Dr. Jacqueline Contreras, Ph.D., LPC ("Dr. C.")

CEO & Psychotherapist

Specializing in Trauma, Chronic Pain, and Injury-Related Psychological Care

 

Dr. Contreras is the CEO of C3 and a dedicated psychotherapist committed to helping individuals overcome challenges and improve their well-being. She brings extensive clinical experience and a compassionate, practical approach to therapy, creating a space where patients feel heard, supported, and empowered in their healing journey.

Growing up on the West Side of San Antonio, Dr. Contreras witnessed firsthand the stigma surrounding mental health and the lack of accessible services in many communities. These experiences inspired her mission to spread awareness that mental health matters and that seeking support is a sign of strength. In many households, struggles with mental health are often dismissed or misunderstood, and Dr. Contreras is passionate about breaking those barriers and creating a safe space for healing.

Dr. Contreras is known for her warm, down-to-earth style. She creates an environment where patients feel comfortable being themselves while still receiving the professionalism and expertise they expect. Her approach is supportive, nonjudgmental, and focused on helping individuals develop practical tools for growth.

She works with individuals facing everyday stressors, trauma, phobias, and self-esteem challenges, helping patients move toward meaningful change and improved well-being.

 

La Dra. Contreras es la directora de C3 y una psicoterapeuta comprometida con ayudar a las personas a superar dificultades y mejorar su bienestar emocional. Cuenta con amplia experiencia clínica y ofrece un enfoque práctico y compasivo, creando un espacio donde los pacientes se sienten escuchados, apoyados y acompañados en su proceso de sanación.

Al crecer en el West Side de San Antonio, la Dra. Contreras fue testigo del estigma que muchas veces rodea la salud mental y de la falta de acceso a servicios en algunas comunidades. Estas experiencias despertaron en ella la misión de compartir el mensaje de que la salud mental es importante y que buscar ayuda no es una debilidad, sino un acto de valentía. En muchos hogares, los problemas emocionales a veces se minimizan o se malinterpretan, y la Dra. Contreras trabaja para romper esas barreras y ofrecer un espacio seguro para sanar.

La Dra. Contreras es conocida por su estilo cálido y sencillo. Se enfoca en crear un ambiente donde las personas puedan sentirse en confianza, relajadas y libres de ser ellas mismas, mientras reciben el profesionalismo y la experiencia que esperan de una especialista.

Trabaja con personas que enfrentan el estrés de la vida diaria, traumas, fobias y dificultades con la autoestima, ayudándoles a desarrollar herramientas prácticas para generar cambios positivos y mejorar su calidad de vida.

 

Education

  • Doctor of Philosophy- (Counselor Education & Supervision)- The University of Texas at San Antonio 
    • CACREP Accredited 
  • Master of Science- (Clinical Mental Health Counseling)- The University of Texas at San Antonio
  • Bachelor of Arts- (Psychology/Minor: Sociology)- The University of Texas at San Antonio
  • Associate of Arts- (Liberal Arts)-  San Antonio College (Alamo Colleges District)

 

License

  • Licensed Professional Counselor, State of Texas (#79487)
    • Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council

 

Experience

  • 9+ years of experience as a psychotherapist treating patients ages 13–88

  • 6 years of experience working with patients involved in motor-vehicle accidents, personal injury cases, and injured workers

  • Specializations in: Anxiety, Chronic & Acute Pain, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Emotional Distress, Adjustment Disorders, First-Generation College Student Concerns, and First-Generation American Issues

  • Professional background includes roles as CEO and Psychotherapist at Contreras Counseling & Consulting (C3), Mental Health Therapist at Worker’s Clinic Inc., and clinical/academic positions at UTSA, Roy Maas Counseling Center, and San Antonio Youth Center

  • Recognized for providing compassionate, evidence-based care and helping patients build resilience, recovery, and readiness for work and life