Thinking about the pros and cons of going fully virtual? In this episode Kelley sits down with Jessica Vickers, a perinatal health specialist with a fully virtual private practice, serving clients across California. Jessica discusses her journey from starting in therapy to being a mom and therapist. She shares her insights and experience on working in group practices, virtual therapy benefits, being a woman of color in the field, and managing clients during motherhood. This episode offers valuable advice for therapists at all stages of their careers.

Guest Bio: Jessica Vickers, LMFT, PMH-C

Jessica Vickers is a licensed marriage & family therapist, and certified perinatal mental health counselor, living in Orange County, CA. Her practice is virtual, and focuses on the perinatal population, especially women of color, who are navigating the major life adjustments this phase brings. As a mother herself, you can find Jessica spending time (usually outdoors) with her children, maintaining the work/life balance.

Learn more at: www.jessicavickersmft.com / IG: @jessicavickersmft

Link to headshot

In This Episode:

• Balancing the schedule of a part-time practice
• How working in a group practice can be a source of support
• Imposter Syndrome as a woman of color in therapy
• Managing working and motherhood: What to do with your clients when you have a baby
• How to get involved in an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Starting out as a therapist and side-jobs

Highlights:

(0:00) - Episode Intro

(1:07) - Jessica Vickers Introduction

(5:25) - Balancing a part time private practice schedule

(9:10) - Jessica’s backstory and career beginnings

(12:27) - Dynamics and benefits of working in a group practice

(15:45) - Being a Woman of Color in Therapy

(20:26) - Pregnancy while working as a therapist

(23:05) - Other sources of income when starting out

(26:38) - Getting involved in an Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

(28:58) - Managing clients and motherhood

(38:47) - Kelley answers a listener’s question about how to address changing prices for clients when moving from a community mental health center to a private practice.

References:

The Connective (formerly Wellspace SF)→ https://theconnective.com/

Get 2 months FREE with Simple Practice → https://partners.simplepractice.com/tppp

Ask Kelley Anything → (805) 243-8241

This podcast is produced and managed by Jenga Creative → jengacreative.com