Find a therapist, counselor or psychologist in Columbus, OH

"Above all, I prioritize the importance of being both seen and heard."

Ryan Fernandez is both a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor with 5 years of experience as a clinician. He is passionate about empowering diverse individuals, couples, and groups to accomplish their mental health goals. Ryan specializes in self-esteem issues, relationship issues, grief, spirituality, substance-related and addictive disorders, trauma- and stressor-related disorders, personality disorders, depressive disorders, and anxiety disorders. Ryan has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from John Carroll University.

Having focused on substance use disorders in graduate school, Ryan recognizes the importance of meeting his clients where they are and treats them holistically using evidence-based techniques including cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, rational emotive therapy, narrative therapy, solution-focused therapy, and existential therapy.

We can’t change what we do not acknowledge. Ryan doesn’t believe in making judgments, moralizing one's decision-making, or condemning one's behaviors. Counseling is like going to the gym: you ultimately get out what you put in. He wishes to guide you in learning more about yourself. If you are ready to change your life, schedule an appointment with Ryan!

"I am a present-focused, client centered therapist with experience treating anxiety, trauma, substance use disorders, anxiety, depression, Bipolar, and OCD."

Melissa Elbert is a Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW) with over seven years of experience working with clients in their communities as well as in office. She is passionate about assisting clients meet their goals for treatment. She has experience working with adults and couples. Melissa has post graduate training in CBT, DBT, anxiety disorders, trauma-informed care, ADHD, and CPT. Melissa specializes in trauma, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorders including alcohol use and opioid use.

Melissa completed her MSSA at the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences at Case Western Reserve University. Melissa utilizes multiple approaches to therapy in order to find the right fit for each individual client. Some of these approaches include CBT, DBT, CPT, and trauma-informed approaches.

Every person has their own special needs. Melissa is a client-centered therapist that will work with you and your goals to determine which approach best suits your needs. You are the most important person in each session. If you are ready to make a commitment to yourself for better mental health, schedule with her today!

"I am passionate about mental health and seek to help with my experience, knowledge, and an open, nonjudgmental ear while offering assistance through psychotropic and psychotherapeutic interventions. "

Kevin Atwell is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) who has a vast array of experience treating mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, adjustment disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and insomnia issues. Kevin also had a variety of experiences prior to becoming a psychiatric nurse and nurse practitioner, such as being a youth counselor for adolescents with autism, an advocate for homeless women, and a direct support professional for men with developmental disabilities. 

Kevin completed his accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at Cleveland State University and his Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) at Kent State University. He also completed a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology at Mount Vernon Nazarene University. Through his empathetic and calm demeanor, Kevin provides each and every patient an individualized plan of care and a way forward though education, therapy, and medication management. 

Life will be life. It can have blessings as well as its tailspins and setbacks. Everyone can use help at some point. Kevin can assist the endeavor of managing your mental health needs by offering fresh insight and a friendly smile. He is always willing to listen and be present with you. If you are ready to get started on your new journey, schedule an appointment with Kevin today!

"I believe to truly practice self-care, we must ensure we are taking time to address our mental health, the same as we ensure our dental and physical health."

MarLa Bell is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience working with individuals in various roles. She is passionate about improving the lives of individuals and communities by serving as an "interrupter" of systems and barriers to social health needs. MarLa's professional experience along with her mission to ensure others thrive has created a unique skillset. She is a mom of 2 with ample experience navigating life through adversity. MarLa specializes in leadership stress, trauma-informed care, major life transitions (i.e. military, college, and parenting), family conflict, daily stress, and mild depression.

MarLa completed her Master of Social Work (LISW) from Cleveland State University (Phi Alpha Honor Society). MarLa does not use a cookie-cutter treatment approach, and instead gets to know her clients and what works best for them. Some approaches she uses include mindfulness, solution-focused therapy, and motivational interviewing.

MarLa understands that the gaps between what we want our life to be and what it actually is can create anxiety, uncertainty, worry, stress, and depression. She wants to teach others to put more focus and energy toward what we have control over while giving less emotional energy to what we have minimal control over. She wants you to thrive!

"As someone that has struggled and watched loved ones struggle with mental health, I understand the crucial importance of taking care of our mental health."

Taylor is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) who manages and treats an array of mental health concerns including depression, anxiety, ADHD, behavioral issues, and sleep/insomnia. She is passionate about providing quality, evidence-based, compassionate, and comprehensive mental health services to adolescents and young adults. As a PMHNP, Taylor's role is multifaceted, including educator, mental health advocate, therapist, and medication manager.

Taylor earned her Master's of Science in Nursing at Ohio State University. Taylor possesses strong clinical skills and a natural ability to build rapport and connect with patients. In addition to medication management, she incorporates cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), trauma-informed care, emotionally-focused, motivational interviewing, and person-centered techniques into treatment.

We all have our ups and downs in life, it is equally beautiful and challenging! Taylor is confident that she is able to support you on your mental health journey. She can help you gain new perspectives and techniques that allow you to cope better with whatever you may be struggling with. Her main goal when working with patients is to help improve their quality of life and to remember that the patient is always at the center of the treatment team. If you are ready to get started, schedule an appointment with her today!

"As a psychologist, my role isn’t to tell you what to do, but to challenge you to reflect on what you’re doing and why."

Dr. Gabriel Somarriba is a Clinical Psychologist with over 15 years of experience in the mental health field. He specializes in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship issues, men’s mental health, and adolescent concerns. He is dedicated to helping clients find clarity and healing through a variety of evidence-based modalities tailored to individual needs.

Dr. Somarriba earned his Master of Science and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Divine Mercy University and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at MetroHealth Medical Center. His integrative approach includes interpersonal therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, logotherapy, and positive psychology.

Dr. Somarriba believes psychotherapy is a journey of healing through insight, empathy, and growth. Rooted in the idea of the “wounded healer,” he helps clients navigate emotional challenges and make empowered decisions by fostering understanding, authenticity, and mutual transformation.

"As a queer therapist and plant nerd, I understand that life can be complex and messy; let's dig deep and support you in growth even when it feels overwhelming."

Andi Yates is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 7 years of experience. Andi specializes in a variety of concerns, including anxiety and depression, trauma, neurodiversity, relationship issues, including intimacy concerns, LGBTQ+ identities and relationships, coping with change, and developmental concerns. She has experience working with both youth and adults to support them in unique challenges that each stage of life presents.

Andi received her Master’s in Marriage and Family Therapy from Trevecca Nazarene University. As a horticultural therapist, Andi expertly weaves metaphor into her therapy sessions. Andi uses a wide range of tools, including emotionally focused therapy, systems theory, social justice therapy, somatic methods, and solution-focused therapy.

Andi works alongside her clients to find their inner strengths and pairs practical tools with emotional processing. Andi is deeply passionate about being a cheerleader for her clients and helping them celebrate themselves and their accomplishments. She is ready to support you in your journey, wherever it may lead.