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Michael Lesko

Offering therapy in OH
License: MSW,LISW-S,CTP-C
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
9 years of experience

My name is Michael. I have been providing therapeutic services since I graduated with my Masters degree in 2015. I am a firm believer that therapy is a highly personalized journey, and I am humbled by those who allow me to walk this journey with them. I engage an eclectic approach to therapy in order to meet the needs of many individuals. I have most expertise working with children and adolescents and those who have experienced traumas in their life. I do also work with young adults and adults as well, focusing on issues like depression, anxiety, trauma, and a variety of other issues. Thanks for viewing my profile.

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Satwant "Swan" Khanna-Salehi

Offering therapy in OH
License: LISW-S,LICDC-CS,CEAP
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesDepressionCoaching
25 years of experience

I am licensed in Ohio as a licensed social worker and liscensed chemical dependency counsleor, I have been in practice since 1995 when I graduated from Case Western Univeristy with a Master's in clinical social work. I have worked in private practice as well as hospitals, employee assistance and corporations. My primary therapy orientation is person-centered, inasmuch as I strongly believe that a strong therapeutic relationship is paramount for client growth. I maintain that therapy should be an authentic experience, and the client’s need to be heard, valued, and understood is primary. I see my role as both a leader and a follower in treatment to promote client change, and thus I practice a balance of basic empathy and unconditional positive regard, versus directiveness in therapy. While I like to operate from an insight-oriented therapeutic stance, as I deem change that happens inside-out to be most lasting, it requires clients to have a certain level of insight into their concerns. It can be frustrating for clients who do not know what is judicious to discuss in sessions, and therefore I work with clients as well to encourage outside-in changes that can be used as a springboard to promote insight and effect lasting change. I understand that each individual is not an illness or label, rather a person with multiple contributing factors towards his or her distress and/or reasons that are his or her impetus for seeking help. For this reason, I try my best, as renowned psychotherapist Irvin Yalom puts it, to “create a new therapy for each client.” I use theory and techniques from ACT, CBT/REBT, Interpersonal Process Therapy, Emotion-Focused Therapy, Existential Therapy, Crisis Intervention, Mindfulness, Narrative Therapy, Psychodynamic Theory, Psychoeducation, and Solution-Focused Therapy among other modalities. I have experience working with individuals, couples, and families – adolescents and adults suffering from depression/mood disorders, anxiety, trauma/abuse, addiction and substance use, divorce, infidelity, family conflict, relationship issues, self-harming, suicidal ideations, and grief. Additionally, I have done work with clients involving career path, self-esteem/self-confidence, coping skills, life-transitions, and everyday issues. My passion lies in assisting people to find their authentic self and to improve their relationships. In individual or couples’ counseling, whether one’s unhappiness stems from mental health issues or life circumstances, it is my goal to aid folks in weeding through their thorns to gain clarity and inner peace.

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Justin Hernandez

Offering therapy in OH
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
13 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. I have been in the field for 13 years. I currently work as the clinical director of an agency that focuses on preventing children from being removed from their home and placed in county custody for events related to abuse and neglect. In the past, I have worked as a hospital crisis counselor, I have worked at private practices, and I have worked as the clinical director of a school for emotionally disturbed children. I work with children, adults, couples, and families. I am a fully licensed therapist with a supervisory credential. This means that I have been supervising therapists for almost a decade. Currently, I help therapist utilize effective strategies and interventions to help them prevent disruptions in the homes they serve and I assist therapists in helping parents and children more effectively communicate to each other. My clinical style is direct and empathetic. I use a number of different clinical strategies and interventions to help my clients achieve their goals. I also have an extensive background in working with trauma. This includes working with individuals who have experience emotion abuse, physical abuse, and neglect. Throughout my career, I have utilized cognitive behavioral therapy and solution focused therapy to help individual clients with their various issues and struggles. I believe you are the expert of your life and your family and that my role is to support you and offer guidance. I believe that being allowed to participate in your life is a privilege.

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Wendi King

Offering therapy in OH
License: LISW-S
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
20 years of experience

I have been a social worker and therapist for over 20 years. I have spent my career working with individuals of all ages from preadolescences to the elderly. It is my priority to provide a safe and comfortable space for those whom I assist. I am experienced with people from all socioeconomic backgrounds, cultures, LGBTQ, struggling with varying stressors ranging from family, work, grief, postpartum, crisis and trauma. My goal is to assist individuals in finding a sense of comfort and peace in their daily lives.

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Erin George

Offering therapy in OH
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
15 years of experience

My chosen profession of social work has brought great fulfillment and purpose to my life over the last 15 years. I serve many populations and believe all are capable of profound change, which I seek to empower others to find for themselves with my guidance. No one is ever beyond hope and I will be honored to walk with you through your journey.

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Kate Dove

Offering therapy in OH
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
13 years of experience

I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker in Ohio with over 20 years of professional and clinical practice. My experience includes helping adults cope with the challenges of life transitions that often include relationship issues, family conflict, parenting issues, and career difficulties. Within my practice, I have advanced training to support clients faced with new diagnoses or chronic illnesses, end of life issues, and stressors that come with being a caregiver. I believe that unresolved issues in any part of your life, regardless of its origin, can cause increased feelings of pain or discontent as you struggle to adapt and grow. It is the struggle that then presents as anxiety, depression, or other unwanted behaviors that prevent you from having the life you want. Identifying these sources will allow us to collaboratively work through them to heal, move forward, and create the life you envision. I work to always provide my clients with a safe, non-judgmental space and unbiased listening. I use a psychoeducational approach to help you recognize what your mind and body are going through and discover real solutions for lasting change. We will use your strengths and new perspectives to create paths for lifelong transformation. I am direct, flexible, and like to use humor when needed! Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling life takes courage and I am here to support you in that process.

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Kellie Kiernan

Offering therapy in OH
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteem
15 years of experience

I am a licensed professional clinical counselor in Ohio with 15 years of experience working with adult FEMALE clients 18 years old and up. My areas of focus include mild / moderate depression and anxiety (excludes moderate/severe treatment-resistant depression/ anxiety, meaning symptoms have not responded despite adequate treatment), stress management, trauma, grief/loss/bereavement, self-esteem/confidence, and developing boundaries and assertive communication. My hours of operation are M-F 7a-330p. Messages sent to me outside of a scheduled appt, will be responded to within 24-48hrs, except on weekends, they will be responded to on Monday. Feel free to plug yourself into my schedule for an initial consultation and assessment of the issues that bring you to therapy. From there we can see if I'm a good match for you based on my expertise. Note: After 330p M-F, I can accommodate scheduled messaging chat sessions only. Saturdays, I can accommodate chat messaging sessions only as well. Contact me directly if you would like chat messaging sessions after hours or on weekends and I can schedule the appt for you (since those times are blocked out on my calendar). I DO NOT HAVE EXPERIENCE/EXPERTISE IN THESE AREAS: Moderate-severe treatment-resistant (symptoms have not responded despite adequate treatment) depression and or anxiety, physical health conditions, somatic symptom disorder (SSD), illness anxiety disorder (IAD), career issues/dissatisfaction (seek out career counselor), mood disorders, ADHD, OCD, substance abuse (drugs, alcohol, gambling, sex, pornography, shopping, etc.-seek out LICDC-licensed independent chemical dependency counselor), autism spectrum disorders, marriage/couples issues/family therapy issues/parenting issues (seek out MFT-marriage family therapist), borderline and Narcissistic personality disorders, eating disorders, phobias, schizophrenia or psychosis disorders, fetishes, sexual disorders, or gender issues/gender dysphoria. If you need support in any of these areas, please seek out other therapists who list these areas of expertise in their profile description. My therapy approach consists of an eclectic combination of cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused, existential, Jungian, Adlerian, Gestalt, integrative/holistic, psychodynamic, humanistic, mindfulness-based, art therapy (I am a registered art therapist and have a master's degree in art therapy in addition to a master's degree in counseling - in order to be an art therapist and to practice art therapy, one must have a master's degree in AT), emotionally focused therapy, and interpersonal therapy. I intend to create an open and safe environment where thoughts, feelings, and behaviors can be shared and explored without judgment. Congratulations on taking your first steps towards change and a more fulfilling life. Please note: * The appropriate environment for therapy is in a private, quiet space that prohibits any interruptions/distractions, so that you can fully focus and get the most out of the time you set aside to work on you:) *If a client is more than 7 min late to a session, the session is canceled, and they can reschedule at their convenience. * Clinical notes, legal documents, FMLA docs, disability docs, DSM-5 diagnosis, letters, applications, or any other forms or document requests are prohibited and will not be provided for any reason.

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Brittany Fitzgerald

Offering therapy in OH
License: LICSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesSelf esteemCompassion fatigue
12 years of experience

My counseling style is supportive and non-judgmental. My purpose it to provide you with a safe place to process, grow and heal. As a therapist I am here to empower, support and guide you on your journey of personal growth and change. I utilize a collaborative, holistic and strengths based approach to treatment. I believe in the importance of treating and healing mind, body and spirit for overall wellbeing. I am a licensed independent clinician social worker, based in Massachusetts. I have been working in the the mental health field for 11 years. I have a Bachelors in Science from Bridgewater State University and a Masters in Social Work from Boston University. I have experience working in various settings, both inpatient and outpatient with clients dealing with a wide range of issues. I spent the first part of my career working in addiction treatment programs providing therapy and education to individuals and families. I spent 6 years contracted with State Prisons and County Jails working directly with incarcerated adult male clients providing services such as crisis intervention, anger management, substance abuse treatment and general supportive counselling . I've recently been working as a clinical director for a substance abuse treatment facility. I am experienced with a variety of issues such as addictions, family issues, adjustment issues, self care, depression, anxiety and life changes. I take a special interest in positive psychology and working from a strengths based approach.

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John Hiatt

Offering therapy in OH
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepression
22 years of experience

I am licensed in Ohio with 22 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, anger management, and I have been a Domestic Violence group (for perpetrators) facilitator. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Tábata Alaín

Offering therapy in OH
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
14 years of experience

I am licensed in Ohio with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & family conflicts. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

How to find counseling in Amherst

Finding the best therapist close by in Amherst can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area, you can find a therapist in your city that is accepting new clients and fits your goals. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage, family issues, or other emotional challenges, feel proud that you have begun your search to find the mental health care services that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Amherst. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of therapy can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Amherst, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.

It is also important to understand that mental health professionals in the United States are accredited to provide care, helping individuals and couples, with a variety of licenses. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinical psychologist or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

Mental health professionals working through their own in- person therapy practice in Amherst or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, or change in negative thinking patterns. They may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain. Verified providers can provide licensed marriage and couples therapy, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.

There are all kinds of therapists working with clients today across the United States and in the greater Amherst area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find therapists, have in mind what type of therapy you'd like your provider to be most experienced with and choose an experienced provider with a practice located near you in the city of Amherst, elsewhere in Lorain, or in the greater state of Ohio.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Amherst area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Amherst therapist?

The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Amherst due to a higher cost of living. The price also depends on the type of provider you are looking for. See the following average prices for various mental health providers without insurance:

  • Counseling with a psychiatrist: $150-$500
  • Counseling with therapists: $100-300
  • Therapy with a psychologist: $100

While many psychologists in Amherst may not take health insurance, some in the state of Ohio may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With BetterHelp or clinicians throughout the state of Ohio you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).

How is a licensed therapist on this online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Amherst, Ohio working on BetterHelp are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited as a doctor of psychology (PhD / PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW / LICSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). All of these psychology clinicians have a Masters Degree or a Doctorate Degree in their field of psychology sciences, and follow the APA Code of Ethics. They have been qualified and certified by their state's professional board after successfully completing the necessary education, exams, training and practice with a patient, and extensive experience in a healthcare clinic or treatment centers, in order to become a mental health provider. While their lived experience, expertise, careers, and background vary, they all possess at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience with adult and sometimes teen patients, and have the necessary therapist credentials to provide a safe space for long lasting emotional healing in therapy. 

Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from psychiatrists to prescribe a drug as treatment, or perform psychological assessments.

How does working with a counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?

BetterHelp clinicians treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Amherst above, can work with young adults, children, adolescents, and adults virtually as an accredited licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). You do not have to commute to a an office as a psychotherapy client.

Through BetterHelp therapy, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, use the in app journaling feature, and receive worksheets. You'll also find support groups or group therapy lead by a therapist in Amherst helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety or depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address?

BetterHelp's verified Amherst therapists specialize and have clinical experience in a wide range of mental health issues and modalities, helping clients to feel better and improve their lives every day. See below for examples.

Specialties on BetterHelp include:

You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy or with a sex therapist. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists or licensed marriage family therapists (LMFT) who work with clients in relationships. You can also try a Amherst therapy provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide. 

How do I know if online counseling is right for my family?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a therapist is the validation and active listening they can provide. Your friends and loved ones may also be available to listen, but you may feel that they may lack the skills to provide objective guidance. Counselors are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

A psychologist in your city can support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health, life concerns, or healing needs. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another good benefit of therapy is having an understanding, safe space with a non-judgmental party who can support you through challenging experiences.

Many people have sensitive topics that they may feel ashamed to discuss with their friends or partner. A Amherst therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, such as art therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words.

With a lot of people in OH, providers may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles above and others within BetterHelp's team, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching to find a a nearby psychotherapist close to 44001 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Amherst counselor?

Before seeing your therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the therapy process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist, any emotional pain you may feel, and the ways in which you hope to improve. When you attend your session, let them know if you have any concerns about therapy or feel unsure about what to talk about. They may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy.

Should I find a therapist or psychologist if I feel fine? 

Some simply don't feel the need to see a psychologist. However, some people may avoid attending therapy due to stigma or preconceived notions of what therapy entails. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback and advice. A Amherst licensed clinical social worker may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.

Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find through therapy can be dependent on your process.

People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles.

Is mental health care and therapy worth it? 

Therapy is effective and has the power to change individuals' lives. Each client is at a different stage of their emotional healing journey in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, skills, and goals. A psychologist can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities to help you feel your best and put you on the path to healing. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, a mental health professional has an understanding of various disorders like ADHD and depression with many hours of experience in treating adults in their practice. For this reason, seeing an evidence based psychologist in Amherst, Ohio can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy services each year, showing it's a popular option and is proven to be effective.

Amherst has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions?

The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.

Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on PinterestLinkedInInstagramTwitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time today to learn more about the team of therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of Amherst.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Amherst:

44001

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