Meet Jessica Gada, LPC, ATR-BC – Virtual Therapist for Maryland & Virginia

I’m Jessica (she/her), a licensed professional counselor and board-certified art therapist based in Bethesda, Maryland. I specialize in working with adults and adolescents across Maryland and Virginia through virtual therapy sessions.

Therapeutic Approach:

My approach integrates traditional talk therapy with EMDR, expressive arts, and holistic strategies. I focus on helping clients navigate trauma, anxiety, life transitions, and emotional overwhelm.”

Values and Inclusivity:

I strive to create a therapeutic space that is LGBTQIA+ affirming, culturally sensitive, anti-racist, and aligned with Health at Every Size principles.

If you're seeking a compassionate, science-backed approach to therapy, I invite you to reach out for a free 15-minute consultation by clicking below.

A Brief Word on Art Therapy and Expressive Writing

You don’t need to be an artist—or have any writing background—to benefit from expressive therapies like art-making or journaling. In fact, most of my clients haven’t touched a paintbrush or kept a journal in years. But even the most skeptical often find that these creative processes unlock entirely new pathways for healing, insight, and emotional release.

The arts are powerful tools for self-expression, integration, and relaxation—regardless of skill level. If you’re open to it, you may discover a deeper part of yourself that’s been waiting to be heard.

My Background & Training

Over the past 15 years, I’ve had the privilege of supporting clients across the DC Metro region—including underserved youth with emotional disabilities, survivors of domestic abuse, and military service members recovering from traumatic brain injuries and combat trauma.

I launched my private practice in 2016 to focus on the populations I feel most called to serve: adults navigating anxiety, career or relationship stress, life transitions, new parenthood, and general overwhelm. My practice is grounded in trauma-informed psychotherapy, always tailored to your unique story and needs.

I received my training in Art Therapy and Professional Counseling at The George Washington University (2010–2012), with clinical internships at Children’s National Medical Center and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. My graduate research focused on attachment theory and the use of art-based interventions to support children in military families experiencing deployment.

🎨 Creative Work in the Community

In addition to my clinical work, I’m a licensed art educator (PreK–12) and teach part-time at a local elementary school. This joyful part of my week keeps me grounded, creative, and connected to the day-to-day experiences of families, children, and educators in the DMV area—insight I regularly bring into the therapy room.