Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in Ohio

Are you feeling overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, disconnected in your relationships, or worried about your child or family? Maybe you’ve been carrying stress, anxiety, grief, conflict, or painful life changes for so long that you barely recognize yourself anymore. You may have spent years trying to stay strong for everyone else while quietly struggling on your own. If so, you are not alone.

I offer a warm, compassionate, and supportive space where you can slow down, feel heard, and begin to make sense of what you’re going through without fear of judgment. With nearly 60 years of professional experience working with individuals, couples and families, I understand how deeply emotional pain, relationship struggles, family stress, loss, and life transitions can affect people.

I have extensive experience working with at-risk adolescents and young adults facing challenges such as self-harming behaviors, trauma, addictions, and family conflict.

I have worked successfully with adults navigating substance use concerns, chronic pain and other health difficulties, caregiver burnout, grief, various forms of loss, and major life transitions.

In addition, I work with couples facing communication difficulties, separation, infidelity, divorce and other relationship challenges, as well as families dealing with parenting stress, illness, addictions, cultural adaptation, and significant life changes. I am also able to support families with young children who are experiencing developmental difficulties, health challenges, or acting-out behaviors and I provide pre-marital counseling for couples who are about to tie the knot. Throughout our work together, I strive to help clients build greater self-awareness, strengthen relationships, develop healthier coping strategies, and move toward a greater sense of balance, connection, and emotional well-being.

As a counselor, former counselor educator, and advocate, I bring decades of experience working with individuals, couples, families, and communities. I specialize in helping clients navigate anxiety, depression, grief and loss, relationship concerns, life transitions, employment concerns, disability issues, self-esteem challenges, trauma, and issues related to identity, culture, and faith. I am particularly passionate about supporting African American individuals and families while creating an affirming environment for people from all backgrounds.

Great to meet you! I am an independently licensed therapist in both Ohio and Florida with over 15 years of experience helping individuals navigate life’s challenges and rediscover their sense of purpose, strength, and well-being.

Throughout my career as a director, clinical supervisor, and counselor, I have had the privilege of working with clients from all walks of life who are seeking balance, clarity, and growth. I specialize in supporting first responders and military veterans, as well as adults dealing with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, self-esteem concerns, career challenges, grief, addiction, substance abuse, and other mental health difficulties.

My therapeutic style is open, genuine, accepting, nonjudgmental, and collaborative. I believe in meeting you where you are—with compassion, respect, and authenticity. Clients often describe me as straightforward yet warm, offering both empathy and honest feedback to help foster meaningful progress.

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.

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.

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’m here to help you navigate life’s challenges in a warm, judgment-free space.