Inspiring Conversations with Alisa Gray of Red Jasper Mental Health

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alisa Gray.

Hi Alisa, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has worked with families impacted by chronic illness since 2016.

I earned my Bachelor’s degree from Colorado State University School of Social Work in 2009 and Masters degree in Social Work from Newman University in 2012. My initial interest was in foster care and adoption with early career experience in private adoption, licensing foster homes, and supporting foster parents and group home providers as they ensured safety and stability for children in need. I then moved to preventative work where I was trained in Multisystemic Therapy and provided in-home therapeutic support for families at risk of child protection involvement and families with children in the juvenile justice system.

In 2016, after giving into my desire to explore the great frontier, I moved to Anchorage Alaska where I gained interest in medical social work while I was a contractor with the United States Air Force, leading the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP) at Elmendorf Air Force Base. I shifted into an outpatient medical social work position at Providence Alaska Medical Center after recognizing I am most fulfilled professionally when providing direct patient care.

I quickly gained valuable experience and a love for supporting patients and families impacted by chronic illness. As part of my work at Providence I supported adult and pediatric patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). The medical team I worked with valued social work support in a way I had not experienced previously in my career, This support encouraged growth as a clinician and helped me thrive in my career field.

While attending the National Cystic Fibrosis Conference (NACFC) in 2019 I meet part of the CF team working at Children’s Hospital Colorado (CHCO). I immediately connected with them and their passion for supporting the CF community. My hankering to move home grew and sparked conversations of moving back to Colorado to work with them. In 2020 I accepted a position at CHCO where I worked until May 2025.

In early 2025 I founded Red Jasper Mental Health, specialized mental health support for both individuals living with long-term health conditions and the people who support them.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Starting my own therapy practice after years as a medical social worker has been a big shift. I’m used to working in the healthcare settings with lots of structure and team support. Now, I’m learning how to build a business, market myself, and work more independently—all while managing the uncertainty that comes with starting something new.

Overall it’s been a mix of excitement and overwhelm. I miss parts of the medical world, especially the camaraderie I had with the medical team. With that being said I am really drawn to the slower, more intentional pace of private practice. I finally have the space to work more deeply with clients, especially around the emotional impact of chronic illness, which has always been close to my heart.

I am thankful to have an incredible support system, I remain connected to previous colleagues and have a network of women entrepreneurs who continue to guide and support me. Community is invaluable and it’s something I am committed to fostering both as a clinician and a business woman.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
My practice offers virtual therapy services to residents throughout Colorado. My specialties include: Chronic Illness & Autoimmune Disorders, Health Anxiety & Medical Trauma, Healthcare Worker Burnout & Compassion Fatigue, Grief, Loss, & Life Transitions, and Caregiver Stress & Support​.

As a social worker being an accessible resource has always been important to me; Red Jasper Mental Health proudly accepts most commercial insurance in Colorado and I am currently working to accept both Colorado Medicaid and Medicare.

What’s next?
Right now, I’m focused on building a strong foundation for my private practice—connecting with clients who are managing chronic illness, stress, anxiety, and life transitions. As I grow, my goal is to expand access to care in more flexible and responsive ways.

One vision I’m really excited about is offering mobile mental health services in the future. I know that for many people—especially those dealing with physical health challenges or transportation barriers—getting to a traditional office can be a major hurdle. I want to meet clients where they are, both literally and emotionally.

Eventually, I see my practice including home visits, community-based sessions, and maybe even a mobile therapy unit to bring care directly into neighborhoods that need it. It’s all about making mental health support more accessible, personal, and grounded in real life.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.redjaspermentalhealth.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redjaspermentalhealth/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Red-Jasper-Mental-Health-61574183116761/
• Other: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/alisa-gray-denver-co/1375833

Image Credits
Alaa Zeitawi