JESSICA HILLEN, Clinical Director, LMSW
Jessica Hillen, LMSW, is the Clinical Director at River’s Bend in West Bloomfield, where she leads a dynamic, multidisciplinary team providing outpatient mental health and substance use services. Since joining the clinic in 2022, Jessica has played a vital role in growing the location from a staff of two therapists to a thriving behavioral health center offering individual therapy, mental health and substance use IOPs, adolescent programs, and a full Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP). Her leadership is rooted in integrity, empathy, and a trauma-informed approach to both care and team development.
Jessica has worked in the mental health and substance use field since 2014. She earned her Master’s degree from Wayne State University and has held both clinical and leadership roles in inpatient and outpatient settings. She brings a compassionate, strength-based, and person-centered philosophy to her work, drawing from modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and trauma-informed care. She is currently pursuing certifications as a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CAADC) and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP) to further enhance her ability to support her team and the clients they serve.
Jessica is deeply committed to mentoring early-career clinicians, regularly providing supervision and facilitating team collaboration. She has co-facilitated graduate-level courses at Eastern Michigan University and is passionate about training new therapists through real-world experience and meaningful, supportive leadership.
Outside of River’s Bend, Jessica is active in both faith-based and community outreach efforts. She co-facilitates Grief Share, a 13-week grief support group open to the community at her church, St. Paul’s Lutheran in Livonia. She also serves on the Advisory Board of Face Addiction Now (formerly Families Against Narcotics), where she has contributed to overdose awareness initiatives, annual fundraising events, and ongoing public education on addiction and recovery.
In collaboration with the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department, Jessica also helps educate families of first responders on the mental and emotional challenges that come with the role, drawing from her professional expertise and personal experience as the spouse of a police officer.
Jessica believes in walking alongside others—whether clients, colleagues, or community members—and empowering them to grow, heal, and succeed. Her leadership at River’s Bend is defined by connection, consistency, and compassion.
CLINICAL DIRECTOR, LMSW