Calm has teamed up with Grow Therapy to connect you with a mental health therapist who accepts your health insurance.

Tessa Hudson

Tessa Hudson

(she/her)

LCSW
7 years of experience
Virtual

I’m a licensed therapist who’s been working in the mental health field since earning my Master’s in Social Work (MSW) in 2017. I work with teens and young adults navigating anxiety, depression, identity, relationships, and life transitions. My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based practices like CBT, DBT, and person-centered therapy, with a strong focus on affirming BIPOC experiences.

What can clients expect to take away from sessions with you?

In your first session with me, you can expect a laid-back, welcoming space where we start getting to know each other. I’ll ask some questions about what’s bringing you in, what you’re hoping to get out of therapy, and any important pieces of your story you feel ready to share. We’ll move at your pace—there’s no pressure to dive into everything all at once. You’ll also get a feel for how I work, and we can talk about what therapy might look like moving forward.

Explain to clients what areas you feel are your biggest strengths.

My greatest strengths as a provider are my ability to create a safe, affirming, and non-judgmental space, especially for BIPOC and queer individuals. I combine compassion with expertise, integrating systems theory, CBT, DBT, and person-centered therapy. I believe in understanding each person within the context of their environment—how family, culture, society, and relationships shape their mental health. This approach helps make complex concepts feel accessible and relevant, giving clients the tools to understand and navigate their experiences. I’m deeply committed to authenticity, empathy, and supporting clients as they grow and move toward positive change.

Describe the client(s) you are best positioned to serve.

I’m best positioned to serve teens and young adults who are navigating big emotions, identity exploration, relationship challenges, and the pressure to have it all figured out. Many of my clients are BIPOC and/or queer individuals seeking a therapist who truly sees and affirms their experiences. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, or just feeling overwhelmed by life, I offer a space where you can unpack it all without judgment, build self-understanding, and develop tools to move forward with more clarity and confidence.

About Tessa Hudson

Identifies as

Black / African American

Specializes in

AnxietyChronic IllnessDepressionFertility & Reproduction IssuesHealth/Medical Issues

Serves ages

Teenagers (13 to 17)

Licensed in

Address

301 W State St, Ithaca, NY 14850

Appointments

Virtual & in-person

My treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a tool I use to help you understand how your thoughts, feelings, and actions are all connected. If you’ve ever spiraled into worst-case scenarios or felt stuck in self-doubt, CBT can help you spot those patterns and shift them in a way that actually supports your mental health. In sessions, we work together to challenge negative self-talk, build coping skills, and find new ways to respond to stress, anxiety, or tough emotions.

Dialectical Behavior (DBT)

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is all about learning how to handle intense emotions, build stronger relationships, and stay grounded when life feels overwhelming. I use DBT in a way that makes sense for you—teaching skills like mindfulness, setting boundaries, coping with stress, and not letting emotions totally take over. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, big mood swings, or feeling stuck between extremes, DBT gives you tools to find balance without having to ignore what you're actually feeling.

Person-centered (Rogerian)

Person-Centered Therapy is all about creating a space where you can be fully yourself without fear of judgment. I show up as a real, supportive human—not someone who’s here to “fix” you, but someone who helps you feel seen, heard, and understood. This approach is based on the idea that you already have what you need to grow and heal—we just work together to uncover it. Whether you’re figuring out who you are, navigating identity, or dealing with life’s pressure, I meet you where you’re at and follow your lead, at your pace.