Exploring Life & Business with Jaclyn Fortier, LCMHCS of Carolina Counseling Wellness Associates PLLC

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jaclyn Fortier, LCMHCS.

Hi Jaclyn, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
Here is how I became a licensed clinical counselor and local business entrepreneur. At eighteen, a recruiter found me during my senior year of highschool and decided I would be the first female of my graduating class to enlist in the military. I was a shy kid that struggled academically, so this was not something anyone saw coming! I survived basic training (became super strong) and learned from that experience that I could do anything I set my mind to (Underdog, by Alica Keys became my favorite song)!

After my military service, I began college using my GI bill. I studied Psychology and graduated with a Masters in Mental Health Counseling and began working at a treatment center for addictions and trauma in Jacksonville, FL in 2008. I then moved to Maryland and worked as a program supervisor and domestic violence advocate with a Domestic Violence safe house program. I channeled my previous military experience to protect and serve the woman and children at the shelter while working with the local police and hospital to help those in danger find respite and healing. During that time, I attended John Hopkins University to complete post-graduate licensure courses, became a licensed clinical counselor, and began my first private practice.

Life then took me to Raleigh, NC, in 2015, where I decided to take a different path with my counseling career. As a long-time HGTV enthusiast, I leaped commercial restate investing and renovations and designed and opened a mental health care center in Apex, NC, Carolina Counseling Wellness Associates PLLC. With the increasing awareness of the need for mental health care services, I felt called to open a second location this year. We are opening our second location this fall in Highpoint, NC. My mission is to help end the mental health stigma and provide beautiful spaces for our community to see what mental health care can be!

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a smooth road?
I have had my own personal struggles with recovering from trauma and I practice being authentic and compassionate with those that I work with. Being an example of recovering from hard things, giving back to the community, and building a mission based business model is what keeps me going!

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a clinical supervisor for counselor associates working towards their full licensure. I love teaching counselors how to follow their own voice and develop their clinical skills. I offer guest hosting on podcasts and article writing for woman empowerment content, domestic violence survivor efforts, and trauma recovery. Speaking on ways to recover from trauma is in the works for my future ventures!

Who else deserves credit for your story?
I have an amazing team of advisors, friends, and mental health colleagues in the triangle area. My accountant Danielle Carpenter, the financial guru of running private practice finances. Derek Parrish, from Edward Jones who works with woman in buisness like a boss. Dana Ellington, my real-estate “angel” who has helped me more than she will ever know.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.carolinacounselingwellness.com

Image Credits
Madison Stringfellow