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therapist columbus ohio

Therapy for Columbus & Central Ohio

Practical, skills-based counseling for anxiety, stress, grief, and overwhelm with private sessions that fit real schedules.

Columbus Has a Hustle, But You Don’t Have to White-Knuckle It!

If you’ve been looking into Columbus therapy, then you’re probably carrying more than you show.  Columbus is the second largest city in the midwest and it can be energizing and exhausting at the same time.  Work pressure, family logistics, financial stress, traffic, and the constant feeling that you should be handling it “better.”  Masking all the time is super hard and sucks the soul dry.


I work with adults across Central Ohio, meaning Worthington, Dublin, Hilliard, Westerville, Gahanna, Upper Arlington, Clintonville, Grove City, and New Albany - so you can get support that feels local and personal.  I was born and raised in Ohio; educated here with severe ADHD and a hamster wheel that's hardwired into my brain.  I get it.


If you’re comparing Columbus Ohio therapists, my goal is simple: our work together will help you feel steadier and more in control of your life again.  My sessions are are virtual, meaning I don't have an office we meet in; we use a secure app and it's like talking to someone on Facetime or Zoom. 


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 columbus ohio
Available online

I OFFER A FREE 15 MINUTE CONSULTATION!

15 min • Free

Not in Columbus?

therapists columbus ohio

A Real Plan For You From Day One

We start with a robust intake and targeted assessments so we understand what’s happening and what you're experiencing.  Next, we'll build a treatment plan with clear goals that actually matter in your daily life. 


At the time people start their search for a therapist in the Columbus area, they exhausted from spinning their wheels.  Our process gives you structure, direction, and momentum to move into the action stage of change.  If anxiety is the main driver and it's anxiety therapy in Columbus you seek, we prioritize tools that will give you relief quickly and we'll build from there.


I use measurement tools so that we can assess your progress as we go and make adjustments to the treatment plan that work for you.

Columbus Carries a Lot, Even When It Looks Like Everyone’s Doing Fine

Columbus can look like it’s all momentum - careers, growth, families, people bussling, and full calendars, but a lot of people are quietly struggling underneath the “I’m fine.” 


Franklin County reports about 1 in 4 adults experiences a mental illness, and roughly 24% of residents have been diagnosed with depression. The county responds to around 30,000 adult mental health crisis episodes each year, and the 988 Lifeline has received tens of thousands of calls from Franklin County residents. 


Suicide remains a serious concern too, with rates rising sharply by 70% (!!!) among 15–24 year olds in recent years, and specific groups, like LGBTQIA+ adults, carrying disproportionate risk. 


If any of this feels close to home, this is a steady place to set the mask down, get grounded, and build a plan that helps you function better in real life, without being judged or rushed.  You don't have to overfunction anymore.

Therapy for Columbus & Central 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 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.

Online Sessions Remove a Barrier When Life Is Already Full

When you’re struggling, the hardest part can be getting yourself to help, especially if you’re juggling kids, work, a home, and the mental load that never stops. 


That’s where online therapy in Ohio makes a difference. Virtual sessions remove the commute, the parking, and the “I can’t fit one more thing in” problem, so therapy becomes something you can actually stick with, even when your day-to-day functioning feels shaky.


I started my virtual therapy practice from Columbus in 2018 after I recognized I could serve more people across Ohio.  I always work really hard to make a real connection with my clients in virtual therapy and I encourage you to check out my reviews.

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.

CBT + DBT Skills That Work Outside the Session (The Action Plan)

I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and (in my opinion) its instruction manual, Dialectical Behavior Therapy-informed skill-building.   The insight is helpful and the skills are what change your life on a random Tuesday night when you’re stressed and spiraling. 


If you’re specifically looking for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Columbus for anxiety, depression, symptoms of ADHD, bipoloar disorder, or grief - you can expect tools you can apply immediately.  Tools include thought strategies, emotional regulation skills, behavior shifts, and clear “what to do when pain hits” plans. 


This is anxiety therapy Columbus clients appreciate because it’s not just talking, it’s training that will stay with you for a lifetime!

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

CBT + DBT Skills That Work Outside the Session (The Action Plan)

I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and (in my opinion) its instruction manual, Dialectical Behavior Therapy-informed skill-building.   The insight is helpful and the skills are what change your life on a random Tuesday night when you’re stressed and spiraling. 


If you’re specifically looking for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Columbus for anxiety, depression, symptoms of ADHD, bipoloar disorder, or grief - you can expect tools you can apply immediately.  Tools include thought strategies, emotional regulation skills, behavior shifts, and clear “what to do when pain hits” plans. 


This is anxiety therapy Columbus clients appreciate because it’s not just talking, it’s training that will stay with you for a lifetime!

Start Therapy in Columbus. Schedule an Intake.

If you’ve been comparing Columbus therapists because anxiety, stress, grief, or burnout is starting to run your life, the next step is simple: schedule an intake.

We’ll clarify what’s been hardest, identify what needs to change, and build a practical plan to move you forward. You don’t need perfect words to begin—you just need a starting point.

Available online

Initial Intake Appointment

WHAT TO DO 
Advice Blog

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