Jessica Holton, MSW, LCSW, LCAS is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist.  She moved from Tucson, AZ to Greenville, NC in January 2001 with the goal to obtain her Master’s in Social Work from East Carolina University.  Jessica was born and raised in Winslow, AZ.  She moved to Tucson, AZ to earn her undergraduate degrees: an Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences and a Bachelors Degree in Family Studies and Human Development.  While earning her Associate’s Degree, Jessica had the opportunity to take American Sign Language as the required second language.  She became fluent in American Sign Language and knew that she wanted to work with Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals in some capacity in the future.

After graduating with her Bachelors Degree, Jessica began researching Universities across the Southeast that had a Master’s of Social Work Program.  Jessica was drawn to East Carolina University’s School of Social Work due to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Certificate Grant Program that was offered in conjunction with the Master’s of Social Work at that time.  When Jessica initially applied for the Master’s of Social Work Program, she stated that she planned to work with children and families, conducting play and art therapies.  As Jessica moved through the Master’s of Social Work Program, her passions evolved.  Jessica graduated with her Master’s of Social Work degree in 2003.  She specialized in mental health direct practice, sub-specialized in working with Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals, and emphasized in substance abuse treatment and research. 

Jessica Holton’s post graduate professional work experiences range from being a Substance Abuse Counselor at an inpatient substance abuse treatment center, to a Clinical Therapist and the Therapy Program Director at a for-profit mental health agency, to opening her own private practice in January 2008.  She currently works part-time as an Independent Practitioner at a non-profit mental health/substance abuse treatment agency and continues to provide psychotherapy through her private practice.  Her areas of specialization include: substance abuse treatment, complex trauma, eating disorders, anxiety disorders, mood disorders and personality disorders.  She provides treatment to adults and mature adolescents.  Jessica is the only Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist that is certified to provide treatment to Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals in this area.

 
Jessica Holton is passionate about working with others, not only through psychotherapy, but also through presenting.  She presents on a variety of topics: working with Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals, substance abuse treatment, conducting therapeutic group sessions, empowering others, and mental health disorders, to name a few.  She presents at agency, local, State, and National levels.  Jessica is also very active within her profession.  She is currently on the National Association of Social Worker – North Carolina Chapter’s Board of Directors, in which she is the Secretary.  She is also on the Board of Directors for the North Carolina Substance Abuse Professional Practice Board as the National Association of Social Workers Deemed Status Member.  Jessica was recently appointed to National Association of Social Worker’s Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Specialty Practice Section Committee.

For more information, feel free to contact Jessica Holton, MSW, LCSW, LCAS via work cell phone at 252-987-3039 or via email at jessahallman@hotmail.com .