Question 1

Are you trained properly to do EMDR therapy?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Jess is certified through EMDRIA, the governing body for EMDR, meaning she has met all required education and supervision standards. She is also trained in EMDR 2.0, the FLASH technique, and is pursuing a Somatic EMDR certification.

Question 2

Does EMDR work online?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Research supports the effectiveness of online EMDR therapy. Alleviate Trauma offers EMDR via secure telehealth throughout DC, Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania.

Question 3

How does ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) work? Is it done online?

Accepted Answer

KAP integrates low-dose ketamine with structured psychotherapy. Sessions include preparation, a supported dosing session, and integration sessions afterward. Clients obtain a prescription from a collaborating ketamine prescriber. All therapy sessions with Jess take place via secure telehealth. Preparation and integration sessions may be covered if Alleviate Trauma is in your network.

Question 4

Do you take insurance?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Alleviate Trauma is in-network with Aetna, Providence, and Kaiser Permanente through Headway for clients in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Out-of-network superbills are available for clients with other insurance plans.

Question 5

What is EMDR therapy and how does it help with trauma recovery?

Accepted Answer

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based therapy recognized by the WHO, APA, and VA as a frontline treatment for PTSD. It uses bilateral stimulation to help the brain reprocess traumatic memories so they no longer drive current reactions. Unlike talk therapy, EMDR does not require detailed verbal recounting of traumatic events.

Question 6

Where can I find a trauma-informed therapist in the DMV area?

Accepted Answer

Alleviate Trauma offers trauma-informed therapy throughout Washington DC, Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania via telehealth. Jess Stern is an EMDRIA-certified EMDR therapist and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) based in Capitol Hill, Washington DC. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation at alleviatetrauma.com.

Question 7

Is Alleviate Trauma LGBTQIA+ friendly?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Jess is an out lesbian and has spent her entire clinical career working predominantly with LGBTQ+ adults. Affirmation is built into the practice, not added on. She works with queer, trans, and nonbinary clients, as well as those in polyamorous or non-traditional relationship structures.

Question 8

What are effective treatments for adults with ADHD?

Accepted Answer

For adults with ADHD, effective therapy goes beyond symptom management. Alleviate Trauma uses ADHD-informed therapy that addresses executive dysfunction, emotional dysregulation, rejection sensitivity, and the shame that accumulates from years of misunderstanding. EMDR and IFS are incorporated where there is a trauma layer.

Question 9

How do I find a therapist who offers Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy?

Accepted Answer

Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy (KAP) requires a therapist trained in psychedelic-assisted therapy and a collaborating prescriber. Jess Stern at Alleviate Trauma holds a Certificate in KAP Theory and Methodology from Journey Clinical and offers both full KAP (therapist present during dosing) and prep-and-integration models in Washington DC and the DMV.

Question 10

Why might I choose to pay privately instead of using insurance?

Accepted Answer

Paying privately keeps your care entirely between you and your therapist. No diagnosis is required for insurance records, no treatment plan is shared with a third party, and sessions can be tailored entirely to your goals. Many clients with PPO plans also use out-of-network benefits and receive 50-80% reimbursement via superbill.