About Me

I'm Jess Stern, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) practicing in Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. I work with adults navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, and the everyday weight of being human—often alongside ADHD, identity, and relational stuff that doesn't fit neatly into a diagnosis.
My approach is relational and real. I'm not a blank-slate therapist; I show up as my full self so you can do the same. I draw on EMDR and other evidence-based approaches, but the work is grounded in an authentic, collaborative relationship where healing has room to happen.
I have extensive experience supporting the LGBTQ+ community and neurodivergent folks. As a queer, ADHD therapist myself, I bring lived experience to this work alongside clinical training.
Outside the therapy room, I'm an animal lover, traveler, and rock climber who's been calling D.C. home for over 11 years. I live on Capitol Hill with my partner and dog, and I care deeply about showing up for the community around me.