At Sober Escorts (SEI), we believe that mental health awareness isn’t something to recognize only in May—it’s the foundation of everything we do, every single day. We’re committed to providing compassionate, personalized care for those in need. Our work is not transactional; it’s relational. Our commitment extends beyond the individual client—it includes their families, their communities, and the future they deserve.

SEI is more than a business; it’s a family. And I mean that both literally and figuratively. Many of us at Sober Escorts have stood on the front lines of addiction and mental illness—personally, professionally, and generationally.

We often talk about recovery, treatment, and family healing. But during Mental Health Awareness Month, we wanted to go deeper—into the past, into our personal stories, and into the heart of why this work means so much to us.

Many know my father’s story—his battle with addiction, his recovery, and the founding of this company. But what’s less often talked about is the environment he grew up in. Twenty-two years ago, at the age of forty, he stood at a crossroads. He was a husband and father of two, struggling with addiction. A scholarship to a treatment center changed his life. His recovery became a turning point—not just for himself, but for others. That moment sparked the mission that would become Sober Escorts (SEI): helping others find the same possibility of healing and transformation.

When my father was growing up, mental health wasn’t something people talked about. Behaviors we now recognize as symptoms of trauma or neurodivergence were often misunderstood, stigmatized, or completely ignored. The history of mental health care in the U.S. is complex and, at times, deeply troubling. Women were institutionalized for being “too emotional.” Homosexuality was classified as a mental illness until the 1970s. Children who struggled were labeled “difficult” rather than supported.

While my father doesn’t blame his upbringing for his struggles, he acknowledges what we see every day in our work: generational trauma and untreated mental illness are real—and they’re powerful.

Healing doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens in relationships—through safe, stable, and supportive connections. That’s why family work is so central to our approach at SEI. And that’s why I’m writing this, a bit more personally than usual.

If you had told me ten years ago I’d be working at my dad’s company, I would’ve laughed hard. Yet here I am. My name is Jessie Parrish, and today I’m proud to be part of SEI—not just as a member of the team, but as part of a legacy of healing and hope.

This company may have been born from my father’s story, but it’s grown into something much bigger: a place where people from all walks of life can feel seen, supported, and cared for—without judgment. Our motto, “We care. We’ve been there,” isn’t just a slogan. It’s something I’ve lived my entire life, and a big part of why our services are so effective with those who are struggling. 

At SEI, we don’t believe in shame or blame. And truthfully, I still struggle with both sometimes. I don’t always introduce myself as Rick’s daughter because I’ve worked hard to build my own identity as a professional in this field. But I know I’m one of the lucky ones—I got to watch someone I love recover. And I know recovery isn’t linear. It’s not perfect. But it is honest.

This post is my honest offering—about why SEI exists and why I do this work. My father’s dream was to make recovery accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or financial situation. I’m committed to carrying that mission forward, combining my lived experience and formal education to advocate for a world where quality addiction and mental health care is a right, not a privilege.

We know real change takes time, education, and compassion. We know that one person’s healing can transform a family. And we know that awareness is only the beginning—what matters most is how we act on it.

So whether you’re a parent, a partner, a provider, or someone struggling silently—we see you. We’re here for you. We believe in your ability to heal.

Thank you for being part of this journey with us.

— Jessie Parrish