Golden Rule Therapists in Ohio

My name is Gary Youssef and I have been providing mental/behavioral health services for children, adolescents, adults and families for 25+ years. I'm a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing mental/behavioral health issues impacting children and adults such as: career/school stressors, depression, anxiety, relational issues, parenting, family systems, medical challenges, healthy lifestyles, etc. I worked for 14 years as a therapist and program manager at the central outpatient psychiatry clinic at Rady Children's Hospital-San Diego which is ranked as one of the top 10 children's hospitals in the United States by U.S. News and World report. I have helped provide behavioral health services for over 10,000 children, adults and families throughout San Diego County. In addition, I helped support U.S. service members and their families while working as a military family life counselor at Naval Medical Center-San Diego in Pediatrics. I also volunteered at San Diego Unified School District and coached little league. I love being a father to my two awesome sons and I enjoy athletics and cooking in my free time. I am practical and eclectic therapist combining elements from theoretical orientations such as cognitive behavioral therapy and solution focused therapy to help clients of all ages. The vast majority of my clients report that they had a good experience working with me and describe me as experienced, professional, friendly, kind, helpful and effective.

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.

I am an LPCC-S and LCDC III specializing in working with adults who are navigating trauma, grief, anxiety, addiction, depression, various life stressors, relationship challenges, etc. I have been passionate about mental health and community behavioral health since 2014, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have built my career around supporting individuals through some of the most difficult and transformative periods of their lives. Throughout my experience, I have had the opportunity to work with people from a variety of backgrounds and with many different life experiences. I believe that every person’s story is unique, and I strive to provide a safe, supportive, and judgment-free environment where clients feel comfortable being open and honest about what they are experiencing. I approach therapy with compassion, respect, and genuine curiosity about each person I work with. My goal is to help clients better understand themselves, recognize their strengths, develop healthy coping skills, and feel empowered to make meaningful changes in their lives. I believe that seeking therapy is a sign of strength, and I am honored to walk alongside my clients as they work toward healing, growth, and a greater sense of well-being.

Hi there, I'm Anna! I'm a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) based in Cincinnati, Ohio. I've been in practice for 10 years. I became interested in this profession because of my own battles with mental health. There have been times that I've been debilitated to the point where I was unable to function, and lived through paralyzing fear, trauma, crippling depression, and the belief that I would never be able to live a fulfilling life. Thanks to the therapy I received to overcome these obstacles, I got my Bachelor's & Master's Degrees at Marshall University. Throughout my career I've worked with individuals struggling with addiction, OCD, depression, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, mood disorders, life changes, and trauma. I strive to help anyone struggling with their mental health, an obstacle, difficult emotions, or painful experience to find fulfillment, peace, and functionality in their lives. I know that this world is imperfect, ever-changing, and hard to navigate. I provide unconditional positive regard, empathy, validation, a safe space, and most importantly, solutions. I'd love to provide you with the light you need to see a path forward - it's there! *Note: I do not provide ESA (emotional support animal) letters, as this requires specialized training. I am also not accepting couples.*

Feeling overwhelmed, stuck or just not yourself lately? You're not alone and you don't have to figure it all out on your own. I help people who are juggling too much-whether it's the demands of work, parenting, school or personal struggles. By working together, we can help you find clarity and stronger sense of self. With over 20 years in the mental health field as a Licensed Independent Social Worker, I have had the privilege of working with children, teens and adults in diverse settings including hospitals, residential programs and schools. My approach is practical, supportive and tailored to you. I draw from evidence-based methods like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Strengths-Based Practice while keeping sessions conversational not clinical.

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.

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 a therapist who holds a license in clinical social work (LCSW) in Indiana and Ohio (LISW). I received my Masters of Social Work (MSW) degree from Indiana University and my Masters in Clinical Bioethics from Loyola University in Chicago. I have been practicing for 25 years. I enjoy working together with individuals to help them become their best selves.

Hello, my name is Erin Prindiville. I have been in the mental health field for 15 years. I've worked in many different settings and with different populations. I've always enjoyed working with people and learning new things daily. When I am not meeting with clients, I spend time with my family and friends, especially my 2 German Shepherds. Self-care is very important and I try to incorporate it in daily life.

Hi, I'm Morgan. My schedule has officially reopened to new clients! I know how isolating and tough it can feel when life gets heavier than you can carry or when you're constantly second-guessing yourself. I'm here to help untangle the tangled, and to help you find real relief from the pressures you're feeling. My clients are often people who appear to have it "together" on the outside but feel anxious, disconnected, or stuck on the inside. You don't have to do this alone.

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.

With genuine care and commitment, I’m here to walk alongside you—supporting you through life’s challenges as we work together toward growth, healing, and balance. I believe therapy works best when there’s real connection, so here’s a little about me: I share my home with a spunky little Chiweenie named Maple (have you ever met one before?), and I find a lot of peace and clarity in nature. I also love discovering new bands and collecting band t shirts at concerts. I value the opportunity to build a trusting relationship and would be honored to be part of your journey.

Both my personal experience of coming out of daily anxiety, and decades of supporting clients who were able to do the same, leads me to be confident in working with new clients who want change in their lives. I have a passion especially for those who have experienced destructive or abusive relationships in their family, intimate relationships or even within a religious organization. Healing, peace and joy are possible.

Hello, I a am Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I am a certified case manager, and certified grief support professional. I hold a Masters Degree in Social Work. I continue to participate in yearly trainings and continued education in the areas of anxiety, depression, grief, individual counseling, and couples counseling. I have been in the field of assisting individuals transform their lives since 2007. I have worked with a diverse groups of individuals including adults with learning disabilities, children and families, individual counseling, couples counseling, and grief support groups. During my 15 years of service, I have worked with individuals in their home setting, office setting, and hospital setting. The one thing that has never changed is my capacity to help individuals transition to a new stage in life.

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.

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!

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, 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.

Change can be scary, but it doesn't have to be. We all face situations throughout life that can make us feel overwhelmed and in need of support, encouragement, strategic planning or goal setting. You are not alone. I provide a safe, warm and friendly environment for growth and healing. You may need support in family life transitions, a parent-child relationship, peers groups, marriage, divorce, social issues, academic challenges or behavioral issues. While we are working together, I take a collaborative approach to help you to achieve your goals and overcome the challenges you're facing in life. I am here to support and empower you on your personal journey. Recognizing when issues in life have become too much to handle alone and seeking assistance is a great first step on your healing journey. It takes a lot of courage to reach out to someone, so I applaud you on taking that first huge step.

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.

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.

Are you feeling like your life or relationship doesn’t feel the way you wish it did? Is communicating to the people in your life, whether that is work, home, or love, a major challenge? Do you sometimes feel like you're not sure what the motivation is to get up the next day and do it all again? If the answer is yes to any or all of these, come see me. Whatever it is you’re facing we can identify and challenge it, create a new path forward if you're willing to put in the work. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with licenses in Ohio, Florida and South Carolina. I specialize in relationships and communication, dealing with family dynamics with specialized training in the Gottman method. I am a father of two which includes a step-daughter and special needs son, and have been married for nearly 21 years. I have particularly specialty in couples counseling where I am fair and even-handed, not taking sides. Christian counseling is available and part of my own personal journey. As I respect each individual's personal journey, it will only be included by your request. We all list the styles of therapy that as counselors we employ but at the end of the day you are coming to a therapist to be heard, be understood, and to be supported. I will do that for you without judgment or criticism. Let’s talk today!

To be honest, turning to therapy can be a difficult first step toward personal growth. The decision to turn to someone to help you look within for answers to life problems and challenges can be one of the biggest decisions a person can make. However, you are not alone. Therapy has helped millions create a safe space to heal and grow. In our sessions together, I'll meet you with compassion and evidence-based techniques to assist you to release your fears and drop the habits that keep you from living your best life. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I have served clients of all ages, and of various diverse backgrounds address their life challenges. Utilizing my therapeutic abilities, trainings and experience we will explore solutions to what troubles you most.

I’m a licensed professional clinical counselor who started her degree at the University of South Florida. I’ve worked from treatment assistant to supervisor. I have worked with those suffering with substance use disorders, trauma and panic disorders and even parents of children with special needs. My goal is to help people learn real time tools to help manage intense emotions and overcome pervasive patterns that prevent healthy relationships. Since I have worked in the social services for over 20 years, I have a wealth of knowledge. Asking for help is a first step toward a better understanding and improved functioning.

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.