United Healthcare Student Resources Therapists in Ohio

I am a licensed independent Social Worker who has worked in child welfare and adult crisis emergency services for the past 14 years. I was NASW Region V Social Worker of the year in 2016. I have worked in teaching, crisis settings and home based in the past. I am dedicated to helping clients identify and overcome challenging patterns in their lives through a variety of dynamic methods.

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.

I focus my practice on supporting LGBTQIA+ and neurodivergent humans experiencing trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, grief and loss, life transitions, and minority stress to develop greater creativity, joy, and fulfillment in their unique life. Artists, queers, outsiders, and those exploring their identities are centered in my practice. I believe the point of life is to learn and grow through the challenges while becoming more fully yourself.

Welcome! You have taken an important step by beginning the process of finding the right therapist for you. Reaching out can feel scary, vulnerable, or uncertain at times. My hope is to create a safe space for you to explore your thoughts, feelings, beliefs, experiences, and goals. My approach is to work alongside you with compassion, respect, and curiosity. I am committed to maintaining your confidentiality and supporting you in a nonjudgmental manner. I look forward to getting to know you and supporting you on your journey.

Hello, I'm Andrea Ruta, a dedicated mental health professional passionate about supporting individuals on their journey toward well-being and personal growth. I specialize in working with neurodiverse clients, including those with ADHD and autism, providing tailored strategies that honor each person's unique strengths and needs. In addition to my work with neurodiverse individuals, I support clients navigating anxiety, depression, and self-care challenges, as well as those experiencing life transitions and personal growth opportunities. My approach integrates evidence-based practices with mindfulness, nature-based techniques, and spiritual exploration, fostering a holistic healing process that considers the mind, body, and spirit. Whether you're looking to build stronger boundaries, enhance communication skills, or create a more balanced and fulfilling life, I am here to guide and support you. Together, we'll cultivate the tools and insights needed to navigate life's challenges and foster meaningful growth. My compassionate, client-centered philosophy ensures that each session is tailored to your unique needs. I believe in the power of collaboration and will work alongside you to develop strategies aligned with your goals and values, helping you build the life you envision.

I grew up in the Cleveland area and then came to Michigan where I completed my Bachelor's degree at Hope College where I studied social work. While in school I completed a field placement working as a probation officer and spent time in Mental Health and Sobriety Treatment Court. After graduation, my now husband and I moved back to Cleveland where I completed my Masters in Social Work with a specialization in Health Studies at Case Western Reserve University. While in school I completed internships with the Cleveland Clinic in their Adolescent Psychiatric Unit as well as an interdisciplinary internship at Care Alliance. Following graduation, I worked in admissions for psychiatric and detox services for six years. I then wanted to expand my skill set and pursued a position providing therapy to health care employees as an EAP counselor at a local hospital system. I found that I really love the opportunity to get to know my clients and to walk alongside them on their journey.

I am a clinically licensed social worker. I went back to school at 54 after a 30 plus year career in special education and early intervention. My passion and gifts center on helping people overcome overwhelming life challenges and life transitions. I am trained in EMDR, CBT, DBT, and CAMS to assist you in overcoming trauma, changing negative thought patterns, and regulating intense emotions and self-harm behaviors. My focus is to make you feel welcome in an accepting environment that allows you to be transparent and vulnerable in a way that brings healing for you.

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.

Hi, I'm Natalie, Do you feel tired of not being heard, or are afraid, anxious, depressed no desire to stand up and advocate for yourself Do you feel lost, with no direction, or in the wrong direction, lacking purpose? Let me help you find your compass so that you can navigate life's present challenges with hope, peace and clarity! I provide holistic, integrative counseling and believe that the mind, body and soul are all connected. I provide a safe and inviting space where you can be you, free to explore your feelings and behaviors past and present without fear of judgment. I will tailor your sessions to address your needs, bringing in your faith if you choose, and integrating it with Mental Health Therapies. I provide services to men and women ages 18 and over, that struggle with depression, anxiety, ADHD, trauma, abuse, divorce, adjustment, phase of life, chronic pain, work, communication, relationship, family, school, lack of motivation, church, self-esteem and connection. I look forward to taking this journey with you!

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.

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.

Welcome to my practice. I am dedicated to creating a supportive, nonjudgmental space where you can explore challenges, build on your strengths, and work toward meaningful change. My approach is collaborative and solution-focused — I believe that you are the expert on your own life, and together we’ll identify practical steps to help you reach your goals. Whether you’re navigating stress, anxiety, relationship concerns, or personal growth, my goal is to help you find clarity, resilience, and a sense of balance.

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

Hi, I’m Meagan. I work with adults who feel overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure of their next steps — especially when stress, anxiety, or major life transitions start to affect confidence, relationships, or daily functioning. I take a practical, supportive approach to therapy, helping you understand what’s getting in your way, identify your strengths, and develop skills you can actually use in real life. My goal is to help you feel more confident, grounded, and capable of managing challenges as you move toward the life you want.

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.

Hello, I'm Charles. With 24 years of professional experience, I am dedicated to helping clients navigate stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma, and depression. My approach is rooted in the belief that you are the expert of your own story, and together, we can harness your strengths to overcome the challenges you face. I am here to support and empower you every step of the way. I hold a Master of Arts in Community Counseling and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, both from Kent State University. As a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, I have specialized training in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. My extensive background includes working with individuals, families, and groups, addressing a wide range of mental health issues such as PTSD, addiction, ADHD, and more. In my private practice, I focus on online individual and couples therapy, emphasizing stress management, emotional regulation, and trauma resolution. My previous role as a Residential Therapist at OhioGuidestone allowed me to provide comprehensive care for children and adolescents with severe emotional problems, develop treatment plans, and offer clinical supervision. Throughout my career, I have been recognized for my contributions to the field, receiving the Clinical Service Award in 2004 and multiple inductions into various Sports Halls of Fame. These accolades reflect my commitment to excellence and my passion for helping others. Outside of my professional life, I value open-mindedness and creativity, which I bring into my therapeutic practice. I believe in developing and communicating personalized plans for your growth and development, ensuring that our work together is both effective and timely. If you're ready to take the first step towards positive change, I invite you to reach out. Let's work together to create a path towards a more fulfilling and happier life.

Hi there, I'm glad you're here! As a Clinical Counselor and Art Therapist, I strive to create a warm, welcoming, and nonjudgmental space where my clients can explore life's challenges at their own pace, and maybe try processing in a new way. My approach combines evidence-based counseling approaches with creativity when it fits your goals, helping you better understand yourself and move toward meaningful change.

I understand that starting therapy can be scary! I work hard to build a safe, non-judgemental space for my client's to feel seen and supported. Through evidence based practice, I work with my clients to challenge and change unwanted thought patterns and behaviors, specifically focusing on anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and body image disturbances. I'm a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with a Supervisor designation (LPCC-S) in the state of Ohio and have worked in Outpatient private practice, school-based, Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) and Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) settings. Outside of therapy, I love being with my family and our rescue pittie, reading, hiking, and drinking lots of coffee. Thank you for taking the time to read my bio and consider me as your therapist, I hope we can work together towards making positive change.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Licensed Mental Health Professional and Owner of a Telehealth-based Treatment and Training Center, I bring over 15 years of expertise in utilizing CBT and DBT therapeutic approaches to address a wide range of mental health concerns, including Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Dual Diagnosis, Grief, Parenting, and Relationship issues. Specializing in individual counseling, I offer tailored support for those seeking a Christian or faith-based perspective. My commitment is to provide compassionate, client-centered care that fosters resilience and empowers individuals to achieve meaningful change.