Meet Jesse Berney (he/him/his)
Meeting you where you are with empathy and compassion.
Approaches:
- Meditation
- Mindfulness
- Person-centered therapy
- Strengths-based
Specialities:
- ADHD
- Anxiety
- Couples
- Depression
- LGBTQIA+
Let us find the right therapist for you
We’ll take the guesswork out of finding your therapist. In your free Intentional Matching Interview, we’ll take the time to understand your goals and pair you with the therapist who’s right for you.
BIO
Are you working through challenges with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, or trauma? Jesse will work with you to find effective ways for you to build a happier, healthier life.
Jesse Berney is beginning his career as a therapist, working as a clinical intern with the Viva Center. He comes to this work after a multi-decade career in politics, advocacy, and labor, believing the one-on-one work offered by counseling is a powerful way to have an impact on people’s lives and the world.
Jesse cares deeply about social justice and wants to serve a diverse population of clients. He is open to clients of all backgrounds and cultures, and has a special interest in serving members of the LGBTQIA+ community. He is interested in relationship issues of all types, and is sex- and kink-positive.
Jesse believes the key to an effective therapeutic relationship is based on being open, genuine, and nonjudgmental. He comes to this practice with a wealth of experience in the service of others and believes humor is an important part of building a trusting relationship.
As an intern at the Viva Center, Jesse is training in a variety of modalities, including EMDR, brainspotting, cognitive behavioral techniques, and internal family systems. He is practiced in meditation and mindfulness techniques.
Jesse lives in Washington, D.C., with his wife and two children, as well as Junebug the Aussiedoodle, who will likely appear on screen during virtual sessions (she has been fully briefed on confidentiality issues).
I believe the best way to feel good is to do good. Let’s work together to make your life happier and healthier, and bring more kindness into the world.
EDUCATION
Jesse is currently working towards his master’s degree in mental health counseling at the University of the District of Columbia, with an expectation of graduation in Spring 2026.
He has a Bachelor of Arts in liberal arts from St. John’s College in Annapolis.
For the first visit, we will ask you to fill out the following forms.
Waiver of Liability & Informed Consent
Each of our Clinical Associates is a licensed practitioner. As required by licensure, treatment under a licensed practitioner is confidential. It also outlines the collaborative nature of the therapeutic relationship and co-responsibility for treatment outcomes.
Telemental Health Informed Consent to Treatment
Outlines components, limitations, risks, and benefits of telehealth treatment. Including what to do in the event of an emergency.
Financial Agreement
This form outlines The Viva Center’s financial policies, rates, and out-of-network status.
Client Questionnaire
This form serves 2 purposes: It helps to capture the baseline experience when beginning treatment, allowing for an opportunity to take stock of current status. It also helps the clinician gather important background information without taking extra time in the first session. The first page of this form is required, and the others are supplemental. It is fine to exercise the decision to leave out any areas of the form. Please keep in mind any areas elected not to be disclosed at this time may be relevant to treatment outcomes.
Notice of Privacy Practices
Describes our commitment to keeping your protected health information secure. Details how it can and cannot be used or disclosed.
Exceptions to Confidentiality
This form explains limitations to the confidentiality required by licensure.
In Person COVID-19 Policy and Consent Form
The wellbeing of our clients and clinicians is our top priority. This document contains important information about the decision to resume in-person services in light of the ongoing COVID-19 public health crisis.