By James Zapico on November 4, 2025
In the heart of Folsom, California, a unique space for healing and growth is making a profound impact on the community. The Relationship Elevation and Learning Institute, known warmly as The REAL Institute, isn’t just a therapy practice; it’s a testament to the vision of its founder and CEO, Jessica LePage-Smith, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) dedicated to helping people design the lives they love.
With a powerful tagline, “empowering growth, elevating relationships,” The REAL Institute offers a guiding light for individuals, couples, and families navigating life’s challenges. Their core mission is to improve the quality of relationships, starting with the most overlooked one: the relationship with oneself.
Jessica’s path to creating The REAL Institute was shaped by a rich and diverse career. After earning her degree from NYU, she began her journey in the heart of New York City, working in foster care and gaining invaluable experience with complex family dynamics. Her career eventually led her from New York to Maine, and finally to California.
However, a personal health crisis, a stroke in her early 30s, became a pivotal moment. This life-altering event solidified her resolve and propelled her to create a vision for helping people heal on a larger scale. She started a solo practice during the pandemic, but the overwhelming demand for in-person connection and support inspired her to establish the brick-and-mortar location of The REAL Institute in September 2023.
What truly sets The REAL Institute apart is its unique “ego-cognitive solution-focused therapy” approach. Developed by Jessica herself, this method moves beyond jargon to provide practical, easily implementable steps that help clients get unstuck and move forward. The focus is on creating tangible solutions, whether it’s for an individual, a couple, or a family.
The very name of the institute reflects this philosophy. “Relationship Elevation” highlights the focus on improving connections with romantic partners, family, friends, and even things like work and personal boundaries. The “Learning Institute” portion signifies a deep commitment to cultivating the next generation of quality therapists, ensuring that the community has access to the best possible care.
Located conveniently in Folsom, the office was intentionally designed to be a sanctuary. Jessica, who has a passion for interior design, has created spaces that feel more like a comfortable living room than a sterile clinic. With warm, low lighting, and thoughtful decor, every room is crafted to promote comfort and encourage open conversation. The location itself, just off Highway 50 and near beautiful nature trails, was chosen for its accessibility, allowing clients from across the greater Sacramento area to find a peaceful retreat for their therapy sessions.
The institute proudly serves a wide range of clients, from children as young as seven to adults in their 80s. With a growing team of dedicated clinicians, each with different specializations, they ensure every client is thoughtfully matched with the right therapist to support their specific journey.
Jessica’s love for Folsom is evident not only in her choice of location but also in the institute’s active community involvement. As a member of Choose Folsom, the local chamber of commerce, and a participant in events like Folsom Community Service Day, The REAL Institute is deeply woven into the fabric of the city. Their commitment has been recognized locally, recently earning them first place for “Best Counseling” from the Folsom Times and a top-three spot from Style Readers Media.
When she isn’t leading her team, Jessica loves exploring new local restaurants, hiking the nearby trails, and spending quality time with her husband, Chris, their teenage son, Charlie, and their beloved pets.
The REAL Institute is more than a business, it’s a community resource born from passion, resilience, and a genuine desire to help others. As Jessica and her team continue to empower growth and elevate relationships, they are creating a lasting, positive impact on the lives of countless individuals and families in Folsom and beyond.
Website: therealinstitute.com
Email: outreach@therealinstitute.com
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