Meet Whitney Coleman | Clinical Social Worker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Whitney Coleman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Whitney, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I’ve known for years working for others was not for me. I do not do well with being told what to do without having next steps laid out and need an understanding of why I am doing things. I’ve also had several bad experiences which have turned me off from working for others. Based on what happened at prior work experiences, I also wanted to make sure I was in a position to help others in some fashion. I originally had another business in which I strictly did consultation and supervision; however, I decided I wanted to incorporate direct client work as well. I spent several years thinking about what I wanted to do, doing research as to the best way to go about it, and listening to others discuss what did and did not work for them when doing similar things. I wanted to make sure when I put together my business I came from a strong position so I was immediately available to help people rather than focusing on administrative tasks.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Jade Clinical Services is a virtual mental health practice based in Washington DC and Maryland. We specialize in working with women of color to address life transitions, anxiety, and PTSD. We work from a person-centered framework which means no two clients receive the same care and we try to be considerate with regard to a client’s needs. What I believe sets us apart is clients keep saying they love the feeling of normalization they receive. If a client has a dark sense of humor, I am not afraid to joke with the client or to use a bit of self-disclosure within reason. I am proud my clients think highly of me, quote me, and continue to refer others to my business. I am currently excited about my efforts to expand and bring on more qualified clinicians. I’m excited about this because it will allow me more time to focus on my consulting and supervision branches of the business.

I got to where I am in this business by doing a lot of qualitative research. I found other professionals and interviewed them about their businesses. When I realized I had outgrown my ability to learn this way, I invested in the business and hired a business coach. There have been a lot of long days but the progress is obvious. Once I saw the progress I realized investing in yourself and your business sooner rather than later is extremely beneficial. It will save you time, make you more money in the long run, and give you more free time.

I would like the world to know, I am serious about my business and my work. I give every one of my clients my time and attention because they deserve it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1 – African American Museum of History and Culture (I’ve been there multiple times but the exhibits keep changing)

Day 2 – Washington National Cathedral (this is where I grew up and I’d like to give people context), eat at Cactus Cantina

Day 3 – The National Zoo (because animals are cute and fun), eat at Vace’s Italian Deli

Day 4 – Go exploring the Navy Yard and H St Corridor and eat as we go

Day 5 – Day trip to further out in Maryland or Virginia at the friend’s discretion

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would like to shoutout my mother, Francel Trotter Bellinger, who was very excited about my starting the business but passed away before she could actually see it prosper. I would also like to shoutout my coach, Glendora Dvine, who has pushed and encouraged me to do and be more in the past few months than I thought possible.

Website: www.jadeclinical.com

Instagram: @jadeclinical

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/jade-clinical-services/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jadeclinical