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therapist dayton ohio

Therapist in Dayton, Ohio

Therapy in Dayton for adults who want practical tools and a clear plan.

Dayton Life Is Busy, And Your Mental Health Matters

If you live in the Dayton area, you know the pace can be intense; work demands, family logistics, I-75 commutes, and the quiet expectation to keep it together no matter what. I support adults across the region with counseling that’s practical and human.


People across the Miami Valley search for a therapist in Dayton Ohio because stress, anxiety, depression, or burnout has started affecting sleep, focus, and relationships. I also work with nearby communities like Centerville, so if you’ve searched for a therapist Centerville ohio or a counseling center in Centerville, you’re in the right place for consistent virtual support.


Research shows that online sessions are just as effective as in-person; read more about that here.  If you’re not sure virtual care is right for you, I offer a FREE 15-minute consultation so you can ask questions, get a feel for the process, and decide without pressure.  I hope you give it a try!

therapist dayton ohio
Available online

I OFFER A FREE 15 MINUTE CONSULTATION!

15 min • Free

Not in Dayton?

counselors dayton ohio

A Clear Process: Assessment, Diagnosis, and a Treatment Plan You Can Actually Follow

Our work together starts with a thorough intake and targeted assessments so we’re not guessing. You’ll get clarity on what’s going on, a diagnosis when appropriate, and a treatment plan we build together.


We track progress with ongoing check-ins and brief measures so you can see what’s improving and what still needs work. This is structured therapy for Dayton clients can rely on: skills, practice, feedback, and measurable movement toward your goals. 


Therapy with me isn’t meant to drag on for years, most people don’t need more than a year when they’re actively using the tools, so we plan for discharge when your toolbox is strong and daily life is noticeably better. 

CBT + DBT Skill-Building So You Have an Action Plan When You’re Flooded

I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and I see DBT as the instruction manual that helps CBT work when emotions run hot. The skills can be simple, and they’re often tough to remember when your brain is firing up your nervous system. 


That’s why we train them. 


I draw from evidence-based clinical work (including Marsha Linehan and Bessel van der Kolk) and practical behavior-focused tools so you leave with a plan for anxiety spikes, depressive dips, emotional overwhelm, and shutdown. 


This isn’t “chit chat” week after week, it’s skills, practice, and real change outside sessions, which is what effective mental health services in Dayton Ohio should deliver.

Therapist in Dayton, Ohio

Issues I Treat

Not only do I use evidence-based tools to help my clients build lifetime skills, I use them.  People with ADHD like me have brains that are hardwired to just flip the f*ck out now and again.   It's because the H makes us impulsive and our feelings feel like gasoline being thrown on a fire.  

I feel you, and I've got you!

Online Counseling for Depression

Irritability & Depression

Online counseling in Ohio for depression and irritability with structured assessment, clear treatment plans, and practical CBT/DBT tools to help you feel steadier and more like yourself again.

Free 15-minute consult.

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Online Solo Relationship Counseling

Relationship Counseling For One Partner

Online solo relationship counseling for communication, boundaries, trust, and clarity if your partner won't attend. Confidential virtual support with practical tools.

Psychiatric Care Referral

Psychiatric Referral Support

Get connected with trusted psychiatric providers and receive a personalized referral for evaluations and medication management care in Ohio.

Online Treatment for Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder

Specialized online bipolar disorder treatment in Ohio helps you understand your mood patterns, build a clear plan for stability through structured assessment and goal-based therapy, and learn practical CBT/DBT skills you can use in real life—so the highs and lows stop running the show.

Online Counseling for Adult ADHD

Adult ADHD & Focus Issues

Adult ADHD assessment, diagnosis & treatment in Ohio. Get practical focus strategies, therapy-based support, and a full written report for medication referral if needed; Online statewide.

Online Individual Counseling for Anxiety

Anxiety & Stress

Get relief from anxiety with online Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).

Learn coping tools, reduce worry, and regain peace of mind.

Virtual Therapy Works And Removes a Huge Barrier for Dayton Adults

When you’re already struggling, it’s hard to carve out extra time for driving, parking, and waiting rooms, especially if you’re raising kids, working outside the home, managing the home, paying bills, and carrying the emotional weight of everything happening in the world. 


A lot of people are dealing with existential stress, financial pressure, and emotional fatigue, and that makes day-to-day functioning harder than it should be. Virtual sessions remove friction so you can stay consistent, and consistency is what makes online counseling in Dayton work - because the help shows up where life happens: at home, on a break, or wherever you can be private.


If you’re unsure about virtual care, book a free 15-minute consult to see if it’s a fit, no pressure!

Terri Kern, Clinical Counselor.JPG

Terri Kern, Clinical Counselor

Meet Our Expert 

Hi, I'm Terri! A GenX cisgender severe ADHD neurospicy suburban mom from Toledo, Ohio. My journey from an HR executive into mental health has gifted me with unique insights into the human psyche.

 

I've helped a lot of individuals and couples figure themselves out and live their best lives.

I'm also a board-certified licensed professional clinical counselor based in Ohio.

Beyond therapy, I'm a storyteller, avid traveler, and animal enthusiast, bringing diverse experiences into my sessions. This is a no pressure no blame no stress no judgment zone, so we laugh a lot.

Yes, I talk about politics too because it's a safe space. I hope to meet you soon!

Where my expertise comes from:

10K hours

I've spent nearly 

face to face with couples over the last 10 years.

This work has enriched my ability to work with individual partners and address barriers to connection; anxiety, depression, mania and other mood challenges.

900 individuals

I've treated over

for challenges with focus, anxiety, depression,  and communication.

It's about four full years at 40 hours a week sitting with individuals helping navigate life's shit.

10 years

I've been in practice for

and my clients are all over Ohio.  During COVID I served NY, MO, CA, and GA

Up until recently I've not done a lot of marketing.  Word of mouth has kept me busy - I hope to be busier!

25 years

I spent

in Human Resource Management

I worked for Hudson's/Marshall Fields, The Weather Channel, weather.com, Zurich and served on global HR teams.

My reviews 

I randomly collect reviews after my sessions.  It's part of how I measure the effectiveness of treatment.

This is the feedback I collected over the last 2 months.

Stages of Change—What Do You Want From the Time, Energy, and Cost of Therapy?

Therapy is an investment, and I’ll ask early: what do you want to get out of it - more focus, steadier mood, better boundaries, less reactivity, fewer spirals, more peace? 


We’ll map where you are in the stages of change and aim for the “action” stage, where insight turns into consistent behavior and your life starts to shift. I’ll guide, teach, and coach; you decide what you’re willing to practice. That’s how our work becomes progress instead of just talking about the same pain every week.

Headway Insurance
Headway Insurance

Insurance 
Options

I accept insurance through Headway, a third party administrator that helps you check your coverage and book sessions.

Many Ohio clients use Headway to make counseling more affordable.

Psychiatric Referrals for ADHD, Depression, Anxiety, and Bipolar Disorder

While my primary focus is providing individual counseling, some clients benefit from adding medication management to their care plan.   Some of our brains need help regulating our mood and, for some, medication is a great help.


For those navigating ADHD, depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder, I offer trusted referrals to psychiatrists who can evaluate whether medication may be a helpful tool alongside therapy.


If your needs fall into those areas, I will help connect you with the right resources so you can receive the specialized support you deserve. 


My goal is always to ensure you get care that fits your unique situation and helps you move toward a healthier, more balanced life

Available online

I OFFER A FREE 15 MINUTE CONSULTATION!

15 min • Free

Stages of Change—What Do You Want From the Time, Energy, and Cost of Therapy?

Therapy is an investment, and I’ll ask early: what do you want to get out of it - more focus, steadier mood, better boundaries, less reactivity, fewer spirals, more peace? 


We’ll map where you are in the stages of change and aim for the “action” stage, where insight turns into consistent behavior and your life starts to shift. I’ll guide, teach, and coach; you decide what you’re willing to practice. That’s how our work becomes progress instead of just talking about the same pain every week.

Ready to Start? Schedule an Intake Session

I see the searches in my SEO tools: “therapist dayton,” “dayton therapists,” or “counseling ohio” because something feels off and you’re tired of carrying it alone.

The next step is simple: schedule an intake. We’ll get clear on what’s happening, what you want to feel different, and what skills will help you move forward. You don’t need perfect words - just a decision to begin.

Available online

Initial Intake Appointment

WHAT TO DO 
Advice Blog

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