Find a Therapist for Grief in Akron

Medically reviewed by Gabriela Asturias, MD on May 23, 2025
Written by the MiResource team

If you're in Akron and seeking support for grief, you're in the right place. Here, you can learn about grief and explore local clinicians who can help. Find options that fit your needs and location as you consider next steps.

  • Christy Hofsess, Psychologist

    Christy Hofsess

    Psychologist

    Remote only

    Christy Hofsess is a Psychologist in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 4 years. They treat Grief & Loss, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Intimacy Concerns.

    My mission is to help individuals and couples reach their full potential for connection and growth using a holistic and culturally responsive approach.

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  • Elaina Meier, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

    Elaina Meier

    Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Psychologist

    1845 North Farwell Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202

    Elaina Meier is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and has been in practice for 12 years. They treat Grief & Loss, Athletic Performance, Peer Difficulties.

    Community serving Community: Therapy by the Community, For the Community

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  • Joel Harris, Psychotherapist

    Joel Harris

    Psychotherapist, Psychologist

    Remote only

    Joel Harris is a Psychotherapist in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 23 years. They treat Grief & Loss, School Concerns, Racial/Cultural Oppression or Trauma.

    I am a licensed psychologist with openings this week for virtual therapy. I am also registered with PSYPACT and can see people in over 40 states.

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  • Zachary Jones, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

    Zachary Jones

    Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

    140 Wadsworth Road, Wadsworth, Ohio 44281

    Zachary Jones is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Wadsworth, Ohio. They treat Grief & Loss, Spiritual/Religious Concerns, Social Anxiety.

    Helping adults, children, couples, and families with their mental health needs.

    View profile
  • Allison Lobel, Psy.D., Psychologist

    Allison Lobel, Psy.D.

    Psychologist

    3838 North Ravenswood Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60613

    Allison Lobel, Psy.D. is a Psychologist in Chicago, Illinois and has been in practice for 18 years. They treat Grief & Loss, Divorce, Peer Difficulties.

    Psychologist supporting college students with anxiety, stress, and relationships

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  • Michelle Litwer, Psychologist

    Michelle Litwer

    Psychologist

    Remote only

    Michelle Litwer is a Psychologist in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 8 years. They treat Grief & Loss, Women's Issues, Relationship(s) with Partner/Husband/Wife.

    My main objective is to help clients manage their emotions, make decisions that are line with their values, and to live fulfilling and meaningful lives.

    View profile

Understanding Grief

Grief is a natural response to losing someone or something important, and it can bring strong, shifting emotions over time. Common experiences include sadness, numbness, guilt, anger, trouble sleeping, changes in appetite, trouble concentrating, and waves of longing or disbelief. Day to day, grief can make it hard to keep routines, connect with others, make decisions, or find motivation, and energy may come and go unpredictably. These reactions are personal and can ease or return in cycles, and support can help you cope at your own pace. For more information about care options, see the main therapy for this condition page in MiResource.

Common Signs and Symptoms

In Akron, grief can bring waves of sadness, irritability, or feeling on edge, and thoughts may loop on memories, regrets, or “what ifs,” making it easy to have trouble focusing. The body might feel heavy or fatigued, with shifts in sleep and appetite, a tight chest, or a queasy stomach. Behavior can swing between seeking comfort and shutting down, withdrawing from routines, or staying busy to avoid feelings. Some people feel numb, forgetful, or start tasks and can’t finish as they adjust to the loss.

Why This Happens

Grief is a natural response to loss that can be shaped by a mix of biological, psychological, and environmental influences. It can be triggered by events like the death of a loved one, serious illness, relationship changes, job or housing loss, or other major life transitions. Risk factors that may affect how someone experiences grief include past mental health history, previous losses or trauma, limited social support, physical health challenges, sleep disruption, and individual traits or beliefs. Grief is not a personal failing, and there is no single cause that explains how any one person will feel or cope.

How Treatment Works

Evidence-based care for grief can be effective, often combining talk therapy and structured approaches tailored to coping, adjustment, and meaning-making. Medication may be considered short term for symptoms like sleep disturbance, anxiety, or depression when appropriate and monitored. Support systems such as peer programs or bereavement groups can provide connection and practical strategies alongside therapy. In Akron, travel is typically car-dependent with limited transit frequency, and parking is generally accessible. Insurance acceptance varies, private pay is generally moderate, and availability can depend on network access.

Finding the right provider in Akron

Choose a Grief therapist who is licensed in Ohio to ensure they can legally provide care where you live, including telehealth, since many states restrict remote care across state lines. Licensing in your state also improves the chances that your insurance will reimburse sessions. MiResource can filter therapists by Ohio licensure so you only see eligible providers.

Local Care Logistics in Akron

Accessing grief care in Akron is easier if you plan for car-dependent travel and limited transit frequency; parking is generally accessible near offices in Downtown, Highland Square, North Hill, and Ellet. Insurance acceptance varies, so verify network status early; private pay is generally moderate, but availability often depends on your plan’s network. Appointment availability can shift with University of Akron schedules, summer events, holidays, and winter conditions, so expect tighter calendars at peak times and book ahead.

To reduce friction:

  • Ask about telehealth for flexibility when travel or weather complicate visits.
  • Request early morning or later-day slots that fit shift work and check for same-week cancellations.
  • Join more than one waitlist if offered and confirm whether providers will hold a spot when your insurance changes.

If transit is a concern, group appointments on the same day and choose locations with reliable parking.

Taking Care of Your Mental Health in Akron

In Akron, scheduling grief support can be challenging with scheduling constraints for manufacturing and shift-based workforces. Transportation barriers across a spread-out metro area add commute time, and car-dependent travel with limited transit frequency can make before- or after-shift appointments hard to reach, though parking is generally accessible if you drive. Legacy health-system consolidation shaping referral pathways and limited in-network behavioral health capacity can push you to out-of-network options or longer waits, which complicates arranging time off. Long waitlists for specialty care may mean fewer choices that fit your shift pattern. Insurance complexity tied to mixed employer and public coverage, plus insurance acceptance varies and availability depends on network access; private pay is generally moderate but still requires budgeting.

Use MiResource filters to narrow by insurance accepted, evening or weekend hours, shorter wait times, and distance from your home or workplace to cut down on back-and-forth.

When to Seek Immediate Help

Seek emergency help for grief when there are thoughts of self-harm or suicide, plans or access to means, inability to care for basic needs, severe confusion, or escalating substance use. Call 911 if anyone is in immediate danger or cannot be safely transported. For immediate emotional support, call 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or the Summit County ADM Crisis Line (330-434-9144). If symptoms are severe or worsening, go to an emergency department such as Summa Health Akron Campus, Cleveland Clinic Akron General, Western Reserve Hospital, or University Hospitals Portage Medical Center.

1) Watch for crisis signs: ongoing hopelessness, suicidal thoughts or plans, inability to function, severe agitation, confusion, or using alcohol/drugs to cope. 2) If danger is imminent, call 911; for support and guidance, call 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or the Summit County ADM Crisis Line (330-434-9144); consider the Summit County Outreach Team for in-person help. 3) For urgent medical or psychiatric evaluation, go to Summa Health Akron Campus, Cleveland Clinic Akron General, Western Reserve Hospital, or University Hospitals Portage Medical Center; plan for car-dependent travel and limited transit frequency, with generally accessible parking. 4) In urgent care or the emergency department, expect triage, a safety assessment, stabilization, and connection to follow-up resources.

Common Questions About Grief

Q: How do I know if I need a therapist for the condition? A: Consider therapy if grief feels overwhelming, you feel stuck, or daily life, sleep, work, or relationships are notably strained. You might notice intense waves of emotion, numbness, guilt, or difficulty engaging in things that once mattered. Therapy can help if your support system feels stretched, anniversaries or reminders hit especially hard, or the loss was sudden or complicated. Reaching out is a sign of care for yourself, not a sign of weakness.

Q: What if I don’t feel a connection with my therapist? A: It’s okay to say so; a good therapist will welcome your honesty and help make changes. Sometimes a few sessions help clarify whether the fit is right, but you can also request referrals. In Akron, where travel can be car‑dependent and transit limited, telehealth can broaden your options if nearby choices don’t feel right. Your comfort and trust are essential for grief work.

Q: Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy for the condition? A: Both formats can support meaningful progress with grief; the best choice depends on your needs and comfort. Online sessions can be especially practical in Akron if driving or limited transit makes scheduling hard, and parking is usually accessible if you prefer in person. Some people feel more grounded face to face, while others appreciate the privacy and convenience of home. You can also switch formats as your needs change.

Q: What should I ask a potential therapist for the condition? A: Ask about their experience with grief, how they tailor sessions, and what a typical appointment looks like. Explore their approach to coping skills, meaning-making, and handling intense emotions or trauma-related loss. Clarify scheduling, telehealth options, office location and parking in Akron, and whether evening or weekend times are available. Review fees, insurance, and cancellation policies so costs and logistics are clear.

Q: Does therapy for the condition really work? A: Many people find therapy helps them process the loss, ease the pain, and rebuild a life that honors what they’ve lost. Progress with grief isn’t linear, but consistent support can make it feel more manageable. Pay attention to whether you feel understood, can practice coping skills, and notice small shifts in daily functioning. If something isn’t helping, you and your therapist can adjust goals or strategies.

Local Resources in Akron

MiResource can help you search for clinicians in Akron, OH who treat Grief. You can filter by insurance, specialty, and availability to find someone who fits your needs.

Find care for you

Recovery is possible. With early intervention, a supportive community, and the right professional care, you can overcome challenges and build a fulfilling life. We’re here to help you find the support you need.

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