Today we’d like to introduce you to Jarred Eugene Wellington.
Jarred, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey started in Chicago, where I was born in 1994. When I was four years old, my family faced the loss of my mother to cancer, and we moved to Texas to be closer to family and build a new chapter together. I grew up in Bastrop, a small town just outside Austin, where I spent my childhood exploring, learning, and developing a deep appreciation for community.
After graduating from Bastrop High School, I headed to Texas State University in 2012 to study psychology. What began as a curiosity about people and human behavior quickly grew into a passion for helping others. That passion led me to earn both my bachelor’s degree in psychology and later my master’s degree in social work.
Along the way, I discovered my calling: working with children and families. After graduating with my master’s degree in 2018, I began providing therapy services throughout the Travis County area, helping young people and their families navigate life’s challenges and build healthier futures.
Today, I serve as a supervisor at a nonprofit organization in Austin, where I work with youth in foster care and support a team dedicated to meeting the mental health needs of children and families. Looking back, the path from a small-town kid in Bastrop to a mental health professional has been an incredible adventure, one driven by resilience, compassion, and a desire to make a positive impact in my community.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Losing my mom to cancer when I was four years old changed the trajectory of my life in ways I’ll never fully know. Had that not happened, there’s a good chance my family would have stayed in Chicago, and my life might have looked completely different. Instead, we moved to Texas to be closer to family, and that experience taught me resilience from an early age.
Like many people, I also faced challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Working in mental health during a time of uncertainty, isolation, and increased stress was difficult, both professionally and personally. There were moments that tested me, but I’ve always tried to focus on what I can control and make the most of the circumstances in front of me.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s how to roll with the punches. Life doesn’t always go according to plan, but I’ve found that resilience, adaptability, and a willingness to keep moving forward can turn challenges into opportunities for growth. Those experiences have shaped who I am today and continue to influence how I support the children, families, and communities I serve.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I currently serve as a supervisor and therapist with Safe Landing, a program at Integral Care that supports youth in foster care and the families who care for them. Our philosophy is simple: youth can thrive when they have the right support at the right time. Safe Landing works closely with foster youth and their families to create individualized plans that help them achieve their goals, build stability, strengthen relationships, and navigate challenges successfully.
The program is staffed by licensed therapists who specialize in supporting youth and families involved in the foster care system. Through Safe Landing and the broader network of services available at Integral Care, we provide a continuum of care designed to meet families where they are and help them access the resources they need. As a supervisor, I have the privilege of supporting both the families we serve and the talented clinicians who make this work possible.
In addition to my role at Integral Care, I maintain a private practice where I provide virtual therapy to adults. My professional interests include helping clients manage anxiety, navigate life transitions, build healthier relationships, and develop greater self-awareness and resilience.
What I am most proud of is the impact our team has on the lives of foster youth and families throughout Travis County. These young people often face significant challenges, and it is incredibly meaningful to be part of a team that helps create stability, connection, and hope during difficult times.
I also take pride in being a Black man in the mental health field. Representation matters, and there is a growing need for more men, and especially more men of color, in helping professions. I hope my presence in this work not only helps clients feel seen and understood, but also encourages others to consider careers in mental health and service to their communities.
What sets me apart is a combination of clinical expertise, leadership experience, and genuine compassion for the people I serve. Whether I am working with a foster youth, supporting a family, supervising clinicians, or helping adults in private practice, I strive to create a space where people feel heard, respected, and empowered to grow.
What’s next?
Looking ahead, I am excited about continuing to grow both personally and professionally. One of my primary goals is to further develop as a leader in the mental health field. I enjoy mentoring and supporting other clinicians, and I look forward to taking on new opportunities that allow me to strengthen my leadership skills while helping build strong, effective teams that can make an even greater impact in our community. I am also focused on expanding my private practice and increasing access to quality mental health services for adults. As the demand for mental health support continues to grow, I hope to reach more individuals who are seeking a space to heal, grow, and navigate life’s challenges. Building a practice that is both sustainable and impactful is an exciting next step in my professional journey. Beyond specific career goals, I am looking forward to continuing to learn, evolve, and find new ways to serve others. Mental health is a field that is constantly changing, and I am energized by the opportunity to grow alongside it. Whether through leadership, clinical work, or community involvement, my goal is to continue making a meaningful difference in the lives of the people and families I have the privilege to work with.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://care.headway.co/providers/jarred-wellington
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eugene-wellington-2233a6266
