Jerry Utt
Calm, practical therapy for lasting change
LCSW North Carolina
- Experience
- 30 years in practice
- Focus areas
- Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Grief
- Approaches
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Languages
- English
About Jerry
Jerry Utt is a licensed clinical social worker with 30 years of practice who combines practical, skills-based methods with trauma-informed care.
Background and approach
He trained first at the United States Army Academy of Health Sciences in the Behavioral Health Division and received early clinical experience at Letterman Army Medical Center in the Presidio of San Francisco before completing a Master of Social Work at the University of South Carolina.
Over three decades he has worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings, developing strengths in crisis intervention and complex clinical presentations. His work emphasizes evidence-informed techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) alongside Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Attachment-Based Therapy, and mindfulness practices.
He brings experience addressing trauma, substance use, mood disorders, addiction, grief, anger, and problems with coping and self-esteem. Motivational Interviewing and cognitive processing methods are part of his approach to engaging clients and working through trauma-related difficulties.
Jerry frames therapy as collaborative problem solving aimed at reducing dysfunction and improving day-to-day functioning for people facing difficult transitions and persistent concerns.
Evidence-Informed Approaches That Work Well Online
CBT focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors through structured strategies and skill building; it is often used for anxiety, depression, anger, and coping with life changes. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify values and commit to actions that align with those values while learning to accept difficult internal experiences, which can be useful for stress, grief, and chronic emotional pain. Attachment-Based Therapy explores patterns in relationships and how early bonds influence current connection and trust, helping those who experience attachment issues or complicated interpersonal dynamics.Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process, and he works collaboratively with each person to determine which methods best fit their needs, goals, and preferences. Treatment plans are adjusted over time as progress and priorities become clearer so clients remain active partners in decisions about care.
Online sessions offer flexibility through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, allowing people to access licensed professionals without traveling to an office. These options can help fit therapy into busy schedules and provide consistent support during life transitions or when in-person visits are impractical.
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of concerns does Jerry address?
How would you describe his therapeutic approach and style?
What is his clinical background and experience?
Where is he licensed and practicing?
Does he accept clients who speak other languages or live abroad?
What session formats are available for working with him?
How are costs and scheduling handled?
What are the steps to begin therapy with him?
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
30+ years
Licensed
North Carolina
Languages
English