The Beginning
Dr. Anthony Rivers was born and raised in the diverse community of West Tampa, Florida. Raised in a supportive and loving family amidst the projects, Anthony was aware of the inequalities faced by his community and the barriers to success faced by Black men. Though he might not have known what was needed, he was determined to create more opportunities for his family and community. This determination fueled his pursuit of higher education, leading him to West Virginia, where he studied psychology and opened himself up to experience community and diversity in a new way.
At the same time, Colleen Rivers, was also attending college, having navigated her own challenges, growing up in a household that valued hard work, love, and acceptance. Her family's open-door policy to help others set a foundation for her compassionate outlook on life. Anthony and Colleen's paths eventually crossed, leading to a partnership built on shared dreams and aspirations.
The Foundation
Upon completing their education, Anthony embarked on a career as a social worker while Colleen entered teaching. Their early experiences as parents to their daughter Essence, and later Whitney and Sydney, in an interracial relationship, underscored the importance of family, open-mindedness, and diversity. These principles were not just theoretical but lived experiences that shaped their approach to life and work.
A New Chapter: Graduate School
Anthony's desire to make a more significant impact led him back to graduate school, a journey supported by the whole family. This period was marked by sacrifice, teamwork, and a deep belief in the power of family support to overcome challenges. It was during this time that the foundation of Customized Behavioral Healthcare was laid, reflecting the family's commitment to unity, diversity, and community service.
The Rivers family ended up moving to Pennsylvania for Anthony's residency. This move was a significant step, bringing new challenges and opportunities. As the only family of color in their new community, they faced significant barriers to finding support, acceptance and community. It was during this time that the family experienced first hand how factors like diversity, community and family, can impact mental health.
After leaving Elizabethtown, PA, the family returned to Columbus, Ohio. After earning his doctorate, Dr. Rivers took jobs at Cordell and Associates in Dayton, Ohio and Developmental Associates in Columbus, Ohio, where he had the opportunity to learn the skills necessary to build Customized Behavioral Healthcare.
Essence went on to follow in Anthony’s footsteps, earning her doctorate from Xavier University in 2021. While completing her postdoctoral fellowship with Palm Beach County’s Youth Services Department, Essence met Emily. The two went on to expand another Customized Behavioral Healthcare to Florida.
Years of hard work and learning culminated in the establishment of Customized Behavioral Healthcare. The practice grew, inspired by the family's experiences and driven by a mission to serve the community with empathy, understanding, and a commitment to diversity.
Today, Customized Behavioral Healthcare stands as a symbol of hope and healing, guided by values forged through personal journeys, struggles, and triumphs. Our story is not just about the services we offer but about the hearts and minds committed to making a difference. It is a story of resilience, love, and the belief that, even when things don't go according to plan, we have the power to adapt and thrive, making a lasting impact on the lives we touch.