

Headway connects LGBTQIA+ individuals in Rhode Island with 74 affirming, open-minded providers ready to support your mental health journey. Access talk therapy and medication management through flexible virtual or in-person sessions, with many patients paying as low as $0 per session through insurance.
I have extensive experience in community mental health and private practice settings working with teens and adults. I received my Masters of Science in Psychology from Johnson & Wales University. I am licensed to practice in Rhode Island, Connecticut and Massachusetts.
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 a Mental Health Counselor, licensed in NY, MA, NJ, NH, RI, KS, UT, WI, IN, AR, and OR, with over 20 years experience in the counseling field. I have had experience assisting clients with a wide range of concerns, such as, parenting issues, family/personal relationships, grief/loss, depression, anxiety, and anger management.
Salem Black, who holds a Master’s degree in both Biomedical Anthropology and Social Work, has an extensive background in working with children and families. His academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, followed by a Master’s degree in Biomedical Anthropology from Binghamton University. This interdisciplinary approach provided him with a unique perspective on the intersection of behavioral patterns and public health.
My journey stems from my own story of resilience in the face of hardships. I became a therapist because I have always wanted to help people through some of their darkest hours. Being exposed to some dark hours myself, I know that it is difficult to do it alone. When you have someone to confide in, assist you through the hard times, and just let you know that you are not alone, makes a difference.
My therapeutic approach includes CBT, Person-Centered Therapy, Relational Therapy, DBT, Motivational Interviewing, SFT, EFT, IFS, and just speaking like a human being. I offer a compassionate, trauma-informed space where you can feel safe, seen, and supported. My approach is relational and personalized—we'll explore your story together, build coping tools, and move toward healing with curiosity, courage, and care.
Therapy with me is real, down-to-earth, and never boring. I mix honesty, humor, and heart to make the process comfortable. I help adults manage emotions, build confidence, and tackle life's challenges with tools that work. Think of it as a safe space to be yourself, grow, and maybe laugh along the way. Please book here or at https://evolvetothrive9.com.


Headway makes it easier to connect with affirming therapists who understand your identity — from finding the right therapist, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.
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