Therapists in Downtown, Akron, OH
Psychological Testing & Evaluations - Dr. Dean
Psychologist, PsyD, QME, Author
Downtown, Akron, OH 44311
I’m Dr. Dean Leav. I've been featured on ABC, NBC, KCAL, and other programs as an expert psychologist. I conduct ADHD / autism / learning disability evaluations, legal / forensic evaluations for court, risk assessment (violence / sexual), cognitive / neuropsychological evaluations, diagnostic psychological evaluations, immigration evaluations, adoption evaluations, parenting / bonding assessments, drug & alcohol evaluations, fitness for duty evaluations, workers' compensation (QME/AME) evaluations, and other types of psychological evaluations / assessments.
I’m Dr. Dean Leav. I've been featured on ABC, NBC, KCAL, and other programs as an expert psychologist. I conduct ADHD / autism / learning disability evaluations, legal / forensic evaluations for court, risk assessment (violence / sexual), cognitive / neuropsychological evaluations, diagnostic psychological evaluations, immigration evaluations, adoption evaluations, parenting / bonding assessments, drug & alcohol evaluations, fitness for duty evaluations, workers' compensation (QME/AME) evaluations, and other types of psychological evaluations / assessments.
From the outside, many people appear to be functioning just fine. They go to work, care for their children, support their families, show up for others, and manage daily responsibilities while internally carrying emotional exhaustion, anxiety, grief, burnout, relationship stress, trauma, self-doubt, or a constant sense of overwhelm that often goes unseen. Many people learn how to survive while silently struggling, convincing themselves they simply need to keep going. Over time, unresolved emotional pain can begin to affect relationships, confidence, decision-making, physical health, motivation, and overall quality of life. Struggling
From the outside, many people appear to be functioning just fine. They go to work, care for their children, support their families, show up for others, and manage daily responsibilities while internally carrying emotional exhaustion, anxiety, grief, burnout, relationship stress, trauma, self-doubt, or a constant sense of overwhelm that often goes unseen. Many people learn how to survive while silently struggling, convincing themselves they simply need to keep going. Over time, unresolved emotional pain can begin to affect relationships, confidence, decision-making, physical health, motivation, and overall quality of life. Struggling
You may feel conflicted, misunderstood, or exhausted from navigating relationships, cultural expectations, identity, or trauma while trying to stay emotionally grounded. You want a therapist who truly sees you—without judgment or assumptions—and helps you make sense of complex emotions, relational dynamics, or past experiences. Your goal is clarity, healing, stronger relationships, and the freedom to show up authentically in your life and connections.
You may feel conflicted, misunderstood, or exhausted from navigating relationships, cultural expectations, identity, or trauma while trying to stay emotionally grounded. You want a therapist who truly sees you—without judgment or assumptions—and helps you make sense of complex emotions, relational dynamics, or past experiences. Your goal is clarity, healing, stronger relationships, and the freedom to show up authentically in your life and connections.
BF Empowerment specializes in helping you reach your goals. Our specialty is helping those dealing with stress, feeling over-whelmed, trauma, relationship concerns, financial concerns, anxiety, and depression. We develop a plan to move you from feeling stressed and over-whelmed to feeling in control again. We work to improve your relationships with your loved ones and yourself. If you are feeling stuck and do not know where to turn. We will help you lighten the burden. We do not judge you because our goal is to help you accomplish your goals whatever they may be. You'll be able to face new challenges with greater confidence.
BF Empowerment specializes in helping you reach your goals. Our specialty is helping those dealing with stress, feeling over-whelmed, trauma, relationship concerns, financial concerns, anxiety, and depression. We develop a plan to move you from feeling stressed and over-whelmed to feeling in control again. We work to improve your relationships with your loved ones and yourself. If you are feeling stuck and do not know where to turn. We will help you lighten the burden. We do not judge you because our goal is to help you accomplish your goals whatever they may be. You'll be able to face new challenges with greater confidence.
My ideal client is someone who is courageous enough to admit they are tired—tired of carrying emotional burdens, repeating harmful patterns, and feeling like their life is stuck on pause. They are not perfect, and they don't need to be. What they are, however, is ready. Ready to take a deeper look at their past, to unpack the wounds they’ve tried to hide, and to begin a healing process that can lead to real change.
This client may be an adult who has experienced childhood trauma, relationship pain, or persistent feelings of anxiety and low self-worth. Or they may be a teen or young adult struggling to manage overwhelming emotions.
My ideal client is someone who is courageous enough to admit they are tired—tired of carrying emotional burdens, repeating harmful patterns, and feeling like their life is stuck on pause. They are not perfect, and they don't need to be. What they are, however, is ready. Ready to take a deeper look at their past, to unpack the wounds they’ve tried to hide, and to begin a healing process that can lead to real change.
This client may be an adult who has experienced childhood trauma, relationship pain, or persistent feelings of anxiety and low self-worth. Or they may be a teen or young adult struggling to manage overwhelming emotions.
You may be a teen or young adult feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or unsure of who you are or where you’re going. Maybe you’re struggling with emotions, relationships, or life transitions and need someone who will truly listen without judgment. You want support, clarity, and tools to feel more confident, understood, and in control of your life.
You may be a teen or young adult feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or unsure of who you are or where you’re going. Maybe you’re struggling with emotions, relationships, or life transitions and need someone who will truly listen without judgment. You want support, clarity, and tools to feel more confident, understood, and in control of your life.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or emotionally drained—trying to keep going while silently carrying pain that no one else sees? If you are struggling with anxiety, trauma, depression, or the effects of domestic violence, or if you are a single parent pouring into everyone else while feeling depleted yourself, therapy can be the place where you finally feel supported, understood, and safe to heal.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or emotionally drained—trying to keep going while silently carrying pain that no one else sees? If you are struggling with anxiety, trauma, depression, or the effects of domestic violence, or if you are a single parent pouring into everyone else while feeling depleted yourself, therapy can be the place where you finally feel supported, understood, and safe to heal.
You may be feeling overwhelmed by trauma, addiction, or co-occurring mental health challenges and wondering if lasting healing is possible. You want support that honors your faith, values your lived experience, and treats you as a whole person—not just a diagnosis. Your goal is healing, stability, and the ability to move forward with purpose, resilience, and hope.
You may be feeling overwhelmed by trauma, addiction, or co-occurring mental health challenges and wondering if lasting healing is possible. You want support that honors your faith, values your lived experience, and treats you as a whole person—not just a diagnosis. Your goal is healing, stability, and the ability to move forward with purpose, resilience, and hope.
You may be feeling overwhelmed by trauma, addiction, or co-occurring mental health challenges and wondering if lasting healing is possible. You want support that honors your faith, values your lived experience, and treats you as a whole person—not just a diagnosis. Your goal is healing, stability, and the ability to move forward with purpose, resilience, and hope.
You may be feeling overwhelmed by trauma, addiction, or co-occurring mental health challenges and wondering if lasting healing is possible. You want support that honors your faith, values your lived experience, and treats you as a whole person—not just a diagnosis. Your goal is healing, stability, and the ability to move forward with purpose, resilience, and hope.
Hello! and virtually in OH. I am accepting new clients for both in person (if you lie near Akron) I have been counseling for 13 years. I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, Ordained Minister and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. If you are struggling with depression, anxiety and/or psychological trauma, I want to help you.
Hello! and virtually in OH. I am accepting new clients for both in person (if you lie near Akron) I have been counseling for 13 years. I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, Ordained Minister and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. If you are struggling with depression, anxiety and/or psychological trauma, I want to help you.
We have 30+ years of experience providing post-offer, pre-employment and Fitness For Duty evaluations for law enforcement, fire, safety and security personnel, other first responders, and for general personnel / staff selection & promotion using the United States trademarked Faust Protocol.
We are a certified BWC provider working with multiple legal firms and BWC physicians to navigate the often-difficult BWC process and facilitate your psychological treatment & recovery following occupational injury. We also provide pre-surgical psychological examinations and interventions for both orthopedic and bariatric surgery clearance.
We have 30+ years of experience providing post-offer, pre-employment and Fitness For Duty evaluations for law enforcement, fire, safety and security personnel, other first responders, and for general personnel / staff selection & promotion using the United States trademarked Faust Protocol.
We are a certified BWC provider working with multiple legal firms and BWC physicians to navigate the often-difficult BWC process and facilitate your psychological treatment & recovery following occupational injury. We also provide pre-surgical psychological examinations and interventions for both orthopedic and bariatric surgery clearance.
My passion as a professional counselor is to help others as they begin their journey through grief or other obstacles in their life. I believe that each of us have an inner strength and I am honored to walk with each client on their pathway to find their own personal inner strength. My desire is that each client feels comfortable and trusts that my abilities will support them in their healing process.
My passion as a professional counselor is to help others as they begin their journey through grief or other obstacles in their life. I believe that each of us have an inner strength and I am honored to walk with each client on their pathway to find their own personal inner strength. My desire is that each client feels comfortable and trusts that my abilities will support them in their healing process.
You know this sudden rush of emotions, when your heart is racing with memories of a time long gone but not forgotten? Maybe your palms are getting damp, and you feel your throat tightening - almost choking - as you remember painful memories of either childhood abuse, a painful breakup, or other shadows of the past, it's like being caught in a storm of past pain with a ton of emotions.
Life is rough and now more than ever you are feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and uncertain about how they should manage their relationships, careers, and lives. However, you don’t have to walk through this alone.
You know this sudden rush of emotions, when your heart is racing with memories of a time long gone but not forgotten? Maybe your palms are getting damp, and you feel your throat tightening - almost choking - as you remember painful memories of either childhood abuse, a painful breakup, or other shadows of the past, it's like being caught in a storm of past pain with a ton of emotions.
Life is rough and now more than ever you are feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and uncertain about how they should manage their relationships, careers, and lives. However, you don’t have to walk through this alone.
My goal is to support your needs and struggles, while working together in the therapeutic relationship we develop. Our time is a safe place for you to process your anxiety, trauma, depression, and thoughts. Accepting our feelings and facing them is difficult. Having an outside person to go to that is unbiased, non-judgmental, and has different perspective, can make even a small change. I want to help you, help yourself, become the person that you want to be. I've had clients tell me that they feel comfortable because I come into session as a person, not a robot.
My goal is to support your needs and struggles, while working together in the therapeutic relationship we develop. Our time is a safe place for you to process your anxiety, trauma, depression, and thoughts. Accepting our feelings and facing them is difficult. Having an outside person to go to that is unbiased, non-judgmental, and has different perspective, can make even a small change. I want to help you, help yourself, become the person that you want to be. I've had clients tell me that they feel comfortable because I come into session as a person, not a robot.
I genuinely care about people and believe deeply in their ability to grow, heal and become their best selves. As a licensed mental health therapist, I strive to create a safe, supportive and nonjudgmental space where clients feel comfortable being themselves and exploring what brings them to therapy.
In my practice, I work collaboratively with my clients navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and life transitions. My approach is compassionate, trauma-informed, and tailored to each client's unique needs and goals.
I genuinely care about people and believe deeply in their ability to grow, heal and become their best selves. As a licensed mental health therapist, I strive to create a safe, supportive and nonjudgmental space where clients feel comfortable being themselves and exploring what brings them to therapy.
In my practice, I work collaboratively with my clients navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and life transitions. My approach is compassionate, trauma-informed, and tailored to each client's unique needs and goals.
I want to say something brilliant here, something that gains your trust to talk with me, something different from every other therapist on this page; however, I am not that different. I want to work with anyone who is seeking help for something distressing. If this is you, I would like to talk with you.
I want to say something brilliant here, something that gains your trust to talk with me, something different from every other therapist on this page; however, I am not that different. I want to work with anyone who is seeking help for something distressing. If this is you, I would like to talk with you.
Hello! My name is Alexandria Goldie. I am a licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC-S) in Ohio. I have specialized training in treating trauma and anxiety disorders, including PTSD and OCD. I am passionate about providing inclusive, affirming spaces where you can access the support you need to heal. My clinical work is grounded in acknowledgement of the complexities of healing, the impacts of systemic oppression and structural barriers to recovery, and the development of a space where you can reclaim safety and connection with yourself and others.
Hello! My name is Alexandria Goldie. I am a licensed professional clinical counselor (LPCC-S) in Ohio. I have specialized training in treating trauma and anxiety disorders, including PTSD and OCD. I am passionate about providing inclusive, affirming spaces where you can access the support you need to heal. My clinical work is grounded in acknowledgement of the complexities of healing, the impacts of systemic oppression and structural barriers to recovery, and the development of a space where you can reclaim safety and connection with yourself and others.
BF Empowerment specializes in helping you reach your goals. Our specialty is helping those dealing with stress, feeling over-whelmed, trauma, relationship concerns, financial concerns, anxiety, and depression. We develop a plan to move you from feeling stressed and over-whelmed to feeling in control again. We work to improve your relationships with your loved ones and yourself. If you are feeling stuck and do not know where to turn. We will help you lighten the burden. We do not judge you because our goal is to help you accomplish your goals whatever they may be. You'll be able to face new challenges with greater confidence.
BF Empowerment specializes in helping you reach your goals. Our specialty is helping those dealing with stress, feeling over-whelmed, trauma, relationship concerns, financial concerns, anxiety, and depression. We develop a plan to move you from feeling stressed and over-whelmed to feeling in control again. We work to improve your relationships with your loved ones and yourself. If you are feeling stuck and do not know where to turn. We will help you lighten the burden. We do not judge you because our goal is to help you accomplish your goals whatever they may be. You'll be able to face new challenges with greater confidence.
You may be the person everyone depends on while quietly feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or emotionally exhausted. You may overthink decisions, replay conversations, struggle to say no, or feel stuck in painful patterns. I work with adults and teens experiencing anxiety, trauma, OCD, perfectionism, depression, relationship concerns, and compulsive or addictive behaviors. Together, we will understand what is keeping you stuck, build practical coping skills, strengthen boundaries, and help you feel more confident, grounded, and in control of your life.
You may be the person everyone depends on while quietly feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or emotionally exhausted. You may overthink decisions, replay conversations, struggle to say no, or feel stuck in painful patterns. I work with adults and teens experiencing anxiety, trauma, OCD, perfectionism, depression, relationship concerns, and compulsive or addictive behaviors. Together, we will understand what is keeping you stuck, build practical coping skills, strengthen boundaries, and help you feel more confident, grounded, and in control of your life.
Cassie Kingan
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor , BA, MS, LPCC-S
6 Endorsed
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
Welcome! I am so glad you are here and looking into therapy. I love being a therapist and assisting clients through anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, chronic illness/pain, career/education/life transitions, specific LGBTQIA+ needs, neurodiversity, divorce/separation, peri/post-partum, peri/menopause, parenting, relationships, spirituality, sexuality. I see adults 18+ using trauma informed Somatic Therapy skills. Somatic Therapy recognizes that trauma, stress, and emotions are stored not just in thoughts, but also in the body. By addressing the mind/body connection in therapy we can feel more "whole", connected and empowered!
Welcome! I am so glad you are here and looking into therapy. I love being a therapist and assisting clients through anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, chronic illness/pain, career/education/life transitions, specific LGBTQIA+ needs, neurodiversity, divorce/separation, peri/post-partum, peri/menopause, parenting, relationships, spirituality, sexuality. I see adults 18+ using trauma informed Somatic Therapy skills. Somatic Therapy recognizes that trauma, stress, and emotions are stored not just in thoughts, but also in the body. By addressing the mind/body connection in therapy we can feel more "whole", connected and empowered!
Nearby Searches for Downtown, Akron
- Firestone Park
- Goodyear Heights
- Highland Square
- Merriman Valley
- North Hill
- Northwest Akron
- University Of Ohio Akron
- Wallhaven
- West Akron
How does your Therapist compare?
Number of Therapists in Downtown, Akron, OH
20+
Average cost per session
$160
Therapists in Downtown, Akron, OH who prioritize treating:
| 84% | Trauma and PTSD |
| 84% | Complex PTSD |
| 84% | Medical Trauma |
| 80% | Depression |
| 80% | Anxiety |
| 80% | Social Anxiety |
| 80% | Health Anxiety |
Average years in practice
12 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
| 95% | Cigna and Evernorth |
| 85% | Aetna |
| 80% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
How Therapists in Downtown, Akron, OH see their clients
| 52% | In Person and Online | |
| 48% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
| 81% | Female | |
| 19% | Male |
FAQs - About Therapy and Counseling
How can I find a therapist in Downtown?
Search for nearby therapists or counselors by inputting your city, town, or suburb; or zip code; or a provider’s name into the search bar. From there, you can filter providers by the issues they treat, cost, insurance, gender, and other factors to find providers who are well-suited to your needs. To navigate between locations within the same country, enter a new city or zip code into the search bar.
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Learn more about how to find a therapist
Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed therapist?
The Psychology Today directory lists providers who offer legitimate mental health services to the public, including psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and counselors.
Many have been licensed by the country or state where they practice; providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some clinicians or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
Many have been licensed by the country or state where they practice; providers whose license or primary credential has been verified by Psychology Today are signified by a “Verified” symbol. Some clinicians or organizations provide services for which their state or country does not offer licenses, such as pastoral counseling. They may be selectively included without the “Verified” seal.
What’s the difference between a psychologist, a therapist, and a counselor?
Therapists, psychologists, and counselors are all licensed mental health professionals. In the US, psychologists have earned a doctoral degree. The terms “therapist” and “counselor” are used somewhat interchangeably, but generally therapists offer longer-term, mental health care, while counselors offer shorter-term care that may focus on one domain, such as marriage, career, or academic challenges.
Clients should consider factors such as insurance coverage and their primary reason(s) for seeking therapy to determine the type of professional best suited to their needs. Someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, for example, may wish to seek out a clinical psychologist or therapist, while someone navigating career obstacles or marital upheaval may benefit from seeing a counselor who can offer short-term, targeted support.
Clients should consider factors such as insurance coverage and their primary reason(s) for seeking therapy to determine the type of professional best suited to their needs. Someone struggling with mental health challenges such as depression or anxiety, for example, may wish to seek out a clinical psychologist or therapist, while someone navigating career obstacles or marital upheaval may benefit from seeing a counselor who can offer short-term, targeted support.
What type of therapy is right for me?
The type of therapy best suited to a particular individual depends on several factors, including their primary reason for seeking therapy, their preferred timeline (some therapy types last for a set number of sessions, while others are open-ended), and their personality and preferences—some may prefer a more structured approach. For many individuals, multiple types of therapy could provide a good fit.
How much does therapy cost?
The cost of therapy depends on a number of variables, including location and the therapist’s experience and training. On average, a therapy session in the United States could cost between $100 and $200 or more. If you have insurance, the expense of mental health care is typically lower, but it varies based on your insurance plan details and whether you choose an in-network or out-of-network mental healthcare provider.
What are more affordable or low cost therapy solutions?
Many therapists offer sliding scale payments, usually on a limited number of slots, which consists in an agreement between the therapist and a client to pay a reduced rate. Therapists who provide such arrangements often consider the client's income or ability to pay, but the extent of the discount is ultimately at the therapist's discretion. Furthermore, while group therapy may have different goals and benefits compared to individual therapy, it can be a more affordable solution to address certain types of issues.
Is online therapy cheaper than in-person therapy?
Many therapists charge the same amount for online therapy as they do for in-person therapy—though clients may still find this cost-effective if it cuts down on their transportation costs. Health insurance plans often offer equivalent coverage for online and in-person therapy; indeed, in many places, they are legally required to do so. Text-based or on-demand therapy apps may be cheaper than traditional one-on-one psychotherapy; however, the practice may be less effective and is not likely to be covered by insurance.
Is online therapy a good option?
Therapy conducted online can be just as effective as in-person therapy, as long as there is a strong alliance between the client and the therapist. To find a therapist who provides telehealth services to clients in your area, click “Online Therapy” on the directory homepage and search by your city or town or your zip code.
Are therapy sessions confidential?
Confidentiality is a crucial part of the therapeutic relationship. Therapists in the United States are bound by the regulations set out by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), which aims to protect sensitive health information. With very few exceptions, a therapist will only discuss their client with others when the client has given their written permission. The instances in which a therapist would be required to disclose personal information are: if a client poses a danger to themselves or others, if the therapist suspects the abuse of a child or an elderly or otherwise dependent adult, or if they are legally forced to by court order. These exceptions to the confidentiality agreement are usually discussed with a client before their first session.