Early on JKP published books pertaining to the social sciences and behavioural sciences, with special attention to art therapy and autism spectrum disorders, respectively.

[3] In 2022, the company was described as a "leading publisher in the field of manual therapies and movement".

In 2017, Hachette UK acquired JKP, and folded the company into John Murray Press.

At the same time, Jessica Kingsley announced her intention to retire.

[5] In 2022, JKP acquired the Scottish publishing company Handspring, known for educational and reference book press.