Therapists in Ohio

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.

I am a counselor with experience supporting people facing challenges with mental health, addiction, and dual-diagnosis concerns. I believe that everyone’s journey is unique, so I use a mix of proven therapy approaches to help each person find what works best for them. Whether someone is looking for support with life changes, managing symptoms, or building new skills, I am here to listen and offer guidance in a safe, accepting space. My goal is to help clients discover their strengths and work together toward achieving their personal goals and objectives.

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.

I am an highly experienced doctoral-level provider with an Ohio license for clinical psychology. I have been practicing in numerous settings throughout my long career, including working in institutions and in private practice. I am used to effectively treating the vast majority of individuals who walk through my door, giving me a wide-ranging skillset. I am a goal-oriented therapist, and I know that people who are coming to me are often in noteworthy distress, and it is my duty as your doctor to alleviate this distress. Working collaboratively is important, and knowing your goals for therapy is of utmost importance. My standards for myself for you is high; every person will get treatment plan, which is the active steps to alleviate the ailment. I will communicate my diagnosis and the treatment plan I am planning, and will only proceed with your endorsement of the plan. If you come to me with a specific diagnosis, and you do therapy with me and these conditions aren't being alleviated, then we are not meeting the objectives of therapy. If progress does not occur, then efforts will be made to try to discover why progress isn't occurring. Should you still not progress on your goals and diagnosis, I will be open to finding you a provider who might help. Having been a generalist provider, my best skills are for those that present the most in the population, including depression disorders, anxiety disorders, personality disorders and trauma. I employ prolonged exposure as my technique for helping traumatized people, and this would be an excellent treatment for individuals who are new to trauma processing or have failed at EMDR.

Each person has a natural inclination toward wholeness. Sometimes that movement gets stifled—by circumstances, stress, or seasons of life—and counseling can help at any age. My office is a place to explore who you are and address what’s getting in the way—whether fear, trauma, mental health concerns, or the very practical question of what to do when your child has a meltdown in the grocery aisle. Therapy with me is a partnership. You’re the expert on your life; I bring training, perspective, and practical tools. We’ll blend skills you can use right away with deeper work at a pace that feels safe. I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Existential Therapy, and Jungian psychology, informed by Stoic and existential philosophies. As a certified yoga instructor, I integrate awareness, meditation, and gentle movement when helpful. I’m trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and with children I use child-centered play therapy. I’m independently licensed in Ohio and Kentucky with supervision designation.

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.

Hello, I am Samantha Wingo but you can call me Sam. I understand the struggles of life and mental health from a professional and personal perspective. Having lived through my own challenges, I've worked hard to transform my life. Through perseverance and dedication, I obtained a Master's of Science in Social Work from Indiana Wesleyan University. I began my career working with individuals both adolescent and adults battling addiction for three years, before transitioning into mental health working through each licensure until becoming independently licensed. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working with a wide range of individuals, ages 13 to 65, across various mental health disorders, including ADHD, relationship issues, anxiety, and mood disorders. My work spans a variety of settings and has worked extensively with the LGBTQ+ community, ensuring an inclusive, affirming approach for all clients. More recently, my focus has been with family and relationship therapy, understanding how interconnected our mental and relational health are. I also have a special focus on supporting healthcare workers, as I know the unique challenges we face in the field and the importance of having a healthy outlet to process those stressors.

Hi! I'm Raven Thomas and I am a licensed professional clinical counselor supervisor. I am proud of you for taking this step in your healing journey. I have experience working with children, adolescents, adults and families. I have experience in treating a variety of diagnoses including anxiety, depression, ADHD, adjustment disorders, PTSD, and other stressor-related disorders I am passionate about helping individuals find their voice, increase their self-confidence and motivation to grow and reach their desired goals. I love to walk alongside my clients and assist them with managing difficult situations and emotions. I strive to create a safe, comfortable and welcoming space where you can be your authentic self. My approach is empathetic, supportive and individualized to you and your unique needs. I also take a very compassionate and direct approach to therapy, ensuring that you are getting what you need from me as well as to provide accountability to your growth and progress when it’s needed. I would love to take this next step in your journey with you and support and encourage you along the way!

Hi! My name is Helen Farrah-McGrail and I am a licensed clinical social worker and therapist (LICSW) with three decades of professional work experience. I received my master's degree at the University of Pittsburgh. I have experience in helping clients with depression, anxiety, and stress. I also have had the pleasure of treating older adults with a myriad of issues related to aging. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Hello, my name is Jerome P Stevenson Sr. and I have a Masters and Doctorate in counseling. I have been counseling for more than 39 years and practicing as a LPC 20 years. My specialty is marriage counseling and individual counseling. I am licensed as a LPC in Ohio and pending in Michigan. I am committed to walk with clients on a successful journey in a common goal of health living and lifestyle.

My name is Amber. I am a licensed professional clinical counselor in the state of Ohio. My role is to empower you on this journey of self-actualization. I bring authenticity, warmth, and a solution-oriented approach. We will be working side by side to identify your goals, values, and strengths. From there, we will process past experiences to help you move on to becoming your best self. I have been helping clients achieve their goals for the past several years. These clients range from the age of one-year-old to over fifty-years-old. About 60% of my clients are 12 and under. In working with younger children, I have had the most success using telehealth when parents are present to monitor, arrange a predictable environment, and assist with any technical issues. In working with younger children, the parents’ role is vital. I work as a team with parents and caregivers to build a healthy relationship and find the appropriate strengths-based parenting strategies for the child. Recommended parenting techniques are largely based on the Conscious Discipline model which encourages mindful parenting. With younger children, the parents’ cooperation is imperative to reach desired behavioral goals. I also draw from the approaches outlined in Working with Challenging Youth by Brent Richardson, Ed.D.

Hello, I have been a Counselor for 15 years and I love my work. I grew up loving working with animals, competing in sports, reading everything, and having a great curiosity for how nature and people worked. I have been blessed with many wonderful and loving people in my life; and know how much it means to experience kind and helpful people in hard times. I provide an organized and easy to follow process using EMDR to address the difficulties my clients are facing and help them achieve the outcomes they are looking for. I provide a calm and accepting presence to my clients as they tackle some of the biggest challenges in their life. I value the effort they are making and how important to them and their loved ones their progress is.

Trauma that begins in childhood or within family systems can leave lasting imprints on how you feel, relate, and move through the world. When the people meant to protect you caused harm—or failed to protect you—your nervous system learned to survive in ways that may now feel confusing, exhausting, or out of your control. You may struggle with emotional numbness, panic, hypervigilance, dissociation, difficulty trusting others, or a persistent sense of shame that doesn’t belong to you. I specialize in working with adults impacted by complex PTSD, childhood trauma, family trauma dynamics, sexual abuse, and physical abuse. Many of my clients are outwardly capable and resilient, yet internally overwhelmed—carrying wounds that were never given space to heal. Therapy with me is not about rushing your process, reliving every detail of your past, or being told to “move on.” It is about safety, pacing, and respect. My work is trauma-informed and nervous-system focused, helping you understand your trauma responses without judgment and reconnect with your body in a way that feels grounding rather than overwhelming. Together, we gently separate who you are from what happened to you, allowing the parts of you shaped by survival to finally rest. In our work, we focus on restoring a sense of safety, strengthening boundaries, reducing panic and dissociation, healing relational wounds, and rebuilding trust in yourself. You are not broken—your responses make sense given what you’ve endured. Healing is possible, and you do not have to do it alone.

Welcome! I'm Alexis McDonald, LISW-S Please take a moment to acknowledge you have taken the first step towards bettering your mental health because, you have taken the first step by simply looking into how you can begin to address what you are experiencing. I strive to create a safe and welcoming environment that allows clients to explore obstacles with concerns related to anxiety, depression, trauma and/or self-care. I focus on helping clients develop assertive communication & boundaries with themselves and those around them that can help improve their quality of life. Counseling can foster personal development in whatever way you may be seeking and help build the life you so deeply deserve. If that's what you're looking for, I'm here when you're ready to share.

As we journey through life, we all come to a point where we struggle with adversities and we don't know where to start to find a solution. We also feel alone and as if no one will understand what we are going through. If you’re struggling to cope with life and feel you have nowhere else to turn, I can help you navigate these feelings and aid you in finding a path forward towards healing. Don't let your struggles become your identity. I challenge you take that first step with me. You are a beautiful soul who deserves the most out of your life. You also deserve to work with a therapist who values helping others succeed and gain greater awareness. I offer empathetic and personable individualized therapeutic services utilizing different theoretical orientations. You will have the opportunity to freely express yourself in a safe and non-judgmental space. To help you achieve your goals and make positive changes in your life, I will also gently challenge you to be receptive to new perspectives on your healing journey. If you are ready to find your pathway to healing, reach out to schedule an appointment today!

As a trauma therapist with years of experience, I am deeply invested in each client's healing journey. I pride myself on being personable and approachable, creating a safe and supportive environment for you. My extensive experience and confidence in my therapeutic skills allow me to effectively guide you through the process of understanding and overcoming trauma. I am committed to your well-being and dedicated to helping you achieve lasting change and resilience.

My name is Tracey Warren and I have over 25 years in the field of helping others and mental health. My yearss of experiencee have allowed me the ability to assist those individuals with maximizing their quality of life by learning skills to assist them with being able to function at their best capacity. As a clinician, I specialize in treating those effected by trauma and complex trauma.

Hi there! I'm Tammy Lynn, a clinical counselor licensed in Ohio with over 25 years of experience in the helping profession. Three years ago, I realized my dream by founding Hearts To Minds, LLC, my private practice. I'm driven by a deep passion to inspire and provide a safe space for others. My mission is to empower individuals who are committed to helping themselves. Ms. Harmon-Rodriguez obtained Trauma-Focused CBT and Motivational training through the State of Ohio. She started her career as an MH Social Worker in 2002, working with dually diagnosed adults and children, which inspired and sparked her interest in the specialization of the dually diagnosed and family systems with evidence-based and cognitive-based treatments. She has dedicated herself to providing comprehensive care for individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. This early experience ignited her passion for delving into the complexities of dual diagnosis, leading her to specialize in evidence-based and cognitive treatments tailored to individuals and their families.

Emma Franke is a mental health professional with her licensure as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. My goal as a counselor is to provide a safe space for clients to process difficult emotions, identify strengths, and develop resilience. I believe that building rapport and trust is essential to building any therapeutic alliance. I hope to have the opportunity to work with you on your journey.

At different points in our lives, we may encounter challenges that feel overwhelming. Often, the hardest step is simply reaching out for help. I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in the state of Ohio, credentialed by the Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board. I earned my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Malone University (2022) and my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Southern New Hampshire University (2020). I currently serve as Secretary on the Board for the Society for Sexual, Affectional, Intersex, and Gender Expansive Identities of Ohio and was honored to be the 2022–2023 Emerging Leader for the Ohio Association for Specialists in Group Work.