We’re excited to welcome Adam Jacobson, LICSW, to Handel Behavioral Health!

I had a great time interviewing Adam, despite our conversation getting wildly off topic and exploring some interesting ideas together. Adam was incredibly easy to talk to in this way, as a collaborator in forming questions and potential answers.

One of our conversations was about how he was drawn to HBH because of its family-run and committed to supporting clinicians as whole people. “So much of this work depends on humanity,” he said, “and that can get lost when metrics and profit overshadow everything else.”

This gave me great insight into Adam as a clinician — thoughtful, collaborative, and with a strong appreciation for compassion, ethics, and human-centered care.

A Background of Ethics

Adam’s path into the field began when he enrolled in a Master’s program in Social Work. Early on, the profession’s code of ethics and strengths-based framework deeply resonated with him. Rather than focusing solely on deficits or symptoms, Adam was inspired by social work’s emphasis on identifying what’s already working and building from there.

His training also emphasized a holistic understanding of people and recognizing how individuals are shaped by their relationships, communities, cultures, and broader systems. “People aren’t detached from their environment,” Adam explains. “Their experiences are deeply influenced by where and how they live.” This attention to nuance, connection, and multiple levels of intervention continues to shape his work today.

Breaking Down Language Barriers

While working with children and families in California, Adam noticed a significant shortage of Spanish-speaking therapists. Motivated to help fill that gap, he began studying Spanish through coursework and immersion programs. This allowed him to provide therapy to Spanish-speaking clients—an experience he describes as incredibly meaningful and an essential part of making mental health care more accessible and affirming. 

While many clients are bilingual, being able to speak in one’s first language often allows for greater emotional nuance, comfort, and safety. Adam believes that having a therapist who understands both the language and the cultural context can be a powerful resource, helping clients feel truly seen, understood, and supported.

Creativity, Mindfulness & Coping Skills

One unique quality Adam brings to his practice is his deep appreciation for creativity and the arts. He values music, visual arts, and other creative outlets as powerful forms of expression and healing. Clients who are artists or are curious about creative exploration are encouraged to integrate those parts of themselves into therapy when they find it helpful, as well as feel safe to share that art with him.

Adam has also co-facilitated DBT groups and often incorporates mindfulness and sensory-based coping skills, such as working with art materials, music, movement, or hands-on activities like ceramics. These practices can help clients stay present, grounded, and engaged in the moment.

When exploring coping skills, Adam builds on what clients already do, and gently suggests new strategies that align with their interests and goals.

A Freestyle Collab with Adam

Adam describes his counseling style as relaxed, approachable, and collaborative. I can attest to his welcoming and easy-to-talk-to nature, as I found myself asking “off the record” questions just out of curiosity!

Adam works with teens, adults, and families, and draws from a range of therapeutic approaches, including:

• Strengths-based therapy
• Self psychology and psychodynamic theory
• CBT for depression and anxiety
• DBT skills (including group facilitation)

His work is grounded in helping clients feel safe to bring forward whatever feels most pressing in their lives.

What To Expect in the First Session

In a first session with Adam, clients can expect a warm, low-pressure environment. He aims to create a space where they can recognize their own strengths and agency, and make their own decisions about their care.

Rather than jumping straight into goal-setting, he prioritizes understanding what brought the client to therapy right now. There’s plenty of time to dig into the past, but Adam wants to know what’s on their mind at this moment.

From there, goals emerge collaboratively over time. Adam first asks what kind of support a client is looking for. He then encourages clients to define what they want for themselves, whether that’s specific goals or a broader vision for their future.

 

Looking for Therapy in Natick, Massachusetts?

Adam practices out of our Natick office. After moving from California to the Boston area for family, he’s grown to love the region’s natural beauty. He enjoys Massachusetts for its parks, riverfronts, mountains, and proximity to both the ocean and city life. While he admits the snow was daunting at first, he’s come to appreciate everything Massachusetts has to offer.

HBH is just as appreciate to have Adam join our team! We look forward to the depth, creativity, and compassion he brings to his work with clients.

If you felt like Adam is a good match for you, you can request an appointment, click here or call (413) 343-4357.

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