JFS Counseling services
Children & Teens Counseling Nashville
Learn skills to handle life's obstacles through the challenges of childhood.
Are you or your child ready to find better ways to cope with life changes?
Children & Teens Counseling Treatments
At Jewish Family Service, we want to arm you with tools to tackle life’s tough issues. We offer a kind ear to help your child move through their younger years and adolescence with confidence and strength.
We have experience and expertise in a wide range of areas including, but not limited to:
Bullying
Defiance
Self harm
Sleep problems
Suicide concerns
Grief and loss
Divorce
Mood regulation
Anxiety
Are you or your child ready to find better ways to cope with life’s changes?
How We Serve
Children & Teens Counseling
We offer our services to all, regardless of religious affiliation, race, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. Our highly trained, licensed therapists take time to listen, educate and experiment to find the best path for you. We keep all information completely private and maintain professionalism at times. Though located inside the Gordon Jewish Community Center, the JFS office has its own private entrance in the back of the building to ensure privacy.
Are therapy services available to everyone?
Yes! While some of our other programs are available to only those of the Jewish faith, our Nashville counseling services are available to the entire community.
Do you accept insurance?
Yes! Our therapists are professional, experienced social workers. JFS is an in-network provider for several major insurance companies as well as EAP providers (you may wish to check with your insurance company prior to your visit). We also accept Medicare. Clients without insurance may qualify for service on a sliding scale based on income and family size. Please contact us for additional information.
How do I get started?
You can send a request here, or call us at (615) 356-4234. If you are a parent or guardian, you can call on behalf of your loved one.
How will you keep my information private?
Do you accept walk-ins?
our team
JFS Therapists
Clinical Director
Toni Jacobsen, LCSW
Toni received her Masters in Social Work from the University of Tennessee and has nearly 30 years of experience as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. She utilizes a versatile approach to therapy and is passionate about working together with individuals and families to address issues that are interfering with their daily their lives.
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Toni is a licensed clinical social worker and is the Clinical Director at JFS. She began her career in the mental health field in 1989 facilitating abuse prevention groups for children. She has worked with abused/neglected teenagers in a group home through the YWCA, as a Child and Family Therapist for The Guidance Center and as a Clinical Director at Camelot Cares before coming to JFS. Toni volunteered to serve on the Williamson County Child Fatality Review Team and to be a board member for First Steps. She joined Jewish Family Service in 2000 and provides a range of services to the Jewish and general community including counseling, family life education programs, financial assistance, adoption, support groups, as well managing the kosher food box, school supply and Hanukkah gift programs.
Toni has over 28 years of field experience with a wide range of populations and utilizes an eclectic approach including cognitive-behavioral therapy, play therapy with children, supportive and short-term problem focused therapy. Toni has expertise addressing anxiety, depression, trauma, parenting issues, behavioral problems, dysfunctional families, marital discord, and divorce.
One of her passions is working together with individuals and families to address an issue that might be causing dysfunction in their lives. Sometimes we can control what is happening around us and can make positive changes while other times all we can do is survive the storm. Toni works with her clients to increase their ability to cope through teaching positive coping skills.
Toni enjoys spending time with her family, being outdoors, volunteer work and creating new things.
(615) 354-1672
Social Worker
Ashley Franklin, LMSW
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Ashley is an empathetic and compassionate social worker who takes a strengths- based approach to helping her clients. She connects and builds trust quickly with clients through her down to earth and authentic style.
She is intentional in her work with children, adolescents, adults and families. She implements Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, as well as a Family Systems approach to help clients focus on their goals and overcome barriers in life.
Ashley enjoys working with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, life adjustments, addiction, and marriage and family issues.
(615) 354-1662
Confidentiality Promise
The trust between our clients and JFS is the basis for our success. All transactions and discussions are protected by the highest professional ethical standards of client/counselor confidentiality.
Patient Forms
Adult Counseling Registration Form
For all new patients. Please print out and bring with you to your appointment.
Youth Counseling Registration Form
For all new patients. Please print out and bring with you to your appointment.
Insurance Information Form
For all new patients. Please print out and bring with you to your appointment.
HIPPA Compliance Form
For all new patients. Please print out and bring with you to your appointment.
Our comprehensive social services and programs are designed to enrich the whole person, enhance the whole family, and empower the whole community–no matter your age, race, religion, preference, identity, economic standing, or otherwise.
Life can be challenging, relationships can be hard, and you may need the extra support that comes with working with a therapist. Our licensed social workers offer counseling for individuals, couples, and families, as well as for children and adolescents.
Choosing to adopt a child, or to place a child for adoption, is a life-altering decision. We are a licensed child-placing agency in Tennessee with more than 40 years of experience in adoption services in Nashville and Middle Tennessee.
Whether you need emergency financial assistance, such as help paying a utility bill or rent for the month, or material assistance by ensuring your children have gifts at the holidays, school supplies, or food supplements, Jewish Family Service offers this critical assistance in a confidential, compassionate manner.
Older Adult Programs & Services
We recognize that older adults are true treasures, and we strive to create and maintain a community that values and celebrates them for their wisdom, contributions, and experiences. Our programs and services are an important outlet for our older adults, encouraging them to be social and stimulated.
Life can be challenging, and knowledge is power. The Jewish Family Service’s Family and Community Enrichment programs serve to empower, protect, and address the ever-changing needs of the entire Nashville community.
Passionate providers of comprehensive social services, we are advocates, allies, educators, cheerleaders, and guides who create solutions to problems facing families and individuals of all ages.
We are a team of experienced professionals dedicated to treating each person with compassion, care and dignity.
A group of people with different backgrounds and perspectives who come together to help Jewish Family Service fulfill its mission and expand its reach.
We serve the people of Nashville and Middle Tennessee in many different ways. Here are a few of the human stories where JFS programs have made a tangible difference in people’s daily lives.
We’ve compiled a selection of items that we use frequently at JFS – in some cases every day.
The number of ways in which you can help support individuals and families navigate life’s transitions are endless.
Volunteers are a vital part of how we support our clients. Find opportunities to assist those in our community who need a helping hand.
Since our founding in 1853, the generous support of our community has made the work of Jewish Family Service possible.
Press coverage about JFS Nashville’s programing and services, learn about the history of the agency from our past newsletters, and enjoy reading original JFS content like our signature advice column, “Dear Esther.” Stay up to date with the impact we’re making throughout our community.
Check out the full calendar of upcoming JFS Nashville events. From community education, support groups, and special engagements alike, find out where you can show up and get connected.
Information & Referral Resources
Connect with our community partners. Our information and referral directory includes local and national resources that can provide additional support for addiction, mental health, and more.
Mental Health Matters is a JFS series that was designed to reduce the stigma of mental health issues by providing education, increasing awareness, and inclusivity. Check out our ongoing resources and past programming.
Need to know which pharmacies deliver? How to get a ride somewhere? Volunteer opportunities? The senior directory is the go-to resource for anything seniors might need related to the community.
How can we help? Send us a message, give us a call, or find us on social media. We usually respond within 1-2 business days.