If you’re interested in finding mental health care in Ohio, consider online treatment. Cleveland, Cincinnati, and Columbus therapists may have limited availability or be too far from your town, making it difficult to find an in-person appointment. An online therapy platform like BetterHelp can make access to therapy more convenient and flexible.
With BetterHelp, you can work with a licensed therapist from the comfort of your home at a time that works for your schedule. This flexibility can be beneficial for anyone with a busy schedule, whether you’re a graduate student at Ohio State University or a professional trying to avoid burnout.
While BetterHelp does not currently offer group therapy, the providers on the platform have extensive training and can help you regain control and manage your unique challenges. They are experienced with various approaches to person-centered therapy and can help you with anything from learning to manage the symptoms of mood disorders to setting healthy boundaries and improving low self-esteem.
If you’re looking for an online therapist, OH has many options available. The providers below are licensed to provide telehealth services across the state. Whether you live in Cincinnati, Cleveland, or Columbus, OH, or anywhere in between, they can help you take the first steps to improving your mental health.
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Joseph Rifici (He/Him)
I am a licensed professional clinical counselor with over 13 years of practice in the field of counseling. In 2006 I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from The Ohio State University in Social and Behavioral Sciences, and in 2009 I graduated from the University of Akron with a Master of Arts in Education degree for Community Counseling. I began my career as a counselor at IBH Addiction Recovery Center (Interval Brotherhood Home), a residential treatment center for chemical dependencies in Akron Ohio. While at IBH I worked as part of a treatment team, and delivered individual therapy, group therapy, brief family therapy, crisis intervention, and case management services to adult men suffering from addictions and co-occurring mental disorders. In 2015 I was promoted to assistant clinical director at IBH, which shifted my focus to supervising counselors and case managers, directing the men’s treatment team, coordinating admissions and discharges, and co-administering an electronic health record software. I have specialized training in trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, and addiction treatment. I also received specific, advanced training on Cognitive Behavior Therapy from the Beck Institute in Philadelphia. Since 2018 I have been working in private organizations delivering treatment services to adults with a range of mental health issues. I primarily utilize Cognitive Behavioral methods with a warm approach, and will tailor my style based on the needs of my clients. I live in Ohio and spend my free time reading, listening to music, hiking, visiting with family and friends, and hanging out with my cat, Charlie.
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Kristen Shores
I am an independent social worker licensed in Ohio with over 15 years of counseling experience. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, ADHD and grief and loss. I also have helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, and client centered therapy. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first step towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you! I look forward to working with you!
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Margaret Fowee
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), in Florida and Ohio and a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDCIII) with 15 years of experience working with people to help them make changes in their lives. I have worked with people challenged by depression, anxiety, trauma, abuse, addiction and life changing situations. My therapeutic approach is strength based, solution focused, client centered, utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Theory. I have extensive experience working with the military and their families as well as those struggling with addiction. It takes courage to take the first steps towards a change, but there is power and strength in taking control back and choosing to make a change for the better.
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Noreen Loftus-Spilman
I am licensed in Ohio with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
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Mary Beth Barbush-Kirila
I am licensed in Ohio with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
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Samantha Blackwell
I am licensed in Arizona, Ohio, Oregon, Nevada and Virginia and with 19 years of professional work experience. I have experience in a variety of areas, including but not limited to: anxiety, depression, relationship issues, stress management, and trauma. I have a passion for helping individuals navigate their emotions and life experiences to achieve their personal goals. My approach is personalized and evidence-based, and I utilize techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and solution-focused therapy to help clients make positive changes in their lives. I believe in a collaborative and non-judgmental approach to therapy and am dedicated to creating a safe and supportive environment for all clients. I look forward to the opportunity to work with you and support you on your journey. 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. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
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Dianna Zuniga
Hello, my name is Dianna Zuniga and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of California. I have 20 years of experience providing individual, group, couples counseling and family counseling. I have worked within a multitude of settings such as mental health clinics, substance abuse clinic, as well as working in public and private school settings. I have experience in evidenced based practice therapies, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), solution focused therapy, and trauma focused therapy. I would describe my therapeutic approach as warm and empathic. I meet my clients where they are while providing therapy and support that empowers my clients. I strive to provide a safe, respectful, and nonjudgemental environment. My goal is to assist my clients in building practice and use of skills that can help when dealing with life challenges, as well as becoming the best versions of themselves. Together we will collaborative to discover strategies and solutions that work best for you. You took the first step by beginning the exploration for better well-being. I look forward to working with you to help you heal, obtain insight for personal growth, and become the best version of yourself.
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Deborah 'Rachel' Friedman
I am licensed in Ohio with over 32 years of professional work experience. In addition to the work I do here, I also work as a pet and service dog trainer with a sub-speciality in psychiatric service dogs. Within my clinical role, I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss & LGBTQ+ related issues. 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. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
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Taylor Katt
I am licensed in Ohio and have over five years of professional work experience in counseling. Before that, I served in the U.S. military for seven years. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, abuse, & depression. I have enjoyed working with civilians, Veterans, Law Enforcement, and Federal Agents/employees. I create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Humor and finding meaning in life are two huge parts of my actions. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage, and I am proud of you for getting started!
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Hallie Henry
I am a licensed therapist serving clients in both Ohio and Illinois. I’ve had the privilege of supporting adult women and men, teens and children in both individual and group settings. I have experience helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, family conflicts, life transitions, grief and loss, attachment issues, motivation, self esteem, confidence and healing from traumatic experiences. I believe in a collaborative approach where we will work together to identify your goals, address challenges you’re facing and build upon your existing strengths. Seeking a path of growth and change is a courageous act and I’m honored to support you in that process. I look forward to working with you!
How can a counselor support you?
Therapists can practice many types of counseling, from marriage and family therapy to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). They may also assist you with symptoms of depression, stress, or anxiety.
Therapists may help you set and achieve career goals, work on current issues you may be facing, or address your past. Over 7,535,978 people live in OH, and one out of five Americans has a mental health condition. Searching for local licensed professionals may help you find mental health support for personal growth, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health concerns. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to seek support from one of BetterHelp's licensed providers above.
The mental health field can include psychiatric medication management, online therapy, marriage counseling, couples therapy, clinical social work, licensed counseling, and other mental health services in person and online. Seeing a licensed provider can help you navigate mental health conditions and life circumstances through mindfulness and other specialized techniques.
Please note that a BetterHelp therapist does not offer diagnostic or medication management services.
Why do people choose to work with a licensed counselor?
People reach out for mental health support for a variety of reasons. Many individuals work with a counselor for general life advice, while others may attend therapy for a specific concern. Whether you live in a large city or a smaller county, BetterHelp can match you with a licensed professional tailored to your preferences noted when you sign up.
The mental health therapists in Ohio support clients with varying issues through therapy, such as:
- Challenging situations or life stressors
- Eating disorders
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression or depressive conditions
- Adjustment issues
- Emotional support for a terminal illness
- Chronic pain emotional support
- Grief
- Personality disorders
- Trauma
- Relationship conflicts and concerns
Finding a therapist that takes new clients in online therapy can be the first step in finding a treatment plan that works for you. Your therapist can provide a safe space for you to focus on self-care and well-being.
If you're interested in speaking to one of the therapists above or being matched with a counselor in 24 to 48 hours, consider signing up for BetterHelp. BetterHelp has over 35,000 providers, including those listed above.
Emergency services to contact in a crisis
If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use the BetterHelp site. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line:Text HOME to 741741
- Veterans Crisis Line<:Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
- Trevor Lifeline(LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- SAMHSA National Helpline: (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- National Eating Disorder Association Helpline:1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST
- Child Help Hotline Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature
- National Anti-Hazing Hotline: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physician Crisis Support Line: Call 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-1
- Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Some of the most commonly asked questions about therapy can be found in the section below.
How much does a therapist cost?
Mental health professionals can differ in price. Forbes found that the average cost of in-person therapy in the US is around $100 to $200 per hour. Pricing can also vary based on your location.
BetterHelp offers payment plans of $60 to $90 per session, charged monthly in a lump sum. You can also take advantage of this pricing on one of BetterHelp's sister platforms, like ReGain for couples or TeenCounseling for teens aged 13 to 19.
Many therapists may be upfront about their pricing and whether or not they take health insurance from the beginning. Additionally, some in your area may offer a sliding scale plan to allow those with lower incomes to pay less for therapy. However, services online can often save individuals a few hundred dollars per month.
When should I get a therapist in Ohio?
Mental health services and mental health providers may help you navigate various concerns. 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 advice. A counselor may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.
Mental health issues don't always present as a crisis. Many professionals provide talk therapy and support for life transitions, skills learning, relationship problems, or life coaching. Online therapy sessions can allow clients seeking therapy to experience professional help through video, phone, or live chat sessions without commuting to an office.
Does insurance cover the cost of therapy?
Different counseling services can vary in cost. Therapists must apply to accept insurance through insurance companies, which may take time and money, so not every therapist offers services through insurance. If you cannot find a therapist that accepts your plan, BetterHelp may be cheaper than visiting an in-person therapist.
Is online therapy the safe option?
Online therapy through BetterHelp and its sister platforms is safe. Therapists are licensed, experienced, and vetted before being contracted with the platform. If you experience any concerns with your therapist, you change your counselor through the platform or app at any time.
Popular cities in Ohio
- Columbus, OH
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- Toledo, OH
- Akron, OH
- Dayton, OH
- Parma, OH
- Canton, OH
- Youngstown, OH
- Lorain, OH
- Hamilton, OH
- Springfield, OH
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