Mikel Wallschlaeger
I appreciate that you are taking your valuable time to learn about how I can help you. Let’s start with how folks that I have treated rate my level of care, and for several years they have consistently scored their delivery and quality of care as excellent. Aside from this, you probably want to know what it feels like to experience therapy with me. Over the course of counseling people for 13 years, it is often the case that people will say that their counseling is exceedingly warm, kind, gentle, flexible, understanding, and compassionate. They also say that they feel cared for, unjudged and positive about their counseling experiences. Why is this so? Because I am passionate about you and your care; resolving your pain and achieving your counseling goals during treatment sessions. Earlier in life, I had a chapter where I personally sought counseling. That experience was so positive and impactful that I would like to help you realize those same outcomes. That is that I achieved peace, contentment, wholeness, wellness, and happiness, and I am passionate about moving you to a point where you feel the same way. You might wonder who I have treated. For over a decade, I have worked with adults. I treat young adults, middle aged adults, and older adults. They live in metropolitan areas, semi-rural, and rural areas. Ethnically, I have spent considerable time counseling African Americans, and I would like to think that my training and sensitivity has prepared me to work with ethnically diverse cultures. I work with men and women. I have treated blue color workers, the homeless, professionals, and all other people who fall along the socioeconomic spectrum. I have also worked with the chronically ill, people suffering from grief, and people who reside in hospice. I am a generalist, so I think that it is fair to say that I can treat you if you suffer from the symptoms associated with the following problems. I am able to treat you if you suffer from relational problems, depression, anxiety, have mood swings, compulsive behaviors, physical pain, chronic illnesses or if you need to make end of life decisions or are experiencing excessive grief. If you suffer from neurocognitive, sleep, disruptive and impulse control disorders or physiological problems associated with anxiety and other problems, I can treat the symptoms associated with these issues. I can also treat you if you are sketching out a map that will help you resolve problems if you are facing a difficult life transition. If you are looking to change your career; want to make a thoughtful and fulfilling career choice; want to return to the job market, then I can support these needs in therapy. I can also treat you if you want me to increase your ability to cope with the following issues. If you need to learn more about how to manage your anger, resolve your family conflicts, increase your self-esteem, or want to build on your interpersonal skills to repair your relationships, then I can accomplish these goals with you clinically. I can also treat your isolation and loneliness. If you are seeking stress and pain management, or you want to increase your self-development and awareness, I can address these needs in counseling also. While I cannot say that I am a Christian counselor, I have been known to reference Christian scripture and materials for those who seek hope, connection, relief, meaning and purpose, and other positives associated with practicing this type of therapy. If this is not your brand of support, I will be very sensitive to this and approach your counseling with this in mind. If you have stuck with me so far, I appreciate your continued interest in exploring how I can compassionately and wisely care for you to overcome the issues and problems that you seek to resolve in treatment. I have referenced treatment several times, so you probably wonder what this is. Fair enough. Together we will determine what approach is going to maximize your treatment goals. So, if you suffer from much above intense emotional reactions that damage your relationships then it is highly likely that you and I would practice Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) in treatment. DBT provides you with an opportunity to build skills that help you manage your painful emotions, decrease conflict in your relationships, and increases your tolerance for others who trouble you. If you suffer from depression and the bipolar disorders then it is likely that you will attain relief practicing this therapy. Another therapy that you and I might practice in treatment is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Simply, this means that your negative thoughts and beliefs causes your distress and problems. Now, reversing this thinking, changing your negative beliefs, and decreasing your tendency to impulsively react to your negative thoughts relieves your suffering. There are several tools that are available to you, and that change your negative thinking, and these include journaling, challenging beliefs, practicing Mindfulness and self-compassion, relaxation, and processing social, physical, and thinking exercises. If you suffer from symptoms associated with bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, anger, panic attacks, and phobias then we would consider practicing this therapy together so that you could achieve your treatment goals. If you want to improve your decision making skills then it is highly likely that you and I would practice CBT during your treatment sessions. I also practice Mindfulness, and if you and I practiced this in therapy then it is highly likely that your level of wellness, peace, calmness, awareness of self and compassion for others would increase. If you asked me to decrease your stress and your physical and mental pain then I would have you practice Mindfulness. You’ll also gain the ability to attain happiness and control despite living in a “catastrophic” world. The primary benefit of practicing Mindfulness to you, is that it stops you from immediately reacting to emotionally challenging, negative, and stressful situations. Practicing Mindfulness gives you a chance to slow down and not react impulsively. Practicing Mindfulness in therapy will likely reduce the pain that is associated with your relational problems, grief, catastrophic illness, life transitions, stress, depression, and anxiety. If it is that you are seeking career counseling, then practicing Mindfulness will meet this need. The last therapy that I specialize in is Positive Psychology. Practicing Positive Psychology allows you to explore and identify for yourself the what, where, how, and why of personal positivity. This will allow you to succeed and flourish. In part, this is achieved by your taking an assessment that identifies your core strengths and building a life and treatment plan that allows you to realize these strengths in work, play, lifestyle, and several other areas in your life. If you are seeking this type of counseling, you might be working through a difficult life transition or desire career counseling, or both. Positive Psychology can help you to facilitate your own growth; lessen your boredom in your life; decrease your anxiety and depression, or rediscover your purpose and meaning in life. If you suffer from loneliness and isolation and want to decrease these feelings then you and I can practice Positive Psychology to achieve these goals. By now you probably have a good picture of how I can help you solve the problems you are struggling with. You are now aware that I will do all that I can to develop a compassionate, non-judgmental, caring, safe and warm psychological place where you can work out your problems. You know who it is I treat, and what therapies I practice. You also know that I am passionate about treating you and moving you to a place where you “can realize the best you;” find peace, transcend your problems, pain, sadness and fears; find yourself; improve your wellness, increase your positive feelings, and realize the goals that are spelled out in your treatment plan. You can also expect that your treatment and the accomplishment of your goals will be guided by values based in dignity, respect, sensitivity, independence, commitment, empowerment, and sincerity. If all of this appeals to you, then I urge you to contact me so that we can quickly collaborate and decide what to do to solve your problems and relieve the suffering and pain associated with them.
David Affolter
Hello! I’m David Affolter, I have been helping people most of my adult life. It just seems that has been a major motivation for me. After college and service in the Air Force, I really was confronted with the reality that I needed to choose a direction in life. I made a decision that it had to be something that would bring me lasting satisfaction. I would feel good about myself. I became a high school teacher and coach, and I loved doing that for almost twenty years. I experienced the joy of seeing young people do things they thought they couldn’t ever do. In my teaching, I always seemed to be drawn to the students who seemed like they were struggling to find their way. Students came to me for someone to listen to them and help them find their way. I have the joy today of keeping in touch via social media, and I watching as they grow their own families and follow their own path. After those teaching years and my own daughters moved on to college and adult life, I felt the urge to keep helping people, but I felt moved to go into counseling. With the support of my wife, I completed a graduate/professional degree in Community Counseling at The University of Akron in 1994 and became a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Ohio and am also a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida. It really was a smooth transition, and I have learned that a significant part of counseling is giving people new information and perspectives and helping them decide where they want to go and how to get there. I have continued now for over twenty years in helping people deal with a variety of problems in their lives, and the large majority are able to feel good about themselves and able to move in the direction they choose. I have learned how life has wounded people and how to help them heal from those wounds. I have seen people who thought their lives were over but have learned in therapy how to build new ways of being and living that lead them to new destinations—destinations that many never thought they would arrive at in the beginning. I know when I reflect on my own journey over the past fifty years or so, I am amazed at the variety of things life has brought my way, and the lessons I have learned along the way. It is a very humbling experience watching people gain the courage to change and move forward in ways they never believed they could. If this kind of experience is something that you believe would be helpful to you, then you are in the right place. I can join you on your journey and help you find your way to your new destination—a new way of looking at yourself, a new career path, finding new friends, or finding a new spirituality to give new meaning and purpose to your life. I look forward to assisting you on your journey to your new destination!
Steven Timms
I am licensed in Ohio with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, & coping with life changes. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Janet Sohmer
I am licensed in Ohio with 21 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with anxiety and depression, problems of daily living, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
Haven Ohly
As a licensed therapist in Ohio with nearly two decades of experience, I specialize in trauma-informed care with a primary focus on EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). I am deeply committed to helping individuals heal from past wounds, process difficult life experiences, and build lasting emotional resilience. My approach is grounded in compassion, respect for each person’s unique story, and a strong understanding of how trauma impacts the mind, body, and relationships. In addition to my clinical work, I serve as a Clinical Director at a substance use disorder (SUD) treatment center, where I support individuals and families navigating recovery. As someone who is also personally in recovery, I bring both professional expertise and lived experience into the therapeutic space. This allows me to connect with clients in a genuine, nonjudgmental way while maintaining clear structure and clinical integrity. I was raised in the city of Cleveland, Ohio, and that background continues to shape my perspective, values, and commitment to serving diverse and often underserved communities. I understand the impact of environment, adversity, and systemic challenges, and I strive to create a space where clients feel seen, respected, and understood. I work extensively with concerns such as trauma, anxiety, depression, substance use, relationship challenges, and major life transitions. I also support individuals struggling with social anxiety, communication difficulties, identity and purpose exploration, and changes related to divorce, aging, or personal transformation. My therapeutic style is both supportive and structured. I aim to create an environment where clients feel safe to explore their experiences while also gaining practical tools for real-life change. For those who are interested, I integrate faith-based perspectives into treatment, honoring the importance of spirituality in the healing process. My goal is to help you feel understood, empowered, and equipped to move forward with clarity, strength, and purpose.
Alyce Fortnoff
As a licensed therapist in Ohio with over two decades of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals through complex life transitions and emotional challenges. My practice focuses on addressing depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and life purpose concerns with compassion and depth. I have extensive expertise working with diverse populations, including young adults, older adults, caregivers, and individuals navigating multicultural experiences. My approach centers on understanding each person's unique journey, helping clients process challenging emotions like guilt, shame, and isolation while developing meaningful coping strategies. My therapeutic work encompasses a wide range of sensitive areas, including women's issues, chronic health challenges, addiction recovery, seasonal mood changes, and relationship dynamics. I create a supportive, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their experiences, heal from past wounds, and cultivate personal growth. Drawing from evidence-based practices as wel as lived experiences, I aim to empower individuals to reconnect with their inner strength, navigate life's complexities, and move toward greater emotional wellness and self-understanding.
Jay Griffith
I am licensed in Ohio with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and relationship issues, affecting their ability to relate to themselves, others and life well. I often find myself working with many coping a number of challenging personal, relational, social and vocational, season of life cares and concerns. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment, but also personal honesty and compassion, and improved self-and-others advocacy. I would welcome the opportunity to walk with you in the midst of these challenges. Thank you. J
Travis Scott
I am licensed in New Mexico with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbt-related issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
Marshall Myers
I am licensed in Ohio with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & anger management. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Timothy Pass
I am licensed in Texas with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, coping with grief, coping with loss, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
Kimberly Smith
I am licensed in Ohio with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Thomas Newman
Greetings. My name's Tom. I might be old but that just means I've been around and done some things including working as a professor, a French-trained chef and pastry chef, a professional photographer, I've been divorced and discovered how amazing a marriage can truly be, to some folks surprise even worked in a church for years. alongside handfuls of other things. The most exciting and rewarding thing I've ever done is meet people where they are in life to see them get closer to where they want to be. It's hard to beat and I strive to be worthy of that trust. For the last 20 years as a licensed therapist in Ohio I specialize in supporting individuals navigating challenges like depression, anxiety, life transitions, and interpersonal dynamics. and the complicated emotional and thought processes that often comes with them. I am deeply committed to creating a caring, collaborative therapeutic environment where individuals can explore their inner experiences, develop resilience, and cultivate meaningful personal growth. My approach integrates evidence-based techniques to support clients through diverse challenges, including mood disorders, workplace stress, relationship difficulties, and personal transformation. I believe in empowering individuals to reconnect with their inherent strengths, develop healthier coping strategies, and rediscover a sense of purpose and self-understanding. Whether you're struggling with panic attacks, processing a significant life transition, or seeking to improve communication and self-compassion, I offer a supportive, non-judgmental space to explore your unique journey. Together, we can work towards healing, personal insight, and sustainable emotional well-being.
Jandia McCambry
As a licensed therapist in Ohio, I bring nearly two decades of dedicated experience supporting individuals through life's complex emotional landscapes. My approach centers on understanding each person's unique journey, with a deep commitment to helping clients navigate challenges related to depression, relationship dynamics, self-esteem, and significant life transitions. I specialize in addressing a wide range of emotional experiences, including social anxiety, isolation, communication difficulties, and personal growth. My therapeutic work focuses on empowering clients to develop self-love, explore life purpose, and work through complex feelings like guilt, shame, and attachment challenges. My practice is grounded in compassionate, personalized care that honors each individual's experiences and goals. Whether you're dealing with mood disorders, relationship shifts, or seeking deeper personal understanding, I'm here to support you with professional expertise and genuine empathy.
Kristina Clingan
As a licensed therapist in Ohio, I bring over two decades of compassionate clinical experience to supporting individuals through life's complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on helping clients navigate challenges like depression, anxiety, trauma, and self-esteem issues with a deeply empathetic approach. I specialize in guiding individuals through transformative personal growth, focusing on areas such as communication challenges, social anxiety, isolation, and rediscovering life purpose. My therapeutic approach emphasizes self-love, healing, and developing meaningful connections—both with oneself and others. My work is rooted in understanding each person's unique journey. I believe in creating a supportive, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their experiences, build resilience, and cultivate genuine self-compassion. Together, we'll work collaboratively to develop personalized strategies that empower you to move toward healing and authentic living.
Find a Therapist Near You in Hiram , Ohio
Finding a licensed therapist near you in Ohio can be an important step toward improving your mental health and overall well-being. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, stress, or major life changes, working with a qualified mental health professional can offer meaningful support.
Ohio is home to people with diverse mental health needs across urban, suburban, and rural communities. Online therapy makes it easier to connect with a therapist near you without being limited to nearby offices. BetterHelp connects you with licensed therapists authorized to practice in Ohio, allowing you to attend sessions online from the comfort of your home.
Why work with a licensed therapist near you?
Working with a licensed therapist near you ensures that your provider meets state licensing requirements and professional standards in Ohio (OH). Licensed therapists use evidence-based approaches to help individuals manage emotional challenges, develop coping skills, and work toward personal goals.
People seek therapy for many reasons. Some are navigating ongoing mental health concerns, while others want guidance during stressful periods or major life transitions. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to work with a therapist. Many individuals seek therapy to improve communication, strengthen relationships, manage stress, or gain greater self-awareness.
Online therapy can be especially helpful for people living across Ohio, where access to in-person mental health care may vary by location.
What concerns can therapists help with?
Therapists on BetterHelp support adults across Ohio with a wide range of mental health concerns and life challenges, including:
- Anxiety and stress
- Depression and mood-related concerns
- Trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Grief and loss
- Relationship and family challenges
- Life transitions and adjustment concerns
- Self-esteem and confidence
- Job stress and burnout
- ADHD-related challenges
- Sleep concerns
- Parenting stress
- Eating disorder support
Therapists use approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and other evidence-based methods tailored to individual needs.
Online therapy vs. in-person therapy in Ohio
When searching for a therapist near me in Ohio, many people compare online therapy with traditional in-person care. Online therapy offers several potential advantages:
- Greater accessibility: Attend sessions from anywhere with an internet connection
- Reduced wait times: Many people are matched in as little as 24-48 hours, faster than typical in-person availability
- Flexible scheduling: Sessions that fit around work, family, or school commitments
- Expanded provider options: Access licensed therapists across Ohio, not just nearby offices
Research shows that online therapy can be effective for many mental health concerns. Online therapy may also reduce barriers such as transportation challenges, long commutes, or limited local availability, especially in larger or more rural counties across Ohio.
Finding a therapist near me that accepts insurance
Many people looking for a therapist near me in Ohio want to know whether insurance is an option.
Many providers on BetterHelp now accept major insurance carriers in select states. In many states, certain therapists on BetterHelp may be in-network with specific insurance plans. Coverage depends on your plan, provider, and therapist availability.
When sessions are covered, insured members typically pay an average copay of about $19 per session. Coverage varies by state and provider availability, so it’s important to check your in-network status directly on the BetterHelp site.
If insurance coverage is not available, BetterHelp’s flexible subscription model remains an option, with online therapy typically costing $70 to $100 per week, billed weekly or monthly. Additional discounts or financial aid may also be available for a lower price.
How BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in Ohio
BetterHelp simplifies the process of finding a therapist near you in Ohio without requiring you to search through tons of profiles on your own.
Here’s how it works:
- Complete a brief questionnaire about your needs, preferences, and goals
- Get matched with a licensed therapist authorized to practice in Ohio (OH)
- Begin online therapy sessions through video, phone, or live chat
BetterHelp works with one of the world’s largest networks of licensed therapists, with over 30,000 qualified providers globally. Many members are matched in as little as 24 to 48 hours, and 93% of user preferences are met during the matching process.
You can request a new therapist at no additional cost if your needs or preferences change.
Therapists near you in Ohio
Below, you’ll find licensed therapists authorized to provide online therapy to adults across Ohio, including residents in Hiram.
Each provider meets state licensing requirements and has experience supporting clients with a wide range of mental health concerns using evidence-based therapeutic approaches.
Please note: Therapists on BetterHelp in Ohio do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses.
Frequently asked questions about finding a therapist near me
How much does therapy cost near me?
Therapy costs vary depending on provider and location. In-person therapy sessions may cost $100 to $200 or more per session. BetterHelp offers online therapy subscriptions that typically range from $70 to $100 per week, billed weekly or monthly, depending on factors such as location, source, preferences, and therapist availability. Additional discounts or financial aid may also be available for a lower price. BetterHelp now accepts major insurance plans in select states and members pay an average copay of $19 per session. Coverage varies by plan, provider, and therapist availability. You can check coverage on the BetterHelp site.
Does BetterHelp accept insurance?
Yes. Many providers on BetterHelp now accept major insurance carriers in select states. In many states, certain therapists on BetterHelp may be in-network with specific insurance plans. When sessions are covered, insured members typically pay an average copay of about $19 per session. Coverage varies by plan, provider, and therapist availability. You can check coverage on the BetterHelp site.
Is online therapy effective?
Yes. Research shows that online therapy can be effective for many mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress, and relationship challenges. Online therapy allows you to connect with a licensed therapist without commuting to an office.
Do I need a diagnosis to see a therapist?
No. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to seek therapy. Many people work with a therapist for stress management, relationship concerns, grief, life transitions, or personal growth.
How quickly can I start therapy?
Many people are matched with a licensed therapist in as little as 24 to 48 hours after completing the initial questionnaire. Match times may vary based on preferences and therapist availability.
Can I switch therapists if it’s not the right fit?
Yes. If you feel your therapist is not the right match, you can request to be matched with another licensed provider at no additional cost. You are able to do so through the BetterHelp user portal and select switch therapists if needed.
Is online therapy private and secure?
Online therapy through BetterHelp allows you to communicate with your therapist in a discreet setting through video, phone, or messaging tools.