Licensed to practice in Ohio and accepts 17 insurances. Specializes in LGBTQ, Sexual Abuse, Trauma and PTSD and 10 more.
Dana Starks
(she/her)
Hello and welcome! I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) with over a decade of clinical experience. I hold a bachelor's in social work (BSW) from Capital University and a master's in clinical mental health counseling from The University of Dayton. In addition to having my LPCC, I also hold a license as a Licensed Social Worker (LSW). I have been in the helping profession for 15+ years. I have always had a passion for helping others. My earliest memories go back to teaching my stuffed animals and baby dolls to helping my next-door neighbor who had Down Syndrome, learn and recite her ABCs. As well as listening to my friends in elementary school vent about their traumas (I clearly didn't know that's what I was doing). I am passionate about working with LGBTQ+, trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, postpartum depression, self-esteem and so much more. My goal is to help you reach holistic wellness and happiness.
Get to know me
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
During our first session, we will focus on getting to know each other. I will ask questions about you such as what brings you to therapy and what would you like to achieve from our time together. In addition, we will go over what you can expect from me. I ask that clients cancel any appointments that they can't keep within 24-48 hours to avoid a cancelation fee and to allow others the opportunity to take that spot if it is available.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
I am passionate about working with LGBTQ+, trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, postpartum depression and self-esteem issues. My greatest strengths that I bring to our sessions is my ability to not just listen, but to also show true empathy. You can expect compassion and constructive feedback during our time together. I will meet you where you are, with no judgement. I bring more than just a degree and education. I have personal experience in a lot of areas. I like to think of my style as a non-traditional style of therapy. I am not your average therapist, lol. My clients find me very relatable. Just think of me as your human diary.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I am best positioned to serve individuals who are ready to address the concerns that brought them to therapy. Those who need hope and to know that it is okay to feel. I am passionate about creating a safe, warm and supportive environment where you feel comfortable with exploring your thoughts and feelings. My goal is to create a welcoming and nonjudgmental space to empower you, foster personal growth and healing.
Specialties
Top specialties
LGBTQ
Sexual Abuse
Trauma and PTSD
Other specialties
ADHD
Anger Management
Anxiety
Coping Skills
Depression
Domestic Violence
Older Adults
Parenting
Postpartum
Self Esteem
I identify as
Black / African American
Woman
Serves ages
Adults (18 to 64)
Elders (65 and above)
Licensed in
Ohio
Accepts
Aetna
Aetna - Allied Benefits
Aetna - Luminare
Aetna - Moda
Aetna - WebTPA
Aetna – HealthEZ
Amerihealth Administrators
Arlo
Cash - $120 per session
Centivo
Cigna
Cigna - HealthEZ
EAP:Cigna
EAP:Evernorth
Evernorth
GTEB
Tufts Health/Cigna
Location
Virtual
My treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
To help individuals identify unhealthy thinking patterns as well as behaviors that contribute to emotional distress.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
To help individuals with severe emotional regulation. Focusing on the core principals of DBT: Mindfulness, emotional regulation, distress tolerance and interpersonal effectiveness.
EMDR
Useful for individuals with PTSD and many other conditions. EMDR assists individuals with memories of past trauma to be able to heal from the trauma and distressing life experiences. EMDR assist with helping the brain heal from trauma naturally.
2 ratings with written reviews
July 6, 2026
Ms. Dana is one of one. She's real, she's authentic and she speaks life into you without even trying. She's naturally gifted with the urge and strength to simply help and be there for you, even when you feel as if you may not need it. I truly can't put into words the amount of times she has challenged me and encouraged me to look within rather outward and to focus on the positives without being deterred from the negatives. There's truly no other like her...and Im forever appreciative of her.
Verified client, age 25-34
May 14, 2026
She just might have saved my life.