licensed clinical psychologist
Psychotherapist for Anxiety & PTSD in NE Ohio
trauma psychotherapist | therapist for trauma
Meet Melissa Goldsmith, PhD
I’m a licensed clinical psychologist, specializing in helping women in their 30s to early 60s get unstuck from past trauma, so they can experience real recovery, not just temporary symptom relief. I bring over 15 years of experience treating the effects of trauma and anxiety, including 8 years in a specialized PTSD treatment clinic. That experience provides me with a deep well of knowledge and hands-on expertise in addressing various trauma cases.
I provide compassionate, evidence-based trauma-focused therapies that are tailored to your unique needs. I’m here to help you step-by-step to unpack the heavy load you’ve been carrying for so long. We’ll go at your pace to peel back the layers of this windy path, getting to the core where real change happens. Together, we can work toward helping you rebuild with lasting strength and peace.
Outside the therapy room, you’ll usually find me:
+ Keeping up with my sweet and spirited son
+ Trying out a new recipe on the weekends to unwind
+ Singing along to Taylor Swift in the car when no one else is around
trauma psychologist near me
My Background in PTSD and Therapeutic Practices
Psychologist license #7413, Ohio
Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology, #24714
- B.A. in Psychology
Northwestern University | Evanston, Illinois
- M.S. and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology
Florida State University | Tallahassee, Florida
- Clinical Psychology Predoctoral Internship
- Clinical Psychology Postdoctoral Fellowship, Traumatic Stress Center
Summa Health, Akron, Ohio
- Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Worked for 6.5 years at the Traumatic Stress Center with Summa Health in Akron, Ohio
Guiding Principles of my Treatment Approach
C O M P A S S I O N A T E C A R E
You deserve to be treated with empathy and understanding. My practice is built on the belief that true healing happens when you feel supported and cared for in a safe, non-judgmental environment. I’m here to listen, to understand, and to walk with you on your journey to recovery.
E V I D E N C E – B A S E D P R A C T I C E
You deserve treatments that work. That’s why I’m committed to using proven, research-backed therapies that are tailored to meet your specific needs. My approach is grounded in the latest scientific findings, ensuring that the care you receive is effective and aligned with your goals for healing.
E M P O W E R M E N T T H R O U G H H E A L I N G
You deserve to reclaim control over your life. My goal is to equip you with the tools and insights you need to manage your symptoms and overcome the challenges you face. My goal is that eventually you won’t need me, and can return to a general therapist for support. But, together, we’ll work to help you build resilience, confidence, and a renewed sense of self, so you can move forward with strength and peace.
find a trauma specialist
Resources
The suicide & crisis lifeline is #988. Please call this or 911 if you need immediate help.
PTSD
Videos on PTSD, treatment options, and stories from trauma survivors, their loved ones, and clinicians who treat trauma-related conditions
Anxiety
Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies
Anxiety and Depression Association of America, CBT article
For Supporters
Helpful article for friends and family.
- How to Help a Loved one going through treatment
Article for PE support. Article for CPT support.
The Blog
Articles to Give You Insight
I believe that education is a powerful tool for healing. Whether you’re starting your journey or looking to better understand post-traumatic stress disorder or anxiety therapy, here are some helpful blog posts.
Why I specialize in trauma-focused therapy (and who this work is for)
