Jessica  Akers
Vetted

Jessica Akers

She/Her/Hers

Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, LICSW Specialties Insurance & Fees Locations
Rhode Island Waitlist Online
Providence Not Accepting In-person
Updated March 20, 2024

Specialties & Expertise

  • Loss and grief
  • Weight management
  • Gastric bypass surgery
  • Parenting
  • Major life transitions
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Substance use
  • Existential challenges
  • Trauma
  • Personal growth

Professional statement

Jessica 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.


Message to clients

I provide a warm and inviting atmosphere and take a conversational approach to therapy. We will work together to identify meaningful aims and I look forward to helping you manage a difficult problem, make lasting change, and live a happy healthy life.


Specialties

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




Clientele

  • Adults (24+)
  • Couples
  • Parents
  • Seniors (65+)
  • Young adults (18-24)

Insurance

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield

Out-of-pocket fees

  • Individual sessions: $200 (60min)
  • Initial session: $250 (60min)
  • Couples sessions: $225 (60min)

Additional session information

Out-of-network billing options

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:

  • Super billing
Payment options
  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card
  • Debit Card
  • Venmo
Session frequency

Frequency of sessions this provider offers to see clients once you are an established client.

  • Weekly
  • Monthly
  • Every other week
  • As needed
Therapist's note

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.


Location(s)

Providence practice
1 Richmond Square, #103K, Providence, Rhode Island 02906
Not accepting new clients in-person
Currently Available Times
  • Morning (Before 10am)
  • Daytime (10am - 1pm)
  • Afternoon (1pm - 5pm)
  • Evening (After 5pm)
  • Weekends
Regular Hours
  • Mon 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
  • Tue 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
  • Wed 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
  • Thu 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
  • Fri 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
  • Sat Closed
  • Sun Closed

Online Sessions (Rhode Island)
Accepting new clients with a 2 - 3 week wait online
Currently Available Times
  • Morning (Before 10am)
  • Daytime (10am - 1pm)
  • Afternoon (1pm - 5pm)
  • Evening (After 5pm)
  • Weekends
Regular Hours
  • Mon 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
  • Tue 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
  • Wed 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
  • Thu 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
  • Fri 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
  • Sat Closed
  • Sun Closed

Work and Education

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


Licensure

Rhode Island: ISW02182


Languages

English