LGBT therapists in Dayton, OH

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.

Hi! My name is Wendy Pugh. I graduated with a master's in social work from The Ohio State University, and I am a licensed clinical social worker. I enjoy working with people of all ages and from all walks of life. I specialize in treating LGBTQIA issues, depression, anxiety, trauma, and relationship issues.

I have been practicing as a therapist for 13 years, and have had a wide range of experience within that time. I have worked with at-risk youth in shelters, supported young adults and teens with mental health treatment after hospitalization, to now providing individual therapy in an outpatient setting. I earned my Master's in Social Work in 2014, and have been practicing with my LISW. I have mostly worked with mood disorders, like anxiety and depression, or with trauma (PTSD). As a lesbian with ADHD myself, I also specialize in neurodivergency and LGBT+ issues.

Are you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or uncertain about your journey? You don’t have to navigate it alone. I’m Jen, a compassionate Licensed Independent Social Worker dedicated to helping you find clarity and healing. With over 7 years of experience in counseling and 18 years of working in child welfare, I bring a wealth of knowledge and a heartfelt commitment to support your emotional well-being.

Taylor Clay, M.A., LPCC is a licensed professional clinical counselor. She earned her bachelor's degree in psychology from St. Andrews University and completed her master's degree in mental health counseling from Walsh University. Taylor has been working in various settings in Stark County since 2015. Taylor has experience within hospital emergency rooms, school-based, community crisis, outpatient, and telehealth. Taylor has worked with a wide range of clients ages 5-75. Taylor’s early years in the field were focused on child and adolescents, primarily those in foster care. For the past several years, Taylor has moved to a focus of young adults, adults, and geriatric populations. Taylor is a proud ally to the LGTBQIA+ community.

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, best friend, dogs, and family. Taylor is very passionate about helping animals in the community and often finds herself looking for lost dogs on the weekends. She also enjoys being outside, especially in warm weather.

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

My approach is always affirming and collaborative. I work with late diagnosed, or suspected adults with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and giftedness, as well as LGBTQ+ community. I aim to treat each person with the respect and dignity they deserve and feel honored to meet you where you are & take this journey with you. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida & a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Ohio. I completed my professional degree at Nova Southeastern University (FL)

I became a therapist because I believe our struggles deserve to be understood, not just fixed. Too often, people come to therapy feeling like a problem to be solved or a checklist to work through, and that's exactly what I want to push back against. My goal is to help you feel more human, not more clinical.

I earned my Master's in Social Work from Northern Kentucky University in 2014 and hold a certificate in ADHD treatment. I work with adults navigating ADHD, depression, anxiety, and substance use disorder, and I bring both professional training and personal familiarity to these areas. I know this stuff isn't abstract. It shows up in real life, in real ways, every day.

Welcome to Divergent Therapy Solutions! I'm Kayla and am here to support your therapy journey. I am an identified LGBTQ+ provider and am Neurodivergent.

If any of the following apply to you, we may be a good fit to work together!

New to therapy

Going through hell

Looking for a brave space to exist without judgement

Wanting to understand your neurodivergent experience

Need a void to scream into because the world is on fire

Parenting while neurodivergent

Anxious to even start the process? Just send me a thumbs up emoji and I'll reach out to you - no pressure!

Looking forward to working together soon!

Hello, I'm Valerie!

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Montana and Ohio with a decade of experience in the mental health field, I am passionate about helping people reconnect with their authentic selves.

​I founded Wild Living Therapy not only because of my deep love for wildlife and nature but also because I believe we all carry untamed, misunderstood aspects of ourselves—parts that may feel "too wild" or difficult to accept. My goal is to create a space where you can honor these parts, step into your power, and recognize your worth.

You're not broken—you are whole. Let’s navigate this journey together.

I’m Kendra Compton, a dedicated social worker with over 30 years of experience empowering individuals and families to thrive. My journey began with a heartfelt desire to make a positive impact in the lives of children and adults alike. Over the decades, I’ve honed my skills as a relationship-oriented therapist who truly believes in the healing power of genuine human connection. I blend evidence-based therapeutic techniques with a warm, compassionate style. My approach is always:

• Person-Centered – I meet each client where they are, honoring their unique strengths and experiences.
• Relationship-Focused – I believe trust and rapport lay the groundwork for meaningful change.
• Strengths-Based – I highlight what’s working well and build upon those successes.

Helping others bring me endless inspiration. Their courage, curiosity, and capacity for joy remind me daily why I chose this path. I grew up in a family of athletes and am an avid sports fan—whether participating, cheering from the sidelines (mostly my son) or watching a game on TV, I see sports as a powerful metaphor for teamwork, perseverance and personal growth. These values naturally weave into my therapeutic style, encouraging clients to set goals, lean on their support systems, and celebrate every milestone.

If you’re looking for a therapist who listens deeply, cares wholeheartedly, and partners with you every step of the way, you’ve come to the right place. My mission is to help you and your family write the next chapter of your story—one defined by resilience, hope, and stronger connections.

Feel free to reach out, and let’s start this journey toward healing and growth together.