By: Kaitlyn Gomez
Mental health issues affect millions of people every day, making it crucial to have professionals who can offer support in times of crisis. With more than 15 years of experience in the mental health field, Jessica C. Ashley has built a career around helping individuals during psychiatric crises and ensuring they receive the care they need at the right time.
In 2023, Ms. Ashley founded JC & Ashley Counseling LLC, a mental health agency specializing in crisis services. As the chief executive officer, she is at the forefront of providing immediate assistance through the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, offering essential help to those in acute distress.
A Career Fueled by Service and Compassion
Ms. Ashley’s journey into mental health began with her passion for helping others. “I wanted to be actively involved in providing care, not just manage from behind a desk,” she recalls. She started by directing various mental health agencies, which gave her the skills and knowledge to start her practice.
In founding JC & Ashley Counseling, Ms. Ashley wanted to create an agency where she could be hands-on and offer direct crisis intervention: “I wanted to be just as involved as my staff — responding to clients, helping during crises, and being out in the community.”
Ms. Ashley’s team works closely with the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, making sure that people facing mental health emergencies get the right help. She also personally responds to calls, often going to clients’ homes or meeting them in the community to help de-escalate situations.
Focused on Comprehensive Care
Ms. Ashley does more than offer therapy. Her agency helps people during challenging times, offering the support they need to stabilize their mental health.
“It’s about meeting people where they are and providing care when needed,” Ms. Ashley explains. JC & Ashley Counseling aims to prevent situations from escalating to the point where law enforcement or hospitalization is necessary.
In addition to the services they offer directly to clients, Ms. Ashley’s agency helps other mental health providers by giving guidance on how to set up their crisis management programs. This approach has become a model for others in the industry.
Looking Forward: Expanding Services and Growing Impact
Ms. Ashley has big plans for her agency’s future. “In the next five years, I hope to expand to other states, especially Texas,” she says. She also plans to add new services to support those dealing with substance use disorders and other mental health challenges.
While growing her business, Ms. Ashley also focuses on the well-being of her team. “Mental health professionals are often under much stress, and I want to make sure my team is supported so they can continue providing great care,” she explains.
A Life of Balance
Outside of work, Ms. Ashley enjoys spending time with her two children and finds balance in activities like watching movies, cooking, reading, and listening to music. She believes that maintaining this balance is essential for her well-being and her ability to lead her agency effectively.
Ms. Ashley’s dedication to mental health care and hands-on approach has made her a leader in her field. Her future plans for expansion and commitment to her clients ensure that JC & Ashley Counseling will provide vital services for years to come.
About Marquis Who’s Who®:
Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who’s Who in America®, Marquis Who’s Who® has chronicled the lives of the accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion, and entertainment. Who’s Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians, and executive search firms worldwide. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who’s Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com.
