Licensed to practice in California and accepts 69 insurances. Specializes in Addiction, Coping Skills, Depression and 4 more.
Jolene Ford
(she/her)
Hello, I'm Jolene, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with a passion for helping individuals achieve balance and well-being in their lives. I've dedicated my career to providing evidence-based therapeutic interventions and support to those seeking positive change and personal growth. Areas of Specialization: Throughout my career, I have gained valuable experience in several areas, including: 1. Substance Abuse Disorders: I am dedicated to supporting individuals and families on their journey to recovery from substance abuse, providing guidance, and helping develop strategies for a healthier, substance-free life. 2. Crisis Management: Life can throw unexpected challenges our way. I am here to help you navigate crises, develop coping mechanisms, and build resilience in the face of adversity. 3. HIV Care/Management: Living with HIV can present unique emotional and psychological challenges. I offer a compassionate and understanding approach to help individuals manage their condition while maintaining a high quality of life. 4. Depression and Anxiety Disorders: I specialize in working with clients who are experiencing depression and anxiety, offering strategies to alleviate symptoms and improve overall well-being. My Mission: My mission as an LCSW is to guide and support you on your path to personal growth, emotional healing, and a more balanced life. I understand the importance of setting healthy boundaries in relationships, work, and daily life, and I am here to assist you in achieving this vital skill. I strive to offer a welcoming space where clients of all gender identities and sexual orientations feel seen and supported. I also work from a neurodivergent-informed lens, honoring each person's unique ways of thinking, feeling, and experiencing the world.
Get to know me
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
By offering a compassionate and empathetic space, I aim to empower individuals to navigate their challenges with resilience and clarity. Together, we work towards fostering a deeper understanding of their emotions, building coping strategies, and cultivating a renewed sense of purpose and fulfillment.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
I possess a unique set of strengths that make me an effective communicator and a supportive presence in various interpersonal situations. Firstly, I am inherently non-judgmental, which means I approach conversations with an open mind and without preconceived notions, fostering an environment of trust and acceptance. This quality makes me easy to talk to, as people feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and concerns without fear of criticism or judgment. Additionally, I am strengths-based in my approach, focusing on identifying and amplifying individuals' positive qualities and abilities. This not only boosts their confidence but also helps them harness their potential for personal growth and success. These qualities collectively make me an approachable, empathetic, and empowering presence in both professional and personal interactions.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I specialize in assisting motivated adults navigating life transitions while coping with symptoms of depression and/or anxiety. My approach is tailored to those seeking support during pivotal moments in their lives, whether it's career changes, relationship shifts, or personal growth journeys.
Specialties
Top specialties
Addiction
Coping Skills
Depression
Other specialties
Anxiety
Life Transitions
Peer Relationships
Women's Issues
I identify as
White
Woman
Serves ages
Adults (18 to 64)
Licensed in
California
Accepts
Aetna
Aetna - ASR Health Benefits
Aetna - Allied Benefits
Aetna - Luminare
Aetna - Medicare
Aetna - Moda
Aetna - WebTPA
Aetna – HealthEZ
All Savers
Amerihealth Administrators
Amerihealth NJ Medicare Advantage
Anthem
Blue Cross
Independence Administrators
Independence Blue Cross
Arlo
AvMed
Blue Shield
Blue Shield of California - Medi-Cal
Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan (Medi-Cal)
Blue Shield of California - Medicare
Independence Personal Choice 65 PPO
Independence Keystone 65 HMO
Carelon Behavioral Health (Commercial)
L.A. Care PASC-SEIU
L.A. Care Covered
L.A. Care Covered Direct
Sutter Health Plan
IHSS Healthy Workers
Cash - $120 per session
Centivo
Central California Alliance for Health (Medi-Cal)
Cigna
Cigna - HealthEZ
EAP:Cigna
EAP:Evernorth
EAP:UnitedHealthcare/Optum
Evernorth
Gold Coast Health Plan (Medi-Cal)
Gold Coast Health Plan Total Care Advantage (HMO D-SNP)
Golden Rule
Harvard Pilgrim/UnitedHealthcare
Health Net (Medi-Cal)
Community Health Plan of Imperial Valley (Medi-Cal)
CalViva Health (Medi-Cal)
Health Plan of San Joaquin/Mountain Valley Health Plan – Medi-Cal
Humana - Medicare
Humana Dual (Medicare & Medicaid)
L.A. Care Health Plan (Medi-Cal)
L.A. Care Medicare Plus (HMO D-SNP)
UnitedHealthcare/Optum
Optum
OptumHealth Complex Medical Conditions
Oscar
Oxford
Partnership HealthPlan of California (Medi-Cal)
SFHP Care Plus (HMO D-SNP)
San Francisco Health Plan (Medi-Cal)
Santa Clara Family Health Plan - Medi-Cal
Sharp Health Plan
Surest (formerly Bind)
Tufts Health/Cigna
United Medical Resources
UnitedHealthcare Dual (Medicare & Medicaid)
UnitedHealthcare Life Insurance
UnitedHealthcare Shared Services
UnitedHealthcare StudentResources
UnitedHealthcare/Optum - Medicare
UnitedHealthcare Complete Care (C-SNP)
Location
Virtual
My treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a structured, goal-oriented form of psychotherapy that focuses on the relationship between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. I use CBT in therapy to help individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to emotional distress or maladaptive behaviors. By addressing these patterns, CBT aims to promote healthier thinking and adaptive coping strategies, ultimately empowering individuals to manage challenges more effectively and improve their overall well-being.
Psychoeducation
Psychoeducation plays a crucial role in therapy by providing clients with essential information about their mental health condition, treatment options, and coping strategies. It helps clients develop a deeper understanding of their symptoms, fostering a sense of empowerment and control. Additionally, psychoeducation enhances treatment engagement and adherence, as informed clients are more likely to actively participate in their therapeutic journey and make informed decisions about their mental health care. This knowledge also extends beyond the therapy room, enabling clients to apply what they've learned in managing their symptoms and maintaining overall mental wellness in their daily lives.
Strength-Based
Strengths-Based therapy is an approach that focuses on identifying and leveraging a person's strengths, resources, and capabilities rather than solely addressing deficits or weaknesses. It emphasizes empowering clients by recognizing their positive qualities and resilience. In therapy, I collaborate with clients to explore and amplify these strengths, using them as foundations for personal growth, problem-solving, and achieving therapeutic goals. This approach not only enhances self-esteem and motivation but also fosters a more holistic and optimistic outlook on overcoming challenges and improving overall well-being.
Relational
Relational Therapy is a therapeutic approach that focuses on the importance of relationships in shaping a person’s emotional well-being and psychological functioning. It is often used to address interpersonal difficulties, trauma, and emotional distress.
19 ratings with written reviews
March 7, 2026
Great first impression , I felt heard . I felt like she was determined to get to know me and listen to me .
Verified client, age 18-24
February 20, 2026
I've been working with Jolene for several months now and I highly recommend her. She's kind, caring, practical, and solution-oriented. She's also very knowledgeable about multiple forms of abuse and trauma. Really glad I found her!
Verified client, age 35-44
February 18, 2026
Jolene is warm and lets you speak at your own pace. Feels good to have space and time to talk without being rushed or feeling like an agenda needs to be completed.