Jessica R. Bisiak, MSW, LICSW

Owner / Clinical Therapist

I have over 16 years of experience working in the field of social work in a wide variety of intensive and community-based practice settings. I have been a licensed independent clinical social worker for over seven years in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. I specialize in working with children, adolescents, and young adults with behavioral health and mental health needs, however, I also have experience working with adults of all ages. My philosophy of care is to provide strength-based, comprehensive treatment to all clients. I will work to engage your formal and natural supports and leverage your community resources in a team-oriented process designed to meet the complex needs of your child and entire family.

I graduated from Providence College with a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work and a minor in Business, then obtained my Master’s degree in Social Work at Rhode Island College.

I have worked in a wide variety of care settings since my early days in the field. Most recently in June of 2016, I returned to a position I am very passionate about as a clinical supervisor and “wraparound coach” of the Family Care Community Partnership program in the Northern RI region at Community Care Alliance. This has been an incredible experience of working with countless dedicated professionals and within an agency that shares a strong mission and value system I truly believe in! Additionally, in August of 2016 I also began teaching a core class at Providence College – SWK 253 Human Behavior Throughout the Lifespan for two semesters which had been an absolute joy thanks to my 25 wonderful students!

In my previous role as a Behavioral Health Clinician at Tri-County Medical’s Pediatric and Adolescent Behavioral Health setting, I was responsible for providing short-term therapy and care coordination for countless patients in our care.

As a Clinical Supervisor and Program Manager of the Family Care Community Partnership (wraparound model) at Tides Family Services in RI, I managed a team guiding treatment of children from birth until age 18. I supported each family working through their unique behavioral and mental health needs. I helped my team in developing assessment tools including “fire drills” aimed at preventing the primary cause of friction in your household.

Formerly, while working for several years as a clinician at the North American Family Institute in Rhode Island, I provided strength-based assessments, individual, family, and group counseling to adolescent and young adults ages 12 to 20 years old. I worked in diverse practice settings ranging from post-hospitalization acute levels of care to community-based programs preparing youth for the next step of independent living. I supported youth with mental health diagnoses, often co-occurring with substance-use disorders, to achieve their treatment goals.

Previously, I worked at Gateway Healthcare’s Complicated Grief and Trauma team to provide crisis stabilization, case management, and worked directly with families to identify the individual needs of youth impacted by major loss and traumatic events. I also worked at Big Sisters of Rhode Island in the mentoring program developing assessments and facilitating a “Life Choices” group for middle school-aged children, discussing topics such as friendships, love and relationships, grief and loss, puberty, drugs and alcohol, relationship violence, and career exploration.

“In today’s day and age, the struggle to find a mental health professional whom you can trust and feel comfortable with is one of the main deterrents for individuals seeking therapeutic support. Whether it be inadequate care, feelings of hopelessness and that nobody is listening, or simply a lack of connection, finding someone who will listen and encourage you to flourish into the best version of yourself can become an overwhelming task to many. I started working with Jessica in my adolescent years during times of strenuous turmoil, both internally and externally. Being a youth involved with the Juvenile Justice system, I was able to work on a comprehensive action plan with Jessica that helped me to tear down and rebuild my own internal fortitude to manage the circumstances that were arising in my life. No matter what hand of cards you have been dealt, Jessica approaches every individual with compassion, regard, dignity and respect while enabling them to reach their full potential and find a state of mental wellbeing. After being court mandated to start therapy with Ms. Bisiak, I am eternally grateful and indebted to her services for the work she has done for me. From a justice involved youth on the brink of a life in and out of the system to a prospective law school student this coming fall, the growth and development that Ms. Bisiak has been able to help me achieve will never be forgotten. Whenever struggle begins to arise, you can rest assured knowing that you have both an advocate and powerful ally in your corner. I could not recommend her services more highly.”

Patient: “When I first went to Jess, I had no idea how to take care of my panic attacks and anxiety. But after working with her she helped me come up with a ton of coping mechanisms that I use all the time that help me so much. She’s super kind and understanding and never makes me feel like I’m stupid or strange for struggling with things. I’m always comfortable talking to her and it helps that I can even text her if things come up in between our sessions.”

Mom of above patient: “We have had the chance to work with Jessica for a few years now and the difference she has made is incredible. My daughter was having issues with anxiety and some tough friendship dynamics that were taking a toll on her emotions and her school work. From the very first intake appointment with Jessica, my daughter felt an instant connection and comfort with her. Jessica has helped my daughter to work through many challenges to develop strong adapting and coping techniques. She has been an incredible partner for us as parents working alongside us and the school to get needed accommodations put in effect. Jessica is a fierce advocate and incredible therapist. Her help has been invaluable to my daughter and to us as her parents.”

“I am a 58-year-old single man who has been working with Jessica Bisiak for the past five years. Jessica is a fine therapist who has guided me through the minefields of errors of cognition. She has allowed me to make great strides in my personal journey, and is able to tell me specifically what they are. I am grateful to her for teaching me how to live more mindfully. I have meditated for years, and was still able to learn more about Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. It is the simplest thing in the world to recommend to work with her. You will be a better person for it. I thank you, Jessica, for all of your help.”