Jessie Pappas, LSW
(she/ her)

Focuses:

  • Perinatal Anxiety & Depression

  • Fertility Preservation

  • Fertility Challenges

  • Grief/ Loss

  • Ambiguous Loss

  • Medically High-Risk Pregnancies/ NICU

  • Transitioning to Parenthood

  • Couples Support

  • Complex medical diagnoses

States: Illinois

ABOUT ME

I am a Licensed Social Worker and received my MSW from the University of Southern California. I most recently worked on the women's health social work team at Northwestern Medicine Prentice Women's Hospital. My background includes working as a Social Worker in both perinatal and oncological inpatient healthcare settings. With experience in perinatal mood disorders, coping with complex medical diagnoses, onco-fertility, and fertility preservation, managing high-risk pregnancies, perinatal loss, relationship issues, and the transition into parenthood, my passion of mental health has given me the opportunity to work with women and their families who are experiencing some of the most challenging and exciting moments of their lives. Other areas of focus generalized anxiety disorder and depression, grief, and loss. Having had the privilege to work with many individuals and families during their reproductive journey, I understand the complexities that come along with creating, losing, building, and loving a family.

THERAPEUTIC FOCUS: FERTILITY PRESERVATION

No two paths to building a family look the same, as 1 in 6 people deal with infertility challenges. Those who choose egg or sperm preservation, for reasons such as a medical diagnosis that affects future fertility or personal preferences, are also faced with their own set of challenges.

Those who are faced with an “atypical” fertility journey often experience the very typical, but nevertheless overwhelming emotions. From the initial shock of diagnosis to the profound grief of losing the ability to conceive as one may have envisioned. Typical reactions include shock, grief, depression, anger, and frustration and each can feel like uncharted territory. As your therapist, I’m here to walk through those anxiety-provoking, joy-filled, and terrifying moments along the way.  

With empathy and understanding, I strive to empower individuals and couples to navigate their unique journeys with resilience and hope. Together, we can uncover strengths, cultivate coping strategies, and foster a sense of agency in the face of uncertainty. The adventure to parenthood looks different for everyone and no one should ever have to do it alone. No matter where you are on your journey, know that support and understanding await you here. You deserve compassionate care as you navigate the complexities of family building, and I am here to walk alongside you every step of the way.

I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation to see how I can help you. 

Still feeling unsure? This complimentary screening tool is the quickest and easiest way to determine whether you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition.