Jessica DePriest
MSW, CSWA, CADCII
I believe therapy is about creating a space where you can be honest, feel understood, and know that you don’t have to navigate difficult things alone. I bring warmth, curiosity, and compassion to the therapeutic relationship and work collaboratively with each client to find an approach that feels authentic and meaningful to them.
Social work has been an important part of my life and has shaped the way I understand people, their experiences, and the many factors that influence how we move through the world. My professional experience includes working in substance use treatment with both adolescents and adults, where I had the opportunity to support people through some of life’s most challenging moments. These experiences taught me the importance of meeting people where they are, building trust, and approaching each person with compassion and without judgment.
During my graduate training, I completed my clinical internship working with children and adolescents, which deepened my passion for supporting young people as they navigate emotional, behavioral, and developmental challenges. I also value working alongside parents and caregivers to better understand the larger picture and provide support that feels practical and meaningful.
Across these experiences, I have learned that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to therapy. My social work background encourages me to look at the whole person—their relationships, environment, identity, strengths, and experiences—and to approach counseling with curiosity, compassion, and genuine connection. I was drawn to counseling because I believe having a safe, supportive person beside you can make a meaningful difference in how you understand yourself and navigate life’s challenges.
Outside of work, I spend most of my time with my family and friends. I enjoy traveling, being outdoors, running, and lifting weights. I also enjoy being involved in community events and spending time with friends playing cards, usually with me losing. I’m happiest when I’m doing something active, spending time with people I love, and eating good food.
I work with clients who are navigating a wide range of life experiences and challenges, including anxiety, depression, stress, emotional regulation, trauma, grief and loss, life transitions, self-esteem, and identity. I also have a particular interest in supporting people who are navigating substance use and recovery, as well as LGBTQ+ and queer clients who may be exploring identity, relationships, or other challenges in their lives. With children and adolescents, I enjoy helping young people make sense of their emotions, build confidence and coping skills, and navigate the challenges that come with growing and changing. I also enjoy supporting parents who want to better understand their children and feel more confident in responding to their needs. Wherever someone is starting from, my goal is to meet them there with curiosity and compassion.
AREAS OF FOCUS
Who I Work With: Adults, Teens, Children Ages 5+
While I work with a wide range of people and presenting problems, some of my most common topics of focus include:
Anxiety and depression
Stress and emotional regulation
Trauma and difficult life experiences
Life transitions and adjustment
Substance use and recovery
Relationship and interpersonal concerns
LGBTQ+ and identity-related concerns
Self-esteem and self-worth
Parenting challenges
Behavioral and emotional concerns in children and adolescents
Counseling Technique
My counseling approach is grounded in being person-centered, strengths-based, collaborative, and trauma-informed. At the heart of my work is the belief that people do well when they can. When someone is struggling, I try to approach their behavior and experiences with curiosity rather than judgment, recognizing that there is often a reason behind what we see on the surface. I believe that understanding the “why” can create space for compassion, insight, and meaningful change.
I do not believe therapy should follow a one-size-fits-all model. I draw from a variety of approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, and mindfulness-based strategies, and tailor these tools to each client’s needs, experiences, developmental stage, and goals. My experience in substance use treatment has particularly shaped my use of Motivational Interviewing and my belief in meeting people where they are, honoring their autonomy, and supporting change at a pace that feels meaningful to them.
When working with children and adolescents, I incorporate developmentally appropriate and strengths-focused interventions that help young people understand their emotions, build coping skills, and feel more confident navigating challenges. With adults, I create space to explore patterns, relationships, identity, life experiences, and the transitions or challenges that may be affecting their lives.
Across all of my work, I place a strong emphasis on the therapeutic relationship. I want clients to feel respected, understood, and comfortable being honest about what is happening in their lives. My goal is to work alongside each person to better understand where they are, recognize the strengths they already have, and develop practical tools and insight that can help them move toward the life they want.
Professional Background
My professional background is rooted in social work and behavioral health, with experience supporting children, adolescents, adults, and families across a variety of settings. I have worked extensively in substance use treatment with both adolescents and adults, providing individual and group support to clients navigating substance use, recovery, mental health concerns, and life challenges. This experience has given me a strong foundation in working with clients at different stages of change and has shaped my commitment to meeting people with compassion, respect, and without judgment.
As part of my graduate clinical training, I completed my internship working with children and adolescents in a partial hospitalization setting, supporting young people experiencing a range of emotional and behavioral concerns. This experience strengthened my interest in working with younger clients and helping them develop emotional awareness, coping skills, and a stronger sense of self.
My social work education and clinical experiences have shaped a holistic perspective that considers the individual within the context of their relationships, family, community, culture, identity, and life experiences. I bring this perspective into my counseling work with children, adolescents, and adults, while tailoring treatment to each client’s individual needs and goals.
Education Credentials
I am registered as a Clinical Social Work Associate in the state of Oregon. I earned my Master of Social Work and Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Capella University. I am under the supervision of Rebeca Rocha, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of Oregon.