Jerry Utt , LCSW

Jerry Utt is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) practicing in North Carolina with 30 years of clinical experience. He began his professional journey at the United States Army Academy of Health Sciences, Behavioral Health Division, and completed his initial training at Letterman Army Medical Center at the Presidio of San Francisco. He later earned a Master of Social Work from the University of South Carolina and holds a state clinical social work license (NC LCSW C000778).

His background spans both inpatient and outpatient settings, where he developed expertise in crisis intervention for individuals facing severe dysfunction related to behavioral health conditions, substance use, or both. He is a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) - trained to work specifically with trauma using evidence-informed methods such as Cognitive Processing Therapy. He also incorporates Motivational Interviewing to engage clients in change and applies Cognitive Behavioral Therapy techniques to address anger management and self-harm concerns.

Across decades of practice, he has worked with a wide range of presenting issues including anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, grief, addiction, relationship and family challenges, and life transitions. He combines clinical training and practical experience to help people find workable strategies and make meaningful changes in their lives.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care with Jerry Utt

Jerry Utt draws from several evidence-informed approaches to support clients in online sessions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns to reduce symptoms like anxiety, depression, and anger. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) teaches practical skills for managing intense emotions, improving distress tolerance, and strengthening relationships, which can be helpful for self-harm behaviors and emotional dysregulation. Attachment-Based Therapy explores how early relationships shape current patterns in close relationships and can be useful for attachment issues, relationship challenges, and family dynamics.

Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. He works collaboratively with each person to determine which therapies or combination of strategies best match their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting the plan as progress is made.

Online therapy with him can take place by video call, phone session, live chat, or text-based messaging, offering flexibility for different schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care, access support from home or work, and choose the communication style that fits each individual's life and therapeutic goals.