James Patterson

I'm a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) with a Master of Social Work from Boston College and more than a decade of experience in behavioral health. My background includes individual and group psychotherapy, clinical leadership, and work across outpatient, hospital-based, and substance use treatment settings.

I work with adults navigating anxiety, depression, substance use and recovery, trauma, relationship and family challenges, and major life transitions. I have particular experience helping people understand the connections between emotional well-being, relationships, and patterns of behavior.

I bring warmth, curiosity, compassion, and a straightforward approach to our work together. I believe meaningful change begins with connection, trust, and feeling genuinely understood.

My approach is collaborative, practical, and grounded in the belief that people have the capacity to grow and change. I draw from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, strengths-based approaches, and relational work, tailoring our conversations to your needs and goals.

Together, we'll explore not only what you're experiencing, but also the patterns, relationships, and circumstances that may be contributing to it. I believe insight matters, but so does learning how to translate that insight into meaningful changes in everyday life.

I strive to balance compassion with honest reflection, offering support while also helping you challenge patterns that may no longer serve you. You don't need to have everything figured out before beginning.

Our first session is an opportunity for us to get to know one another and begin understanding what brings you to therapy. I'll invite you to share what's happening in your life, what you've been struggling with, and what you hope might be different.

We'll talk about relevant aspects of your history, relationships, strengths, and current circumstances, but you won't be expected to tell your entire story in one meeting. I'll also explain how I work, answer your questions, and make room for you to tell me what has or hasn't been helpful in previous experiences with therapy.

My goal is for you to leave our first conversation feeling heard, respected, and clearer about how we might work together.