Robin Phillips

Qualified Behavioral Health Provider

Brenda is a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in the treatment of children and adolescents that have experienced early trauma in life (i.e. abuse, neglect, chaos), impacting their ability to form adequate bonding and attachment. This can have a profound negative impact on the youth’s ability to function safely and adequately in their daily lives. They struggle to have a sense of “felt safety,” feeling worthy and loveable, being able to effectively manage their feelings and behaviors, and feeling connected in relationships. 


Her approach to treatment involves focusing on healing past trauma, developing an enhanced sense of “felt safety” and worthiness in life, learning to more effectively identify and manage feelings in a healthy manner, and developing improved trust and security in relationships.


This involves the parents/caretakers as a critical component of treatment as this approach is very relationship oriented. 

Robin Lynn Criglar Phillips, M.Ed., QBHP, is a dedicated behavioral health professional, educator, mentor, and advocate committed to empowering individuals, strengthening families, and promoting positive community outcomes. Originally from Malden, Missouri, she is the youngest of seven children and a proud graduate of Malden High School's Class of 1988. Since relocating to Arkansas in 2000, she has devoted her career to education, human services, and behavioral health support. 


Ms. Phillips earned an Associate of Applied Science degree in Early Childhood Paraprofessional Technology from Southeast Arkansas College in 2007 and a Bachelor of Professional Studies in Early Childhood Education from Arkansas Tech University in 2011. In May 2026, she achieved a significant professional milestone by earning a Master of Education degree in Early Childhood Education, reflecting her dedication to lifelong learning and professional growth. 


As a Qualified Behavioral Health Provider (QBHP), Ms. Phillips provides compassionate support, guidance, and skill-building services to individuals and families facing emotional, behavioral, and life challenges. Her work emphasizes resilience, healthy coping strategies, personal growth, and long-term success. 

Throughout her distinguished career, Ms. Phillips has served in several influential roles, including Family Service Worker Investigation Supervisor for the State of Arkansas, Family Enrichment Specialist, and Head Start Teacher. These experiences have equipped her with extensive expertise in child development, family advocacy, crisis intervention, case management, leadership, and community engagement. 


In addition to her behavioral health work, Ms. Phillips is a Certified Life Coach and a Licensed Insurance Agent in Arkansas and Missouri. With more than twenty years of experience in teaching, mentoring, coaching, and leadership, she has dedicated her life to helping others recognize their strengths, overcome challenges, and achieve their goals. 


Known for her compassion, integrity, and ability to build meaningful connections with people from diverse backgrounds, Ms. Phillips is widely respected as a trusted mentor and advocate. Her mission is to inspire hope, foster growth, and create lasting positive change through education, mentorship, advocacy, and service. 


Ms. Phillips is the proud mother of two children, Tyler Me'Giel and Tyria Lynn, and a devoted grandmother. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, participating in community events, and spending quality time with family and friends. 


Through her professional and personal endeavors, Robin Lynn Criglar Phillips continues to make a meaningful impact by empowering individuals and families to thrive and reach their fullest potential. 


Robin Lynn Criglar Phillips, M.Ed., QBHP 

• Qualified Behavioral Health Provider (QBHP) 

• Master of Education (M.Ed.) 

• Certified Life Coach 

• Licensed Insurance Agent (Arkansas & Missouri) 

• Educator 

• Mentor 

• Advocate 

She works to educate parents on the impact of early trauma on brain development, teaches parents new skills in addressing their child’s unmet needs, and utilizes interventions to enhance the parent-child relationship.relationships.


Brenda received her Bachelor degree in Psychology/Sociology from Drury College in Springfield, MO, and her Masters of Social Work from the University of Missouri in Columbia, MO. She has experience working in acute care settings, intensive residential treatment, and outpatient treatment. 


She has worked in the mental health field for over 35 years, with experience with children and adolescents in acute care settings, a residential treatment facility, and outpatient. She worked at Youth Home, Inc. for over 20 years as a primary therapist for adolescent males, and she has worked at BHSA for the past 6 years as an outpatient therapist. In addition, she provides supervision and training for other therapists. 

She enjoys working with her patients at BHSA “because of the support provided by the agency in addressing the needs of the families.” “As a parent of adopted youth that experienced early trauma and significant attachment issues, I understand the unique stressors placed on families as a result of this. I have tremendous respect for those that work to contribute to the healing of these youth and commit to the challenging role of parenting them.”

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