LGBT therapists in Akron, OH

My path to becoming a counselor was shaped in part by my own life experiences. Navigating divorce, raising children in a divorced household, and working with a counselor myself helped me develop greater emotional awareness and better understand how our experiences can influence the way we think, feel, and respond to the world around us.

I have also learned to better understand my own experience with ADHD and how it has influenced different areas of my life. ADHD is part of my experience, but it does not define who I am. That journey has reinforced my belief that understanding ourselves including our experiences, strengths, challenges, and differences can help us grow without reducing who we are to a diagnosis or label.

These experiences contributed to my decision to become a counselor and helped shape my passion for supporting people navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, neurodivergence, relationships, and major life transitions.

I am an anti-racist and LGBTQ-Affirming trauma therapist who has worked with veterans, military personnel, and civilians for 20+ years. I am honored to work with clients on their self-defined goals to achieve more peaceful and satisfying lives, especially as related to healing mental injuries from discrimination and abuse.

My areas of expertise include workplace trauma, racial trauma, institutional betrayal, suicide prevention, family scapegoat abuse, workplace mobbing, and self-acceptance in a hostile world.

As a Queer, Xicana of Mexican, Indigenous, Irish, and Czech ancestry who was raised by a gay parent, I know from lived experience, the importance of culturally-responsive care that recognizes the harm of systemic and interpersonal oppression and stigma. I delight in working with people from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences including neurodiversity, various religious and spiritual communities, and people living with visible and invisible disabilities.

As a care provider for a person living with long COVID, I understand the challenges and importance of COVID-cautious lifestyles for people who have compromised immune systems or who want to avoid long COVID.

With a BA from the University of California, Santa Cruz, an MSW from Washington University in St. Louis, and a PhD from the University of California, Berkeley, my practice is rooted in research, celebration of clients' cultural traditions, and awareness that mistreatment, disadvantage, and cruelty cause people to suffer.

I actively work to identify and eradicate my own biases through anti-racist somatic practice and train other clinicians in decolonizing mental health care, psychological safety, and anti-racist suicide prevention.

I use evidence-based practices of Written Exposure Therapy, Motivational Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and Prolonged Exposure Therapy.

HI, I'm Melissa Welch, and I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker Supervisor (LISW-S) in the State of Ohio.

How come these "tell us about yourself" questions seem so awkward? I'm much better in real life. After all, it is an energy exchange, right? Let's connect and see if we vibe!

Clients often describe me as flexible, laid back, and easy to talk to. I believe therapy should meet you where you are, not where you feel you “should” be. I know that finding a therapist and beginning the process can feel overwhelming, so my goal is to make getting started feel as comfortable, supportive, and approachable as possible. With over 15 years of experience in the mental health field, I bring a compassionate and grounded perspective to my work with clients. I earned my master’s degree in 2017 and have worked with a variety of individuals navigating life transitions, emotional challenges, stress, anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, and personal growth. My primary clinical experience has focused on adolescents, young adults, and adults, and I strive to create a supportive space where each person feels understood, respected, and empowered in their healing process.

With over 20 years of experience in healthcare, I bring a compassionate and understanding approach to mental health care. As a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, I’ve had the privilege of working in a wide range of settings, including pediatrics, family medicine, cardiology, correctional health, emergency medicine, and education.

I believe that meaningful care starts with truly meeting patients where they are. My goal is to create a supportive, judgment-free environment where you feel heard, respected, and empowered to be your authentic self. Together, we work toward practical, personalized solutions that support your mental and emotional well-being.

When I’m not working, I enjoy traveling, exploring new cultures, visiting amusement parks, going on cruises, or spending quiet time at home with my husband and our two dogs.

With 20 years of experience, I have moved past clinical jargon to focus on what actually works: true empathy and genuine human connection. My practice is built on real-world experience, and I am dedicated to helping people navigate life with clarity and strength.

I specialize in working with adults dealing with trauma, relationship dynamics, substance use, anxiety, and depression. I also focus on women’s issues, professional burnout, navigating major life transitions, and the art of setting healthy boundaries. I provide a professional, evidence-based approach that remains focused on you as a person.