Jackson Houmand, LCSW

“Jackson is just someone who wants to be there for you. He will meet you at your level, help build you up, and show you how deeply he cares.” – student

Jackson’s clinical approach is shaped by years of immersive, hands-on experience at Telos, where he began as direct care staff before earning his graduate degree and stepping into his role as a Primary Therapist. This progression has given him a rare depth of understanding—allowing him to translate clinical insight into real-world, day-to-day change for the students he serves.

Jackson specializes in working with adolescents and young adults and has developed particular expertise in supporting youth navigating autism spectrum differences, substance use concerns, anxiety, depression, and trauma. He brings a thoughtful, strengths-based perspective to neurodiversity, helping students better understand how they think, feel, and interact with the world. His experience working with youth on the spectrum allows him to effectively support challenges related to social communication, emotional regulation, flexibility, and independent functioning while helping students build on their unique strengths.

In addition, Jackson has advanced training in helping individuals with executive functioning challenges and slower processing speeds. He works closely with students who struggle with organization, planning, attention, emotional regulation, cognitive processing, and self-management skills, helping them develop practical strategies that increase confidence and success in everyday life. His approach emphasizes skill development while fostering greater self-awareness and independence.

At the core of Jackson’s work is a deep belief in ownership and empowerment. Drawing heavily from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), he helps students move beyond avoidance and toward values-driven living—learning to face discomfort, take meaningful action, and create lasting change. His philosophy centers on helping each student become the “captain of their own ship,” with Jackson providing steady guidance, structure, and direction along the way.

Known for his ability to connect authentically, Jackson integrates his own interests—such as music and sports—into the therapeutic process, creating natural, engaging pathways for relationship-building. These connections become the foundation for trust, growth, and sustained progress.

Through this relational and empowering approach, students steadily develop greater self-awareness, resilience, and the skills needed to navigate both internal challenges and the world around them with confidence. His work is particularly effective with youth facing depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use issues, executive functioning deficits, and autism spectrum-related challenges, helping them achieve meaningful and lasting growth.