Anxiety and depression therapists and psychiatrists in Norwood, MA

Healing Across the Lifespan: A Partnership in Mental Wellness

Choosing a mental health provider is a deeply personal decision. You aren’t just looking for a prescriber; you are looking for a witness to your story, an expert in the biological complexities of the brain, and a partner in your recovery.

My name is Jessica Stanley, and I am a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). My journey to this practice has been defined by a unique duality: the macro view of a healthcare executive and the micro focus of a dedicated clinician. Before opening the doors to this practice, I served as the Clinical Director for a large-scale healthcare organization. In that role, I was responsible for the oversight of complex systems, the mentorship of large clinical teams, and the implementation of evidence-based protocols across diverse populations.

While my time in leadership allowed me to impact mental health at a systemic level, my true passion has always remained in the quiet, transformative moments of the exam room. I have returned to full-time clinical practice to bring that high-level expertise back to where it matters most: the individual human experience.

Mental health does not exist in a vacuum, nor does it look the same at age seven as it does at seventy. I specialize in treating patients across the entire lifespan. Whether I am working with a child struggling to navigate their first years of school, an adolescent facing the pressures of identity formation, or an adult managing the heavy mantle of career and family, my approach remains the same: comprehensive, compassionate, and evidence based.

Areas of Specialization

I am trained to treat a broad spectrum of psychiatric conditions including:

ADHD & Neurodivergence

Anxiety Disorders

Depression

PTSD & Trauma Recovery

I am passionate about supporting my clients to feel congruent internally, so they can further understand and communicate their needs externally. While talking is the most obvious way for communication, I also love to incorporate our somatic experiences during sessions (with your agreement, of course). As an immigrant from Taiwan, it's also my mission to provide my expertise for people struggling with "fit in", while transitioning to any new environments.

I could list all my accomplishments from the past 30 years, but that wouldn't give you a true sense of my style or beliefs. I strive to empathize, be respectful, and remain non judgemental. We all face worries, stresses, and challenges daily, and we all need someone who listens and understands. While family and friends can provide wonderful support, talking to someone with professional expertise and an outside perspective can be incredibly beneficial.

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, educator, and artist. I am skilled and experienced in supporting people working on issues of self-esteem/worth, traditional and non-traditional relationship issues, sexual wellness, body-positivity, grief, depression, anxiety, trauma, recovery, life transitions, family issues, and more.

The work we do will be directed by the Person-Centered, Rogerian principles of unconditional positive regard, empathy, and belief in authentic human connection.

exceptional care to the client.

empathetic, nonjudental and and focused on building a therapeutic relationship

A bit about my educational journey: Upon Graduating from High School in Oregon, I headed East. I earned my Bachelors Degree in Communication Studies from Emerson College in Boston where I minored in Psychology. My Masters in Clinical Mental Health came years later from Lesley University in Cambridge, MA.

As a licensed mental health clinician, I utilize a combination of evidence-based interventions and genuine compassion, empathy, and belief in growth through the therapy process. My background is in cognitive behavioral therapy, with training in dialectical behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing. I have experience working with teenagers and adults of all ages in addressing struggles related to anxiety, depression, addiction, grief & loss, life transitions, and trauma.

I’m a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who runs a private practice called Next Play Therapy. I work with adolescents, young adults, adults, and athletes. My background includes both school-based counseling and outpatient therapy, where I’ve helped clients manage anxiety, stress, depression, self-esteem challenges, and life transitions. I also have experience coaching high school athletics, which has shaped my passion for helping athletes build confidence and mental resilience. My goal is to create a supportive space where clients feel comfortable, understood, and empowered to move forward.