Meet Jacquie Pershing | Licensed Clinical Social Worker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jacquie Pershing and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jacquie, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Starting my own private practice was a decision that evolved over time, influenced by my desire to work more directly with clients and families while cutting through the limitations I experienced in previous roles. Early in my career, I loved my work in skilled nursing, supporting families through difficult healthcare decisions. However, navigating the red tape and bureaucratic hurdles became frustrating. When I moved into public education, I encountered similar challenges. While I appreciated the relationships and the work, I felt constrained by systems that didn’t align with how I wanted to provide care.

After seven years in education, I realized it was time for a change. I wanted the freedom to set the rules and create a space that reflected my values. I took a year to carefully transition, during which I focused on building a practice that prioritized accessibility by accepting insurance and fostering a sense of community and collaboration. These values are important to me, so I built a network of like-minded professionals to ensure I wasn’t working in isolation. Now that my practice has been open for a little over three months, I’m turning my focus toward marketing, always eager to learn from others who’ve also taken the leap into small business ownership.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My private practice is focused on providing accessible mental health care, with an emphasis on community and collaboration. What sets me apart is my personal connection to grief and loss, which deeply informs the work I do. My experiences as a caregiver from a young age, combined with my professional training, allow me to bring a unique blend of empathy and expertise to my clients. I also take insurance to make therapy more accessible to those who might otherwise face barriers to care. That accessibility, combined with creating a safe, supportive space for healing, is something I’m proud of.

Getting to this point wasn’t easy. Starting a private practice came with its own set of challenges, from navigating insurance panels to building a client base. I spent a year transitioning out of public education to focus on laying the groundwork for my business. Along the way, I’ve had to learn a lot about marketing, managing the administrative side of a business, and ensuring I stay connected to other professionals so I don’t feel isolated. I’ve built a community of like-minded therapists and small business owners, which has helped tremendously.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of asking for help. Whether it’s seeking advice from other business owners or relying on my support network, I’ve found that community is essential. I want the world to know that my brand is built on values of care, connection, and accessibility. I’m here to help people navigate grief and other challenges, and I strive to create a space where clients feel seen, heard, and supported.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting, we’d have the best week ever! We’d kick things off with breakfast at République and then soak up the views and art at the Getty. The next day, it’s all about stars at Griffith Observatory, with a planetarium show and evening stargazing. Of course, we’d hit Hollywood, catch a show at The Greek Theatre, and grab some mouthwatering Cuban food at Versailles.

Beach day? Absolutely! We’d bike along Santa Monica to Venice, snack on Cuban pastries from Porto’s, and dive into some fun nightlife at The Edison. For some chill time, we’d head to Malibu’s beautiful beaches, maybe do a little wine tasting, and visit The Broad Museum for an art fix. To wrap up the trip in style, we’d hit up Casa Vega for some killer margaritas and delicious food. It’d be the ultimate blend of fun, culture, and great eats!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I owe so much of my journey to the life experiences and people who have shaped me along the way. My path has been anything but linear, and it was shaped by grief and caregiving that began when I was 16. Caring for my father after his stroke and my mother, who had early-onset Alzheimer’s, taught me lessons in patience, empathy, and resilience. These experiences deeply influenced my decision to become a therapist and shaped the way I approach my work today. I often say that Alzheimer’s helped raise me, and those challenges are the foundation of my professional empathy.

In addition to my personal experiences, my education played a huge role in my development. At CSUMB, I learned the importance of collaboration across professions, and at UCLA, I learned the value of flexibility and being present in the moment. My supervisors throughout my career have had a hand in shaping who I am as a professional. These amazing professionals taught me about the importance of self-care and the importance of balance in this work.

I also have to give credit to my family and friends, who have been a constant source of encouragement and support. They’ve pushed me to pursue my dreams, even when the path was uncertain.

Website: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/jacquie-pershing-santa-clarita-ca/1299611

Instagram: jacquie_pershing_lcsw

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacquie-pershing-5b6122328/