Jessica L. Martin, Ph.D.

We all experience challenges and encounter uncertain and difficult circumstances and life transitions. Sometimes, we just need to feel heard and supported or want assistance exploring our identities, relationships, or careers. Many of us struggle with repeating unhealthy or unhelpful patterns of behaviors or thoughts. Therapy is one source of effective support and treatment for a variety of concerns and life circumstances. I am a licensed psychologist providing psychological services to young adults and adults and consultation and training to professionals. I specialize in working with academics and others in high-pressure careers, those exploring career changes, individuals seeking relief from anxiety and depression, people with relationship concerns, those wishing to explore their identities, and people wanting to explore or change their substance use behaviors. I have experience working with a wide range of people, including military veterans, college students, members of the LGBTQ+ community, elderly individuals, professionals with career concerns, and those struggling with substance use. I believe in people’s ability to grow and change to live more meaningful and fulfilling lives as defined by each unique person. I provide evidence-based therapy that integrates techniques from multiple theoretical perspectives, including person-centered, motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral, interpersonal process, and emotion-focused. I appreciate the value of teaching clients tools they can use outside of therapy (i.e., skills originating from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) to change unhealthy and unhelpful patterns and relationships. I take a harm reduction approach to helping clients change their substance use. I view clients’ concerns within a socio-cultural context and provide culturally informed care. I take a collaborative approach and strive to create a safe non-judgmental space where you can comfortably express yourself and feel heard. In addition to being a practicing psychologist, I am a former Associate Professor of Counseling Psychology and currently a Senior Research Associate in the Department of Educational and Counseling Psychology at the University at Albany. My research focuses on alcohol, substance use, and other health risk behaviors among young adults and adults.