LGBTQ+ Affirming Therapists in Strongsville, OH

Photo of Sam Smartnick, LPC, Pre-Licensed Professional
Sam Smartnick
Pre-Licensed Professional, LPC
Verified Verified
Strongsville, OH 44136  (Online Only)
Sam also serves a diverse range of populations, including women, men, military veterans, LGBTQ+ individuals, adoption and foster care situations, those with autism spectrum disorders, and first responders.
Sam Smartnick, LPC, helps individuals aged 15 and older overcome a range of mental health challenges and life issues, promoting growth, self-understanding, enhanced well-being. Through personalized treatment plans and evidence-based therapies, Sam supports clients in achieving their goals for a healthier, more fulfilling life. With a focus on anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, Sam is passionate about guiding clients through these conditions. He uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as a foundational approach, helping clients recognize and modify negative thought patterns to improve their emotional and psychological well being.
Sam also serves a diverse range of populations, including women, men, military veterans, LGBTQ+ individuals, adoption and foster care situations, those with autism spectrum disorders, and first responders.
Sam Smartnick, LPC, helps individuals aged 15 and older overcome a range of mental health challenges and life issues, promoting growth, self-understanding, enhanced well-being. Through personalized treatment plans and evidence-based therapies, Sam supports clients in achieving their goals for a healthier, more fulfilling life. With a focus on anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, Sam is passionate about guiding clients through these conditions. He uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) as a foundational approach, helping clients recognize and modify negative thought patterns to improve their emotional and psychological well being.
(614) 819-3127 View (614) 819-3127
Photo of Claudia Taylor, LPCC-S, Counselor
Claudia Taylor
Counselor, LPCC-S
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Strongsville, OH 44136
Waitlist for new clients
I'm glad you are taking the first step towards change! I'm a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and Supervisor. My areas of specialization include: trauma related disorders, anxiety and depressive disorders, LGBTQ+ issues, women's issues, and relationship distress. I am a sex-positive therapist and strive to create a safe space for all. I typically draw from CBT and DBT modalities for the majority of treatment but will tailor each experience to fit your needs. I am passionate about helping those from diverse populations and will work with you to establish goals that are unique to your experience.
I'm glad you are taking the first step towards change! I'm a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and Supervisor. My areas of specialization include: trauma related disorders, anxiety and depressive disorders, LGBTQ+ issues, women's issues, and relationship distress. I am a sex-positive therapist and strive to create a safe space for all. I typically draw from CBT and DBT modalities for the majority of treatment but will tailor each experience to fit your needs. I am passionate about helping those from diverse populations and will work with you to establish goals that are unique to your experience.
(440) 482-8614 View (440) 482-8614
Photo of Andre Ross, LPC, Counselor
Andre Ross
Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Strongsville, OH 44149
Through life’s messiness, it can be easy to lose track of who we are and where we want to go. Therapy can help remind us that our past traumas and current stressors shape us, but need not define us. As a therapist, it’s with compassion, understanding, and humor that I offer a space for self-discovery and self-actualization. Whatever brought you here, I strive to connect not just as therapist-and-client, but as people. My areas of focus include trauma, grief, LGBTQ+, anxiety, depression, and navigating life transitions.
Through life’s messiness, it can be easy to lose track of who we are and where we want to go. Therapy can help remind us that our past traumas and current stressors shape us, but need not define us. As a therapist, it’s with compassion, understanding, and humor that I offer a space for self-discovery and self-actualization. Whatever brought you here, I strive to connect not just as therapist-and-client, but as people. My areas of focus include trauma, grief, LGBTQ+, anxiety, depression, and navigating life transitions.
(216) 750-3230 View (216) 750-3230
Photo of Zach Dispirito, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Zach Dispirito
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Strongsville, OH 44136
Hi there! I'm Zach and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Northeast Ohio. I graduated from Heidelberg University in 2023 with my Masters of Arts in Counseling and am currently working under the supervision of Claudia Taylor, LPCC-S. While I specialize in mood & anxiety disorders, PTSD, ADHD, & LGBTQIA+ issues, I support individuals of all ages, couples, and families with a wide variety of concerns. Counseling, to me, isn't just about making progress toward our goals; it is about taking care of ourselves & living a life worth living.
Hi there! I'm Zach and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Northeast Ohio. I graduated from Heidelberg University in 2023 with my Masters of Arts in Counseling and am currently working under the supervision of Claudia Taylor, LPCC-S. While I specialize in mood & anxiety disorders, PTSD, ADHD, & LGBTQIA+ issues, I support individuals of all ages, couples, and families with a wide variety of concerns. Counseling, to me, isn't just about making progress toward our goals; it is about taking care of ourselves & living a life worth living.
(440) 644-3985 View (440) 644-3985
Photo of Rocco Capra, MS, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Rocco Capra
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Strongsville, OH 44136
I am comfortable and have experience working with a culturally diverse client base, including youth, adults, men, women, LGBTQ+, and minorities.
I strive to create a safe, professional environment for my clients and work alongside them to assess their emotional, mental, physical, social, and relational health, integrating therapeutic interventions according to their specific and unique needs and desires. Whether it's stress, anxiety, depression, relational issues, and any number of mental and emotional difficulties, we will work together to enhance your skills with strategies focused on your resilience, self-awareness, self-esteem, mindfulness, emotional regulation, problem-solving, stress tolerance, and other factors.
I am comfortable and have experience working with a culturally diverse client base, including youth, adults, men, women, LGBTQ+, and minorities.
I strive to create a safe, professional environment for my clients and work alongside them to assess their emotional, mental, physical, social, and relational health, integrating therapeutic interventions according to their specific and unique needs and desires. Whether it's stress, anxiety, depression, relational issues, and any number of mental and emotional difficulties, we will work together to enhance your skills with strategies focused on your resilience, self-awareness, self-esteem, mindfulness, emotional regulation, problem-solving, stress tolerance, and other factors.
(330) 595-5869 View (330) 595-5869
Photo of Danielle M. Tscherne, MAEd, LPCC
Danielle M. Tscherne
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MAEd, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Strongsville, OH 44136
I enjoy working with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, alcohol and substance abuse, stress, life transitions, and the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as many other concerns.
Let's be real! Life can be HARD. Deciding when it's time for therapy can be HARD. Finding a therapist can be HARD. I try to make things a little easier by creating a safe and supportive space for clients, where you can feel heard and understood. I genuinely care about each and every person I work with and want life to be easier for you! I help clients learn coping skills, identify and challenge their negative thought patterns, learn skills to manage difficult emotions, improve their self-confidence and self-esteem, improve their relationships with themselves and others, and navigate and adapt to life changes.
I enjoy working with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, alcohol and substance abuse, stress, life transitions, and the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as many other concerns.
Let's be real! Life can be HARD. Deciding when it's time for therapy can be HARD. Finding a therapist can be HARD. I try to make things a little easier by creating a safe and supportive space for clients, where you can feel heard and understood. I genuinely care about each and every person I work with and want life to be easier for you! I help clients learn coping skills, identify and challenge their negative thought patterns, learn skills to manage difficult emotions, improve their self-confidence and self-esteem, improve their relationships with themselves and others, and navigate and adapt to life changes.
(440) 291-5312 View (440) 291-5312
Photo of Marie Hagan, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Marie Hagan
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Strongsville, OH 44136
Marie Hagan is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Ohio who has been practicing since 2021. She has a BA from Villanova University and an MA from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Marie believes growth comes from first mastering empathy for yourself. She strives to create an empathetic, non-judgmental, and supportive space for her clients to create a strong foundation for treatment. Marie is passionate about the helping profession and motivates through strength-based, person-centered care.
Marie Hagan is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Ohio who has been practicing since 2021. She has a BA from Villanova University and an MA from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Marie believes growth comes from first mastering empathy for yourself. She strives to create an empathetic, non-judgmental, and supportive space for her clients to create a strong foundation for treatment. Marie is passionate about the helping profession and motivates through strength-based, person-centered care.
(440) 659-1765 View (440) 659-1765
Photo of Marina Bernard, LPCC, Counselor
Marina Bernard
Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Strongsville, OH 44136
Marina Bernard is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Ohio who has been practicing since 2020. She has a Bachelor of Science from John Carroll University and a Masters of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Kent State University. Marina strives to help her clients advocate for themselves and break free from barriers that interfere with living their most authentic and fulfilled selves. Marina hopes to work with her clients to pursue their self-direction and prioritize their own values and needs. Together, the client and Marina will work towards healing from the past and embracing the future of possibility.
Marina Bernard is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Ohio who has been practicing since 2020. She has a Bachelor of Science from John Carroll University and a Masters of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Kent State University. Marina strives to help her clients advocate for themselves and break free from barriers that interfere with living their most authentic and fulfilled selves. Marina hopes to work with her clients to pursue their self-direction and prioritize their own values and needs. Together, the client and Marina will work towards healing from the past and embracing the future of possibility.
(440) 683-6711 View (440) 683-6711
Photo of Natalie Grandy, PhD, Psychologist
Natalie Grandy
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
Strongsville, OH 44136
Dr. Grandy is a Licensed Psychologist who strongly believes that curiosity and compassion are at the heart of change and is committed to her own journey of life-long learning and development. She graduated from the University of Akron with a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology, where she received extensive training in psychological research, treatment, and assessment. Dr. Grandy works with adults whose concerns range from the stress of normal life to severe and debilitating mood and anxiety disorders.
Dr. Grandy is a Licensed Psychologist who strongly believes that curiosity and compassion are at the heart of change and is committed to her own journey of life-long learning and development. She graduated from the University of Akron with a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology, where she received extensive training in psychological research, treatment, and assessment. Dr. Grandy works with adults whose concerns range from the stress of normal life to severe and debilitating mood and anxiety disorders.
(440) 739-7259 View (440) 739-7259
Photo of Jessica Brady Snow, LPCC
Jessica Brady Snow
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Strongsville, OH 44136
Jessica Brady, LPCC Jessica Brady is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Ohio with 11 years of experience. She has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Baldwin Wallace University and a Master of Science in Clinical Counseling from John Carroll University. Jessica believes in a holistic approach to therapy, taking into account the whole person. She feels it is important to put the client first and establish an authentic rapport to help them feel safe and comfortable. Jessica utilizes CBT, DBT, and narrative therapy techniques in her approach to therapy.
Jessica Brady, LPCC Jessica Brady is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Ohio with 11 years of experience. She has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Baldwin Wallace University and a Master of Science in Clinical Counseling from John Carroll University. Jessica believes in a holistic approach to therapy, taking into account the whole person. She feels it is important to put the client first and establish an authentic rapport to help them feel safe and comfortable. Jessica utilizes CBT, DBT, and narrative therapy techniques in her approach to therapy.
(440) 538-1557 View (440) 538-1557
Photo of Jeanette Miller, MSSA, LISW-S, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Jeanette Miller
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSSA, LISW-S
Verified Verified
Strongsville, OH 44136
Jeannie Miller has over 20 years experience in multiple settings including residential, community, Outpatient counseling and in the private practice settings. She has advanced training in Trauma Informed Care, Nurturing Parenting, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. Jeannie achieved a BA in Psychology and a Master's in Social work. She is independently licensed through the Marriage and Family and Social Worker Board.
Jeannie Miller has over 20 years experience in multiple settings including residential, community, Outpatient counseling and in the private practice settings. She has advanced training in Trauma Informed Care, Nurturing Parenting, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. Jeannie achieved a BA in Psychology and a Master's in Social work. She is independently licensed through the Marriage and Family and Social Worker Board.
(440) 762-6309 View (440) 762-6309
Photo of Bridget Lind, LPCC-S, Counselor
Bridget Lind
Counselor, LPCC-S
Verified Verified
Strongsville, OH 44136
Bridget Lind is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor Supervisor in Ohio who has been practicing since 2011. She has a Master of Business Administration in Entrepreneurship from Ashland University and a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from John Carroll University. As a licensed professional counselor and a certified heart-centered hypnotherapist, Bridget's goal is to help clients uncover their true potential and lead a life that is worth celebrating. While we can't change difficult situations of the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life.
Bridget Lind is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor Supervisor in Ohio who has been practicing since 2011. She has a Master of Business Administration in Entrepreneurship from Ashland University and a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from John Carroll University. As a licensed professional counselor and a certified heart-centered hypnotherapist, Bridget's goal is to help clients uncover their true potential and lead a life that is worth celebrating. While we can't change difficult situations of the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life.
(440) 636-8557 View (440) 636-8557
Photo of Mindfully Strongsville - Mindfully - Strongsville, OH, LPC, LPCC, LISW
Mindfully - Strongsville, OH
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPC, LPCC, LISW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Strongsville, OH 44136
Mindfully Northeast Ohio, formerly known as Nancy Lowrie and Associates, is dedicated to helping our clients heal, grow, and thrive. We focus on matching clients with providers who specialize in the challenges they are facing. By providing the best fit from the start, we help our clients meet their goals with greater success and our providers find deeper fulfillment in their work.
Mindfully Northeast Ohio, formerly known as Nancy Lowrie and Associates, is dedicated to helping our clients heal, grow, and thrive. We focus on matching clients with providers who specialize in the challenges they are facing. By providing the best fit from the start, we help our clients meet their goals with greater success and our providers find deeper fulfillment in their work.
(440) 577-5512 View (440) 577-5512
LifeStance Health
Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Strongsville, OH 44136
Making your first appointment can be one of the most challenging steps in your mental health journey. At LifeStance, we make it simple by offering both online and inperson therapy and psychiatry services, covered by most major insurance plans.
Making your first appointment can be one of the most challenging steps in your mental health journey. At LifeStance, we make it simple by offering both online and inperson therapy and psychiatry services, covered by most major insurance plans.
(844) 671-0369 View (844) 671-0369
Photo of Fay L Hahn, MA, M Ed, LPCC, Counselor
Fay L Hahn
Counselor, MA, M Ed, LPCC
Verified Verified
Strongsville, OH 44136
You are good enough, just as you are right now. Despite this truth, life can be difficult, painful, and just plain chaotic. Therapy can be a place of processing, healing, and discovering ourselves over again. It can be a place of forgiveness, acceptance, and learning that we are able to move forward with confidence in ourselves.
You are good enough, just as you are right now. Despite this truth, life can be difficult, painful, and just plain chaotic. Therapy can be a place of processing, healing, and discovering ourselves over again. It can be a place of forgiveness, acceptance, and learning that we are able to move forward with confidence in ourselves.
(440) 291-2021 View (440) 291-2021
Photo of Mondie Gonzales - Oasis Counseling Solutions LLC, LISW-S, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Oasis Counseling Solutions LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW-S
Verified Verified
Strongsville, OH 44136
Our practice is guided by the belief that mental and emotional health are essential to living a meaningful life and that therapy is about more than just treating symptoms for the short-term, but rather empowering people to live their best lives. We believe that individuals are the expert in their own lives and our role is help you implement the changes you hope to make.
Our practice is guided by the belief that mental and emotional health are essential to living a meaningful life and that therapy is about more than just treating symptoms for the short-term, but rather empowering people to live their best lives. We believe that individuals are the expert in their own lives and our role is help you implement the changes you hope to make.
(440) 693-3933 View (440) 693-3933
Photo of Sharisse Edwards, LPCC-S, LCDCIII, Counselor
Sharisse Edwards
Counselor, LPCC-S, LCDCIII
Verified Verified
Strongsville, OH 44136
Hello, I'm Sharisse Edwards, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and Chemical Dependency Counselor based in Ohio. With over 15 years of experience in the field, I've dedicated myself to helping individuals like you navigate life's challenges and achieve meaningful, positive changes. My approach to counseling revolves around Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness therapies, both of which are grounded in evidence and have proven efficacy in fostering personal growth and well-being.
Hello, I'm Sharisse Edwards, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and Chemical Dependency Counselor based in Ohio. With over 15 years of experience in the field, I've dedicated myself to helping individuals like you navigate life's challenges and achieve meaningful, positive changes. My approach to counseling revolves around Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness therapies, both of which are grounded in evidence and have proven efficacy in fostering personal growth and well-being.
(440) 901-0965 View (440) 901-0965
Photo of Sarah Auger - Sarah McKay Counseling, LPCC, Counselor
Sarah McKay Counseling
Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Strongsville, OH 44149
Our passion is to help clients rediscover what it means to be healthy, happy and whole. We specialize in helping children, individuals and families recover from depression, anxiety, grief reactions, life transitions, trauma and other issues. The uncertainty, fear, worry and lack of passion that you may feel does not define you or need to be a part of your life any longer. We utilize evidenced based & solution focused interventions to help you move toward wellbeing. We are committed to your healing and will encourage you to remain accountable in achieving your goals so you can experience lasting change!
Our passion is to help clients rediscover what it means to be healthy, happy and whole. We specialize in helping children, individuals and families recover from depression, anxiety, grief reactions, life transitions, trauma and other issues. The uncertainty, fear, worry and lack of passion that you may feel does not define you or need to be a part of your life any longer. We utilize evidenced based & solution focused interventions to help you move toward wellbeing. We are committed to your healing and will encourage you to remain accountable in achieving your goals so you can experience lasting change!
(216) 446-7091 View (216) 446-7091
Photo of Kristen Ashenbach, LPCC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Kristen Ashenbach
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Strongsville, OH 44136
“What we call human nature in actuality is human habit.” —Jewel. Our lives are a summation of moment to moment decisions. As such, they can become slightly to severely complicated. I specialize in EMDR work but take a holistic approach to ensure my clients are “living their best life” by making great choices to thrive and become autonomous in their own lives. Sometimes mental health problems are merely just bad choices problems. I strive to help clients "get out of their own way" and make choices most conducive to allowing the human experience heal and progress, by re-aligning with nature via lifestyle choices!
“What we call human nature in actuality is human habit.” —Jewel. Our lives are a summation of moment to moment decisions. As such, they can become slightly to severely complicated. I specialize in EMDR work but take a holistic approach to ensure my clients are “living their best life” by making great choices to thrive and become autonomous in their own lives. Sometimes mental health problems are merely just bad choices problems. I strive to help clients "get out of their own way" and make choices most conducive to allowing the human experience heal and progress, by re-aligning with nature via lifestyle choices!
(440) 271-3740 View (440) 271-3740
Karen M Tomoff
Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Strongsville, OH 44149  (Online Only)
With over 25 years of clinical experience, I specialize in couples therapy as well as individual treatment for adults. My eclectic style includes Gestalt, Mindfulness, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), EFT (Tapping), Cognitive Behavior Therapy. I specialize in working with couples, families, parenting skills, Anxiety, Mood Disorders, Chronic Pain, PTSD, Trichotillomania and Skin Picking Disorders.
With over 25 years of clinical experience, I specialize in couples therapy as well as individual treatment for adults. My eclectic style includes Gestalt, Mindfulness, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), EFT (Tapping), Cognitive Behavior Therapy. I specialize in working with couples, families, parenting skills, Anxiety, Mood Disorders, Chronic Pain, PTSD, Trichotillomania and Skin Picking Disorders.
(440) 544-6988 View (440) 544-6988
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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.