Meet Rebecca Jonas of Tune In Mental Health Services

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rebecca Jonas.

Hi Rebecca, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve been a musician for as long as I can remember, teaching myself the piano, then learning violin, and cello, picking up the bass for Jazz Band when their regular bassist moved away, playing in any ensemble that I could make the time for.

It made sense to become a music teacher, and I did that for fifteen years, teaching mostly Orchestra, but also Band, Choir, Music Theory, and all sorts of things. Although I loved being a music teacher, I became increasingly interested in mental health. During the last several years of my teaching career, I learned as much as I could about mental health and worked to share everything I was learning within the music education community.

I eventually decided it was time to change my focus, and I went back to school at CU Denver in Fall 2019 to pursue my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health. After several years, several jobs, and one pandemic later, I graduated and began working as a therapist in a small group practice. After a few months, I opened my practice to better meet the needs of my clients.

At Tune In Mental Health Services, LLC, I specialize in working with artists, musicians, neurodivergent folks, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. In addition to offering individual and group counseling sessions, I host workshops, consult with school and musical organizations, and even work with local bands on group dynamics. I love what I do.

I also perform frequently in orchestras, string quartets, and with my band, All Through The Night.

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?
Getting to where I am now has not been a smooth ride, but I try to stay solution-focused, keep looking at the bigger picture, remember my vision, and try to laugh whenever I can.

I initially returned to graduate school when I was still teaching high school. I knew balancing an advanced degree with a full-time job would be difficult, but made a lot of preparations. None of that planning mattered when three days into the 2019 School Year (and a week into my Master’s of Counseling program) my Department Chair resigned and I was immediately handed many of her duties. Throughout Fall 2019 I was working 60+ hour weeks and carrying a large course load at school. I had to make the heartbreaking decision to leave teaching to care for my own mental and physical health while continuing towards my goals of entering the mental health field.

Going to school throughout the pandemic was also challenging. Professors and students were constantly adapting assignments, exercises, and expectations to comply with COVID guidelines while trying to prepare for working with clients. Many of us felt robbed by not being able to meet in person. We were also very aware that the world was experiencing significant trauma, that the need for mental health support and education was growing, and that our field was rapidly changing to try and meet the needs of our clients.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Tune In Mental Health Services, LLC?
Tune In Mental Health Services, LLC offers individual and group counseling as well as workshops and educational and consultation services.

I specialize in working with artists, musicians, neurodivergent folks, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as people who work with and care about these communities. I am excited to serve within these communities that I inhabit which are typically misunderstood and underserved.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.tuneinmentalhealth.org

Image Credits
Colin McKinley, Alpine Music Photography, and Justin Oshita