Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Akron, OH covered by United Healthcare

I am an anti-racist and LGBTQ-Affirming trauma therapist who has worked with veterans, military personnel, and civilians for 20+ years. I am honored to work with clients on their self-defined goals to achieve more peaceful and satisfying lives, especially as related to healing mental injuries from discrimination and abuse.

My areas of expertise include workplace trauma, racial trauma, institutional betrayal, suicide prevention, family scapegoat abuse, workplace mobbing, and self-acceptance in a hostile world.

As a Queer, Xicana of Mexican, Indigenous, Irish, and Czech ancestry who was raised by a gay parent, I know from lived experience, the importance of culturally-responsive care that recognizes the harm of systemic and interpersonal oppression and stigma. I delight in working with people from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences including neurodiversity, various religious and spiritual communities, and people living with visible and invisible disabilities.

As a care provider for a person living with long COVID, I understand the challenges and importance of COVID-cautious lifestyles for people who have compromised immune systems or who want to avoid long COVID.

With a BA from the University of California, Santa Cruz, an MSW from Washington University in St. Louis, and a PhD from the University of California, Berkeley, my practice is rooted in research, celebration of clients' cultural traditions, and awareness that mistreatment, disadvantage, and cruelty cause people to suffer.

I actively work to identify and eradicate my own biases through anti-racist somatic practice and train other clinicians in decolonizing mental health care, psychological safety, and anti-racist suicide prevention.

I use evidence-based practices of Written Exposure Therapy, Motivational Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and Prolonged Exposure Therapy.

Feeling comfortable in our shoes is essential to a creative and self-fulfilling journey and

life. The struggle to reach out for support can be an obstacle that leads to isolation,

loneliness, anxiety, and depression and is often the first and most challenging step to

take. I congratulate you on your courage and willingness to imagine and hope for

changes that will help you be more comfortable in the shoes that you wear!

I have worked as a mental health practitioner for over 40 years and have encountered

many of the challenges that people face in their daily lives. Along the way, I have

discovered my own creative needs and now walk as a transgender therapist willing to

join you as a partner on a path to self-discovery. Giving voice to our hopes, dreams,

and desires is often an essential part of that journey, and I would be glad to join you as

a partner in your self-discovery and growth.

I’m Dr. Michelle S. McBride, DNP, PMHNP-BC, MBA, a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive mental health care. I earned my Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from Rush University in Chicago, IL. Before obtaining my doctorate, I was a board-certified psychiatric registered nurse, gaining extensive experience across various clinical settings, including inpatient psychiatry, psychiatric emergency services, community behavioral health, and forensic psychiatry (jail-based care).

I am experienced, confident in treating a wide range of mental health conditions, including:

• Schizophrenia & Schizoaffective Disorder
• Eating Disorders
• Psychosis
• Major Depressive Disorder
• Personality Disorders
• ADHD
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• PTSD
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
• Bipolar Disorders
• Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD)
• Intermittent Explosive Disorder (IED)

Hello, I'm Valerie. Whether you're new to therapy or looking for a fresh start with a new therapist, I'm here to provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space where you can explore life's challenges. Together, we'll work to better understand what's holding you back, build on your strengths, and develop practical tools to help you move forward with confidence.

I'm a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW-S) in the State of Ohio and a Certified Case Manager. I hold a bachelor degrees in Criminal Justice and Child and Family Studies, as well as a Master of Social Work. My goal is to help you feel heard, supported, and empowered as we work toward meaningful, lasting change.

****Please email me at [email protected] if there are no consultation times available - we can find a time that works for us!****

I really take time to get to know my clients and make sure they feel comfortable in therapy. I know how important it is to not only feel like your therapist is competent, but that they are approachable and committed to helping you succeed. I have a variety of experiencing working with clients with many different needs, such as anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, chronic illness support and more. Schedule a free 15 minute consultation and we can see if we are a good match!