Therapists in Cleveland, OH
Deb Klecha
Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Cleveland, OH 44118
Deb Klecha is a psychotherapist who has been practicing since 2004. She graduated from the Adler School of Professional Psychology with a Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology and a certificate in Substance Abuse Counseling. Deb believes in a collaborative approach where she brings clinical knowledge and expertise and clients bring knowledge of themselves. She believes that this combination is effective in analyzing and understanding each client's unique experience and what is keeping them stuck. Her areas of specialty include relationship/couples counseling, career, and LGBTQ+ issues.
Deb Klecha is a psychotherapist who has been practicing since 2004. She graduated from the Adler School of Professional Psychology with a Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology and a certificate in Substance Abuse Counseling. Deb believes in a collaborative approach where she brings clinical knowledge and expertise and clients bring knowledge of themselves. She believes that this combination is effective in analyzing and understanding each client's unique experience and what is keeping them stuck. Her areas of specialty include relationship/couples counseling, career, and LGBTQ+ issues.
Melanie Prepetit
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW
Verified Verified
Cleveland, OH 44118
Melanie Prepetit earned her bachelor's degree in social work at Bowling Green State University and her master's degree in social work from Case Western Reserve University. She has more than 25+ years of experience providing therapy in community-based, outpatient and residential treatment settings. She has also served as a clinical supervisor and director of community-based therapy. Melanie believes in a holistic approach to treatment. Her practice is LGBTQIA+ friendly and a transgender safe space. She specializes in trauma and abuse, reactive attachment disorder (RAD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Melanie Prepetit earned her bachelor's degree in social work at Bowling Green State University and her master's degree in social work from Case Western Reserve University. She has more than 25+ years of experience providing therapy in community-based, outpatient and residential treatment settings. She has also served as a clinical supervisor and director of community-based therapy. Melanie believes in a holistic approach to treatment. Her practice is LGBTQIA+ friendly and a transgender safe space. She specializes in trauma and abuse, reactive attachment disorder (RAD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Spencer Gerber
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW
Verified Verified
Cleveland, OH 44118
Spencer is passionate about supporting people's access to good clinical care, and takes an intersectional, trauma informed and decidedly anti-racist, pro-LGBTQIA+ lens to all of his clinical work.
Spencer Gerber is a Licensed Independent Social Worker in Ohio who has been practicing since 2014. Spencer is a firm believer in the healing power of relationships, community, and connection, and has built his framework for treating the people he supports with that in mind. Using a mix of evidence-based practices and a relational approach, Spencer supports people through life's challenges, teaches skills for working through overwhelming times, and encourages deep introspection around how our past experiences and current environment shape our internal and external realities.
Spencer is passionate about supporting people's access to good clinical care, and takes an intersectional, trauma informed and decidedly anti-racist, pro-LGBTQIA+ lens to all of his clinical work.
Spencer Gerber is a Licensed Independent Social Worker in Ohio who has been practicing since 2014. Spencer is a firm believer in the healing power of relationships, community, and connection, and has built his framework for treating the people he supports with that in mind. Using a mix of evidence-based practices and a relational approach, Spencer supports people through life's challenges, teaches skills for working through overwhelming times, and encourages deep introspection around how our past experiences and current environment shape our internal and external realities.
Emily Plank
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, LPCC-S
Verified Verified
Cleveland, OH 44118
Emily Plank is a Professional Clinical Counselor and Art Therapist who has been practicing since 2003. She graduated from Kenyon College with a BA in Psychology, and from Ursuline College with an MA in Art Therapy and Counseling. Emily believes in a holistic, feminist, person-centered approach to treatment. Her main areas of focus include trauma, LGBTQ and women's issues. She has worked extensively with domestic violence and sexual assault cases in Cuyahoga and Geauga Counties. In her spare time, Emily enjoys gardening, reading, doing yoga, playing with her many animals, and drinking obscene amounts of coffee.
Emily Plank is a Professional Clinical Counselor and Art Therapist who has been practicing since 2003. She graduated from Kenyon College with a BA in Psychology, and from Ursuline College with an MA in Art Therapy and Counseling. Emily believes in a holistic, feminist, person-centered approach to treatment. Her main areas of focus include trauma, LGBTQ and women's issues. She has worked extensively with domestic violence and sexual assault cases in Cuyahoga and Geauga Counties. In her spare time, Emily enjoys gardening, reading, doing yoga, playing with her many animals, and drinking obscene amounts of coffee.
Lacey Caparanis
Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Cleveland, OH 44134
Lacey Caparanis holds a master's degree in Counselor Education from The Ohio State University and a bachelor's from Marietta College. She has spent her career working mainly with children, adolescents, and families in school-based settings. Lacey has also worked at Kent State University as a career advisor and has experience working with those recovering from alcoholism and addiction in a residential setting. She provides individual sessions and family sessions at Lifestance. She is a LGBTQ+ affirming therapist and serves many clients from this group, as well as herself identifying as a part of the queer community.
Lacey Caparanis holds a master's degree in Counselor Education from The Ohio State University and a bachelor's from Marietta College. She has spent her career working mainly with children, adolescents, and families in school-based settings. Lacey has also worked at Kent State University as a career advisor and has experience working with those recovering from alcoholism and addiction in a residential setting. She provides individual sessions and family sessions at Lifestance. She is a LGBTQ+ affirming therapist and serves many clients from this group, as well as herself identifying as a part of the queer community.
Nicholette Leanza
Counselor, LPCC-S
Verified Verified
Cleveland, OH 44121
Nicholette Leanza is a clinical counselor who possesses several years of experience working with adolescents and adults in a variety of treatment settings. She is a group facilitator for the intensive outpatient program (IOP) and her specializations include trauma, LGBTQ+, ADHD and overall positive mental health and wellbeing. Nicholette believes in a treatment philosophy that encompasses a wholistic and eclectic approach to care and her treatment methods include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), acceptance commitment therapy (ACT) and psychodynamic therapy.
Nicholette Leanza is a clinical counselor who possesses several years of experience working with adolescents and adults in a variety of treatment settings. She is a group facilitator for the intensive outpatient program (IOP) and her specializations include trauma, LGBTQ+, ADHD and overall positive mental health and wellbeing. Nicholette believes in a treatment philosophy that encompasses a wholistic and eclectic approach to care and her treatment methods include cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), acceptance commitment therapy (ACT) and psychodynamic therapy.
Melanie Falls
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW
Verified Verified
Cleveland, OH 44121
Her main areas of focus include depression, anxiety, trauma, women's issues, LGBTQIA populations, couples and families.
Melanie Falls is an LISW-S and LICDC-CS who has been practicing since 1995. She graduated from KSU's Honors College and Case Western Reserve University with a Master's in Social Science Administration. Her track was clinical with a focus on working with Adolescents, Adults and Families. Melanie believes in starting with where the individual client is and understanding what has influenced them including the family and systems in which they exist. She believes in using an eclectic approach individualized to each client.
Her main areas of focus include depression, anxiety, trauma, women's issues, LGBTQIA populations, couples and families.
Melanie Falls is an LISW-S and LICDC-CS who has been practicing since 1995. She graduated from KSU's Honors College and Case Western Reserve University with a Master's in Social Science Administration. Her track was clinical with a focus on working with Adolescents, Adults and Families. Melanie believes in starting with where the individual client is and understanding what has influenced them including the family and systems in which they exist. She believes in using an eclectic approach individualized to each client.
Brooke H Kroto
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW-S, CGT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Cleveland, OH 44110 (Online Only)
My greatest passion and specialization is working with the LGBTQ+ community. My mission is to enhance your ability to live the life you deserve. For those who are transgender or gender variant, I provide gender diagnosis and therapy, and write the necessary letters of recommendation for gender affirming medical treatments. My gender services work in coordination with medical providers on your team within all hospital systems. I am a board certified gender therapist, a well-seasoned general psychotherapist, am EMDR trained. I bring over thirty years of training and practical experience to this work.
My greatest passion and specialization is working with the LGBTQ+ community. My mission is to enhance your ability to live the life you deserve. For those who are transgender or gender variant, I provide gender diagnosis and therapy, and write the necessary letters of recommendation for gender affirming medical treatments. My gender services work in coordination with medical providers on your team within all hospital systems. I am a board certified gender therapist, a well-seasoned general psychotherapist, am EMDR trained. I bring over thirty years of training and practical experience to this work.
Rachel Helscher
Counselor, MA, LPCC
Verified Verified
Cleveland, OH 44113 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Transparency and trust are the cornerstone of building a collaborative counseling relationship. I truly care about my clients and the work we do, and challenge you to make change by providing tools and support in a safe affirming space. As a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, I have experience working in inpatient settings, university counseling centers, and substance use treatment facilities. Clinical areas of focus include anxiety and mood disruptions, LGBTQ+ concerns, life adjustments and transitions, college student success, trauma, and substance use concerns including people connected to medication-assisted treatment.
Transparency and trust are the cornerstone of building a collaborative counseling relationship. I truly care about my clients and the work we do, and challenge you to make change by providing tools and support in a safe affirming space. As a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, I have experience working in inpatient settings, university counseling centers, and substance use treatment facilities. Clinical areas of focus include anxiety and mood disruptions, LGBTQ+ concerns, life adjustments and transitions, college student success, trauma, and substance use concerns including people connected to medication-assisted treatment.
Michael Baskin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW
Verified Verified
Cleveland, OH 44118
Michael Baskin is a licensed independent social worker with over 40 years of experience in mental healthcare. He received his bachelor's degree from Ohio University and his master's degree from Case Western Reserve University. He has previously worked in community mental health, private practice, outpatient and school-based settings. He has extensive training in family systems and in Jungian studies. He received the Lifetime Achievement Award form the Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Board of Cuyahoga County in 2018. He specializes in issues regarding grief, death, illness-related issues, mood disorders and family systems.
Michael Baskin is a licensed independent social worker with over 40 years of experience in mental healthcare. He received his bachelor's degree from Ohio University and his master's degree from Case Western Reserve University. He has previously worked in community mental health, private practice, outpatient and school-based settings. He has extensive training in family systems and in Jungian studies. He received the Lifetime Achievement Award form the Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Board of Cuyahoga County in 2018. He specializes in issues regarding grief, death, illness-related issues, mood disorders and family systems.
Meredith Cowden
Counselor, LSPCC
Verified Verified
Cleveland, OH 44125
Hello! I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and a Supervisor (LPCC-S) and I have been practicing mental health counseling for over 10 years. I started my career in community mental health, working with people living with severe and persistent mental illness, dual diagnoses, trauma, and homelessness. I came to LifeStance in 2018 and I love the work that I do with clients, helping them to overcome the obstacles and challenges that life presents, as well as exploring transitions, meaning, and value. My preferred style of working with clients is person-centered, collaborative, and holistic.
Hello! I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and a Supervisor (LPCC-S) and I have been practicing mental health counseling for over 10 years. I started my career in community mental health, working with people living with severe and persistent mental illness, dual diagnoses, trauma, and homelessness. I came to LifeStance in 2018 and I love the work that I do with clients, helping them to overcome the obstacles and challenges that life presents, as well as exploring transitions, meaning, and value. My preferred style of working with clients is person-centered, collaborative, and holistic.
Nicole Piatak
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Cleveland, OH 44125
Nicole Piatak is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor specializing in Solution Focused and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, with expertise in Attention Deficit Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, and family issues. She has supported numerous individuals in navigating life’s complexities, providing them with the tools for fulfillment and meaning. Nicole’s journey into mental health, fueled by a deep-seated desire to positively impact lives, was propelled by her personal journey through a challenging childhood experience, igniting a profound commitment to supporting others.
Nicole Piatak is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor specializing in Solution Focused and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, with expertise in Attention Deficit Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Major Depressive Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, and family issues. She has supported numerous individuals in navigating life’s complexities, providing them with the tools for fulfillment and meaning. Nicole’s journey into mental health, fueled by a deep-seated desire to positively impact lives, was propelled by her personal journey through a challenging childhood experience, igniting a profound commitment to supporting others.
Erika Leibovitch
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Cleveland, OH 44118
Erika Leibovitch is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Ohio who has been practicing since 2019. She has a BA in Psychology from Miami University and an MA in Clinical Psychology, Marriage & Family Therapy from Pepperdine University. Erika provides psychotherapy to individuals across mental health and substance use diagnoses who range in age, racial and cultural background, gender identity, and sexual orientation.
Erika Leibovitch is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Ohio who has been practicing since 2019. She has a BA in Psychology from Miami University and an MA in Clinical Psychology, Marriage & Family Therapy from Pepperdine University. Erika provides psychotherapy to individuals across mental health and substance use diagnoses who range in age, racial and cultural background, gender identity, and sexual orientation.
Carolyn Erbaugh
Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Cleveland, OH 44125
Carolyn has her Masters in Counseling (MEd) from The University of Akron. She is informed by a holistic and mind-body approach of nearly 20 years of experience in holistic wellness and mind body services as well as a passion for integrative, alternative and functional approaches to overall health and well being. She is influenced by DBT, CBT, ACT, Strength, Solution, Internal Family Systems, Polyvagal, Truama, and Neuroscience Informed approaches. Her style is directive, down to earth, and engaged including a review of practical and effective coping tools.
Carolyn has her Masters in Counseling (MEd) from The University of Akron. She is informed by a holistic and mind-body approach of nearly 20 years of experience in holistic wellness and mind body services as well as a passion for integrative, alternative and functional approaches to overall health and well being. She is influenced by DBT, CBT, ACT, Strength, Solution, Internal Family Systems, Polyvagal, Truama, and Neuroscience Informed approaches. Her style is directive, down to earth, and engaged including a review of practical and effective coping tools.
Mercedes Bryjak
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC, IMFT
Verified Verified
Cleveland, OH 44125
Mercedes Bryjak received her bachelor's degree in language arts and psychology from Cleveland State University. She obtained her master degree in community counseling as well as marriage and family therapy from University of Akron. Mercedes is currently pursuing certification in sex therapy. She specializes in utilizing systemic approach in conceptualization and treatment of complex needs of individuals, couples and families.
Mercedes Bryjak received her bachelor's degree in language arts and psychology from Cleveland State University. She obtained her master degree in community counseling as well as marriage and family therapy from University of Akron. Mercedes is currently pursuing certification in sex therapy. She specializes in utilizing systemic approach in conceptualization and treatment of complex needs of individuals, couples and families.
Heather Rogers
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW
Verified Verified
Cleveland, OH 44125
Heather Rogers is a Licensed Independent Social Worker who earned her master's degree in clinical social work from Case Western Reserve University and her bachelor's degree from West Virginia University. She has previously worked in community mental health care at Catholic Charities providing in home and in school therapy to children, at risk teens and families. Heather has received advanced training in Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT).
Heather Rogers is a Licensed Independent Social Worker who earned her master's degree in clinical social work from Case Western Reserve University and her bachelor's degree from West Virginia University. She has previously worked in community mental health care at Catholic Charities providing in home and in school therapy to children, at risk teens and families. Heather has received advanced training in Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT).
Carolina Sanchez
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Cleveland, OH 44118
Carolina Sanchez is a bilingual Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, who has been practicing since 2017. She graduated from Kent State University with a Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Carolina believes in insight-oriented therapy to help her patients gain a new understanding of their self and others through exploration of past painful experiences and the emotional impact it has made on their current happiness.
Carolina Sanchez is a bilingual Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, who has been practicing since 2017. She graduated from Kent State University with a Master of Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Carolina believes in insight-oriented therapy to help her patients gain a new understanding of their self and others through exploration of past painful experiences and the emotional impact it has made on their current happiness.
Alicia Hall
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor
Verified Verified
Cleveland, OH 44125
Alicia Hall has provided clinical counseling services to children, adults and families for more than five years, with more than 12 years of experience working with at-risk youth and adults. Her specialty areas are trauma, mood and anxiety issues. She has presented throughout Ohio on child and adolescent behavioral health issues including mood disorder and autism spectrum disorder. She earned her master's degree in clinical mental health counseling from John Carroll University with a 4. 0 grade point average. She sees children, adolescents and adults in the Brecksville office.
Alicia Hall has provided clinical counseling services to children, adults and families for more than five years, with more than 12 years of experience working with at-risk youth and adults. Her specialty areas are trauma, mood and anxiety issues. She has presented throughout Ohio on child and adolescent behavioral health issues including mood disorder and autism spectrum disorder. She earned her master's degree in clinical mental health counseling from John Carroll University with a 4. 0 grade point average. She sees children, adolescents and adults in the Brecksville office.
Melinda Stewart
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LPCC
Verified Verified
Cleveland, OH 44118
Mindy Stewart is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Ohio who has been practicing since 2012. Mindy can help you connect your past experiences with present day emotions and behaviors in order to build bridges to a healthier future. She utilizes EMDR therapy and meets couples and individuals where they're at. In her spare time, Mindy enjoys walking to the lake to watch sunsets, hosting, coordinating events, creatively decorating her mantle, and chatting with friends.
Mindy Stewart is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Ohio who has been practicing since 2012. Mindy can help you connect your past experiences with present day emotions and behaviors in order to build bridges to a healthier future. She utilizes EMDR therapy and meets couples and individuals where they're at. In her spare time, Mindy enjoys walking to the lake to watch sunsets, hosting, coordinating events, creatively decorating her mantle, and chatting with friends.
Alice Scesny Palmer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW
Verified Verified
Cleveland, OH 44118
Alice Scesny Palmer served as director of the Cleveland Clinic Department of Social Work for more than 20 years. She supervised more than 75 health care professionals and served on many Cleveland Clinic task forces and committees, including Ethics, HIPAA Implementation and Geriatric Strategic Planning. A part-time faculty member at Cleveland State and Akron Universities, she also has served as adjunct faculty at Case Western Reserve University and Ursuline College.
Alice Scesny Palmer served as director of the Cleveland Clinic Department of Social Work for more than 20 years. She supervised more than 75 health care professionals and served on many Cleveland Clinic task forces and committees, including Ethics, HIPAA Implementation and Geriatric Strategic Planning. A part-time faculty member at Cleveland State and Akron Universities, she also has served as adjunct faculty at Case Western Reserve University and Ursuline College.
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LGBTQ+ Therapists
Do LGBTQ-affirmative therapists receive special training?
Yes. Many therapists who practice LGBTQ-affirmative therapy have completed specialized training, either during their degree program or as continuing education, to learn the core principles of affirmative therapy and how to best support their LGBTQ clients; some have received certifications in LGBTQ-affirmative therapy. Prospective clients should inquire as to a clinician’s background and training to ensure a good fit.
Why might I want to see an LGBTQ-affirming or LGBTQ-friendly therapist?
Queer and gender-non-conforming individuals frequently experience bias and marginalization in day-to-day life. Working with a therapist who understands these unique challenges, as well as accepts and affirms their identity, can help LGBTQ clients feel safe and supported during therapy—allowing them to better navigate their relationships, mental health, and anything else that they wish to explore during therapy. It is important to note that many therapists can be effective in their work with LGBTQ+ individuals, even in the absence of specific training or background knowledge. The most important component in therapy is the alliance between therapist and client, and this alliance can exist between individuals with very different backgrounds.
How can I find an LGBTQ-friendly therapist?
You may wish to inquire about a therapist’s expertise with your specific challenges or concerns—depression, for example, or relationship strife—as well as their past experiences treating LGBTQ+ clients. Prospective clients may also ask whether a therapist has obtained additional training and/or certification in LGBTQ-affirmative techniques.
How can I inquire about a therapist’s experience with LGBTQ issues?
Prospective clients should feel empowered to directly ask therapists whether they have received training or been certified in LGBTQ-affirming therapy; competent therapists will be happy to explain their educational background and preferred approach(es) to help a client find the best match for them. Clients may also wish to ask how a therapist has treated clients with their particular challenges in the past and what they expect treatment to look like.
Are all the therapists listed in the LGBTQ directory themselves members of the LGBTQ community?
While therapists may choose to disclose their sexual orientation or gender identity in their profiles, the LGBTQ directory features not only those who have shared this information but also those who assert specialized training or experience in providing support to queer individuals, couples or families.