Anxiety & PTSD Therapist
The PTSD Psychologist
Therapist for PTSD and Anxiety
Meet Melissa Goldsmith, PhD
I’m a licensed clinical psychologist, specializing in helping men and 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, 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
in-person and online therapist for anxiety
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 Therapy 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 support
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)
Why Trauma Symptoms Can Resurface or Intensify in Perimenopause (And What You Can Do About It)
In- Peson + Online Anxiety Therapist
FAQs
The best PTSD therapy options are evidence-based treatments that are designed specifically for trauma symptoms. Two of the most well-researched options are Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE). I offer both along with CBT.
There is not one ‘right’ approach for everyone. The best PTSD therapy option depends on your symptoms, history, goals, and what is appropriate for you. We’ll talk through your options together and create a treatment plan that fits your needs.
Online therapy sessions are held through a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform. Before your appointment, you’ll receive the information you need to join the session from a private location.
For online trauma, anxiety, and PTSD therapy, it helps to choose a quiet space where you feel comfortable, have reliable internet, and can speak openly.
Yes, I work with clients who have experienced trauma, including people whose symptoms may be related to complex trauma or CPTSD.
Complex trauma can develop after repeated or long-term traumatic experiences, especially when they affect your sense of safety, trust, identity, relationships, or ability to regulate emotions.
During the consultation and intake process, we’ll talk about what you have experienced, what symptoms are showing up now, and which treatment approach may be the best fit.
Our very first conversation is a free consultation call which you can book on the contact page.
Our first intake session will be booked after this. We’ll talk about your current symptoms, history, goals etc. I may ask questions about anxiety, trauma, PTSD symptoms, sleep, relationships, work, and daily life so we can get a clear picture of what is happening.
You do not have to share everything all at once. The first session is about beginning the process, and also making sure I can set us up for our future treatment plan based on your needs.
There are many indicators of PTSD. If you think you may be experiencing PTSD symptom, my free PTSD screener quiz may help you set a baseline.
I offer both! I am licensed with PSYPACT, so beyond in-person therapy in my office near Cleveland Ohio, I can also offer online therapy for PTSD, anxiety, and trauma.
You can see if your state falls within the 40+ I can offer online therapy within here.
PTSD Therapist In Ohio
Office Location
Suite 110-E
Solon, OH 44139