Today we’d like to introduce you to Candace Oglesby-adepoju
Hi Candace, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey into the field of psychotherapy and mental health advocacy began in high school when I felt a deep calling to support communities that were representative of myself. This early passion led me to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with a minor in Gender and Diversity Studies at Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. During my college years, a pivotal experience came through my participation in the inside-out prison exchange program, which allowed me to attend classes at a local correctional facility. This exposure deeply influenced my decision to focus on the forensic population, particularly in providing mental health services to incarcerated individuals.
After completing my undergraduate studies, I pursued a master’s degree in clinical psychology. During this time, I interned at the Federal Correctional Institute in Cumberland, MD, where I provided essential mental health services to incarcerated human beings enrolled in the Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP). This experience also led me to create a parenting course titled “From Dads to Fathers.”
With the completion of my graduate studies, I began my career in community-based mental health services, specializing in substance abuse. My roles ranged from working with those receiving medication management to intensive outpatient care. After earning my licensed clinical professional counseling (LCPC) license and becoming a board-approved supervisor, I rose to the position of program manager. In this capacity, I oversaw graduate-level clinicians and interns within Baltimore City Public Schools.
However, after four years in leadership, I felt a strong pull to return to direct service, particularly to historically oppressed and marginalized communities. This led me to transition into private practice full-time. During this phase, I sought additional certifications, including Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) and formal training in Internal Family Systems (IFS). I also became a featured presenter for Bright Ideas, a continuing education platform.
In recent years, I have embarked on a new chapter by becoming a psychedelic-assisted therapist. I have received formal training in various psychedelic therapies, including psilocybin, 5-MeO-DMT, MDMA, and ketamine-assisted psychotherapies (KAP). As a clinical trial therapist, I contributed to a study at the Aquilino Cancer Center that explored the effects of psilocybin on cancer patients with Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD). Additionally, I have taken on roles as a program director, teacher, mentor, facilitator, and consultant. My focus has been on supporting culturally diverse women with extensive trauma histories, utilizing EMDR, IFS, and KAP.
In addition to my clinical work, I founded Jurnee Mental Health Consulting, LLC, where I serve as a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) mental health consultant. In this role, I provide facilitation and training on various mental health topics, driven by my passion for supporting individuals from backgrounds similar to mine. I am committed to lifelong learning and find fulfillment in guiding my clients on their transformative therapeutic journeys. My more recent re-brand includes the intersectionality of mental health equity, innovative mental health care treatment (psychedelics), and technology.
Beyond my professional roles, I am an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, a community service-oriented organization, and a community ambassador for Black Therapist Rock, which promotes culturally relevant mental health awareness and addresses the legacy of racism and white supremacy. When I’m not working, I cherish time spent with my husband, dog, family, and friends.
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?
The journey to where I am today has not been a smooth road. Like many who work in mental health, particularly within historically marginalized and oppressed communities, I’ve faced significant challenges along the way. Early on, the decision to focus on the forensic population and work with incarcerated individuals brought me face-to-face with the complexities of providing mental health care within an oppressive system often designed to punish rather than rehabilitate. Navigating these challenges required resilience, creativity, and a deep commitment to the people I was serving.
As I moved into community-based mental health services and later into leadership roles, the demands of managing substance abuse treatment, supporting clinicians, and overseeing programs in under-resourced areas added to the pressures. The work was fulfilling, but the weight of systemic issues and the emotional toll of witnessing the struggles of both clients and staff made it a challenging environment.
When I transitioned back to providing direct mental health services, I faced the typical challenges of building a caseload and ensuring I was meeting the needs of my clients. Additionally, pursuing advanced certifications in modalities like EMDR and IFS required a significant investment of time and resources, but these were necessary to provide the best care possible to my clients.
Entering the field of psychedelic-assisted therapy introduced a new set of challenges. As a Black woman in a predominantly white space, I often found myself navigating feelings of isolation and the frustration of being one of the few voices advocating for diversity and inclusion in these emerging therapeutic practices. It has been a continual process of advocating for myself and others, often pushing against the boundaries of what is traditionally accepted in both the mental health and psychedelic fields.
One of the most significant and rewarding challenges I took on was founding my own mental health consulting company, Jurnee Mental Health Consulting, LLC. As a Black-owned and women-led business, it was a bold step into an industry where representation often falls short. Establishing the company meant not only breaking barriers for myself but also creating opportunities for other global majority voices to be heard in spaces where they have been historically underrepresented.
Starting this company involved overcoming numerous hurdles—securing funding, establishing a client base, and building credibility in a field that can be resistant to new and diverse perspectives. Yet, it was through this endeavor that I truly found my voice as a leader and advocate. The company allowed me to offer DEI-focused mental health consulting, facilitation, and training, which has been instrumental in my mission to support individuals who share my background and to bring mental health equity to the forefront of every conversation.
Despite these challenges, or perhaps because of them, I’ve developed a deep resilience and a commitment to not only my clients but also to the broader work of bringing equity and inclusion to the mental health field. Each hurdle has reinforced my belief in the importance of this work and has driven me to continue expanding my knowledge, advocating for change, and supporting others on their healing journeys. The road has been anything but smooth, but the challenges have been instrumental in shaping the therapist, consultant, and advocate I am today.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a licensed psychotherapist, entrepreneur, and mental health consultant. I work at the intersection of mental health equity, innovative mental health care ([psychedelics), and technology. My work involves providing DEI mental health consultation services and training other mental health professionals. I also run Jurnee Mental Health Consulting, LLC, a Black-owned and women-led mental health consulting company, where I offer facilitation and training on various mental health subjects, with a particular focus on supporting global majority communities.
I specialize in trauma therapy, particularly for culturally diverse women with extensive trauma histories. My therapeutic approach integrates modalities such as Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP). I also have expertise in psychedelic-assisted therapies, including psilocybin, 5-MeO-DMT, MDMA, and ketamine, and have worked as a clinical trial therapist exploring the effects of these substances on treatment-resistant depression (TRD) in cancer patients.
In addition to my clinical work, I specialize in DEI mental health consulting within the mental health and psychedelic fields. I advise organizations to create more inclusive and equitable practices and train other professionals in trauma-informed care and culturally competent therapy.
I am known for my commitment to mental health equity and for being a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion in the mental health and psychedelic-assisted therapy fields. My work in DEI consulting and training has gained recognition, especially as I bring a unique perspective as a Black woman in spaces where diversity is often lacking. I am also known for my deep expertise in trauma therapy and my ability to integrate advanced therapeutic modalities to support healing in individuals who have experienced significant trauma.
I am most proud of the impact I’ve had in supporting global majority communities, both through direct mental health services and through my consulting work. Founding Jurnee Mental Health Consulting, LLC, is one of my proudest achievements, as it has allowed me to create a platform where I can advocate for mental health equity and support other professionals in providing culturally competent care on a macro level.
I am also proud of my contributions to the field of psychedelic-assisted therapy, particularly my work on clinical trials that explore innovative treatments for mental health conditions that disproportionately affect people of color. Being able to bring my knowledge and experience back to Black and Brown communities has been incredibly rewarding.
What sets me apart from others is my unique combination of expertise in trauma therapy, psychedelic-assisted therapy, and DEI mental health. consulting, all grounded in a deep commitment to social justice and equity. As a Black woman in these fields, I bring a perspective that is often underrepresented, and I use my platform to advocate for change and to create more inclusive spaces.
My approach to therapy is holistic and integrative, combining evidence-based practices with an understanding of the cultural and social factors that impact mental health. This allows me to provide care that is not only effective but also deeply attuned to the lived experiences of my clients.
Additionally, my work in the field of psychedelic-assisted therapy, particularly in ensuring that these emerging treatments are accessible and equitable for all communities, is a testament to my dedication to advancing mental health care in ways that are both innovative and inclusive.
In summary, my unique blend of clinical expertise, advocacy, and leadership in DEI sets me apart, allowing me to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those I serve and in the broader mental health community.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
While some might attribute their success to luck, I don’t believe in luck in the traditional sense. Instead, I believe in the concepts of planned happenstance and purpose. Throughout my life and career, I’ve found that the opportunities and challenges I’ve encountered have been deeply intertwined with my intentions, preparation, and a strong sense of purpose.
Planned Happenstance: This idea suggests that what others might call “luck” is often the result of being open to new experiences, remaining curious, and being prepared to act when opportunities arise. For me, this has meant consistently pursuing knowledge, building relationships, and staying adaptable in the face of unexpected challenges. For example, my participation in the inside-out prison exchange program during college wasn’t a stroke of luck—it was the result of my active decision to seek out opportunities that aligned with my passion for helping black and brown communities. This experience ultimately shaped my focus on forensic psychology and laid the groundwork for much of my later work as a psychotherapist.
Purpose: I firmly believe that everything I do is driven by a deeper sense of purpose and connection to something greater than myself. My decision to specialize in trauma therapy, particularly for culturally diverse women, wasn’t random—it was a conscious choice rooted in my understanding of the unique challenges faced by these communities, especially my own as a black woman. The founding of Jurnee Mental Health Consulting, LLC, was another purposeful step, aimed at creating a platform where I could advocate for mental health equity and support other professionals in providing culturally conscious care.
In business, this purposeful approach has guided every major decision I’ve made. Whether it’s pursuing certifications in advanced therapeutic modalities, entering the field of psychedelic-assisted therapy, or taking on leadership roles in DEI mental health consulting, each move has been intentional and aligned with my long-term goals.
So, while some might see elements of luck in my journey, I see it as the outcome of being prepared, remaining curious, and, most importantly, staying true to my purpose. The challenges I’ve faced were opportunities in disguise, and the so-called “good luck” was the result of hard work, preparation, and a deep commitment to making a difference.
In summary, I don’t attribute my successes or setbacks to luck. Instead, I view them as part of a larger plan that I’ve actively shaped through my actions, decisions, faith, and unwavering dedication to my purpose.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jurneewithcandace.com
- Instagram: @jurneementalhealth
