Clinical Care Co-ordinator, The Mental Health Collective

The Mental Health Collective is a residential treatment center in Newport Beach, CA that provides evidence-based treatment for adults with mental illness, particularly adults with trauma-related disorders. In my role as a Clinical Care Coordinator, I take a person-centered approach to create a safe space for clients to land upon admission, seek me out in moments of need and feel secure in their transition out of care. I work within a brilliant multidisciplinary team of providers including therapists, social workers, psychiatrists and nurses to provide excellent care to individuals in their most vulnerable phase of life. The foundational knowledge I acquired through my undergraduate studies at QUB has served me well in formulating diagnostic impressions and case conceptualizations. Moreover, it inspired me to continue to pursue education at the Masters and Doctorate levels. 

This week I closed the chapter on the most challenging year of my life. While maintaining full time employment at The Mental Health Collective and a full academic course load at Capella University, I have spent the last year traveling across the United States to complete a year in residency for my doctoral program. Gruelling to say the least! This level of study is all consuming, no matter where or how you learn. The discipline and determination this program has required of me has forced me to develop grit.

As I reflect on this last year, one word that comes to mind is isolating. I was cautioned from the start that I would have to set boundaries with friends and family. That turned out to be true. I have said no to family gatherings, birthday parties, holidays, dinners with friends…the list goes on. At times, I’ve been met with questions and skepticism about how much I “really” have on my plate. That made the sacrifices tougher. I needed people in my life that truly understood how hard it was to be in this program while juggling so many other responsibilities, and my peers were that for me. During the year in residency, we set everything else in our lives aside and traveled across the county to learn together. The opportunity to connect with such a diverse group of individuals with unique backgrounds and expertise has been invaluable. I am filled with so much gratitude for them.

I am filled with so much gratitude that I had the opportunity to be challenged the way I was this year. Education is a gift, and not something that all people have the freedom to pursue. I am filled with so much gratitude for the family and friends that have loved me through this, celebrated my successes and supported me through the hardships. I am filled with so much gratitude for an employer that allowed me to take somewhere near two months off this year to complete this residency.

I am halfway through this doctorate program, and there is still so much left to do, but the completion of this residency feels like a significant milestone. It felt appropriate to hit the pause button and appreciate the moment. With the closure of this chapter, the next one opens. Now I embark on my practicum. I pursued this doctorate to remove any barriers that might get in the way of me being able to achieve whatever I want in this field. Freeing myself of limitations is an empowering experience and what keeps me going! 

Testimonial submitted June 2023

Additionally, Jessica completed her Insight placement in 2015/2016 with Ipsos MORI.  She said: 

“My first impression of my provider was extremely positive. I remember leaving my first day feeling excited to get started and wanting to make the most of this experience. I was welcomed warmly by every member of staff who made sure that I knew that I could ask as many questions as I needed to in order to understand my role and responsibilities. 

My placement involved client proposals, data collection, analysis and reporting.  I was able to bring the research skills I developed through my Psychology degree into the workplace.  I most enjoyed being part of a team during my placement and feeling like I was making valuable contributions. I was made to see how the tasks I completed complimented a project the whole office was working on. 

I would definitely recommend placement to motivated, hard-working, enthusiastic Level 2 students. Not only is this a way to network and enhance your CV but you gain practical skills and invaluable workplace experience. Placement enlightens you to the avenues and opportunities available to Psychology graduates that one might not immediately think of or consider. You may find yourself in a position you love but had never thought of!  Placement has helped me gain an understanding of just how transferable the skills I have gained through the course of my degree are”.