Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer McPherson.
Hi Jennifer, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
I am the daughter of British West Indian immigrants who came to the US in 1972. My father dies from a rare type of cancer when I was 6 years old so I was essentially raised in poverty in North Philadelphia by a single mother. However, her ultimate goal was to make sure that I received the best education possible, and worked 7 days a week to keep me enrolled in Catholic school from kindergarten through 12th grade. For undergrad, I attended Temple University with the initial intention of being a Pre-Med student. However, I quickly found that it was impossible to maintain my particular major while working full-time and taking care of my family. I recently switched my major to Psychology because I knew that I was passionate about helping people. After undergrad, I pursued my first Master’s degree at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Philadelphia where I studies Counseling & Clinical Health Psychology, upon graduation, I hit the ground feet first and began co-managing a Methadone Program in Bucks County, PA before transitioning to Integrated Behavioral Healthcare to work alongside physicians and other medical professionals. During that time, I received firsthand exposure to the poor treatment that BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ individuals received in both the medical and mental health field. In order to change the status quo, I started a very small, virtual private practice dedicated to serving BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ individuals. Word quickly got out about my work and I had to expand to providing both in-person and virtual care on a part-time basis. As momentum continued to grow, I quit my corporate job and dedicated my time to the practice full time providing hybrid services to individual in PA and FL. When the pandemic hit in March 2020, the popularity of the practice exploded immensely and I quickly transitioned from a solo practice to a group practice with BIPOC clinicians to meet the demand. Over the year, we have been awarded the Best Mental Health Service in Wyncote, PA for 2022, the Clinicians of Color Community Changer Award, and I was recently awarded the Woman of Distinction Award in PA. On Friday, January 20th, 2022, we celebrated our 5th anniversary and the immense growth that we have experienced as a practice.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of the biggest obstacles to my success was dealing with uncertainty and imposter syndrome. There were many times in which I was not sure if I had what it took to be successful in private practice. I found support with those negative thoughts and fears from my support system and my own healers along the way. Another struggle that we tend to deal with on a regular basis is racism. As a practice to supports the mental health of BIPOC individuals, we receive many racist and nasty messages in our inbox. However, we ignore them and keep doing the work that we have been called to do. Everyone, no matter of race, creed, religion, gender, orientation, etc is welcome at McPherson Clinical & Consulting Services but we do not support hate of any kind.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about McPherson Clinical & Consulting Services?
McPherson Clinical & Consulting Services is a Black-owned, woman-owned, BIPOC-focused, and LGBTQIA+-friendly group practice that provides hybrid style psychotherapy services, coaching, consulting and education to our community. We currently have 6 therapists that represent the BIPOC community and with various specializations. What sets us apart from others is that we take an individualized, evidenced-based, culturally aware approach to each and every client and also focus on creating representation within our practice. Additionally, we accept insurance which can sometimes be a rarity in our field, and offer numerous events throughout the year to create a sense of community and to provide education and healing to the masses.
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Seek support from people in your field that inspire you with their work. Our culture and systems have taught us that we must go through our journeys alone but that is not the case. The right mentor and support system can mean the world and mean the difference between success and failure.
Pricing:
- $180 for Intake Session
- $150 for Follow-Up Sessions
- $150 for Coaching
- $150 for Consulting
- Speak Engagements Vary
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mcphersonccs.com/
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/mcphersonccs
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/mcphersonccs
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenmcphersonlpc/
- Other: https://www.meetup.com/mccs_bipoc/
