LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Plain City, OH

Photo of Katelyn McGookey, LPCC, Counselor
Katelyn McGookey
Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Plain City, OH 43064
Katelyn Mcgookey, LPCC-S is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. She earned her undergraduate degree from The Ohio State University and completed her master's degree in Counselor Education from Ohio University. Kate considers herself a generalist, with areas of focus including: abuse/domestic violence, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, depression, LGBTQ services, parenting, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and stress management. She has experience working in school-based settings,youth residential treatment, drug and alcohol treatment, and outpatient counseling.
Katelyn Mcgookey, LPCC-S is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. She earned her undergraduate degree from The Ohio State University and completed her master's degree in Counselor Education from Ohio University. Kate considers herself a generalist, with areas of focus including: abuse/domestic violence, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, depression, LGBTQ services, parenting, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and stress management. She has experience working in school-based settings,youth residential treatment, drug and alcohol treatment, and outpatient counseling.
(380) 333-9685 View (380) 333-9685
Photo of Abby Ruble, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Abby Ruble
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Plain City, OH 43064
Abby Ruble, LPC Abby Ruble is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Ohio who has been practicing since 2023. She has a Masters from Capital University in Counselor Education-Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Are you feeling shame about your eating habits, your size, weight, or about how much you think about food? Or are you a person of the LGBTQIA community seeking an affirming professional who will show you how to embrace your own story so you can shape it and live with confidence? Abby would love to help.
Abby Ruble, LPC Abby Ruble is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Ohio who has been practicing since 2023. She has a Masters from Capital University in Counselor Education-Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Are you feeling shame about your eating habits, your size, weight, or about how much you think about food? Or are you a person of the LGBTQIA community seeking an affirming professional who will show you how to embrace your own story so you can shape it and live with confidence? Abby would love to help.
(614) 960-8786 View (614) 960-8786
Photo of Brady Mertens, LPCC
Brady Mertens
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Plain City, OH 43064
Brady Mertens is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and Supervisor, who has been practicing since 2015. He graduated from Franciscan University of Steubenville with a Masters in Clinical Mental Health counseling. Brady practices a blend of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy with a sensitivity to trauma, LGBTQ+, and neurodivergence. He takes a holistic approach, believing that the more one knows about how the brain, body, spirit, and physical and social environments interact, the more one can do to create effective change.
Brady Mertens is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and Supervisor, who has been practicing since 2015. He graduated from Franciscan University of Steubenville with a Masters in Clinical Mental Health counseling. Brady practices a blend of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy and Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy with a sensitivity to trauma, LGBTQ+, and neurodivergence. He takes a holistic approach, believing that the more one knows about how the brain, body, spirit, and physical and social environments interact, the more one can do to create effective change.
(380) 777-5209 View (380) 777-5209
Photo of Sarah Beadle, LISW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sarah Beadle
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW
Verified Verified
Plain City, OH 43064
Sarah Beadle is a Licensed Independent Social Worker through the State of Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and her Master of Social Work from The Ohio State University. She has worked with students at Ohio State in the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Ohio.
Sarah Beadle is a Licensed Independent Social Worker through the State of Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and her Master of Social Work from The Ohio State University. She has worked with students at Ohio State in the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Ohio.
(380) 600-9343 View (380) 600-9343
Photo of Alexis Smith, MFT, Pre-Licensed Professional
Alexis Smith
Pre-Licensed Professional, MFT
Verified Verified
Plain City, OH 43064
Alexis Smith is a Licensed Counselor Trainee through the State of Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapy Board. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from The Ohio State University. Alexis is completing a Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling through The Family Institute at Northwestern University. Her professional interests include providing mental health services to adolescents and young adults for anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions.
Alexis Smith is a Licensed Counselor Trainee through the State of Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapy Board. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from The Ohio State University. Alexis is completing a Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling through The Family Institute at Northwestern University. Her professional interests include providing mental health services to adolescents and young adults for anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions.
(614) 820-1281 View (614) 820-1281
Photo of Emma Compton, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Emma Compton
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
Plain City, OH 43064
Emma Compton is a Licensed Social worker, licensed through the State of Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board. Emma received her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Earlham College in Richmond, Indiana, and her Master Social Work from The Ohio State University. Prior to joining LifeStance, she worked as an intensive home-based clinician for children ages 5-18 and their families. Throughout her experience as a clinician, Emma has experience with a variety of practice areas including anxiety, depression, and trauma-related issues in both individual and family settings.
Emma Compton is a Licensed Social worker, licensed through the State of Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board. Emma received her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Earlham College in Richmond, Indiana, and her Master Social Work from The Ohio State University. Prior to joining LifeStance, she worked as an intensive home-based clinician for children ages 5-18 and their families. Throughout her experience as a clinician, Emma has experience with a variety of practice areas including anxiety, depression, and trauma-related issues in both individual and family settings.
(614) 265-9210 View (614) 265-9210
Photo of Alison Winnard, LSW
Alison Winnard
Social Worker Trainee, LSW
Verified Verified
Plain City, OH 43064
Alison Winnard is a Licensed Social Worker Trainee through the State of Ohio Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapy Board. Alison earned her Bachelor's of Science in Healthy Lifestyle Coaching from Arizona State University and has worked previously as a Board-Certified Health Coach. Alison is currently pursuing her Master's degree in Social Work from the Ohio State University. Her professional interests include providing individual mental health support to adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma and life transitions.
Alison Winnard is a Licensed Social Worker Trainee through the State of Ohio Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapy Board. Alison earned her Bachelor's of Science in Healthy Lifestyle Coaching from Arizona State University and has worked previously as a Board-Certified Health Coach. Alison is currently pursuing her Master's degree in Social Work from the Ohio State University. Her professional interests include providing individual mental health support to adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma and life transitions.
(614) 662-4690 View (614) 662-4690
Photo of Niki Gillette, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Niki Gillette
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
Plain City, OH 43064
Niki Gillette started her journey at LifeStance in February 2023 as a social work trainee. Niki graduated with her Bachelor of Psychology in 2016 and then worked in an inpatient psychiatric hospital for five years where she fell in love with this field even more. Niki has always had a passion for helping others reach the best possible versions of themselves which she incorporates in her practice with all age groups and with those who suffer from anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, and many other conditions that affect one's day-to-day living.
Niki Gillette started her journey at LifeStance in February 2023 as a social work trainee. Niki graduated with her Bachelor of Psychology in 2016 and then worked in an inpatient psychiatric hospital for five years where she fell in love with this field even more. Niki has always had a passion for helping others reach the best possible versions of themselves which she incorporates in her practice with all age groups and with those who suffer from anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, and many other conditions that affect one's day-to-day living.
(614) 858-8535 View (614) 858-8535
Photo of James Hodgins, LPCC
James Hodgins
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Plain City, OH 43064
Jamie Hodgins is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC-S) through the State of Ohio Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist Board. Jamie is also a Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor (LICDC-CS) through the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board. He received his Bachelor of Science in Education from The Ohio State University. He went on to receive his Master of Science in Education in Community Counseling from The University of Dayton.
Jamie Hodgins is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC-S) through the State of Ohio Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist Board. Jamie is also a Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor (LICDC-CS) through the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board. He received his Bachelor of Science in Education from The Ohio State University. He went on to receive his Master of Science in Education in Community Counseling from The University of Dayton.
(380) 205-3780 View (380) 205-3780
Photo of Emma Poduska, LPCC, Counselor
Emma Poduska
Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Plain City, OH 43064
Emma Poduska is a Licensed Professional Counselor through the State of Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board. Emma received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Hiram College. She then went on to receive her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Ashland Theological Seminary. While working on her master's degree, Emma served as a counseling intern for a non-profit organization offering bereavement counseling and services to individuals of all ages in the Cleveland area.
Emma Poduska is a Licensed Professional Counselor through the State of Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board. Emma received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Hiram College. She then went on to receive her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Ashland Theological Seminary. While working on her master's degree, Emma served as a counseling intern for a non-profit organization offering bereavement counseling and services to individuals of all ages in the Cleveland area.
(380) 208-0623 View (380) 208-0623
Photo of Autumn Davis, LSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Autumn Davis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LSW
Verified Verified
Plain City, OH 43064
Autumn A. Davis, LSW Autumn A. Davis is a Licensed Social Worker in Ohio who has been practicing since 2020. She earned her BSSW and MSW at the Ohio State University College of Social Work. Autumn believes that every client should be met with unconditional positive regard. She feels we have to recognize that clients have stories that have led them to seek our help, and they are complex humans with raw emotions. Autumn strives to approach every client with trauma-informed care and help them feel safe with her on a level that can cultivate a healthy and successful therapeutic relationship.
Autumn A. Davis, LSW Autumn A. Davis is a Licensed Social Worker in Ohio who has been practicing since 2020. She earned her BSSW and MSW at the Ohio State University College of Social Work. Autumn believes that every client should be met with unconditional positive regard. She feels we have to recognize that clients have stories that have led them to seek our help, and they are complex humans with raw emotions. Autumn strives to approach every client with trauma-informed care and help them feel safe with her on a level that can cultivate a healthy and successful therapeutic relationship.
(614) 714-6764 View (614) 714-6764
Photo of Kayleen Stidham-Klier, LPCC
Kayleen Stidham-Klier
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Plain City, OH 43064  (Online Only)
Kayleen Stidham-Klier, LPCC Kayleen Stidham-Klier is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Ohio who has been practicing since 2002. She has a Masters in Clinical Counseling from OSU. Kayleen offers a perspective of looking for your strengths and capabilities to help you navigate whatever life is throwing at you. We forget that we are capable of doing more than what we think we can and that the answers to our questions usually lie inside of ourselves. Whether you struggle with mental health concerns and/or addiction issues there is support and acceptance of where you are at in this process of change.
Kayleen Stidham-Klier, LPCC Kayleen Stidham-Klier is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Ohio who has been practicing since 2002. She has a Masters in Clinical Counseling from OSU. Kayleen offers a perspective of looking for your strengths and capabilities to help you navigate whatever life is throwing at you. We forget that we are capable of doing more than what we think we can and that the answers to our questions usually lie inside of ourselves. Whether you struggle with mental health concerns and/or addiction issues there is support and acceptance of where you are at in this process of change.
(380) 333-6403 View (380) 333-6403
Photo of Bethany Kelley, LISW-S, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Bethany Kelley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Plain City, OH 43064
Bethany Kelley, LISW-S Bethany Kelley is a Licensed Independent Social Worker in Ohio who has been practicing since 2015. She has an MSW. Bethany believes in doing whatever it takes within the laws, rules, and ethics. Her treatment philosophy includes CBT, SFT, DBT, and is person-centered and wholistic. In her spare time, Bethany enjoys music, travel, and boxing.
Bethany Kelley, LISW-S Bethany Kelley is a Licensed Independent Social Worker in Ohio who has been practicing since 2015. She has an MSW. Bethany believes in doing whatever it takes within the laws, rules, and ethics. Her treatment philosophy includes CBT, SFT, DBT, and is person-centered and wholistic. In her spare time, Bethany enjoys music, travel, and boxing.
(380) 214-1645 View (380) 214-1645
Photo of Jordan Rush, PC, Counselor
Jordan Rush
Counselor, PC
Verified Verified
Plain City, OH 43064
Jordan Rush (she/her/hers) is provisionally licensed as a Counselor Trainee through the State of Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board. She is currently working toward her Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Palo Alto University. Jordan received her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Otterbein University, with minors in Criminology and Race/Ethnic Studies. Most recently, Jordan has worked with children and families ages birth to 5 on early literacy and kindergarten readiness.
Jordan Rush (she/her/hers) is provisionally licensed as a Counselor Trainee through the State of Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board. She is currently working toward her Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Palo Alto University. Jordan received her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Otterbein University, with minors in Criminology and Race/Ethnic Studies. Most recently, Jordan has worked with children and families ages birth to 5 on early literacy and kindergarten readiness.
(614) 820-1351 View (614) 820-1351
Photo of Sarah Dundar, MA, LPCC, Counselor
Sarah Dundar
Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Plain City, OH 43064  (Online Only)
For years, I have been helping individuals with their mental health and wellness. No matter what kind of struggles you’re dealing with, you don’t have to go through it alone. From my experience, I understand that everyone’s mental health struggles are different. That’s why I offer a wide range of counseling services designed to help you find the tools and support you need to overcome your mental health challenges. My approach is focused on creating a supportive and safe environment where individuals can feel comfortable discussing their personal concerns.
For years, I have been helping individuals with their mental health and wellness. No matter what kind of struggles you’re dealing with, you don’t have to go through it alone. From my experience, I understand that everyone’s mental health struggles are different. That’s why I offer a wide range of counseling services designed to help you find the tools and support you need to overcome your mental health challenges. My approach is focused on creating a supportive and safe environment where individuals can feel comfortable discussing their personal concerns.
(614) 482-1774 View (614) 482-1774
Photo of Daniel Maust - Darby Creek Counseling, MEd, LPCC-S, Counselor
Darby Creek Counseling
Counselor, MEd, LPCC-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Plain City, OH 43064
We provide trauma-informed mental health therapy for children, adolescents, and adults. We work with our clients from our first interaction to make sure their treatment is individualized to meet their mental health needs and personal goals. Our staff of over 30 diverse and skilled therapists provide the highest quality care to serve diverse communities with respect to their spiritual, cultural, and individual differences. Our offices in Hilliard, Ohio and London, Ohio are available to work in-person with community members in Central, Ohio or we are available for Telehealth services throughout the State.
We provide trauma-informed mental health therapy for children, adolescents, and adults. We work with our clients from our first interaction to make sure their treatment is individualized to meet their mental health needs and personal goals. Our staff of over 30 diverse and skilled therapists provide the highest quality care to serve diverse communities with respect to their spiritual, cultural, and individual differences. Our offices in Hilliard, Ohio and London, Ohio are available to work in-person with community members in Central, Ohio or we are available for Telehealth services throughout the State.
(740) 845-8652 View (740) 845-8652
Photo of Amy Weller, MA , LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Amy Weller
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA , LPC
Verified Verified
Plain City, OH 43064
I am passionate about trauma, depression, anxiety, LGBQT concerns, personality disorders, and neurodivergence. An ideal client is an individual who has a growth mindset and explores their thoughts and feelings and how they impact their behavior. They may not understand how those thoughts derived from past experiences, but they are willing to open old wounds given the right tools. They feel safe and secure and want to heal through hard work and determination.
I am passionate about trauma, depression, anxiety, LGBQT concerns, personality disorders, and neurodivergence. An ideal client is an individual who has a growth mindset and explores their thoughts and feelings and how they impact their behavior. They may not understand how those thoughts derived from past experiences, but they are willing to open old wounds given the right tools. They feel safe and secure and want to heal through hard work and determination.
(740) 576-6840 View (740) 576-6840
Photo of Erin Zarlino, MA, LPCC
Erin Zarlino
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Plain City, OH 43064
Erin specializes in helping adults who are struggling with a past or present trauma, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, mood disorders, and life transitions. She is also trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) and offers EMDR intensive sessions as well.
Erin specializes in helping adults who are struggling with a past or present trauma, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, mood disorders, and life transitions. She is also trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) and offers EMDR intensive sessions as well.
(614) 698-1747 View (614) 698-1747

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Sylvia Lawson-Cook, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sylvia Lawson-Cook
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Dublin, OH 43016  (Online Only)
I specialize in LGBTQIA+ trauma.
I listen to understand. I want you to be who you want to be and feel safe doing it! You have a right to feel safe and be yourself. My job is to provide you that safe space without any judgement! I understand the unique needs of the LGBTQIA community, including lived experience.
I specialize in LGBTQIA+ trauma.
I listen to understand. I want you to be who you want to be and feel safe doing it! You have a right to feel safe and be yourself. My job is to provide you that safe space without any judgement! I understand the unique needs of the LGBTQIA community, including lived experience.
(703) 854-9377 View (703) 854-9377
Photo of Jacob Dodson, PC, Counselor
Jacob Dodson
Counselor, PC
Verified Verified
Dublin, OH 43016
Jacob Dodson is a Licensed Counselor Trainee through the State of Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences with a minor in General Psychology from The Ohio State University. Jacob is currently completing a Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling through the University of Dayton. His clinical interests include providing services to teens, young adults, and members of the LGBTQ+ community dealing with depression, anxiety, stress and trauma, as well as grief/loss issues.
Jacob Dodson is a Licensed Counselor Trainee through the State of Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Rehabilitation Sciences with a minor in General Psychology from The Ohio State University. Jacob is currently completing a Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling through the University of Dayton. His clinical interests include providing services to teens, young adults, and members of the LGBTQ+ community dealing with depression, anxiety, stress and trauma, as well as grief/loss issues.
(740) 696-8122 View (740) 696-8122

See more therapy options for Plain City

LGBTQ+ Therapists

Do LGBTQ-affirmative therapists receive special training?

Yes. Many therapists who practice LGBTQ-affirmative therapy have completed specialized training, either during their degree program or as continuing education, to learn the core principles of affirmative therapy and how to best support their LGBTQ clients; some have received certifications in LGBTQ-affirmative therapy. Prospective clients should inquire as to a clinician’s background and training to ensure a good fit.

Why might I want to see an LGBTQ-affirming or LGBTQ-friendly therapist?

Queer and gender-non-conforming individuals frequently experience bias and marginalization in day-to-day life. Working with a therapist who understands these unique challenges, as well as accepts and affirms their identity, can help LGBTQ clients feel safe and supported during therapy—allowing them to better navigate their relationships, mental health, and anything else that they wish to explore during therapy. It is important to note that many therapists can be effective in their work with LGBTQ+ individuals, even in the absence of specific training or background knowledge. The most important component in therapy is the alliance between therapist and client, and this alliance can exist between individuals with very different backgrounds.

How can I find an LGBTQ-friendly therapist?

You may wish to inquire about a therapist’s expertise with your specific challenges or concerns—depression, for example, or relationship strife—as well as their past experiences treating LGBTQ+ clients. Prospective clients may also ask whether a therapist has obtained additional training and/or certification in LGBTQ-affirmative techniques.

How can I inquire about a therapist’s experience with LGBTQ issues?

Prospective clients should feel empowered to directly ask therapists whether they have received training or been certified in LGBTQ-affirming therapy; competent therapists will be happy to explain their educational background and preferred approach(es) to help a client find the best match for them. Clients may also wish to ask how a therapist has treated clients with their particular challenges in the past and what they expect treatment to look like.

Are all the therapists listed in the LGBTQ directory themselves members of the LGBTQ community?

While therapists may choose to disclose their sexual orientation or gender identity in their profiles, the LGBTQ directory features not only those who have shared this information but also those who assert specialized training or experience in providing support to queer individuals, couples or families.