Jacqueline Contreras, Ph.D., LPC-S, CEO

"Dr. C."

Dr. Contreras is the owner and a dedicated psychotherapist of Contreras Counseling & Chronic Pain Support, PLLC. With a passion for helping individuals overcome challenges and achieve well-being, she brings extensive experience and a compassionate approach to every session. She is committed to creating a space where patients feel seen, heard, and empowered on their journey to healing and growth.

Growing up on the West Side of San Antonio, Dr. Contreras witnessed stigma surrounding mental health, generational cycles, and the lack of accessible services. These experiences inspired her to spread the message that mental health matters and that seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. In many Mexican-American households, mental health struggles are often dismissed with phrases like, “You’re just tired,” or viewed as a personal failing. Dr. Contreras knows how damaging these messages can be, and her personal experiences have fueled her mission to break down barriers and provide a safe, supportive space for healing.

Dr. Contreras is not your typical psychotherapist. Her goal is to create a space where you feel truly at ease, relaxed, welcomed, and secure. With a laid-back, casual style and an open mind, she still maintains the professionalism you would expect from a trusted expert.

Her approach fosters an environment that’s not only safe and comfortable, but also nonjudgmental, supportive, and empowering, the kind of place where you can show up exactly as you are. Whether you are opening up for the first time or continuing your healing journey, she meets you with warmth, authenticity, and compassion, all while equipping you with practical tools for growth.

Dr. Contreras is well-suited to help individuals navigate everyday struggles, heal from trauma, face phobias, or work on self-esteem. Her expertise extends beyond these areas, making her a versatile and supportive therapist for a wide range of clients seeking positive change and improved well-being.

 

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 Community College

 

License

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

 

Experience

  • 8+ years of experience as a psychotherapist treating patients ages 14–88

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

  • Specializations in: Anxiety, Chronic & Acute Pain, PTSD, Emotional Distress, First-Generation College Student Concerns, and First-Generation American Issues

  • Professional background includes roles as Owner/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

Laura Martinez

Executive Assistant

Laura is the Executive Assistant at Contreras Counseling & Chronic Pain Support, PLLC, and often the first friendly face to welcome you to our practice. With a strong background in customer service and administration, she plays a key role in ensuring that everything runs smoothly behind the scenes so patients can focus fully on their care.

Having personally seen the power of therapy, Laura understands the courage it takes to seek support and the difference it can make in someone’s life. This experience fuels her dedication to creating a welcoming, safe, and stress-free environment from the very first interaction.

Laura is approachable, compassionate, and detail oriented. Whether it’s helping you schedule an appointment, answering your questions, or pointing you in the right direction, she strives to make each person feel supported and valued.

Her commitment reflects the heart of our practice: making sure every patient feels cared for, respected, and empowered from the moment they reach out.

 

Experience

    • Over 20 years of experience in customer service, office administration, and operational support.

    • Industry expertise spanning logistics, finance, healthcare, and corporate services.

    • Skilled in executive and team support, including:

      • Calendar and schedule management

      • Report preparation

      • Filing system organization

      • Payment processing

      • Coordinating daily operations

    • Known for resolving complex issues and handling sensitive information with discretion.

    • Dedicated to delivering outstanding service and creating positive experiences.

    • Professional background includes TQL, Citibank, UT Health, SWBC, and iHeartMedia.

    • Proven ability to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and overall customer satisfaction.

     

    As aforementioned, our practice is growing! We’re looking to expand and add more team members, so be sure to check back and watch us grow.