Jessica Shaffer recognizes that asking for help can be difficult and views the decision to reach out as a meaningful sign of strength. She aims to make this page a helpful starting point whether or not someone ultimately works with her.

Clinically and personally, she brings a broad range of experience and places strong value on the therapeutic relationship. She believes the connection between therapist and client is the primary tool in counseling and is skilled at building trusting, supportive partnerships.

She has worked in the mental health field since 2003 and has been practicing therapy since 2011. She currently provides individual and group therapy for youth ages 5 to 18 and sometimes sees adults. Many of the young people and adults she treats have experienced various types of trauma.

Her treatment approach is tailored to what will work best for each person. She may use solution-focused techniques, crisis intervention, cognitive behavioral therapy, or mindfulness practices, depending on individual needs. She has experience treating depression, PTSD, anxiety, and relationship concerns.

Earlier in her career she worked in a locked correctional facility in Colorado, where she specialized in crisis therapy for clients who were acutely suicidal and in the diagnosis and treatment of severe and persistent mental illness.

She earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 2003 from Black Hills State University in Spearfish, South Dakota, and completed a Master of Social Work in 2010 at Newman University in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She is licensed in South Dakota as a Certified Social Worker in Private Independent Practice, which authorizes her to practice independently.

Outside of work she enjoys traveling, spending time with family, and being outdoors. She loves her work and is enthusiastic about offering counseling online.