About JHS Counseling
Serving Boston, MA and its surrounding cities.Education, Credentials & Specialized Training
Jessica Stern, LICSW, brings a strong academic foundation and extensive clinical training to her work with children, teens, and families.
Education
- B.A. in Child Development & Education, University of New Hampshire
- Master of Social Work (MSW), Simmons University; Focus area of Children/Young Adults
Licensure & Credentuals
- Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW)
- Certified School Adjustment Counselor
Personalized Therapy for Children, Teens & Families
JHS Counseling was founded by Jessica Stern, LICSW, a child and family therapist dedicated to helping children, teens, and parents feel grounded, supported, and truly understood. Jessica combines advanced clinical training with extensive experience in schools, hospitals, and outpatient settings, offering care that is both evidence-based and deeply compassionate. Outside the office, she finds grounding in nature, long walks by the beach or in the woods, and spending time with family, friends, and her dog — experiences that shape the calm, relational energy she brings to her work.
With a specialty in child development, family systems, and emotional regulation, Jessica created JHS Counseling to be a space where families can receive individualized, nonjudgmental support. Her approach is rooted in curiosity, respect, and the belief that every person has inherent worth, and that meaningful change is possible when people feel safe, connected, and empowered.
Jessica’s work focuses on meeting each client exactly where they are, understanding the unique world they live in, and helping them develop emotional clarity, confidence, and deeper connections both within themselves and in their relationships.
Advanced Clinical Training
Jessica has completed extensive specialized training to support clients across developmental stages and family systems, including:
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Attachment Vitamins (attachment-based parent support)
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ACR Grow (caregiver skills-building for families facing adversity)
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NCTSN trainings through the National Center for Child Traumatic Stress
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DC:0–5 Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health Diagnostic Certification
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CLAS Certification (Culturally & Linguistically Appropriate Services)
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Trauma-Informed Care (CBT, crisis prevention, motivational interviewing)
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School-Based Violence Prevention
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Domestic & Sexual Violence Response
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51A Mandated Reporting
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AED/CPR
Jessica’s ongoing commitment to professional development ensures that clients receive expert, evidence-based care delivered with the personal attention and consistency of a small private practice.
Human-Centered • Relationship-Based • Developmentally Informed
Benefits of Private Pay Therapy
No Required Diagnosis
Insurance requires a billable diagnosis. Private pay allows support without labeling your child or fitting their experience into a medicalized category.
Greater Privacy
Insurance companies can access treatment notes and clinical details. Private pay keeps your child’s information fully confidential.
Flexible, Personalized Care
Without insurance limits, therapy can move at your child’s pace and focus on what’s most helpful — not what fits a billing code.
Access to Specialized Expertise
Private pay reflects the advanced training and individualized support your child receives, ensuring high-quality, developmentally informed care.
JHS Counseling specializes
in supporting:
Children navigating emotional or behavioral challenges
Teens coping with anxiety, stress, or identity development
Parents seeking guidance, support, or new skills
Families looking to strengthen communication and connection
Frequently Asked Questions: About JHS Counseling
Do you take insurance?
At this time, JHS Counseling is an out-of-network provider, which means we don’t bill insurance directly. However, we’re happy to provide a superbill that you can submit to your insurance for possible reimbursement. We also offer sliding scale fees to make therapy more accessible for families.
Why don’t you work with insurance?
Insurance requires a billable mental health diagnosis and access to treatment notes. Not every client’s challenges are clinical disorders, often, they’re natural responses to stress, change, or developmental needs. Private pay allows for privacy, autonomy, and treatment tailored to your family’s goals.
Do you offer in-person or virtual sessions?
Both! We offer flexible therapy options, including in-person sessions at home, in the community (like parks, private library rooms, or coffee shops), and virtual sessions for clients across Massachusetts. Whether you prefer the comfort of home or the grounding experience of meeting in person, we’ll tailor each session to what works best for you and your family.
What ages do you work with?
We specialize in supporting children (0–12), teens, and young adults, as well as parents navigating the challenges of raising kids and finding balance. Each stage comes with unique emotional and social needs—and we tailor therapy to meet your child or family where they are.
What does therapy look like for kids and teens?
Therapy here isn’t about lectures—it’s about connection, play, and real conversations. For younger children, we often use play-based and expressive approaches to help them process emotions and build confidence. For teens, therapy may look more like open dialogue—space to explore identity, friendships, and coping skills in a safe, judgment-free environment.
How do I get started?
Getting started is simple. Click “Get Started” below to schedule a consultation or reach out through our contact form. We’ll answer any questions you have and talk about what brings you in for your child, teen, or family.
Your Next Chapter Starts Here
Growth begins with one small step. If you’re ready to find balance, build emotional skills, or strengthen relationships, we’re here to walk alongside you.
