Anxiety and depression therapists and psychiatrists in Westerville, OH

I am a PhD Psychologist with over 50 years of experience helping professional adults and caregivers navigate complex life transitions. My background as a counselor, teacher, and consultant allows me to offer a broad, practical perspective on personal growth and organizational change. I specialize in supporting those who feel "stuck" or overwhelmed—whether due to career shifts, relationship strain, or the weight of caregiving—helping them move toward a life that feels grounded, clear, and aligned.

I’m a dual Board-Certified Family and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 20 years of experience in healthcare. I believe healing happens when you feel truly seen, heard, and supported. My goal is to create a safe, compassionate space where you can openly share your story and begin your journey toward emotional balance and well-being.

I bring both medical and mental health expertise to my work, allowing me to understand how physical and emotional health are deeply connected. I strive to meet each person where they are — with empathy, respect, and collaboration — while helping them move toward lasting change and inner peace. Outside of mental healthcare, I enjoy working out, yoga classes and nature photography.

I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with Supervisory Designation (LPCC-S) in Ohio with nearly 20 years of experience in the mental health field. I am also licensed to practice in Missouri and hold telehealth registration in Florida, allowing me to provide services to clients across multiple states. I earned my Master of Arts in Counseling and Human Development from Walsh University and have spent my career working with individuals experiencing a wide variety of emotional, relational, and life challenges. In addition to my clinical work, I have experience in clinical leadership and supervision and serve as an adjunct faculty member in a graduate counseling program.

I especially enjoy working with adults navigating anxiety, stress, life transitions, grief and trauma. I also have a particular passion for women's mental health, including helping women navigate the emotional and psychological challenges that can accompany hormonal and reproductive transitions. Areas of special interest include Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD), postpartum emotional and mental health concerns, and perimenopause and menopause. I recognize how significantly these seasons can affect mood, anxiety, relationships, sense of self, and overall well-being—and how often women feel that these experiences are misunderstood or minimized.

I received my masters degree in clinical mental health counseling from Xavier University in 2020, but have been working in the mental health field since 2016. My professional background in foster care treatment has helped me form a foundation for trauma treatment.

Hi hi, I’m Ajalaa!

I’m a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor who works with adults and older teens (17+) navigating the very real, sometimes messy parts of life — relationships, identity, big life changes, chronic illness, anxiety, feeling stuck, or those “I have no idea what I’m doing right now” seasons.

If the idea of therapy feels a little awkward or intimidating, you’re definitely not alone. You don’t need to walk into my office with the perfect words, a list of goals, or even know exactly what’s bothering you. Just walk in as you, and we can figure the rest out together.... (that's my favorite part)!

My style is warm, down-to-earth, collaborative, and very much human. Therapy with me isn’t about sitting across from someone who just nods and asks, “And how does that make you feel?” for 50 minutes. We’ll talk, laugh when it’s appropriate, sit with the hard stuff when we need to, and work together to actually understand what’s going on beneath the surface.

Are you in a place where you would like to increase growth, change or wellness in your life? Do you want to identify and understand patterns that continue to happen and make you feel “stuck”? Are you interested in enhancing communication skills, developing stronger coping mechanisms, or processing a difficult time in your life? I'm a dedicated and compassionate Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in the state of Ohio with experience working with diverse populations and with various mental health issues. I am passionate about helping people gain insight and a sense of empowerment as they navigate transitions and challenges inherent in life. In therapy, I create a safe and open space for you to deepen your awareness of yourself and others so that we can begin to explore the way the stories we tell ourselves impact our mental and emotional health and wellbeing.

I have experience working with adults(18+) families and couples treating a number of concerns including navigating anxiety and depression, addictions, relationship concerns, phase of life issues and changes, stress management, community violence, domestic violence and healing from trauma and codependency. My experience also includes treating substance use disorders, including relapse prevention, treatment diagnosis/education and working with families on psychoeducation and mending relationships. I will work to help you expertly navigate your challenges such as processing difficult emotions, learning healthy coping skills, developing a deeper understanding and appreciation of yourself, enhancing your self-esteem, and building satisfying relationships.

I believe in a practical, strengths-based method of treatment. My approach is compassionate, honest, and genuine. I use a strengths-based approach with a focus on overall wellness using cognitive behavioral, dialectical behavioral, solution-focused techniques and schema therapy techniques to encourage, empower and collaborate with you to assist you in regaining resiliency, to begin working together towards positive change. I would describe my approach as warm, solution-focused, and client centered. You are the expert on You! My goal is to help you heal through a mindful process for a deeper awareness of self and begin to establish new patterns of behavior to help you achieve a greater well-being. Together, we can identify your negative thought patterns, improve emotional regulation and self-awareness while using the strengths we will identify throughout the counseling process. I look forward to working with you!