Female Therapists in Madison County, OH
For years, I have been helping individuals with their mental health and wellness. No matter what kind of struggles you’re dealing with, you don’t have to go through it alone. From my experience, I understand that everyone’s mental health struggles are different. That’s why I offer a wide range of counseling services designed to help you find the tools and support you need to overcome your mental health challenges. My approach is focused on creating a supportive and safe environment where individuals can feel comfortable discussing their personal concerns.
For years, I have been helping individuals with their mental health and wellness. No matter what kind of struggles you’re dealing with, you don’t have to go through it alone. From my experience, I understand that everyone’s mental health struggles are different. That’s why I offer a wide range of counseling services designed to help you find the tools and support you need to overcome your mental health challenges. My approach is focused on creating a supportive and safe environment where individuals can feel comfortable discussing their personal concerns.
Kayleen Stidham-Klier
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
Plain City, OH 43064 (Online Only)
Kayleen Stidham-Klier, LPCC Kayleen Stidham-Klier is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Ohio who has been practicing since 2002. She has a Masters in Clinical Counseling from OSU. Kayleen offers a perspective of looking for your strengths and capabilities to help you navigate whatever life is throwing at you. We forget that we are capable of doing more than what we think we can and that the answers to our questions usually lie inside of ourselves. Whether you struggle with mental health concerns and/or addiction issues there is support and acceptance of where you are at in this process of change.
Kayleen Stidham-Klier, LPCC Kayleen Stidham-Klier is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Ohio who has been practicing since 2002. She has a Masters in Clinical Counseling from OSU. Kayleen offers a perspective of looking for your strengths and capabilities to help you navigate whatever life is throwing at you. We forget that we are capable of doing more than what we think we can and that the answers to our questions usually lie inside of ourselves. Whether you struggle with mental health concerns and/or addiction issues there is support and acceptance of where you are at in this process of change.
Destinie also has experiences working with a local women's recovery group practicing equine therapy, as well as advocacy experiences and behavioral support at the Preschool level.
Destinie Ford is a Licensed Social Worker through the State of Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Social Work Degree from the Ohio State University with a minor in Substance Misuse and Addiction and continued on there to earn her Master of Social Work. Prior to work as a therapist, Destinie spent time working with Help Me Grow providing parenting skills to facilitate healthy parent-child bonding and attachment for infants and toddlers.
Destinie also has experiences working with a local women's recovery group practicing equine therapy, as well as advocacy experiences and behavioral support at the Preschool level.
Destinie Ford is a Licensed Social Worker through the State of Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Social Work Degree from the Ohio State University with a minor in Substance Misuse and Addiction and continued on there to earn her Master of Social Work. Prior to work as a therapist, Destinie spent time working with Help Me Grow providing parenting skills to facilitate healthy parent-child bonding and attachment for infants and toddlers.
Abby Ruble, LPC Abby Ruble is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Ohio who has been practicing since 2023. She has a Masters from Capital University in Counselor Education-Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Are you feeling shame about your eating habits, your size, weight, or about how much you think about food? Or are you a person of the LGBTQIA community seeking an affirming professional who will show you how to embrace your own story so you can shape it and live with confidence? Abby would love to help.
Abby Ruble, LPC Abby Ruble is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Ohio who has been practicing since 2023. She has a Masters from Capital University in Counselor Education-Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Are you feeling shame about your eating habits, your size, weight, or about how much you think about food? Or are you a person of the LGBTQIA community seeking an affirming professional who will show you how to embrace your own story so you can shape it and live with confidence? Abby would love to help.
Jordan Rush (she/her/hers) is provisionally licensed as a Counselor Trainee through the State of Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board. She is currently working toward her Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Palo Alto University. Jordan received her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Otterbein University, with minors in Criminology and Race/Ethnic Studies. Most recently, Jordan has worked with children and families ages birth to 5 on early literacy and kindergarten readiness.
Jordan Rush (she/her/hers) is provisionally licensed as a Counselor Trainee through the State of Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board. She is currently working toward her Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Palo Alto University. Jordan received her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Otterbein University, with minors in Criminology and Race/Ethnic Studies. Most recently, Jordan has worked with children and families ages birth to 5 on early literacy and kindergarten readiness.
Julie is a Licensed Social Worker through the State of Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board. She received her Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Social Work from The Ohio State University. Julie has worked in the mental health field for 19 years, primarily with children and families who have experienced trauma. Julie is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Parent-Child Interaction Therapy. Julie serves as the Community-Based Coordinator and provides most of her services in the home and school settings.
Julie is a Licensed Social Worker through the State of Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board. She received her Bachelor of Arts and Sciences in Social Work from The Ohio State University. Julie has worked in the mental health field for 19 years, primarily with children and families who have experienced trauma. Julie is trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Parent-Child Interaction Therapy. Julie serves as the Community-Based Coordinator and provides most of her services in the home and school settings.
Kara Freeman is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor-Supervisor through the State of Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and English with a multi-cultural certificate from the University of Missouri-Columbia. She then attended The Ohio State University where she received her Master of Arts in Counselor Education with a focus in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Previously, Kara worked at Directions for Youth and Families as a community-based counselor working with children aged 5-17 and their families.
Kara Freeman is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor-Supervisor through the State of Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and English with a multi-cultural certificate from the University of Missouri-Columbia. She then attended The Ohio State University where she received her Master of Arts in Counselor Education with a focus in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Previously, Kara worked at Directions for Youth and Families as a community-based counselor working with children aged 5-17 and their families.
Over 10 years of experience in assisting clients who have unique needs, including those who experience barriers to academic success become accomplished learners. Passionate about developing effective educational and career-planning skills, executive function and organizational skills, developing personal plans of study and providing seamless transition to post secondary options for clients.
Over 10 years of experience in assisting clients who have unique needs, including those who experience barriers to academic success become accomplished learners. Passionate about developing effective educational and career-planning skills, executive function and organizational skills, developing personal plans of study and providing seamless transition to post secondary options for clients.
Sarah Beadle is a Licensed Independent Social Worker through the State of Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and her Master of Social Work from The Ohio State University. She has worked with students at Ohio State in the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Ohio.
Sarah Beadle is a Licensed Independent Social Worker through the State of Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience and her Master of Social Work from The Ohio State University. She has worked with students at Ohio State in the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Ohio.
Diane Petersen, LISW-S is a Licensed Independent Social Worker in Ohio with 34 years of experience. She has a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Dayton and a Masters of Social Work from The Ohio State University. Diane believes in creating a collaborative therapeutic environment built on trust and connection and utilizes such interventions as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and mindfulness practices. She is passionate about helping individuals build more meaning and positive change into their lives, enabling them to live happier, healthier lives.
Diane Petersen, LISW-S is a Licensed Independent Social Worker in Ohio with 34 years of experience. She has a Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Dayton and a Masters of Social Work from The Ohio State University. Diane believes in creating a collaborative therapeutic environment built on trust and connection and utilizes such interventions as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and mindfulness practices. She is passionate about helping individuals build more meaning and positive change into their lives, enabling them to live happier, healthier lives.
Emma Compton is a Licensed Social worker, licensed through the State of Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board. Emma received her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Earlham College in Richmond, Indiana, and her Master Social Work from The Ohio State University. Prior to joining LifeStance, she worked as an intensive home-based clinician for children ages 5-18 and their families. Throughout her experience as a clinician, Emma has experience with a variety of practice areas including anxiety, depression, and trauma-related issues in both individual and family settings.
Emma Compton is a Licensed Social worker, licensed through the State of Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board. Emma received her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Earlham College in Richmond, Indiana, and her Master Social Work from The Ohio State University. Prior to joining LifeStance, she worked as an intensive home-based clinician for children ages 5-18 and their families. Throughout her experience as a clinician, Emma has experience with a variety of practice areas including anxiety, depression, and trauma-related issues in both individual and family settings.
Niki Gillette started her journey at LifeStance in February 2023 as a social work trainee. Niki graduated with her Bachelor of Psychology in 2016 and then worked in an inpatient psychiatric hospital for five years where she fell in love with this field even more. Niki has always had a passion for helping others reach the best possible versions of themselves which she incorporates in her practice with all age groups and with those who suffer from anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, and many other conditions that affect one's day-to-day living.
Niki Gillette started her journey at LifeStance in February 2023 as a social work trainee. Niki graduated with her Bachelor of Psychology in 2016 and then worked in an inpatient psychiatric hospital for five years where she fell in love with this field even more. Niki has always had a passion for helping others reach the best possible versions of themselves which she incorporates in her practice with all age groups and with those who suffer from anxiety, depression, trauma, PTSD, and many other conditions that affect one's day-to-day living.
In addition to her primary specialties, Erin has extensive experience working with ADHD, grief, later life transitions, and women's issues.
Erin Kovacs, LISWS, is a compassionate therapist practicing at LifeStance Health in Ohio. She creates a safe, nonjudgmental environment where clients feel valued and understood. With a focus on providing empathy, active listening, and personalized care, Erin helps clients navigate life's challenges and improve their mental wellbeing. Erin specializes in treating anxiety, depression, and PTSD/trauma, using evidencebased interventions such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
In addition to her primary specialties, Erin has extensive experience working with ADHD, grief, later life transitions, and women's issues.
Erin Kovacs, LISWS, is a compassionate therapist practicing at LifeStance Health in Ohio. She creates a safe, nonjudgmental environment where clients feel valued and understood. With a focus on providing empathy, active listening, and personalized care, Erin helps clients navigate life's challenges and improve their mental wellbeing. Erin specializes in treating anxiety, depression, and PTSD/trauma, using evidencebased interventions such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
Diane Conn, LISW is a Licensed Independent Social Worker, who received her master's degree from The Ohio State University. Her prior work experience includes working in community mental health, corrections, mental health court dockets and Intensive outpatient settings for mental health and substance abuse. She works with adults and couples. Her interests include but are not limited to anxiety and mood disorders, compulsive behaviors, substance abuse recovery, trauma, anger management, family of origin and relationship issues.
Diane Conn, LISW is a Licensed Independent Social Worker, who received her master's degree from The Ohio State University. Her prior work experience includes working in community mental health, corrections, mental health court dockets and Intensive outpatient settings for mental health and substance abuse. She works with adults and couples. Her interests include but are not limited to anxiety and mood disorders, compulsive behaviors, substance abuse recovery, trauma, anger management, family of origin and relationship issues.
Emma Poduska is a Licensed Professional Counselor through the State of Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board. Emma received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Hiram College. She then went on to receive her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Ashland Theological Seminary. While working on her master's degree, Emma served as a counseling intern for a non-profit organization offering bereavement counseling and services to individuals of all ages in the Cleveland area.
Emma Poduska is a Licensed Professional Counselor through the State of Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board. Emma received her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Hiram College. She then went on to receive her Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Ashland Theological Seminary. While working on her master's degree, Emma served as a counseling intern for a non-profit organization offering bereavement counseling and services to individuals of all ages in the Cleveland area.
Katelyn Mcgookey, LPCC-S is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. She earned her undergraduate degree from The Ohio State University and completed her master's degree in Counselor Education from Ohio University. Kate considers herself a generalist, with areas of focus including: abuse/domestic violence, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, depression, LGBTQ services, parenting, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and stress management. She has experience working in school-based settings,youth residential treatment, drug and alcohol treatment, and outpatient counseling.
Katelyn Mcgookey, LPCC-S is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. She earned her undergraduate degree from The Ohio State University and completed her master's degree in Counselor Education from Ohio University. Kate considers herself a generalist, with areas of focus including: abuse/domestic violence, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, depression, LGBTQ services, parenting, post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and stress management. She has experience working in school-based settings,youth residential treatment, drug and alcohol treatment, and outpatient counseling.
Summer Gonzalez is an LPC, who has been practicing since 2016. She graduated from the University of Dayton with a Masters of Science in Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Summer believes in taking a nurturing, collaborative approach in working with individuals and couples to provide a safe and empathic atmosphere where they can find their strengths, learn healthy coping skills, and heal through counseling and personal growth. Her main areas of focus include adults struggling with Adjustment issues, Anxiety/Depression, and Post-traumatic stress disorder for both general and military trauma.
Summer Gonzalez is an LPC, who has been practicing since 2016. She graduated from the University of Dayton with a Masters of Science in Education in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Summer believes in taking a nurturing, collaborative approach in working with individuals and couples to provide a safe and empathic atmosphere where they can find their strengths, learn healthy coping skills, and heal through counseling and personal growth. Her main areas of focus include adults struggling with Adjustment issues, Anxiety/Depression, and Post-traumatic stress disorder for both general and military trauma.
Valarie McKnight is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Ohio who has been practicing since 2009. Valarie believes her ability to meet clients where they are, providing unconditional acceptance sets her apart. In her free time, Valarie enjoys reading, walking, spending quality time with family and loved ones, and always learning new things.
Valarie McKnight is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in Ohio who has been practicing since 2009. Valarie believes her ability to meet clients where they are, providing unconditional acceptance sets her apart. In her free time, Valarie enjoys reading, walking, spending quality time with family and loved ones, and always learning new things.
Bethany Kelley
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LISW-S
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Plain City, OH 43064
Bethany Kelley, LISW-S Bethany Kelley is a Licensed Independent Social Worker in Ohio who has been practicing since 2015. She has an MSW. Bethany believes in doing whatever it takes within the laws, rules, and ethics. Her treatment philosophy includes CBT, SFT, DBT, and is person-centered and wholistic. In her spare time, Bethany enjoys music, travel, and boxing.
Bethany Kelley, LISW-S Bethany Kelley is a Licensed Independent Social Worker in Ohio who has been practicing since 2015. She has an MSW. Bethany believes in doing whatever it takes within the laws, rules, and ethics. Her treatment philosophy includes CBT, SFT, DBT, and is person-centered and wholistic. In her spare time, Bethany enjoys music, travel, and boxing.
Rachel Mertens is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with more than 4 years of experience specializing in counseling children, adolescents, and adults struggling with mood disorders, anxiety, depression, ADHD and more. She also has clinical experience leading group therapy for adolescents and adults. Rachel has experience in Solution Focused Brief Therapy as well as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and engages in traditional therapeutic techniques as well as a variety of creative modalities such as sensory based, mindfulness, music, and creative expression.
Rachel Mertens is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor with more than 4 years of experience specializing in counseling children, adolescents, and adults struggling with mood disorders, anxiety, depression, ADHD and more. She also has clinical experience leading group therapy for adolescents and adults. Rachel has experience in Solution Focused Brief Therapy as well as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and engages in traditional therapeutic techniques as well as a variety of creative modalities such as sensory based, mindfulness, music, and creative expression.
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Female Therapists
Does it matter what gender my therapist is?
In general, this is not an important factor, as there is no relationship between a therapist’s gender and their efficacy. Some clients, however, prefer to see therapists of a particular gender, whether due to their own past experiences with men and women, or ingrained beliefs about how people of different genders think and behave. Exploring the roots of such preferences and considering what one wants to address in therapy can help someone determine whether their therapist’s gender truly matters to them.
Should I see a female therapist?
Many people—not just women—prefer to see a female therapist, either because they believe that a woman will be able to relate to their specific challenges (for example, sexism in the workplace) or because they imagine feeling more comfortable disclosing sensitive information to a woman. Such beliefs may not turn out to be accurate, however, and adhering too rigidly to a gender preference can at times hinder a client from finding the best therapeutic match.
Do therapists get specific training to help with women’s concerns?
Therapists are trained to provide care to clients of any gender. However, some therapists—both men and women—may pursue additional training in feminist therapy, gender-specific issues, or women’s mental health. Female clients may wish to ask prospective therapists whether they have received specific training in the client’s primary area(s) of concern, or whether they have worked extensively with women on issues similar to their own.
How can I inquire about a therapist’s experience in treating women?
It’s OK—even encouraged!—to ask a therapist directly whether and how often they have treated women in the past, or whether they have treated women dealing with the client’s most prominent concern(s). Competent therapists will be happy to share their educational background, preferred treatment modalities, and prior client experience to help an individual find the therapist best suited to their needs.