Member In the Spotlight
Spotlight on Chantelle V. Jusay: A Passionate Advocate for Accessible Mental Health Services
Chantelle V. Jusay, a second-generation Filipino Canadian, has been on an inspiring journey toward becoming a clinical psychologist. After earning her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a Minor in Counselling from Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Chantelle is now in her fifth year of the Psy.D. program at Adler University, where she is completing her pre-doctoral internship. Outside her academic life, she leads a student organization at her church, focusing on community outreach, youth support, and lifestyle workshops.
Deeply motivated by her family's experiences and challenges in accessing mental health care, Chantelle has made it her mission to advocate for professional mental health services, especially for those who cannot afford private support. Her work as a Student Board Member for the British Columbia Psychological Association (BCPA) aligns with this passion, as she helps shape the future of psychology in British Columbia while representing the voices of emerging psychologists.
In this interview, Chantelle shares her academic journey, challenges, and rewards, and reflects on the mentors who have shaped her path. She also offers insights into balancing the demands of doctoral studies with personal life, her professional goals, and advice for future psychology students. Chantelle's unwavering commitment to helping others and her advocacy for accessible mental health care are at the heart of her mission to make a meaningful impact in the field of psychology.
- Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your journey into psychology?
I am a second-generation Filipino Canadian and a proud daughter of immigrants. Amongst all the beautiful qualities my parents passed down to me, being family oriented is one of the attributes I treasure the most. I was introduced to psychology due to personal trials my family overcame. Through this experience, I learned at a young age the true impact professional mental health support can have for an individual, couple, and family. This is when my interest in psychology started. Until I decided to pursue becoming a psychologist to make a difference in the lives of those who struggle with their own silent battles.
- How would you describe your experience as a fifth-year Psy.D. student?
The fifth year of the Psy.D program has got to be my favourite part of my studies. Currently, I am undergoing my one year pre-doctoral internship. During this time I have the opportunity to put into practice the 4 years of in-class and practica learning and apply them to real-life situations. Through this process, I am continuing to hone my clinical and assessment skills.
- Can you share some of the key challenges and rewards you’ve encountered during your academic journey?
One of the key challenges I experienced in my academic journey was the workload transition from my undergraduate studies to my graduate program. It felt like the quantity of reading and learning done in one week quadrupled! However, I continued to be determined throughout my studies and took it one step at a time. Eventually, the workload became normal and little by little, I was checking off academic milestones. Despite the length of the Psy.D. program and the workload, I will never forget the little rewards that motivated me to work harder. One of my most memorable rewards was during my therapy practicum when a client expressed her gratitude for our sessions. She thanked me for helping her get back into the life she wanted to live.
- What drives your passion for advocating for professional mental health services for those who cannot afford private support?
I always look back to the experiences my family had. We did not have resources to seek mental health services privately and were fortunate to receive support from community mental health. However, with the rising need for mental health services, waitlists continue to grow. For those who are unable to receive private support, they end up waiting months or even years to see a psychologist. The discrepancy between the need for services and those who are actually receiving support continues to motivate me to advocate for professional mental health services to be accessible for all who need it.
- What motivated you to join the BCPA Board of Directors, and how has your experience been so far?
BCPA’s mission resonated with me and my goals of providing accessible professional mental health services. Therefore, I wanted to get involved to help shape the field of psychology and provide a voice for students who are coming into the field. My experience as a Student Board Member of the BCPA has been filled with much learning. I have gained insight about the systems in place but also how we can further advocate for psychologists to fill the gap in providing accessible professional mental health services.
- Being a doctoral student is very demanding. How do you balance your academic responsibilities with your personal life?
“Small steps are still steps”. This is what I have constantly told myself throughout my doctoral studies. This motto has guided me in the way I break down tasks, schedule work periods, and maintain my personal life. I ensure that every day I focus on one small step for each area of my life. Then eventually, at the end of the week, month, and semester, I have completed all assignments and still made time for church, family/friends, travel, and hobbies.
- Who has been a significant mentor or influence in your life, and how have they impacted your career path?
My maternal grandfather was a significant mentor and influence in my life. He encouraged me to explore the world and have new experiences. He also modeled how having a good work ethic and perseverance can benefit one's life. He encouraged me to seek out a career path that would fulfill my passions and supported me even when he could not understand what the field of psychology was. He constantly reminded me to keep fighting and showed me what true resilience looked like. Whenever I feel down, stressed, or any type of negative feelings, I always remember the love, care, encouragement he showed me. Him believing in me was enough for the both of us, until I started to believe in myself. This has gotten me through the many years of study and helped me reach my academic milestones.
- What are your professional goals?
My personal mission statement has always been to help others help themselves. I strongly believe that individuals have the capacity and potential to surpass their problems but may need support in finding that path. Therefore, my professional goals have always been to support those who are ready for change. Through providing psycho-diagnostic, psycho-educational, and psycho-vocational assessments and offering evidenced-based interventions, I hope to enhance individuals’ overall well-being and quality of life.
- Can you share a book, podcast, or resource that has profoundly influenced your understanding of psychology?
For some, opening up to others is a scary process. Yet, us humans continue to desire social interaction, acceptance, and connection. The Power of Vulnerability by Brene Brown is an excellent resource in understanding how vulnerability may be used as a tool to facilitate joy, belonging, authenticity, and love.
- What advice would you give to other students who are considering a career in psychology or who are currently pursuing their studies?
A career in psychology is rewarding work. If you are someone considering studying or pursuing a career in psychology, my advice would be to never forget the reason you said YES to this type of work. Allow this motivation to guide you on your academic journey and never forget that the ultimate goal is to provide professional mental health services to those that need it. Keep on going, there is a light at the end of the tunnel!
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