Find a Therapist in Westlake, OH

Mariah Payne, a dedicated counselor with an MA and LPC, works with a diverse clientele that includes teens and adults from various backgrounds, identities, and orientations. With a focus on mental health needs such as anxiety, depression, minority stress, and interpersonal relationship challenges, Mariah supports individuals in their journey of self-exploration and stress management. Her clients seek to enhance their mental health toolkits and cultivate healthier relationships with themselves. Mariah employs a collaborative counseling approach, believing that her clients are the experts of their own lives. Utilizing multiple counseling theories, including person-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and mindfulness, she effectively assists her clients in problem-solving. Passionate about serving gender-diverse individuals and members of the LGBQ+ community, Mariah offers both individual and relationship therapy, fostering an inclusive atmosphere for all. For more information about her services, potential clients may reach out to Phoenix Counseling Center.

Courtney Perse is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with a Master's degree from The University of Akron, graduating in 2015. With a compassionate and personalized approach, she works diligently to meet her clients where they are, whether they are facing crises, grief, anxiety, or relationship issues. Courtney provides a safe, genuine space for sharing, understanding, and healing, allowing individuals and families to navigate life transitions and challenges such as parent-child relationship dynamics and family conflicts. Specializing in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, play therapy, and emotionally focused therapy, she develops effective coping strategies to empower her clients. Courtney’s diverse clinical experience spans various settings, including work with children aged 5 and up, adults, and geriatric clients. This breadth of practice enables her to understand the unique stressors associated with different life stages. She is deeply committed to supporting individuals and families on their journeys toward healing and wellness.

Alyssa Phillips is a dedicated licensed professional counselor who understands that each person's situation and needs are unique. She believes that anyone seeking help has already taken the crucial first step towards healing. Alyssa embraces the idea that there is no ideal client; rather, everyone deserves support and guidance, albeit in different forms. Her compassionate approach ensures that all individuals feel valued and understood in their therapeutic journey.

Erin Phillips, MA, LPCC, LICDC, believes that one of the bravest things individuals can do is begin to understand their own stories. She recognizes that everyone’s story matters and that counseling offers tremendous benefits, including a safe environment where clients can develop essential coping skills. Erin is dedicated to meeting individuals where they are, creating an individualized approach throughout each session. One of her primary goals is to avoid creating additional stress for her clients. While reaching out to a therapist can feel intimidating, Erin encourages individuals to take a moment to connect and explore how she can provide support. She also offers evening and weekend appointments, as well as video sessions, to accommodate the diverse needs of her clients. Erin firmly believes that mental health is paramount, and that everyone is truly worth it.

Lisa Palmison is a dedicated and compassionate counselor who takes great pleasure in witnessing her clients achieve their wellness goals. She specializes in helping individuals navigate women's issues, anxiety, trauma, and PTSD, fostering improved relationships, heightened work satisfaction, and enhanced self-awareness. With a diverse toolkit that includes mindfulness-based practices, trauma-focused therapy, and solution-focused techniques, Lisa tailors her approach to meet the unique needs of each client. An experienced EMDR therapist, she addresses concerns such as panic disorder, depression, college transition, trauma, grief, and ADHD/executive function challenges. Lisa's practice is characterized by a strengths-based philosophy that empowers her clients to explore coping skills, resilience, career pathways, and work-life balance. As a licensed professional clinical counselor, working under the supervision of Claudia Taylor, LPCC-S, Lisa often incorporates creative modalities to make the therapeutic experience engaging and impactful. She believes that taking the first step towards counseling can be challenging but is essential for personal growth. For those ready to embark on a journey of self-exploration and wellness, Lisa is here to guide them towards a more fulfilling life.

Julie Reed, a dedicated licensed professional counselor (LPC), understands the profound value of having a compassionate ally who genuinely listens and empathizes. Through her counseling, clients gain a fresh perspective and learn positive coping strategies to navigate life's challenges, empowering them to lead more fulfilling lives. Together, Julie collaborates with clients to formulate personalized therapy goals that address their unique needs in a confidential, safe, and non-judgmental environment. She focuses on healing and transformation within a supportive and caring atmosphere. As an LPC, Julie firmly believes that knowledge is power. She employs a variety of therapeutic modalities, including dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), rational emotive behavioral therapy (REBT), and mindfulness-based practices. Additionally, she offers Tapping (emotional freedom therapy) and eye movement desensitization (EMDR). Julie views therapy as an intricate blend of art and science, striving to find the ideal balance tailored to each client. She regards counseling as a collaborative journey, where her role as a guide is enriched by the valuable insights clients provide about their individual life experiences. It is her privilege to accompany clients on their path to healing.

Maryann Kuzila, a skilled Counselor and LPCC-S, is dedicated to providing compassionate support to teens, adults, and elders facing a variety of challenges, including trauma and PTSD, anxiety, and substance use. Utilizing a blend of evidence-based approaches such as EMDR, Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), she tailors her methods to meet the unique needs of each individual. With a strong background in chemical dependency, Maryann is particularly adept at assisting those struggling with anxiety, panic symptoms, depression, grief and loss, and issues related to PTSD and sexual abuse. She understands that the journey toward healing can be daunting, and the choice of the right therapist is crucial. Those ready to embark on this important step in their life will find in Maryann a supportive and versatile ally in their pursuit of wellness.

Jacqueline Salter is a licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and Marriage and Family Therapist who provides a safe and relaxed environment where clients can express their vulnerabilities and address their wants and needs in life. She works primarily with couples, parents—particularly those who are foster or adoptive—and the LGBTQ+ community. Jacqueline specializes in exploring the role of vulnerability within relationships and employs a systems-based approach to understand the various factors that influence her clients' lives, both positive and stressful. She is dedicated to helping individuals identify and build upon their inherent strengths. With a unique approach that includes assigning homework, she encourages clients to continue their therapeutic journey between sessions. Jacqueline believes everyone deserves a supportive space to openly express their true selves. For those seeking a counselor who empowers growth while demonstrating patience in the human experience, Jacqueline Salter is a compassionate choice.

Anna Smyczek, a dedicated licensed professional counselor and licensed independent chemical dependency counselor, understands that achieving peace of mind can often feel elusive. With a compassionate approach, she facilitates meaningful change and growth by establishing genuine connections with her clients. Anna is committed to providing a safe and accepting environment where individuals can explore challenges from their present, past, or future. Her mission is to empower each person to comprehend the various aspects of their life and acknowledge the influence of their experiences and relationships on their perspectives. Using her extensive training and skills, Anna helps clients uncover and reflect on their thoughts and behaviors, guiding them toward making positive changes and achieving balance. She has a rich history of working with diverse populations across different therapeutic systems, including forensic counseling, crisis intervention, and addressing substance abuse disorders and mental health diagnoses.

Dr. Matt Stanley is a licensed psychologist with a wealth of training and experience dedicated to helping individuals navigate a variety of personal challenges. He particularly enjoys supporting adults dealing with issues such as anxiety, depression, gambling, workplace dilemmas, and career transitions. Dr. Stanley understands that life and relationships can be complex, and he deeply respects the courage it takes for individuals to open up about their personal concerns and seek meaningful change. He is a firm believer in the transformative power of therapy as a means to enhance life quality and strives to create a safe and respectful therapeutic environment. With a warm and collaborative approach, Dr. Stanley’s goal is to assist individuals in growing and overcoming obstacles, leading them to a healthier and more fulfilling life. He utilizes a tailored blend of cognitive-behavioral, relational, and mindfulness-based therapies to cater to the unique needs of each client. Understanding the importance of trust in the therapeutic relationship, Dr. Stanley offers a supportive and nonjudgmental space for clients to confront their most pressing issues.

Jeff Sustarsic is a dedicated Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC-S) and a Ph.D. student in the Counselor Education and Supervision doctoral program at Kent State University. With a wealth of experience, he currently serves as a full-time Program Manager for the Cuyahoga County psychiatric crisis hotline and response team, known as the Mobile Crisis Team. His areas of expertise encompass depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and Cluster B personality disorders. Utilizing a multifaceted therapeutic approach that includes Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Existential Psychotherapy, Jeff views counseling as a collaborative process. He positions himself as both a mirror and consultant to clients, aiming to highlight their strengths while gently addressing thoughts and behaviors that may be hindering their progress. Jeff is committed to creating a safe and nonjudgmental environment for all clients. He encourages individuals to take the important step towards wellness, reassuring them that help is always available, whether through him or another compassionate professional.

Kelsey Sustarsic, a licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC) with a Master’s in Education (MEd), is passionate about supporting LGBTQ individuals and adolescents. With a commitment to providing a safe platform for clients to share their stories, Kelsey collaborates with individuals facing challenges such as gender dysphoria, traumatic past experiences, and general life stress. Her therapeutic approach fosters a supportive environment where clients feel empowered to express their true selves. By assisting clients in reframing their thoughts and beliefs, Kelsey helps them become aware of unhelpful thought patterns, paving the way for positive change. She prioritizes maintaining a nonjudgmental space for each client’s unique struggle, finding it an honor to guide them in discovering their most authentic selves.

Jeffrey Sustarsic is a dedicated licensed professional clinical counselor who embodies a collaborative approach to therapy, acting both as a mirror and a consultant. He emphasizes the strengths and positive aspects of his clients, while gently bringing attention to certain thoughts and behaviors that may be influencing their reasons for seeking counseling. Jeffrey is committed to creating a safe and nonjudgmental environment for all. He primarily works with adults and adolescents, and possesses some experience with children as well. A graduate of John Carroll University with a B.S. in Psychology, he furthered his education by earning an M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Cleveland State University. Currently, he is a doctoral candidate in the Counselor Education and Supervision Ph.D. program at Kent State University. Whether clients find him through a quick search or a heartfelt recommendation, Jeffrey is thrilled that they are taking the courageous first steps toward wellness. Understanding that the process can be intimidating—especially for those with past negative experiences in therapy—he encourages anyone seeking support to reach out, whether to him or another professional. Help is always available, and he is here to guide clients on their journey to healing.