Jessica Houston, Ph.D.

Licensed Psychologist

Jessica (she/her) is an associate clinical director, licensed psychologist, who earned her Ph.D. from Marquette University. She obtained her undergraduate degree in psychology at University of Illinois. Jessica completed her predoctoral psychology internship at Primary Children’s Hospital in Salt Lake City, focused on therapy for children and families. She specialized in trauma-informed interventions for children and families during her postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Center of Excellence for Children in State Custody, where she later continued on as a full-time psychologist.

Jessica believes the foundation of effective therapy is a strong therapeutic relationship based on empathy, understanding, and collaboration. As such, Jessica encourages her clients to actively participate in their own treatment planning to set goals that will have the most impact on their lives. Jessica relies on evidence-based treatments such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Systemic Family Therapy. Jessica also incorporates mindfulness-based techniques in treatment and recognizes the importance of choosing a therapeutic approach that fits best for each individual client’s needs, strengths, and goals.

Jessica was drawn to Affirmations Psychological Services because of the practice’s commitment to and compassion for individuals from diverse backgrounds. Affirmations allows her to expand her work with adults while growing the practice’s services for children, adolescents, and families. Jessica’s specializes in helping parents learn the best ways to manage their child’s disruptive or externalizing behaviors (e.g., defiance, hyperactivity, aggression). She also enjoys working with youths and adults who struggle with internalizing concerns such as depression, anxiety, or trauma. Jessica is experienced in working with LGBTQ+ individuals.