LGBT therapists in Akron, OH

With over a decade of experience, I offer tailored therapy for diverse challenges: Disruptive Behavior, Parental Stress, LGBTQIA Support, Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, Relationships, Grief, Life Transitions, BIPOC Concerns, and Personal Growth. I use a holistic approach integrating Trauma-Informed Care, CBT, and Behavior Therapy. Let's work towards healing and growth together!

Let’s be honest, life can be messy. Sometimes you know exactly what’s wrong, and sometimes you just know that something doesn’t feel right. Maybe you’re overwhelmed, stuck in your head, struggling with food or your body, going through a major life change, or simply trying to figure out what comes next.

I’m someone who believes therapy should feel like a place where you can actually be yourself. You don’t have to have the right words, have everything figured out, or pretend that things are better than they are. Bring the real stuff. The complicated stuff. Even the stuff you’re embarrassed to say out loud.

A particular passion of mine is helping people navigate the emotional side of bariatric surgery and changes in their relationship with food, their body, and themselves. Losing weight or changing your body doesn’t automatically change how you feel inside, and sometimes the emotional part of the journey gets overlooked. There can be a lot to unpack, and you deserve a place to do that without shame or judgment.

At the same time, you don’t have to be dealing with food or bariatric surgery to work with me. I enjoy working with people who are navigating anxiety, depression, relationships, identity, body image, life transitions, and those moments when you’re asking yourself, “Okay... what now?”

My goal isn’t to “fix” you. You’re not broken. My goal is to help you understand yourself a little better, feel a little more grounded, and figure out what moving forward can look like for you.

And if therapy has ever felt like something that wasn’t really “for you,” maybe we can do it a little differently.

I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with an MA in counseling and art therapy from Ursuline College. I am also a PhD student in Counselor Education and Supervision at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. I specialize in working with adult clients in BIPOC, neurodivergent and LGBTQ+ communities to explore the challenges that can often come with these identities. These challenges include navigating relationships and boundaries, identity questions, life transitions, anxiety, depression, self worth, and managing neurodivergent and chronic health needs. My ideal clients are those who are motivated for change, introspective, and open minded.

Reaching out for therapy can feel intimidating — especially if you’re afraid of being judged, misunderstood, or unsure whether therapy will actually help. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, emotionally exhausted, stuck in unhealthy patterns, or like you’re barely holding things together on the outside, you’re not alone.

My approach is warm, direct, practical, and collaborative. I help clients not only process emotions, but also understand why certain patterns keep happening and how to create meaningful, lasting change. Together, we focus on building emotional awareness, healthier coping skills, nervous system regulation, and stronger relationships.

Many of my clients struggle with anxiety, perfectionism, emotional overwhelm, relationship stress, attachment wounds, self-esteem issues, or difficulty managing intense emotions. I work to create a space where clients feel safe, supported, understood, and empowered to move forward with greater clarity and confidence.

If any of this resonates with you, I’d be honored to support you in your healing process.

Ka'ra Johnson is a LCSW-C, LCSW licensed in MD, VA, DC, and OH. She received both her Masters in Mental Health Counseling and Masters of Social Work from Capella University. She specializes in treating Trauma, Mood Disorders, Forensic Clients, Crisis Interventions and Life Transitions. Her modalities of therapy are: Trauma informed CBT, REBT and Motivational Interviewing.

HI! My name is Brandais and I'm a licensed therapist in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Florida. I have 11 years of experience working in mental health. For my practice I focus on anxiety, ADHD, neurodivergence, life-changes, women's issues and diverse populations including LGBTQIA populations. My experience is with people across the lifespan. Currently I work with adults from 18-65. I approach my clients with warmth and allowing you to share your experience with non-judgement.

20+ years helping youth, adults and families work through grief and trauma, restore relationships, and build healthier thought and behavior patterns. Specializing in helping clients in transition or facing a dilemma.

Licensed Counselor & Certified Coach with lived experience as Ohio Hall of Fame DI basketball player & coach, espn color analyst, C-level corporate executive, non-profit leader, cancer survivor, later in life adoptive parent, and member of multi-racial family.

I have been licensed as a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor since 2004 and have held a supervision designation since 2015. I have also held a Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor with a supervision/training designation license since 2018. I have maintained a private counseling practice in Chillicothe since 2000 and I continue to work with individuals and families in that capacity. I have dedicated my career to helping others and to working with the community to ensure the well-being of families and children.

My communication style

My communication tone or approach tends to be direct but laid back. We are in session to work together not have me tell you what to do or where you need to go

I'm Kassandra, a Licensed Independent Social Worker trained at Case Western Reserve

University. My clinical foundation was built doing crisis intervention and specialized

trauma work with survivors of sexual assault, child abuse, and sex trafficking before

I became independently licensed. That experience isn't a line on a resume. It's the reason

I can sit with the hardest things clients bring in without needing them to minimize,

manage, or explain themselves first. I work with adolescents, adults, and older adults

individually and with couples. I'm explicitly LGBTQIA+-affirming and have experience

with transgender and identity-related concerns. I offer telehealth across Ohio and accept

insurance through Headway.

Hi, I’m so happy you’re here! My name is Jessica and I have over 10 years of experience working as a therapist with all age groups! I help children and adults who are dealing with life stressors, anxiety, sadness, relationship problems, family conflict, grief and many other mental health problems.