarcerated.  The wife and children were so worried and at a very low point. The children were downcast, dejected, struggling at school, and always moody while the wife was an emotional wreck and jobless at that point. We had to step in and assist in all the ways we could. I can tell you that today things are much better for them. They are now more relaxed about the whole situation, the children are doing better in school now, they now have smiles on their faces and the woman is now even gainfully employed. Things aren’t all perfect for them yet but they can now see that there’s hope and light at the end of the tunnel. This is just one out of so many successes we have recorded over the years.

AfrikDigest: What are some of the unique challenges faced by individuals with mood disorders, ADHD, trauma, and substance abuse, and how does your clinic address them?

Cecilia Yeboah-Williams: Individuals with mood disorders, ADHD, trauma, and substance abuse face a variety of unique challenges that often intersect and compound one another. Addressing these challenges requires a holistic, individualized approach that is tailored to each person’s specific needs, circumstances, and history. Our clinic focuses on helping clients develop practical coping strategies (e.g., managing stress, improving sleep hygiene, and maintaining social connections) to address low energy or motivation and minimize mood fluctuations. We also use evidence-based therapies, medication management, and trauma-informed care to support healing. We emphasize the importance of education, empowerment, and community support, ensuring that clients feel heard, valued, and equipped with the tools they need for lasting recovery. By addressing the interconnectedness of these conditions and offering a range of therapeutic options, we help our clients develop the skills, confidence, and support networks they need to thrive.

AfrikDigest: How do you measure the success and effectiveness of the treatments and programs offered at Serenity Hill Healthcare?

Cecilia Yeboah-Williams:  At Serenity Hill Healthcare, we view treatment success as a multi-dimensional concept that goes beyond symptom relief. It encompasses improved functioning, increased self-awareness, enhanced quality of life, and the development of skills that support long-term recovery. By using a combination of standardized assessments, client feedback, clinician insights, long-term follow-ups, and program evaluations, we are able to ensure that our treatments are not only effective but also tailored to each individual’s unique needs. Through continuous monitoring, data analysis, and feedback loops, we can adjust our services as necessary to ensure that every client receives the best possible care and achieves their personal goals for recovery and well-being.

AfrikDigest: What long-term goals do you have for Serenity Hill Healthcare, and how do you plan to expand your impact in the coming years?

Cecilia Yeboah-Williams: At Serenity Hill Healthcare, we are committed to evolving our services to meet the growing needs of individuals struggling with mental health challenges, and to making a more significant impact on the communities we serve. Our long-term goals focus on expanding access to care, enhancing the quality of our services, and addressing mental health disparities. We also aim to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and create greater awareness around the importance of mental wellness for individuals, families, and communities. We are also looking to increase our impact by forming partnerships with other mental health organizations, community groups, and educational institutions, and by reaching more individuals who need support.

AfrikDigest: What message would you like to share with individuals who may be hesitant to seek help for their mental health issues?

Cecilia Yeboah-Williams: My message to anyone who may be hesitant to seek help for their mental health issues is this. You are not alone, and seeking help is a brave and powerful step toward healing. It’s completely natural to feel unsure, embarrassed, or even scared about reaching out. Many of us face moments when mental health struggles seem overwhelming, but acknowledging that you need support is not a sign of weakness—it’s a sign of strength. Mental health challenges, whether they’re anxiety, depression, trauma, or anything else, are just as real as physical health problems. You wouldn’t hesitate to see a doctor for a physical injury or illness, and your mind deserves the same attention and care. The journey toward wellness begins with a single step, and that step doesn’t have to be perfect. Reaching out for help—whether it’s therapy, counseling, or any form of support—opens the door to understanding, growth, and healing. At Serenity Hill Healthcare, we are committed to walking beside you every step of the way. Our team is here to provide compassionate, non-judgmental care in a safe space where you can feel heard and understood. Remember, seeking help is a gift to yourself— one that can lead to a more balanced, fulfilling life. The road to recovery may take time, but with the right support, you can navigate it and come out stronger on the other side. Your mental health matters, and it’s okay to ask for help. It’s the first step toward living the life you deserve.

AfrikDigest: Thank you, Cecilia, for taking the time to speak with us. I also want to express our heartfelt gratitude to you and your family for your continued, unwavering support of Afrik Digest. Your dedication and kindness mean the world to us, and we truly appreciate you.

Cecilia Yeboah-Williams: Thank you so much for having me and for the opportunity to share my journey with Afrik Digest. Your work means a lot to me and my family. We deeply appreciate the important work you do in uplifting our community and giving a voice to the underrepresented. We are honored to support Afrik Digest and look forward to continuing this partnership.