Meet Jackie

Meet Jackie

I’m Jacqueline Dotson — but please call me Jackie. Born and raised in New York City, I earned my BA in History and MSW in Clinical Social Work from New York University before making Sacramento my home in 2000.

I bring over 25 years of clinical social work experience across inpatient, intensive outpatient, residential, and emergency psychiatric settings. I spent six years as a psychiatric social worker in hospital emergency departments and maintained a private psychotherapy practice in Sacramento from 2005 to 2014. After nearly a decade as a civilian clinical social worker with the California Army National Guard, I returned to private practice in 2025, now offering specialized telehealth therapy to adults throughout California.

Clinical Expertise Meets Lived Experience

I also have personal experience managing a chronic neurological condition (Chiari Malformation), which gives me a unique perspective on the intersection of physical health, emotional resilience, and daily functioning. This experience deeply informs my work with high-achieving adults who feel quietly overwhelmed by their health.

My background in high-acuity trauma work, combined with my own health journey, allows me to help you navigate the heavy "internal" work of illness. I specialize in helping you process the medical trauma of dismissive doctors or scary procedures, untangle your self-worth from your productivity, and reconstruct an identity that doesn't just revolve around being a "patient."

Beyond the Therapy Room

Outside of work, I’m an avid figure skater, improv performer, historian, cyclist, and I’m politically engaged locally. I also deeply value long, thoughtful conversations. If you are ready to explore how we can rebuild your sense of self beyond your symptoms, I invite you to reach out.