About Jesse Smith
Clientele seen
Teenagers (13-17)
Seniors (65+)
Families
Young adults (18-24)
Individuals
Adults (25-64)
Couples
Identity
Gender
MaleLanguages spoken
English
Getting to know Jesse Smith
I am a licensed marriage and family therapist, AAMFT Approved Supervisor, and the founder and clinical director of Waterloo Therapy Group, a Philadelphia-based practice providing individual, couples, and family therapy.
At Waterloo Therapy Group, we help adults, adolescents, couples, and families navigate relationship concerns, anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction and recovery, identity development, family conflict, chronic illness, and major life transitions. Our approach is compassionate, collaborative, and systemic. We seek to understand each client within the context of their relationships, experiences, identities, and environment.
We believe therapy should be both supportive and purposeful. Our clinicians help clients better understand recurring patterns, strengthen relationships, develop practical tools, and create meaningful change. Treatment is tailored to each person, couple, or family rather than based on a one-size-fits-all model.
As clinical director, I have intentionally built a team of thoughtful and skilled clinicians with a range of specialties, perspectives, and therapeutic styles. When you reach out to Waterloo Therapy Group, we will help you connect with a clinician whose experience, availability, and approach align with your needs.
Beginning therapy can feel vulnerable, especially when you are unsure where to start. Our goal is to make the process welcoming, clear, and personalized from your first contact with the practice.
What should a new client know about working with you?
At Waterloo Therapy Group, we view therapy as a collaborative relationship. You do not need to have everything figured out before reaching out, and you do not need to know exactly what kind of therapy you need. We will begin by learning about what is happening in your life, what you would like to be different, and what you hope to gain from treatment.
Our therapists are warm, engaged, and compassionate, while also helping clients look honestly at patterns that may no longer be working. Therapy may involve exploring past experiences, understanding current relationships, building practical coping or communication skills, and identifying changes that support a more fulfilling life.
Our work is grounded in a systemic perspective. This means we consider more than symptoms in isolation. We also pay attention to family relationships, partnerships, culture, identity, community, work, health, and the broader circumstances that shape your experience.
Waterloo Therapy Group includes clinicians with different areas of focus, backgrounds, and therapeutic styles. We take care in helping clients connect with a therapist who is well suited to their concerns, preferences, and scheduling needs. Finding a strong therapeutic fit is an important part of the process, and we welcome open conversations about what you need from therapy.
You can expect your therapist to approach you with curiosity and respect rather than judgment. We recognize that beginning therapy can feel uncomfortable, particularly if you have had previous experiences in which you did not feel understood. Our goal is to create a space where you can speak openly, feel supported, and work toward meaningful and sustainable change.
What is your typical process for working with clients?
The process begins with learning more about what brings you to therapy and what you are hoping to address. We will consider your goals, scheduling needs, insurance or payment preferences, and any qualities that are important to you in a therapist. From there, we help you connect with a clinician at Waterloo Therapy Group who is well aligned with your needs.
Your first sessions will focus on building a shared understanding of your current concerns, history, relationships, strengths, and goals. Your therapist may ask about previous therapy experiences, significant life events, family and relationship patterns, cultural or identity factors, and the ways your concerns are affecting your daily life.
Together, you and your therapist will determine the priorities for treatment. Depending on your needs, therapy may focus on improving communication, changing recurring relationship patterns, processing trauma or painful experiences, managing anxiety or depression, strengthening coping skills, navigating a transition, or developing a clearer sense of direction.
Our clinicians draw from evidence-informed and systemic approaches while tailoring the work to each client. Therapy may include reflection, skill-building, direct feedback, structured exercises, or conversations about patterns that emerge both inside and outside the therapy room.
Many clients begin with weekly sessions, although the frequency and duration of treatment vary based on clinical needs, goals, availability, and financial considerations. Progress is reviewed throughout the process, and clients are encouraged to ask questions and provide feedback about what is or is not feeling helpful.
Therapy is not a rigid or predetermined process. Goals may evolve as new insights emerge or circumstances change. Our role is to provide a consistent, supportive, and thoughtful space while helping you move toward the changes that matter most to you.
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In-network insurances
Aetna
BlueCross BlueShield
UnitedHealthcare
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Office location
Jesse Smith, LMFT also offers online video visits for patients
Education and background
Practice names
Education and training
- Texas Tech University, PhD in Couple, Marriage, and Family Therapy
- Drexel University, Training in Attachment Based Family Therapy
Professional memberships
- American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy
NPI number
1831860816
How soon can I make an appointment with Jesse Smith?
Generally, Jesse Smith has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Jesse Smith's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Jesse Smith accepting new patients?
Jesse Smith generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Jesse Smith's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Jesse Smith accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Jesse Smith is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Jesse Smith online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Jesse Smith using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Jesse Smith work with?
Jesse Smith works with Waterloo Therapy Group.
Where is Jesse Smith's office located?
Jesse Smith has 2 office locations, including in Philadelphia and Hartstown, view full addresses on Jesse Smith's profile.
What are common reasons for patients to see Jesse Smith?
Jesse Smith frequently sees patients for Anxiety, Depression, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Therapy. You can see other visit reasons for Jesse Smith on their profile.
What languages does Jesse Smith speak?
Jesse Smith speaks English.