After proving his commitment to sobriety for one year, Jacobson felt he could pursue a career in social work, and he applied at the detox center in Durango, Colorado. After persistent calls to the hiring manager, he was offered the job. With his high school diploma, Rick took the next step in his journey at the former New Day detox center.
Photo courtesy of Rick Jacobsen
While working at the detox center, Rick enrolled in Fort Lewis College. He became one of the pioneering participants of a partnership between Denver University and Fort Lewis College that enabled him to earn his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work within five years. Rick also dedicated himself to obtaining certification as a licensed addiction counselor. Rick dedicated himself to supporting individuals facing addiction within the criminal justice system. Through his expertise and commitment, he brought about positive change, developing jail-based behavioral health programs and elevating the lives of those in need.
“I do really enjoy working with the court-mandated, the criminal justice population, dual disorder, and helping people,” said Jacobsen.
From there, Jacobsen became a clinical supervisor overseeing multiple programs over 16 years. He continues to work with his team to positively impact the community and support people in their journey towards healing and growth. He hopes to see an expansion of services for programs like the Integrated Dual Disorder Treatment, especially for the veterans, as well as an increase in the success rate of jail-based programs and help staff reach a higher licensed profession.
Rick’s deep sense of pride is evident as he reflects on the programs he oversees. “I’m proud of all the programs I oversee,” said Jacobsen. What Rick takes the utmost pride in is the exceptional staff he collaborates with at Axis. He has discovered a profound calling in empowering them toward available professional growth and development opportunities.
Rick believes that empowering his team to attain higher licensure can alleviate the burden of student loans and continue their dedication to helping others. He said he would not have pursued his master’s if he did not get the training and support from Axis and other resources.
By nurturing a supportive environment, Rick hopes to attract exceptional individuals to join the team, united in their shared mission of transforming lives and impacting the community.
Are you interested in learning about loan repayment programs?
• NHSC Loan Repayment Program | NHSC (hrsa.gov) – National Health Services Corps loan repayment program
• Colorado Health Service Corps prospective applicants | Department of Public Health & Environment – Colorado Health Service Corps loan repayment program