Andrea Jackson

About Andrea

My approach

My approach is warm, collaborative, trauma-informed, and practical. I draw from CBT, ACT, and CPT while tailoring therapy to your needs rather than following a rigid formula. We may talk, reflect, practice skills, or work through real-life situations together. I want therapy to feel supportive, useful, and human.

About me

I’m Andrea Jackson, LICSW, LCSW, PMH-C, and the founder of Cardinal Hope & Healing. I’m a Black, first-generation college graduate and licensed therapist serving adults virtually across DC, NY, VA, VT, and UT.

More background

What was your path to becoming a therapist? What inspired you to choose this profession?

My path to becoming a therapist was shaped by both personal and professional experiences. From an early age, I was drawn to understanding people, relationships, and the ways life experiences influence our emotional well-being. This interest led me to study Psychology and Child & Family Studies and later earn my Master of Social Work.

Over the years, I've had the privilege of supporting individuals through grief, trauma, anxiety, depression, major life transitions, and the challenges that can come with pregnancy and parenthood. My own experiences navigating difficult workplace environments, along with the loss of my mother, deepened my understanding of how important it is to have spaces where people feel supported, valued, and genuinely cared for. Those experiences strengthened my desire to create Cardinal Hope & Healing; a private practice where I could offer the kind of compassionate, collaborative support I believe people deserve.

I became a therapist because I believe people deserve a space where they can feel heard, understood, and supported without judgment.

What does a first session with you look like?

The first session is an opportunity for us to get to know one another and begin building a strong foundation for our work together. We'll discuss what brings you to therapy, your current concerns, relevant personal and mental health history, and what you hope to gain from treatment. I'll also answer any questions you have about the therapy process and collaborate with you to identify initial goals.

My approach is warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental. You do not need to have everything figured out before coming to therapy. Whether you're navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, perinatal challenges, or a major life transition, we'll work together at a pace that feels comfortable and meaningful for you.

What does success look like in therapy? How will a client know that they are making progress?

Success in therapy looks different for everyone because each person comes with unique goals, experiences, and challenges. For some, progress may mean feeling less overwhelmed by anxiety or depression. For others, it may look like setting healthier boundaries, improving relationships, processing a difficult experience, or feeling more confident in their ability to cope with life's challenges.

Often, clients begin to notice progress when they respond to situations differently than they would have in the past. They may find themselves feeling more self-aware, making choices that align with their values, or recovering more quickly from stress. Throughout our work together, we'll regularly check in on your goals and celebrate the meaningful changes that occur along the way.

Work history

Throughout my career, I've had the opportunity to support adults facing a wide range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, life transitions, and relationship stress. I've worked in hospitals, crisis response settings, outpatient mental health, and integrated healthcare environments, which has given me experience supporting people during some of the most difficult and overwhelming moments of their lives.

A significant part of my work has focused on helping women navigate pregnancy, postpartum adjustment, infertility, pregnancy loss, and the emotional changes that can come with becoming a parent. I've also worked closely with college students and young adults who are managing stress, identity development, academic pressures, major life decisions, and the transition into adulthood.

These experiences have shaped my belief that healing happens in a supportive, collaborative space where you feel heard, understood, and empowered. My goal is to help you better understand yourself, build effective coping strategies, and move toward the life you want to create.

Meet Andrea

A short hello from Andrea

Specialties

Types of therapy

Who Andrea works with

Ages

Teens (14-19), Adults

Communities

BIPOC, Black / African American, Immigrant, First Responders

Languages

English

Education and training

Master of Social Work in Social Work, University of South Carolina, 2012

Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Child and Family Studies, Syracuse University, 2010

Certifications

Perinatal Mental Health Certification (PMH-C)