Cecil E. Wattree, LCSW, LSCSW, is a visionary leader in behavioral health and public health systems, known for advancing equitable, trauma-responsive care and community-centered healing. With a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Emporia State University and a Master of Social Work from the University of Missouri–Kansas City, he brings over 17 years   of experience spanning behavioral health, medical social work, and systems-level intervention.

Cecil’s professional impact is defined by his ability to bridge clinical excellence with macro-level change. His work spans inpatient and outpatient behavioral health settings, where he has led consultation efforts, developed innovative roles, and implemented evidence-based practices that improve both individual outcomes and organizational effectiveness. Grounded in holistic, human-centered, and solution-focused approaches, he integrates modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing, EMDR, Mind-Body Medicine, and recovery-oriented care into his clinical practice.

As the Founder and Lead Therapist of Radical Empowerment Services, Cecil has built a practice dedicated to fostering individual transformation, cultural responsiveness, and psychological resilience. His work increasingly integrates depth-oriented and liberation-based frameworks, drawing from psychodynamic, Jungian, and socio-historical perspectives to address generational trauma, identity development, and systemic oppression—particularly among Black men and marginalized communities.

Cecil currently serves as the Clinical Director at Community Assistance Council, where he leads behavioral health programming, supports interdisciplinary service delivery, and drives strategic development aimed at strengthening pathways to self-sufficiency for individuals and families. His leadership reflects a deep commitment to integrating mental health care within broader social service ecosystems.

His influence extends into education and public leadership. Within the Hickman Mills C-1 School District, Cecil has served as an employee, stakeholder, Board of Education Director, and Board President. During the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, his leadership helped the district maintain a historic fund balance while advancing policies centered on equity, restorative practices, and student-centered outcomes.

As a former adjunct professor at the University of Missouri–Kansas City’s School of Social Work and Criminal Justice, Cecil taught courses in Systemic Oppression, Human Behavior in the Social Environment (HBSE), and Race, Class and Criminal Justice, equipping emerging social workers and criminal justice majors with the critical frameworks necessary for macro practice, policy engagement, and culturally responsive care.

Cecil was also the Founder of the Kansas City Black Mental Health Initiative, a nonprofit dedicated to increasing awareness, representation, and de-stigmatization of Black mental wellness. His broader body of work reflects a commitment to prevention, early intervention, and the cultivation of community-based healing infrastructures.

Across all roles, Cecil E. Wattree is not only a clinician, but a systems thinker, educator, and architect of change—working at the intersection of mental health, social justice, and community empowerment to build a more equitable and psychologically resilient society.

Questions?

Stacy Davis
Mental Health America of the Heartland
739 Minnesota Avenue
Kansas City, KS  66101
Phone: 913-222-5933
Email: [email protected]
www.mhah.org

Please register by June 11, 2026. If you are unable to register online or have questions or need translation or accommodations please contact Stacy Davis at least 5 days prior to the webinar.

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