Jessica Oliveira-Haddad

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who brings both therapeutic expertise and real-world leadership experience to my work with clients. I have spent over a decade working in immigrant-serving and federally funded programs, supporting children, families, and adults navigating trauma, displacement, life transitions, and systemic stressors. In addition to my executive leadership background, I provide individual therapy grounded in compassion, structure, and practical tools for change.

My approach is trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and solution-focused. I believe therapy should feel safe, collaborative, and empowering. I work with clients to identify patterns, build insight, and develop tangible coping strategies that can be applied in everyday life. I integrate evidence-based practices tailored to each individual, drawing from cognitive-behavioral techniques, strengths-based approaches, and relational work.

As a bilingual (English/Spanish) therapist, I have extensive experience supporting immigrant and first-generation individuals navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, adjustment challenges, family conflict, and identity-related stress. I understand the complexity of balancing cultural expectations, generational differences, and personal goals and I create space for clients to explore those experiences without judgment.

My background includes executive leadership overseeing large-scale child welfare and unaccompanied children programs, adjunct teaching in higher education focused on immigration systems and policy, and direct clinical practice in outpatient mental health settings. This combination allows me to understand both the personal and systemic factors that impact mental health.

If you are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or navigating a major transition, you don’t have to do it alone. I look forward to supporting you.

Clients often describe me as direct yet compassionate. I will challenge you when needed, support you consistently, and help you move toward clarity and confidence. Therapy with me is not just about talking, it’s about growth, accountability, and meaningful change.

In our first session, you can expect a conversation that feels structured, welcoming, and judgment-free.

We’ll start by talking about what brought you to therapy right now. I’ll ask thoughtful questions to understand your current concerns, your history, and what you’re hoping will feel different in your life. This may include discussing relationships, stressors, cultural or family dynamics, past experiences, and any symptoms like anxiety, low mood, or overwhelm.

I also use the first session to learn about your strengths, not just the challenges. I believe therapy works best when we build from what’s already resilient and capable within you.

You can expect me to:

Listen actively and ask direct but compassionate questions

Provide initial feedback or reflections

Begin identifying goals together

Outline what our work might look like moving forward

If you’re feeling nervous, that’s completely normal. You don’t need to have everything figured out or know exactly what to say. My role is to help guide the process so you leave the first session with greater clarity and a sense of direction.

By the end of our time together, you should feel heard, understood, and have a clearer idea of how we can work toward meaningful change.