Jessie Lankford, LCSW

Psychotherapist & Intake Coordinator

Contact me directly
Professional headshot of clinician Jessie Lankford

Treatment Philosophy

I believe in using a holistic, collaborative approach that focuses on client’s strength in order to promote progress and healing. I recognize that facing fears and challenges can be an incredibly difficult process. Therefore, I believe it is imperative to hold a balance of warmth and compassion, as well as honesty and authenticity, to help individuals achieve their goals.

In my work I use a myriad of evidence-based treatments to individually tailor care to my clients; yet, additionally I acknowledge there is no “one size fits all” approach. This distinction informs the devotion, care, and time I take to ensure my clients feel empowered in their treatment. 

  • I enjoy working with children, adolescents, young adults, families and, adults who experience a wide range of challenges. I specialize in the use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Behavioral Activation (BA) and Mindfulness to support individuals struggling with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Anxiety, Depression, Eating Disorders, Anger, Specific Phobias, Life Transitions, Self-Esteem, Stress, and Trauma. I also incorporate values of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI), along with art and creativity, to help foster a strengths-based, client-centered, and expressive approach to growth and change.

    In my free time I enjoy baking and cooking, art, traveling and exploring, watching crime shows, and spending time with my family, friends and dog.

  • I received my Bachelor’s in Social Work from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign where I completed practicum work at The Pavilion in an inpatient care setting. I then continued on to earn a Master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Chicago’s School of Social Service Administration. There I completed additional practicum work at Rogers Behavioral Health. At Rogers Behavioral Health I provided care for clients in the Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for children and adolescents and I worked intensively with clients both in the OCD and mood disorder’s tracks. I then moved on to a small group practice where I ultimately became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW).

  • Age 6 & up