Jessica DelNero, Ph.D., PMH-C
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Supervising Psychologist
Perinatal Mental Health Specialist
Midtown + Montclair, NJ + Virtual
Life has its moments when the daily grind starts to feel like a mountain. That's when many of us consider therapy. Starting therapy can be a mix of emotions—excitement, nervousness, and everything in between. But however you walk into therapy, whether it's been a few tough days or several challenging years, I'm here to meet you where you are.
As your therapist, I will be on your team and support you in your journey of self-growth. I bring authenticity, curiosity, a non-judgmental attitude, and a good dose of humor to the table.
I firmly believe that the relationship between the client and therapist is one of the most crucial aspects of treatment. I highly value my relationships with clients and conduct regular check-ins to assess the effectiveness of therapy or to consider adjustments. Through open and honest dialogue, we can collaboratively create genuine and meaningful change.
My approach is not one-size-fits-all. I enjoy blending psychodynamic thinking with techniques from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). This allows me to provide practical tools for immediate help while also allowing space for deeper exploration and understanding.
I primarily work with adult individuals dealing with a variety of emotional and social challenges. My practice welcomes clients from diverse backgrounds, including people of color and those who identify as LGBTQIA+.
Perinatal Expertise & Third-Party Reproduction Consultations and Evaluations:
As a PMH-C psychologist, I hold certification in treating maternal mental health issues. I have received specialized training in Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) and am well-versed in providing support to individuals who are pregnant, navigating infertility, have experienced perinatal loss, or may be at risk for a potential PMAD.
Additionally, I have experience in providing psychoeducational counseling and psychological assessments for individuals involved in third-party reproduction. In alignment with the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) standards, I offer counseling services to recipients of anonymous donor sperm, eggs, or embryos, often a necessary step before starting reproductive medical treatments. Furthermore, I am capable of providing screening for gamete donors, gestational carriers, and intended parents. My counseling services are tailored to meet the needs of single parents, same-sex couples, transgender individuals, and couples on their family expansion journey through the use of donor gametes and/or gestational surrogacy.
Training:
I earned my M.A. and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from The New School in New York City. My training included individual and group psychotherapy in various settings, including community clinics, Brooklyn College Counseling, Zucker Hillside Hospital, Montefiore Hospital, Mount Sinai Morningside, and Mount Sinai Beth Israel. My doctoral research focused on attachment theory, parenting, and intervention effectiveness.
I obtained my PMH-C certification through Postpartum Support International, a leading organization in PMADs treatment. My training in third-party reproduction was completed through the American Society of Reproductive Medicine.
Additional Information:
Dr. Jess DelNero's areas of focus include Parenting, Postpartum Depression, and Trauma.
She shares her expertise in these blog posts: Self-compassion in Parenting, Debunking Myths About Group Therapy, Gentle Parenting, Attachment Theory, Understanding and Managing Mom Guilt, Navigating Generational Conflict, Supporting Loved Ones Through Pregnancy Loss, Fostering a Healthier Relationship to Parenting, Tips for Stress Management, Surviving Toddler Tantrums, Skills for Anger Management, Simple Grounding Techniques, Postpartum Depression, Parenting Through Transitions, A Case for Going to Therapy When You Have “Nothing” to Talk About