Licensed to practice in Ohio and accepts 1 insurance. Specializes in Foster Care/Adoption, Health/Medical Issues, LGBTQ and 9 more.

Gina Elston

(she/her)

LISW, 16 years of experience

Clients say this provider is

Warm
Open-minded
Authentic
VirtualAvailable

About me

Hello, I’m Gina — and I’m glad you are taking the next step! If you’re navigating life with complex challenges, know that you don’t have to do it alone. You’ve found a safe, affirming space. I offer a trauma-informed, affirming space to process complex emotions, reduce stress, and build resilience. My approach is compassionate, real, and personalized — drawing from evidence-based practices and years of hands-on experience. You deserve a therapist who truly sees you. Let’s work together to create healing and growth on your terms. With over 16 years of experience, I specialize in working with people who often feel overlooked or misunderstood in traditional mental health spaces. My approach is compassionate, straightforward, and tailored to your needs. I combine evidence-based practices with a strong dose of real-world experience. I believe that healing doesn’t always look the same for everyone — so we’ll work together to find the tools, strategies, and pace that feel right for you. Above all, I’m here to offer a space where you can feel truly seen — not judged.

Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

The first session is going to be the most structured—think of it like an interview. You’re figuring out if I’m the right fit for your team before we dive into deeper work. I’ll ask a lot of foundational questions to get to know you, your background, and what you want to get out of therapy. You can expect a space that’s open, nonjudgmental, and curious—where we’re building a foundation for trust, honesty, and growth.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

What sets me apart is that I’ve lived it. I bring not just clinical experience—from hospitals to community settings—but a deep, personal understanding of the challenges my clients face. I’m down-to-earth, honest, and not afraid to be direct (or crack a well-timed, slightly dark joke). I’ll go the extra mile to make sure our work together is meaningful, and I’ll always keep it real—because that’s how real change happens.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

My work is centered around supporting people whose experiences, identities, and relationships are often misunderstood or overlooked. I am especially drawn to working with LGBTQ+ clients, parentless adults, and children and adults connected to foster care or adoption. I also welcome sex workers and individuals in open or polyamorous relationships, offering a space rooted in respect, affirmation, and openness. I believe therapy should be a place where you do not have to explain away who you are just to be met with compassion and care.

Specialties

Top specialties

Foster Care/Adoption

Health/Medical Issues

LGBTQ

Other specialties

Anxiety

Career Counseling

Child or Adolescent

Coping Skills

Fertility & Reproduction Issues

First Responders/Healthcare Workers

Life Transitions

Parenting

Physical Health Condition

Identifies as

LGBTQ

White

Woman

Serves ages

Adults (18 to 64)

Teenagers (13 to 17)

Licensed in

Ohio

Accepts

Ambetter Health

Location

Virtual

My treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

In my practice, I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients recognize how their thoughts influence their emotions and behaviors. Together, we explore patterns that may be holding you back and develop practical, evidence-based tools to shift those patterns. I aim to create a safe, supportive space where you feel empowered to challenge negative thinking and build healthier, more effective coping strategies. Whether you're managing anxiety, depression, or life transitions, CBT can offer structured guidance and measurable progress toward your goals.

EMDR

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. It’s a type of therapy that helps people process upsetting or traumatic memories so they stop feeling so intense, overwhelming, or “stuck.” EMDR is like running a system update on painful memories so they stop hijacking your emotional CPU and become just that — memories, not ongoing threats.

, 80 ratings

21 ratings with written reviews

August 15, 2026

My first session with Gina was absolutely wonderful although I was a rambling mess. She took my venting in stride, focused immediately to the main problems and asked me very thoughtful, insightful questions. She is humorous, very quick and clever, and especially welcoming and I look forward to our journey together.

Verified client, age 25-34
Review shared after session 1 with Gina

August 5, 2026

Between past issues and current situations, I have been avoiding seeking therapy. I finally decided to look through providers on Grow Therapy and stopped on Gina's profile. She was exactly what I'd hoped for. Very relaxed, kind and helpful. It was easy to share information with her. I will continue to book with her and would highly recommend her.

Verified client, age 45-54
Review shared after session 1 with Gina

July 31, 2026

Gina was super friendly during our first session, I look forward to continuing with her!

Verified client, age 25-34
Review shared after session 1 with Gina