United Healthcare Student Resources Therapists in Ohio

Hi, my name is Shala. I'm an LPCC who works with clients from all walks of life to address some of today's most common concerns. I've worked with people in recovery, those coming out of the prison system, survivors of childhood trauma, people with personality disorders, and individuals questioning their identity or their spirituality. My passions are incorporating mind-body approaches to help you stay present in the moment, teaching skills that you can use in tough moments, offering education on communication and relationships, and incorporating spirituality into the counseling process.

I'm Mario, I have been a licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC) in Ohio for over 10 years. I am blessed to have had the privilege to help individuals of many backgrounds work through various personal and professional issues. I take counseling very seriously and truly consider it a calling. From stress management and anxiety to depression and trauma; I am here to help.

Kiersten DeFord, LISW-S : Licensed Independent Social Worker Supervisor Designation After receiving my masters in social work from Wright State University, I have had the privilege of walking alongside individuals for the past 8 years as they navigate both the heaviness, and hope life brings. Their challenges and the quiet transformations. Based in Dayton, I serve clients across Ohio through virtual therapy, and I’m passionate about creating a space that feels safe, kind, and human. My approach is deeply reflective and rooted in kindness. I believe therapy is less about “fixing” and more about creating space for discovery, healing, and growth. Together, we’ll explore the patterns, emotions, and stories that shape your life—at a pace that feels safe and honoring to you. My goal is to help you not only manage difficult seasons, but also cultivate deeper self-understanding, resilience, and compassion for yourself. I see therapy as a space where you don’t have to carry things alone. My role is to sit with you, listen deeply, and help you untangle the thoughts and feelings that may feel overwhelming. I’m not here to tell you who to be, but to walk alongside you as you figure out what feels right for your life. Clients often describe me as grounding, and compassionate, with an energy that makes it easier to open up. I strive to create a space where you can breathe, reflect, and feel truly heard—like talking with someone who cares about you and your story, and supports you while you reconnect with your strengths and move toward the life you want to create.

Welcome! I am a Licensed Independent Social Work based in Ohio. I received my Masters degree from The Ohio State University and have been practicing for 3 years. I help children, adolescents, young adults, and adults identify current stressors and how to better manage difficult situations. I am passionate about helping people find self-confidence and motivation to achieve their goals.

With over 21 years of experience in the mental health field, I am dedicated to helping adults navigate life’s challenges and find healing. As an LPCC licensed in both Ohio and Kentucky, I specialize in treating trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, and self-esteem issues. I hold a Master’s degree in Counseling from the University of Cincinnati, and my approach integrates a deep understanding of human emotion with a genuine desire to create meaningful change. My therapeutic style is warm, approachable, and often includes humor to help create an open and supportive space for growth. I use trauma-informed care and evidence-based practices to help clients process past experiences, build resilience, and reclaim their sense of safety and control. Validation, empathy, and humor are key tools I use to make healing feel not only possible but hopeful. Together, we work to foster lasting change, create healthier coping strategies, and develop a stronger, more empowered sense of self. Life’s challenges can feel overwhelming, but with the right support, transformation is always within reach. I am here to walk with you, every step of the way, toward a future filled with healing, strength, and peace.

Hello, my name is Kelli Ketring and I'm a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC-S) in Ohio who's dedicated to fostering positive change and well-being in the lives of my clients. I bring a comprehensive understanding of human development across the lifespan and varying therapeutic techniques to my practice. My approach is deeply rooted in empathy, collaboration, and evidence-based practices. I strive to create a safe and supportive environment where clients feel empowered to explore their challenges and strengths. Through a strengths-based and client-centered approach, I aim to facilitate personal growth, resilience, and healing.

I have learned over the years that therapy needs to be a place where you feel safe and supported without judgement. I am compassionate and supportive but willing to be direct in my guidance. I want to partner with you to help you gain a better understand of yourself and how you interact with the world around you. I have extensive experience working with people in the mental health field. I’ve worked the psychiatric emergency room at the University of Michigan, doing crisis outreach in Charlotte, North Carolina and within the community here in Ann Arbor. Through my 8 years of working as a social worker I have learned how to connect with people who have been a lot of distrust of others and have been hurt over and over. I am patient in building a relationship with you and hold no judgement for the choices you have made in the past.

I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 14 years of experience in helping others. I am an Army veteran and have served children, adults, couples, military members and their families. I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and have seen great results when using this method with my clients. I am also trained in grief therapy and have dealt with grief on a personal level, which I believe helps me to be more empathetic for my clients going through major life changes.

Hello, I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) based in Cincinnati, Ohio. I received my Master’s degree from the University of Cincinnati and have over 20 years of experience in social work. I have spent 10 years working with teens and young adults experiencing mental health challenges and 11 years providing medical social work to adults and seniors with both mental health and medical diagnoses. I work with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, and self-care, with the goal of helping improve overall quality of life. I take a holistic approach to therapy while utilizing evidence-based modalities and integrating the mind, body, and spirit into your healing journey. I believe that wellness involves caring for the whole person, and I enjoy incorporating healthy lifestyle practices such as mindfulness, movement, spending time outdoors, and self-care as part of the healing process.

Hi! I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor -Supervisor (LPCC-S) in Ohio. I earned my Master’s in Clinical Mental Health from The University of Akron and my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from The University of Toledo. With a diverse background in hospital settings, community mental health, schools, and private practice, I’ve developed a wide range of skills to support individuals of all ages through various challenges. Throughout my career, I’ve worked with children, adolescents, and adults, addressing a variety of concerns, such as adjustment disorders, ADHD, oppositional defiant disorder, autism spectrum disorder, depression, anxiety, stress, relationship distress, life transitions, and PTSD, among others. My approach is compassionate, flexible, and client-centered, tailored to each individual’s unique needs. I focus on helping clients develop coping strategies, build resilience, and work through their specific struggles. By creating a supportive, non-judgmental environment, I empower my clients to make meaningful changes, improve their mental well-being, and achieve growth and healing in their everyday lives.

Hello! I hold a doctorate from the University of Kentucky. I bring a unique perspective to my practice as a retired military veteran and I understand that asking for help can be hard, but it is a place where you don't have to carry everything. I enjoy working with young adults, adolescents, and older adults as they navigate challenges and work toward personal growth. I’m passionate about supporting you through life transitions, and my approach is collaborative, supportive, and tailored to meet you where you are. If you're looking for a safe space to be heard, understood, and supported, I’d be honored to walk alongside you in your journey. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, oppositional defiant disorder, borderline personality disorder, anger management, and trauma, using evidence-based approaches to help clients build resilience and develop effective coping strategies. Whether you’re managing the stress of a significant life transition, recovering from trauma, or seeking support for emotional well-being, I’m here to guide you on your journey toward healing and empowering growth.

I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker with Supervision Designation dedicated to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges. With over 25 years of experience, I specialize in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), trauma-informed care, and mindfulness-based approaches. I am passionate about empowering clients to rewrite their inner narratives. I blend evidence-based techniques with genuine empathy. Whether working in private practice, community settings, or telehealth platforms, I remain committed to fostering mental wellness and emotional strength. I believe healing begins when people are given a safe, non-judgmental, and welcoming platform to receive guidance, support, and the tools needed to draw upon their own personal strengths to overcome the barriers that stand between them and their quality of life.

Hi, I’m Nat! I’m so glad you’re here. Seeking therapy can feel like a big step, especially when you’ve been carrying pain or stress for a long time. My goal is to create a space where you can feel safe, understood, and genuinely supported as you begin to heal and grow. Clients often describe me as empathetic, grounded, and easy to talk to. I believe therapy works best when it feels like a collaboration—where you can show up as your authentic self and know that I’ll meet you there with compassion and curiosity. Whether you’re hoping to heal from past trauma, manage anxiety or depression, or simply understand yourself more deeply, we’ll move at your pace and work together toward meaningful change.

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor with over 40 years of experience. I work with individuals and couples, providing a warm, supportive, and practical approach to therapy. My focus is on helping you better understand yourself, your patterns, and your relationships, while also guiding you toward meaningful, lasting change at a pace that feels manageable.

Hi, I’m Taylor! Do you struggle with balancing the responsibilities in your life? Do you have trouble completing daily tasks and managing your relationships? Are you feeling overwhelmed day to day? Life can be difficult to manage. I love helping anyone who is trying to balance parenthood and postpartum life, but enjoy working with anyone experiencing life transitions. I mix cognitive strategies with solution-focused techniques to promote healthy coping skills, challenge negative thoughts, and create space for change to make life just a little more manageable. Whether you are facing depression, anxiety, relationship challenges or problems with executive functioning (things like focus, task initiation, prioritization, and motivation), I can help guide you to finding ways to tackle your challenges. I would love to team up and help you achieve your goals in therapy!

I am an art therapist and LPCC-S (Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor - Supervisor). I have been working in the mental health and addiction world for over 20 years. I have had the pleasure of joining forces with children from the age of 3, to children the age of 87. I come from a family that has a long line of veterans and first responders. I have a strong passion for supporting our veterans and first responders but am open to partnering with anyone wanting assistance in life. I welcome any in person sessions as I am very much an empath and thrive when I can feel each person’s emotions in person. I own my own practice, Freedom Wellness Center LLC, in Canal Fulton, Ohio. The link to my website is at the bottom of this page. If you have Medicaid insurance, you must contact me first to schedule an appointment with me. I have had a high amount of people not showing for their appointments and had to put a hold on all new Medicaid referrals until I can speak to you in person first to ensure you are serious about attending your appointments.

As a social worker therapist grounded in mindfulness theory, my dream client embodies a spirit of openness and motivation for change. This individual recognizes the challenges that come with personal growth but approaches therapy with a willingness to explore and confront these difficulties. They appreciate the journey of self-discovery and are eager to gain insights that can lead to meaningful transformation in their life. In our sessions, I envision a collaborative environment where they feel safe to express their thoughts and emotions. They understand that progress may not always be linear, yet they remain committed to the process. This client values the therapeutic relationship and seeks guidance to cultivate greater self-awareness, resilience, and mindfulness in their daily life. What I cherish most about this ideal client is their ability to reflect on their experiences and actively engage in their healing journey. They inspire me with their courage to face discomfort and their desire to learn and grow. Together, we would explore various mindfulness practices and therapeutic techniques, fostering a deep connection that empowers them to embrace change with compassion and patience. Ultimately, my dream client is someone who is not only motivated to seek help but also appreciates the support and insight I can offer. In this partnership, we would work hand in hand to navigate the complexities of their experiences, celebrating each step toward a more fulfilled and mindful existence. This collaborative spirit of growth and understanding is what makes the therapeutic journey profoundly rewarding for both of us.

My name is Michael Starr, and I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker. I believe therapy is more than just problem-solving, it’s a place to rediscover who you are, heal what’s been hidden, and move forward with clarity and strength. I work with individuals, couples, and families facing anxiety, trauma, relationship challenges, identity questions, and emotional overwhelm. My style is honest, grounded, and deeply respectful of the human experience. I use evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Trauma-Focused CBT, but I also hold space for what cannot always be explained, your story, your meaning, your growth. Clients often come to me feeling stuck, disconnected, or unsure of how to move forward. Together, we uncover the patterns keeping you there and build the insight, skills, and resilience to move through them. You won’t be rushed or judged. You’ll be heard, supported, and challenged when needed. You don’t have to have all the answers. You just have to be willing to start. Healing begins with one honest conversation, and I’m here to take that step with you.

Bilingual in English and Spanish. Bilingüe en inglés y español. I am licensed in Florida, Maryland, Indiana, Ohio, Delaware, and Puerto Rico, with 14 years of professional work experience. Soy licenciada en la Florida, Maryland, Indiana, Ohio, Delaware, and Puerto Rico con 14 años de experiencia como terapeuta profesional. Doctorate in Healthcare Administration. Doctorado en administracion de salud. I have experience in helping patients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence, and career difficulties. Tengo vasta experiencia ayudando a mis clientes con sus estresores, ansiedades, con pérdidas de seres queridos u otra índole, motivación, autoestima y autoconfianza, así como cambios o desarrollos de carreras. I work with my patients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. Trabajo con mis pacientes para crear un ambiente abierto y seguro en el cual los pensamientos y sentimientos pueden ser compartidos sin temor a ser juzgados. Tomar el primer paso hacia la terapia se puede sentir extraño, pero es el camino a una vida más plena, lo cual requiere valentía. With the application of cognitive behavioral therapy, client-centered, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused brief therapy methods as well as other individual techniques that match your individual needs, we can work towards alleviating how you feel and create insights into your unique situation. Con la aplicación de la terapia cognitiva conductual, centrada en el cliente, técnicas de motivación y con métodos de solventación de problemas, además de estrategias que pueden ser adaptadas a tus necesidades individuales, podemos colaborar para aliviar tus sentimientos y desarrollar diferentes perspectivas hacia tu situación, la cual es única e individual.

Hi there! I’m Tabitha Simpson, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who believes therapy should feel like a safe and supportive conversation. I’ve worked in a variety of mental health settings and enjoy using an integrated care approach that looks at the whole person—mind, body, and environment. I’m especially passionate about maternal mental health, particularly in rural areas where support can be hard to find. My goal is to help women navigate the ups and downs of pregnancy, postpartum life, and all the transitions that come with motherhood. I’ve had the privilege of working with clients of all ages, from providing play therapy for children to supporting adults through life’s challenges. My approach is warm, down-to-earth, and collaborative—I want you to feel comfortable, understood, and empowered every step of the way.

I am a compassionate and experienced Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC-S) with over 20 years of experience and dual credentials in mental health and substance abuse treatment in Ohio. I support adults navigating challenges like anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, relationship struggles, grief, and low motivation—helping clients feel safer, more grounded, and capable of change. My approach is collaborative and practical, offering both emotional support and evidence-based strategies to empower clients as they work toward meaningful, lasting growth. I was drawn to this work by my beloved family member, who lived her life with a mental illness. Watching her courage taught me early on that healing happens in relationships—when we feel seen, safe, and supported. Outside the office, you’ll find me experimenting in the kitchen, planning my next travel adventure, or getting some fresh air and exercise. These keep me grounded and curious—qualities I bring to our work.

Hi! I'm a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor Supervisor (LPCC-S) in Ohio. I received my Master's degree from Wright State University and have been practicing in the field for 10 years. I'm a generalist that works with a wide variety of clients with different concerns ranging from adjustment to mood disorders. I have vast experience with adolescents, young adults, and adults. My experience has ranged from inpatient, private practice to college counseling centers.

Hi, I’m Rob. I hail from Steubenville, Ohio. Let’s jump right in. Life is hard- we all need a little help and support on the journey. I see myself as walking beside the people with whom I work. Some need to look into the past and process it, receiving a different perspective on it. Some have a specific goal in mind like decreasing anxiety by learning new skills in a short period of time. Others need a listening ear, with some insights sprinkled in. Others still, benefit from clarity and analysis. What do you need? I believe the interpersonal connection between counselor and client can be healing in and of itself. People are ones that hurt us, we're also the ones that heal each other.

I’m a trauma-informed therapist and yoga teacher who supports women through anxiety, life transitions, motherhood, and relationship challenges. I blend somatic work, nervous system education, and practical tools to help you reconnect with yourself and create lasting, meaningful change. My approach is holistic, warm, and collaborative—I integrate evidence-based practices with mind-body work to guide you toward feeling more grounded, empowered, and authentically you. Therapy with me isn’t one-size-fits-all; it’s tailored to your needs, your story, and your goals. Feel free to see more on my website: www.lotuslivingfl.com

I am a licensed professional clinical counselor with clinical experience serving a very diverse population after working for 5 years in crisis services for a major metropolitan children's hospital. While there, I was able to gain significant experience using a wide variety of interventions from CBT, DBT, motivational interviewing, solution focused brief therapy, and strategic family therapy to help children, adolescents, and their family's during the aftermath of their child's mental health crisis. I look forward to translating those interventions and skills to helping my clients develop coping skills, identify maladaptive patterns of thinking and behavior, improve communication with supportive loved ones, and create realistic life goals for themselves then develop a plan to reach them. I am very open to feedback from my clients as to what would be helpful for them and how they like therapy to be structured. However, I am not conflict avoidant and I gently challenge my clients to step outside of their comfort zone because I truly believe no one would come to therapy if they weren't seeking change. I also believe that therapists are "in the business of putting ourselves out of business." I don't want my clients to need me forever so I aim to help them help themselves. In my free time, I dance (tap, ballet, and contemporary as well as just bopping around to music while I cook or clean), hike, and spend time with family or friends. I love to travel and aim to do as much of it as I can. I love learning whether it is about people, different cultures, new therapy styles, recipes, styles of dance or historical events. I also really enjoy cleaning and organizing for myself or helping others with those tasks.