Book 10+ of the best Person of Color (POC) therapists in Ohio

Hello, I’m Deborah. I became a Clinical Social Worker (licensed in Delaware, Ohio, South Carolina, and Arizona) because I have a deep passion for helping others. With extensive experience as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I am dedicated to guiding individuals through life’s challenges with compassion, expertise, and a client-centered approach. My work focuses on helping clients identify and break free from limiting beliefs—often deeply ingrained from past experiences—that impact self-worth, relationships, and overall well-being. I specialize in working with individuals navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. Therapy is a vulnerable experience, and I strive to create a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can be their authentic selves. My goal is to empower, uplift, and motivate those I work with, helping them recognize their strengths and build resilience.

I can be your cheerleader, your reality check or your sensei. I'm capable of transforming into many roles, but my purpose remains consistent: to help you become the best version of yourself. I excel at assessing individuals and helping them to understand who they are and what they want. I recognize that every client requires a tailored experience. Together, we’ll identify your goals and vision, or I can assist you in discovering them. I’ll help you pinpoint the root of your challenges and understand the barriers you face. I will hold you accountable for integrating practices into your daily life that will help you achieve your objectives. My support includes helping you understand your behavior, identify your feelings, find motivation, and gain a new perspective.

I am a licensed mental health and substance use counselor with 11 years of experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Over the years, I’ve supported clients facing a variety of challenges, including depression, anxiety, trauma, mood disorders, life transitions, imposter syndrome, and self-esteem concerns. My approach to therapy is collaborative and compassionate. I meet you where you are, taking the time to understand your unique experiences and goals. Together, we’ll explore the changes you’d like to see in your life, whether that means navigating a relationship transition with greater understanding and grace, building a stronger sense of self, or developing tools to better manage life’s ups and downs. I believe in creating a safe, non-judgmental space where you feel heard, supported, and empowered to work toward the growth and healing you deserve. Let’s take the first step together.

Hello my name is Monique Brown, I am a licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and a Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor in the state of Ohio. I have been working in the counseling field since 2014. I have experience working with a variety of ages and populations. I have worked with individuals, families and groups who experience issues with anxiety, depression, family conflict, addiction, self-esteem and more. I am a certified anxiety treatment specialist, I am a certified Trauma practitioner and I am certified in Telemental health treatment. Much of my experience has been working with individuals experiencing co-occurring disorders and addiction. I have a passion for working with individuals who have been affected by trauma. I have been trained in trauma-informed practice. I have assisted individuals with making the connection between their trauma and the barriers that they currently face. I enjoy working with others to help them realize that there is a light at the end of the tunnel by providing support and clarification. I utilize evidence-based practices such as CBT, MI, Solution-focused, ACT and Mindfulness strategies. I hope that we can work together on this journey to you becoming the best version of yourself. SPECIALTIES Stress, Anxiety Addictions Depression Also experienced in: LGBTQ, Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Grief, Intimacy-related issues, Parenting issues, Anger management, Self-esteem, Bipolar disorder, Coping with life changes, ADHD, Co-morbidity and Codependency Clinical approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy Years of Experience: 7 Language: English Credentials: LPCC, LCDC III

Hi, I’m Ashley, a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) with 10 years of clinical experience in Ohio. I’ve worked with individuals facing a wide range of challenges, including life transitions, anxiety, depression, confidence building, family dynamics, and navigating neurodivergence. My eclectic approach includes cognitive-based mindfulness strategies, psychodynamic, and intentional living, offering a safe and non-judgmental space to explore your path forward. Let’s work together to turn life’s transitions into opportunities for growth and joy.

Hi, My name is Tamyka Scott. I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker in Youngstown, Ohio. I graduated from Youngstown State University where I received a Masters Degree in Social Work in 2018. For the past five years in the profession, I have worked within a community-based setting, and virtual private practice where I have witnessed the transformative power of therapy in helping individuals regain control of their lives.

Hello, I’m Dr. Dionne Smith, PhD, LICDC-S. I am the owner of ALIVE Therapy & Consulting; working 20 + years as a clinical psychologist and licensed independent Chemical Dependency Counselor-supervisor. I am: genuine, an “optimistic realist”, practical, creative and research and results focused.I have a wicked sense of humor and love to laugh. All of which I incorporate into my sessions with clients. Merriam Webster defines the word Alive as” having life…still in existence…still active in competition with a chance of victory…knowing or realizing the existence of something… marked by alertness, energy… marked by much life, animation, or activity”. This dictionary definition is a good enough description of the word. But does not describe the dynamic process that represents being ALIVE. I define ALIVE as "Authentic Living Inspired by Values and Experience" [TM]. It is a process of: • Accepting reality • Releasing the past • Cultivating resilience • Acting with intention • Nurturing passion, ability and skill. My role is to provide non-judgmental, honest, compassionate support and science-based and results-focused guidance on this journey of discovery and healing. Having benefitted from therapy myself, I understand the importance of finding a therapist that you feel comfortable with and trust. As a PSYPACT Authorized provider, I offer flexible, confidential evening and weekend appointments via teletherapy which is available within more than 30 states, including: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin (more pending!)

Tanisha Richardson is devoted to those who want to improve their mental health. She supports and guides individuals who are facing mental anguish. Together with you, she develops a restorative approach through the use of interventions, tailored coping techniques, and personalized methods that move you forward. The therapeutic process is an intimate process to go through as we share sensitive information. It is my goal to build a great comfortable relationship with you.

Kimberly completed her Master’s Degree in Social Work at the University of Louisville. She has over 15 years of clinical experience across a variety of settings including outpatient specialty clinics, crisis intervention, structured outpatient programs, inpatient psychiatric facilities, large non-profits, and private practice. Kimberly has also taught social work and related courses at the Eastern Kentucky University and Kentucky State University. ​ Kimberly has a broad range of clinical experience working with individuals and groups during her professional career in the following areas: Depression Bipolar Disorder Anxiety Disorders Substance Use Disorders Anger and Stress Management Trauma and Abuse Suicide Assessment and Risk Reduction Group Psychotherapy Couple’s Conflict

Hi, I’m Lorrin. I want to help empower you to feel more like yourself. I work with clients from a systemic point of view. My clients present with a variety of issues including but not limited to anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, adjustment concerns, relationship problems, and communication issues. I take an eclectic approach to therapy by using techniques from several treatment modalities to help you heal from trauma, find balance, and discover skills to help cope with a variety of struggles. I specialize in helping clients with communication and relationship issues learn to function more cohesively within their relationships through the development of clear boundaries. We will work as a team to help you reprocess past trauma, make connections that help you function better, and restructure unhealthy thought processes. My job is to assist you in forming adaptive coping skills, healthy thinking styles, effective communication, clear boundaries, as well as a sense of self-compassion and empowerment. I’m glad you’re here!

My clients have laughed, cried, practiced new things, and worked very, very hard. The only thing I ask, as a therapist, is to have hope and do the work. Each client is a functioning part of a larger whole that wants to stay the same. I see no sense in blaming a person for situations they did not create; it's what each person does that counts.