Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Cortez.
Hi Jessica, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I have always wanted to work with children through a mental health lens. I graduated from the MSW program at the University of Michigan in 2011 and since then, have worked towards building a practice solely treating children and adolescents.
As a clinical social worker, I work on creating coping mechanisms for kids and addressing symptoms related to anxiety, depression, ADHD, and behavioral concerns. Nine years ago, I created Bloomfield Child & Family Counseling (BCFC). BCFC is a therapy clinic exclusively working with children & teens. Our focus is in-person individual sessions,
prescribing medication, and group therapy for kids. I opened this practice nine years ago in Troy and
we have since quadrupled in size and opened a second location in West Bloomfield.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
During COVID years, we had to move therapy sessions remote for almost a full year. This was a challenge because the need was so high for treating anxiety and depression in children during this large change in their lives. The demand for therapy was unlike anything I had seen before- and we had to triple our clinical staff to accommodate the needs of families. Working remote for therapy with children was very daunting and we pivoted to opening our doors again with temperature screening, masks, plastic partitions, and not sharing toys/games. It was a hard road but we did get through it.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
We are the only children and adolescent therapy clinic in Metro Detroit. We do not offer therapy for adults because our speciality lies in addressing emotions and teaching tools to littles. I am very proud of BCFC in that we have quadrupled our staff and currently see more than 250 families a week.
Improving the mental health for children and teens is essential. Young minds are navigating stressors daily and often times, they do not have the right techniques and supports to get through the tough times. At BCFC, we offer direct, daily tools for families to feel better. Our goal is for children to learn these tools and be on their way for a happier new year.
What were you like growing up?
I always wanted to work with children. I thought about wanting to be a Kindergarten teacher. I have loved engaging with kids and finding creative ways to teach ideas to them. Throughout undergrad at Michigan State University, I volunteered and conducted research for juvenile delinquents to lower recidivism in Ingham County.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Bloomfieldfamilies.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bloomfieldcounseling
