Jessica Akers
She/Her/Hers
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, LICSW Specialties • Insurance & Fees • LocationsShe/Her/Hers
Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, LICSW Specialties • Insurance & Fees • LocationsJessica Akers is a therapist in private practice in Providence, RI. She has expertise in working with individuals during transitional periods, when underlying issues in relationships, health, and identity may come to the surface.
Jessica specializes in treating individuals who have experienced a loss, and gently guides them through the grieving process. As loss takes many forms, Jessica has helped clients navigate challenges including: the loss of a loved one or a home, fertility struggle, miscarriage, pregnancy termination, divorce, financial insecurity, separation from an abusive relationship, and adjustment to retirement.
For clients who are struggling with obesity and/or weight loss, including gastric bypass surgery patients, Jessica offers a holistic approach that carefully considers possible medical complications. She helps clients build coping mechanisms, process other traumas and life stressors that may be contributing to weight management issues, and develop ways to live a mentally, emotionally, and physically healthy life.
Jessica uses an integrative approach that incorporates skills-based, interpersonal, and existential modalities. Jessica's previous work at both the Rhode Island Hospital and Butler Hospital Partial Hospitalization Programs provided her with experience treating clients with a wide array of issues. She deeply values a collaborative approach, and works closely with a care team including psychiatrists and primary care physicians.
Loss and grief - Includes the loss of a loved one, abortions and miscarriages, divorce, infertility problems, financial challenges, separation from an abusive relationship, adjustment to retirement, and loss of a home due to environmental disasters
Weight management - Healthy approaches to losing weight and promoting positive body image
Gastric bypass surgery - Managing the psychological and physical implications of gastric bypass surgery
Parenting - Helping parents with their own issues within the context of supporting children
Major life transitions - Including starting college, career changes, marriage, divorce, and parenting
Anxiety - Generalized anxiety, panic attacks
Depression - Sleep and energy disruption, overall mood disturbance, inability to enjoy yourself, and difficulty being motivated, amongst many other symptoms
Substance use - Preventing and reducing challenges related to tobacco, marijuana, and/or alcohol, such as anxiety, depression, and challenges in relationships
Existential challenges - Questioning purpose, spirituality, existence; finding one’s path and voice, especially when it differs from society's expectations
Trauma - Including dealing with past sexual assault, childhood trauma, environmental trauma (e.g. witnessing/experiencing violence), PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder)
Personal growth - Support around personal growth; clarifying goals and steps to building a fulfilling life
This provider can support you in getting reimbursement from your insurance company if you are seeking out-of-network reimbursement. Here are the out-of-network billing options they provide:
Frequency of sessions this provider offers to see clients once you are an established client.
For clients with insurance besides Blue Cross: private pay option typically uses out of network benefit through your insurance. You may be able to receive partial/full reimbursement for sessions through these benefits.
Private Practice, 2012 - Present
Butler Hospital, Integrated Therapies Program, 2013 - 2017
Rhode Island Hospital, Partial Hospital Program, 2009 - 2013
Rhode Island College, MSW, 2008
University of Massachusetts at Amherst, BA, 2001
Rhode Island: ISW02182
English