Find a therapist in Massachusetts — covered by insurance

My work centers on women’s wellness, with a focus on supporting women navigating ADHD, ASD, chronic stress, anxiety, nervous system dysregulation, and life transitions. Through working with a diverse range of clients, I’ve found that many women move through life feeling overwhelmed, disconnected from themselves, and stuck in survival mode.

I offer a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can bring questions, struggles, and hopes. Many of my clients want to better understand themselves, explore patterns in relationships, or find healthier boundaries. I learn from you.

I am a licensed social worker in Massachusetts and Maryland with a Master of Social Work from Simmons College of Social Work and over 30 years of experience serving diverse communities. My work has included, but is not limited to, Early Head Start, therapeutic schools, supporting elders at risk, and 16 years helping clients in the community manage and understand how to navigate community living and family systems dynamics while experiencing chronic mental health challenges.

I believe a person is not a diagnosis, and a diagnosis is not a person. My approach draws on the biopsychosocial model and developmental frameworks from Erickson and Piaget, alongside evidence-based methods like but not limited to DBT, CBT, and CET. I work with you to discover which approaches feel most helpful, focusing on building a client-centered, trusting relationship where challenges can be explored and skills practiced as our therapeutic work grows and strengthens.

I am a seasoned clinician with over 25 years’ experience working with adults and older adolescents struggling with anxiety, depression, family/relationship issues, grief, loss, career fatigue and other life stressors. I think of therapy as a partnership between client and therapist. I especially enjoy working with individuals and couples that feel “stuck,” are in crisis, or who are going through periods of difficult life transition. Through active listening and practical solution focused guidance, I lead clients on a path towards growth, change, and greater self-acceptance.

Life can be overwhelming, and we all experience times of uncertainty, imbalance, or emotional pain. You don’t have to navigate these challenges alone. Seeking support is a brave and meaningful step toward greater well-being. For over 20 years, I’ve had the privilege of assisting adults and teens work through depression, anxiety, relationship struggles, chronic stress, grief, and trauma.

I’m here to help you access inner strengths and develop new strategies. Together we’ll create a plan to reach your goals.

I provide trauma-informed, affirming care grounded in CBT and DBT. I work with LGBTQ+ individuals, college and medical students navigating crisis and burnout, and clients facing emotion dysregulation, perinatal challenges, OCD, PTSD, and BPD. Passionate about serving marginalized communities, I bring a social justice lens to every session—creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can explore, grow, and build lasting resilience.

The decision to start therapy is a courageous one. I create an open and safe environment for you to embark on your therapeutic journey. In my practice I take a strength-based approach to help you learn and grow. I am interested in exploring who you are as an individual and helping you get where you want to be. Together I hope to build a respectful and collaborative therapeutic alliance.

Drawing from over three decades of experience in mental health, addiction counseling, and psychiatric rehabilitation, I offer specialized, personalized approaches for both individuals and couples. In couples counseling, our focus is on enhancing communication and fostering skills to reignite connections and reopen hearts. I approach our work with utmost respect, collaboration, and a deep appreciation for your unique journey. You are the expert in your own experience, I provide unwavering support, strategies and realistic optimism.

Counseling since 1987; (Masters, 1997). I understand on a deep level what it can be like to live with and overcome mental health challenges and to be impacted by and overcome an addiction; this experience enriches my empathy and informs my clinical practice and ability to connect and understand more fully with you. We are human beings, not a diagnosis.

Currently an Adjunct Instructor at Tufts University School of Medicine. As Senior Instructor at Cambridge College, I taught & supervised masters level mental health counselors. As an Instructor at UMass Boston, I taught future drug and alcohol counselors. We are full of potential. Let's remove the barriers to your good health, happiness and success together! (Physical office setting 226 Massachusetts Avenue, Suite 1B, Arlington, MA as well as Telehealth through Professional Zoom account that is HIPPA Compliant and Secure available if preferred.)

Reach me directly at [email protected] to schedule a consult or appt.

I also accept Medicare, AmBetter, UMR and United plans.

https://care.tavahealth.com/providers/jessica-gaffney

Therapy is a healing of the past, UNFOLDING OF THE PRESENT AND gift for your future. You will see growth from day one.

I have been practicing as a licensed therapist for 10 years and specialize in helping people reclaim their lives by healing from the pain of trauma, anxiety, and depression. I am trained as a clinical mental health counselor with additional specializations in play therapy and trauma focused work. I work with all populations from preteen into adulthood.