About Me

You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone

“I’m scared and don’t know what the first step is to take. It’s so overwhelming. There are so many therapists. Who should I choose?”

If you’re feeling that way, you’re not alone. It’s been a long time since your family felt peaceful. Lately, the smallest things spark arguments or shutdowns. You’re exhausted, unsure what to say or how to help. You’ve been strong for so long, but something has to change. You’re ready for support that feels like a real fit.

As a therapist in San Jose, I help individuals and families move from crisis and confusion into clarity, connection, and confidence.

This may be the first step, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. I’ll walk with you from here.

Hi, I’m Alicia Hess, LCSW

I became a therapist in San Jose because I grew up here, watching families quietly struggle behind Silicon Valley’s polished surface. Even in households that had "everything,” there was often pressure, disconnection, and a deep sense of being unsupported. I wanted to understand why that was happening and how to help.

That led me into a Master’s in Social Work and into hands-on roles supporting foster families, youth in crisis, students with IEPs, and families navigating new mental health diagnoses. I’ve worked in homes, schools, and hospitals. Every setting taught me something new about resilience, systems, and the power of showing up for someone during hard transitions.

Along the way, I trained in evidence-based approaches like:

CBT and DBT for emotion regulation and behavior change
Trauma-Focused CBT to support healing after difficult experiences
Positive Discipline for parents who want to lead with both structure and connection

But no matter the model, I always center one thing: the human experience. Life is hard sometimes. We hurt, we get overwhelmed, and we need people who can sit with us in it—without judgment, and with real tools to help us move forward.

Who I Work With

I specialize in therapy for:

Teens struggling with anxiety or ADHD
Young adults navigating independence, relationships, and identity
Families who feel stuck in painful cycles and want practical support
Parents looking for guidance as they raise emotionally complex kids

Whether you or a family member has just received a diagnosis, you’re seeing new behaviors you don’t know how to handle, or you’re simply burnt out from trying to keep everything together, therapy can help you reconnect—with yourself, and with each other.

My Approach

I offer honest, respectful, and tailored support. I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all therapy, and I won’t keep you stuck in a process that isn’t working. If something’s not a fit, I’ll help you find someone who is.

Therapy with me includes practical strategies, collaborative goals, and a warm, steady presence. Together, we’ll build tools that help you feel more regulated, more connected, and more hopeful—even when life is hard.

Ready to Get Started?

Finding the right therapist in San Jose can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to figure it all out today.

Let’s start with a conversation. Click below to schedule a free 15-minute consultation. You’ll get a feel for what working together would be like, and we’ll talk about what’s been going on in your life or your child’s. If I’m not the right fit, I’ll help you find someone who is. What matters most is that you get the support you need.

Schedule a free 15-minute call

You deserve peace in your family—and a therapist who truly understands how to support you.

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