Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in Arlington, MA

Life can bring moments that feel heavy, confusing, or overwhelming—whether from anxiety, trauma, relationship strain, or loss of direction. You may feel stuck or unsure why certain patterns keep repeating. Therapy offers a safe and supportive space to explore what’s holding you back and create a path toward emotional clarity, healing, and growth. Together, we’ll uncover the “why” behind your challenges and help you move toward a calmer, more balanced, and empowered version of yourself.

My name is J.J. Mull -- I'm a clinical social worker and therapist in private practice. I trained and Smith College School for Social Work and received advanced training in psychoanalytic treatment at Cambridge Health Alliance through Harvard Department of Psychiatry. Since finishing my training, I have worked in a wide range of settings with people struggling with anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, substance use disorders, significant trauma, and many other issues. In addition to my clinical work, I am a writer, poet, and researcher and have been a professor in the Masters in Social Work program at Smith College for 4 years.

I cannot move mountains for you, but I can help you climb. Facing fears, healing from loss, finding meaning and joy - these are the inevitable tasks of life. Therapy may be your first step or your last resort. Often people avoid it all together because they believe their pain is too great, worry they will be judged or that their situation is too complicated. Some people believe they should solve problems on their own or only with family and friends. However, while family and friends may want the best for us, they often come with opinions or past hurts. Sometimes it helps to have a safe space outside your daily experience.

I’m a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health and Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner with advanced training in diagnosing and treating mental health as well as medical conditions across the lifespan. I earned my graduate degree in psychiatric nursing and have worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings, giving me a broad perspective on mental health care. I specialize in treating depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, trauma-related conditions, and ADHD. I work with adults and adolescents, and I’m experienced in supporting individuals navigating different mental health conditions.

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC) with a doctorate in psychology and extensive experience working with adults, college students, athletes, performing artists, and professionals. My clinical work focuses on anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, identity development, relationship concerns, stress management, and performance-related challenges. My approach is integrative, trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and strengths-based, drawing from evidence-based practices to meet each client's individual needs. I am fluent in Spanish and French, conversational in Portuguese, and strive to provide culturally responsive care to clients from diverse backgrounds. I am EMDR-trained and committed to creating an inclusive, affirming environment where clients can develop greater self-awareness, resilience, and confidence as they work toward meaningful and lasting change.

I believe that therapy works best when it feels like a genuine partnership built on trust, authenticity, and mutual respect. My goal is to create a space where you feel heard, understood, and accepted while also feeling supported to challenge unhelpful patterns and create meaningful change. I value curiosity, honesty, and collaboration, and I tailor therapy to your unique experiences, strengths, and goals. Whether you're navigating a difficult transition, managing stress or anxiety, or seeking greater self-understanding, I'll meet you where you are and work alongside you at a pace that feels both supportive and growth-oriented.

Welcome, and come as you are. I believe meaningful change begins with understanding yourself on a deeper level. Many of the struggles we experience in adulthood, whether in relationships, self-worth, anxiety, trauma, communication, or life satisfaction, are shaped by patterns that developed long before we were aware of them. Often these patterns started as adaptations, ways of coping or relating that once helped us navigate our family or environment and made sense at the time. My role is to help you identify those patterns, understand why they exist, and create lasting change rather than simply managing symptoms.

As a therapist, my goal is to provide empathy and compassion in an emotionally safe environment. I am passionate about helping people through the most difficult challenges life may have. I work with people to build their self-worth, ease emotional pain, and help regain a sense of enjoyment in their life as they once had. I envision helping people recognize their strengths, then build on their strengths, to help them to become more self-confident, happy and aware.

Want to make the most of your life, but something keeps getting in the way?

I work with thoughtful, high-energy adults who feel held back by patterns they can’t seem to break—whether that’s anxiety, addiction, trauma, self-criticism, relationship difficulties, depression, or persistent overthinking. Stop letting your lizard brain run the show.

Together, we’ll identify the emotional and behavioral patterns that no longer serve you, understand where they came from, and develop practical ways to move forward. My goal is not simply symptom reduction, but helping you create a life that feels meaningful, connected, and fully your own.