Dr. Jen Cecilione Herbst (she/her)
Licensed Clinical Psychologist | OCD & Anxiety Specialist | Autism Evaluations for Ages 3–30
📧 jherbst@richmondfamilypsychology.com
đź“ž 804-214-6416
Approach & Specialties
As a licensed clinical psychologist, I provide warm, compassionate, and highly individualized care for children (ages 4+), teens, and young adults who are navigating OCD, anxiety, neurodevelopmental differences, and related concerns. My goal is to create a space where clients and families feel heard, supported, and empowered to make meaningful change.
OCD & Anxiety Treatment for Children, Teens, and Young Adults
OCD and anxiety can make you feel stuck—trapped in routines, rituals, or intrusive thoughts that feel impossible to ignore. You may avoid activities you care about because the fear feels too overwhelming. Your mind may be racing with worst-case scenarios that no amount of logic seems to quiet.
Parents often describe watching their child struggle to try new things, complete homework without re-checking or perfecting, or move through daily activities without distress.
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and there are highly effective, research-supported treatments that can help.
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) to help individuals break free from the anxiety and OCD cycle, rebuild confidence, and re-engage in the things that matter most.
Autism Assessments for Children, Teens, and Young Adults
I specialize in comprehensive autism evaluations for individuals ages 3 through 30. Many families and young adults seek testing to gain clarity, understand strengths and challenges, or access accommodations and supports.
Each autism assessment includes:
A comprehensive clinical interview
Cognitive testing
Autism-specific testing (e.g., ADOS-2)
Additional psychological measures tailored to the individual
Screening for co-occurring conditions (e.g., ADHD, learning disorders, intellectual disability)
A detailed diagnostic report with results and recommendations
A feedback session to review results and answer questions
Whether you are exploring early signs of autism in a young child or a young adult seeking diagnostic clarity, my evaluations are thorough, affirming, and individualized.
Additional Concerns I Treat
In addition to OCD, anxiety, and autism assessment, I support clients with:
Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs): Skin-picking (excoriation disorder), hair-pulling (trichotillomania), and other repetitive behaviors.
Tic Disorders & Tourette’s: Using Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT) to reduce tic frequency and improve functioning.
Eating Disorders & Disordered Eating: Evidence-based treatment for restrictive eating, binge eating, ARFID, and related concerns.
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD):
Supporting individuals struggling with appearance-related obsessions, compulsions, and distress.
My Therapeutic Approach
I believe therapy works best when it is collaborative, supportive, and matched to your unique needs. I use shared decision making, evidence-based strategies, and a warm, approachable style to help clients feel comfortable and understood.
I also welcome humor in the therapy room—laughter can be an incredibly healing tool.
PSYPACT Provider — Telehealth in 38+ States
I am credentialed through PSYPACT, allowing me to offer telehealth therapy to clients in:
Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
Evidence-Based Modalities I Use
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT)
Habit Reversal Training (HRT)
Family-Based Therapy (FBT)
These approaches help clients build insight, strengthen coping skills, and create meaningful, lasting change.
Education & Training
I earned my B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Sociology from the University of Richmond. I then worked as a research coordinator in a psychiatric and behavioral genetics lab before beginning my doctoral training at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU).
During my time at VCU, I trained across pediatric hematology/oncology, primary care, and outpatient mental health settings. My research focused on the therapeutic alliance and shared decision making in psychotherapy.
I completed my pre-doctoral internship at the West Virginia University School of Medicine, specializing in early childhood neurodevelopmental concerns, including autism. I earned my PhD in Clinical Psychology, with a concentration in Child and Adolescent Mental Health, from VCU in 2024.
License Information: VA #0810008673
PSYPACT Mobility Number: 21143
Current Clients
Existing clients may access the client portal here.
