ADHD therapists and psychiatrists in Lakewood, OH

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.

I am a bilingual (English/Spanish) Clinical Mental Health Therapist dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based, and trauma-informed care in a safe, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment. I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Cleveland State University and my Master of Science in Social Administration from Case Western Reserve University. I also completed a Trauma Certification at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) and have training in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), an evidence-based treatment for trauma. My additional professional training includes Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and parenting skills.

I have experience working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. My areas of focus include trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship concerns, parenting challenges, stress management, and emotional regulation. As a bilingual therapist, I am committed to providing culturally responsive care to both English- and Spanish-speaking individuals.

My approach is collaborative, strengths-based, and tailored to each client's unique needs. I believe healing begins with a trusting therapeutic relationship where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered. I integrate trauma-informed care, TF-CBT, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and person-centered techniques to help clients build resilience, develop healthy coping skills, and create meaningful, lasting change.

My goal is to help you reconnect with your strengths, restore balance, and move toward a more fulfilling and authentic life.

As a Board-Certified Psychologist, I specialize in providing therapy services to children, adolescents, parents, and families. Using evidence-based treatment (i.e. CBT) as the foundation, I tailor treatment to each individual or family.

• Doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in Clinical Psychology at Kent State University
• Clinical residency at Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans, Louisiana
• Licensed clinical psychologist in the states of Ohio and Louisiana
• Over 12 years of experience working in schools, inpatient treatment settings, and hospitals
• Associate Professor at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine

I'm a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with over 20 years of experience providing psychotherapy and harm reduction services for adolescents and adults in Ohio. My journey in community mental health has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge that I am eager to share with you.

I think it takes guts to be in psychotherapy. Life is hard and beautiful, & it is always possible to feel better and live a fuller life, I work collaboratively with clients to cope with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting, divorce and ADHD. I received my MSW in social work from Boston College and trained on child and family teams in the Boston area.

Hi, thanks for considering me as your therapist. I knew for quite a while that I wanted a career which gave me the opportunity to help others. I’ve provided many services in a variety of settings, including:

• Group therapy for children with behavioral issues
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)- informed Intensive Outpatient (IOP) for teens with dual diagnosis (mental health and substance use disorders)- both in-person and telehealth
• Individual therapy in a school setting and supporting guardians/ care givers of clients
• Individual therapy with adults

Education and Professional Affiliations

• Bachelor of Science in Social Studies Education, Ohio University, 2009
• Master of Science in Social Administration, Case Western Reserve University, 2018
• Licensed Independent Social Worker in Ohio since 2020 (renewed every two years)
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Kentucky since 2025 (renewed every 3 years)
• Member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW)

As a native Cincinnatian, proud graduate of the University of Cincinnati and an illustrious member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., I embody the values of service.

My journey in the field began with impactful experiences at St. Joseph Orphanage-Altercrest. This foundational training instilled the importance of addressing complex issues with empathy, understanding, and a holistic approach.

I'm experienced in diverse settings, and offer effective support and counseling.