Meet Jessica Vadovicky

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jessica Vadovicky . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jessica below.

Jessica , we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.

Finding my purpose has been an incredible journey, one that beautifully intertwined with becoming a mother. On the day I graduated with my psychiatric mental health degree, I also welcomed my first child into the world—a day that marked the beginning of two profound paths in my life.

I’ve always been drawn to the medical field, driven by a desire to help others. While initially contemplating a career in medicine, my decision to prioritize family life led me to nursing. It was during nursing school that I discovered my true passion lay not just in the science, but in the stories and experiences of the people I cared for. My interest in psychology as a hobby evolved into a calling when I encountered patients facing mental health challenges and witnessed the stigma they endured, even within the medical community.

Determined to make a difference, I pursued a higher degree and became a psychiatric nurse practitioner. Simultaneously, I experienced the profound journey of pregnancy and motherhood, deepening my understanding of human development. This dual focus illuminated the significant gaps in our approach to mental health care and fueled my passion for advocating for change.

During COVID, while seeing patients, I really had the opportunity to advocate for change and improvements. As I anticipated the birth of my second child, I began slowing down on seeing patients directly. It was during this time that I was given the tremendous opportunity to advance my career and become a leader, allowing me to change lives on a macro level by influencing policy and larger-scale care, which has always been my passion.

Balancing motherhood and a demanding career hasn’t always been easy, but it has undoubtedly enriched my perspective and purpose. I’m committed to making mental health care more accessible and affordable, knowing that we have a long way to go, but driven by the belief that every step forward makes a difference.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m excited to share more about my professional journey and what drives me in my role at Foresight Mental Health. As the Vice President of Psychiatry at a startup mental health company, I have the honor of leading a dedicated team of clinicians, working tirelessly to improve access to psychiatric services and reduce barriers to care. It’s a privilege to contribute to the betterment of both the current and future generations, striving to bring a blend of art and science to psychiatry while advocating for more robust research and understanding.

This year, we are launching a transition to practice program for psychiatric nurse practitioners who are either recently graduated or have had a break or insufficient launch into the workplace. Psych NPs are the glue and future that holds access to care together as we are seeing a current and projected shortage of psychiatrists. However, due to the lack of resources for preceptors and differences in standardized curriculum, the readiness to practice out of school can vary widely from individual to individual. We are helping to walk through imposter syndrome and make the strongest possible next generation of nurse practitioners. This initiative is something I am incredibly excited about, as it was my first dream as a leader here at Foresight.

Another exciting development is our recent credentialing with Medicare, allowing us to extend our services to another demographic of patients who are often underserved or undertreated. Additionally, we have opened our first Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), which provides higher-level support for more acute patients and helps keep people out of the hospital when possible. We are planning to expand our IOP and open a partial hospitalization program (PHP) next.

Balancing my role at Foresight with motherhood has been a rewarding challenge, enriching both my professional and personal life. I’m passionate about making mental health care more accessible and affordable, driven by the belief that every step forward makes a difference. Our efforts at Foresight are a testament to this commitment, and I am proud to be part of such a forward-thinking and impactful organization.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, three qualities have been most impactful in my journey: passion, curiosity, and open-mindedness.

First and foremost, I pursued something I loved. My passion for mental health, advocacy, and fighting for what is right has been a driving force in my career. My strong belief system and commitment to making positive changes for the betterment of the world have fueled my journey and allowed me to live my purpose. I encourage anyone early in their journey to find what truly ignites their passion and let it guide their path.

A crucial skill that has helped me is maintaining a sense of curiosity. Whenever I encounter something I’m unsure about, I dive deep into learning. I read everything I can find to understand the lived experiences of others, gaining insights from memoirs and articles just as much as from textbooks. Staying curious and continually seeking knowledge can provide a well-rounded perspective and deepen your understanding of your field.

Lastly, I attribute my view on mental health and mental health care to being open to all perspectives. Often, medical care falls short by assuming we have all the answers. I’ve read as many, if not more, works by critics of psychiatry as I have by its supporters. It’s essential to recognize that our understanding is constantly evolving, and we must approach our work with humility and an open mind. History has shown that even well-intentioned actions can have unintended consequences, so it’s crucial to remain cautious and receptive to new ideas.

For those early in their journey, my advice is to stay passionate, curious, and open-minded. Pursue what you love, continuously seek knowledge from diverse sources, and never assume you have all the answers. Embrace the complexity of your field and strive to understand the experiences of those you serve. This approach will not only enrich your professional journey but also help you make meaningful contributions to your field.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

The most impactful thing my parents did for me was teach me that I could be and do anything. They never doubted my abilities, even when my goals seemed unrealistic. They never treated me differently for being a girl. They encouraged me to play rough, express myself freely, and explore my interests without imposing any limitations based on gender.

My parents allowed me to wear weird makeup at a young age, change my hairstyle, dress however I wanted, and follow my own path, regardless of societal expectations. They created an environment where I could discover who I was and what I believed in, without feeling pressured to conform to their standards or anyone else’s. This unwavering support and freedom to be myself have been fundamental in shaping my confidence and determination, empowering me to pursue my passions and reach for my dreams.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.foresightmentalhealth.com/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicavadovicky

Image Credits

Whimsie Photography