Find a Therapist for Narcissism in Akron

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

If you’re in Akron and seeking information about Narcissism, you’re in the right place. Here you can learn about the condition and connect with local clinicians in Akron who can help, with practical details to guide your search and next steps.

  • Alyssa Austern, Psychologist

    Alyssa Austern

    Psychologist

    Remote only

    Alyssa Austern is a Psychologist in Chatham, New Jersey and has been in practice for 16 years. They treat Narcissism, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Behavioral Issues.

    Helping teens, young adults, adults, couples, and families navigate anxiety, relationships, identity development, and life transitions via teletherapy.

    View profile
  • Auran Piatigorsky, PhD, LP, CMPC, Sport Psychologist

    Auran Piatigorsky, PhD, LP, CMPC

    Sport Psychologist

    Remote only

    Auran Piatigorsky, PhD, LP, CMPC is a Sport Psychologist in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 30 years. They treat Narcissism, Dependent Personality, Self-Esteem.

    Licensed Clinical Sport Psychologist — services for mental health care & performance enhancement

    View profile
  • Juliana Muir, Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

    Juliana Muir

    Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC)

    Remote only

    Juliana Muir is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 2 years. They treat Narcissism, Anxiety, Suicidal Ideation.

    I welcome clients from all walks of life and plan to assist clients in becoming the best possible versions of themselves.

    View profile
  • Shelly Reed, Psychologist

    Shelly Reed

    Psychologist

    1845 South Dobson Road, Mesa, Arizona 85202

    Shelly Reed is a Psychologist in Mesa, Arizona and has been in practice for 17 years. They treat Narcissism, Social Anxiety, Childhood Abuse.

    Don't be shy...I've heard it all ;) I offer a warm and non-judgmental space to work through the things that have been holding you back.

    View profile
  • Emily Williams, Certified Trauma Professional

    Emily Williams

    Certified Trauma Professional, Psychologist

    13295 Illinois Street, Carmel, Indiana 46032

    Emily Williams is a Certified Trauma Professional in Carmel, Indiana and has been in practice for 21 years. They treat Narcissism, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Anxiety.

    I help anxious, driven adults set limits with their emotionally immature loved ones. Expert in treating adult ADHD, trauma, and children of narcissists.

    View profile
  • Lynn Luna Jones, Counselor

    Lynn Luna Jones

    Counselor, Psychotherapist, Psychologist, Licensed Psychological Examiner-Independent

    9826 East Washington Street, Chagrin Falls, Ohio 44023

    Lynn Luna Jones is a Counselor in Chagrin Falls, Ohio and has been in practice for 20 years. They treat Narcissism, Psychosis, Anxiety.

    I am a licensed psychologist who specializes in assessment. I am able to administer many types of psychological tests.

    View profile

Understanding Narcissism

Narcissism refers to patterns of thinking and relating to others that center strongly on the self, such as a need for admiration and difficulty tolerating criticism. It can influence thoughts (for example, beliefs about being special or ruminations about status), emotions (such as shame, anger, or pride), body sensations (like tension, a racing heart, or restlessness), and behavior (including seeking attention, withdrawing when not praised, or reacting defensively). People can experience it on a spectrum, from mild traits that only sometimes get in the way to more disruptive patterns that strain work, family, or friendships. Motivation and self-confidence can fluctuate behind a polished exterior, and empathy for others may feel limited or inconsistent. This is a recognized mental health concern and not a personal flaw.

Having a clear label can make it easier to search for the right kind of support, language, and strategies. It helps you communicate your needs, compare approaches that fit, and track what actually improves daily life. When you describe what you’re dealing with in Akron using a shared term, it can guide you toward resources and providers who understand these patterns and how to work with them effectively.

Common Signs and Symptoms

In Akron, not everyone experiences narcissism the same way, and what it looks like can vary across people and situations. Some signs can be subtle, while others are more noticeable and may change over time.

  • Often needing a lot of praise or reassurance to feel okay
  • Talking mostly about themselves or their achievements, with little interest in others’ experiences
  • Struggling to recognize or respond to other people’s feelings
  • Feeling special or above the rules, and expecting special treatment
  • Reacting strongly to criticism, even if it’s gentle
  • Forming relationships that feel one-sided or transactional
  • Comparing themselves to others and feeling upset if they’re not “the best”

Why This Happens

Genetic tendencies and early temperament, such as sensitivity to criticism or a strong drive for validation, can shape how narcissism develops, while traits like empathy and flexibility may buffer its effects. Support systems in Akron—family, friends, mentors, and community—can either reinforce unhelpful patterns or encourage accountability, perspective-taking, and healthy self-worth. Major life events, including successes, setbacks, or caregiving roles, may shift risk or create openings for growth, depending on timing and support. Treatment can help people build insight, empathy, and coping skills, strengthening resilience over time.

How Treatment Works

Treatment for narcissism is usually a mix of learning practical skills, getting steady support, and sometimes using medication if specific symptoms like anxiety or depression are present. The right plan depends on which patterns cause the most trouble and what goals you want to reach.

  • Individual therapy can help build insight, manage reactions, and practice more flexible ways of relating to others; approaches like CBT or ACT are examples, but the focus is on real-life changes you can use day to day.
  • Skills-focused therapy can strengthen emotion regulation, frustration tolerance, and communication; DBT skills are one example that can help with impulsive responses and black‑and‑white thinking.
  • Trauma‑informed therapy can address past experiences that may shape current sensitivity to criticism or control, helping you respond more calmly and reduce conflicts without getting stuck in blame.
  • Relationship‑centered work, such as couples or family sessions, can improve listening, boundaries, and repair after arguments; it offers feedback in a structured way and creates agreements that make daily life smoother.
  • Support options like group therapy or peer support can provide honest perspectives, accountability, and practice giving and receiving feedback, while practical habits—consistent sleep, stress management, and routines—make it easier to follow through on goals.

In Akron, focus on finding a provider experienced with narcissism who feels like a good fit for your goals and comfort.

Finding the right provider in Akron

Choose a therapist licensed in Ohio to ensure telehealth sessions are legally provided and more likely to be covered by your insurance plan. Insurers and networks often require in-state licensure for reimbursement and continuity of care, including for Akron residents. MiResource can filter by licensure so you can find Ohio-licensed therapists who treat Narcissism.

Local Care Logistics in Akron

Accessing care for narcissism in Akron is easiest if you plan around car-dependent travel; limited transit frequency makes timing important, though parking is generally accessible in Downtown, Highland Square, North Hill, and Ellet. Insurance acceptance varies, and private pay is generally moderate, but availability often depends on being in network, so verify plans early and ask about self-pay options if timing matters.

Appointment availability can shift with University of Akron schedules and broader seasonal patterns, including summer events and winter conditions that affect travel and clinic hours.

To reduce friction:

  • Use telehealth to avoid transit delays and expand scheduling windows.
  • Ask to be added to cancellation lists and check back regularly for openings.
  • Request flexible times (early morning, lunchtime, or later-day slots) to fit your routine. Joining more than one waitlist within your network can also speed up the first available appointment.

Taking Care of Your Mental Health in Akron

Akron’s scheduling realities can make care for narcissism hard to arrange. Manufacturing and shift-based workforces often face limited time off, and legacy health-system consolidation can complicate referral pathways. Limited in-network behavioral health capacity and long waitlists for specialty care add delays, while insurance complexity tied to mixed employer and public coverage affects appointment options and costs. Transportation barriers across a spread-out metro area are compounded by car-dependent travel and limited transit frequency, though parking is generally accessible if you can drive. Insurance acceptance varies, private pay is generally moderate, and availability often depends on network access—so checking coverage upfront can prevent rescheduling and extra costs.

To reduce search time, use MiResource filters to show providers with evening or weekend appointments, telehealth, who accept your specific insurance, are within a short driving radius, and are currently taking new clients to avoid waitlists.

When to Seek Immediate Help

If you or someone with narcissism is in immediate danger, has suicidal thoughts, is making threats or behaving violently, or cannot care for themselves, seek help now. Call 911 for life-threatening emergencies or when safety is at risk. For urgent mental health support, call 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or Summit County ADM Crisis Line (330-434-9144); request the Summit County Outreach Team for mobile crisis help if appropriate. You can also go to an emergency department in Akron, such as Summa Health Akron Campus, Cleveland Clinic Akron General, Western Reserve Hospital, or University Hospitals Portage Medical Center.

Common Questions About Narcissism

Q: How do I know if I need a therapist for the condition? A: Consider therapy if patterns tied to narcissism are straining your relationships, work, or sense of wellbeing. You might notice frequent conflicts, trouble hearing feedback, or feeling empty or angry when you’re not recognized. If you want to understand these patterns and build more satisfying connections, therapy can help. A brief consultation with a therapist can clarify whether now is a good time to start.

Q: What if I don’t feel a connection with my therapist? A: It’s common to need a few sessions to gauge fit. Share your goals and any concerns openly; many issues improve with clear communication. If it still doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to switch—therapeutic rapport is essential for work on narcissism. Ask for referrals and keep your priorities in mind as you choose.

Q: Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy for the condition? A: Both formats can help with narcissism, and the best choice depends on your comfort, goals, and consistency. Online sessions offer convenience and privacy, which can make it easier to attend regularly. In-person therapy may feel more grounded and can highlight interpersonal patterns in the room. In Akron, think about your schedule and whether traveling to an office fits your routine.

Q: What should I ask a potential therapist for the condition? A: Ask about their experience working with narcissism and how they tailor treatment to your goals. Explore their approach, how they give feedback, and how they handle defensiveness or strong emotions. Clarify session structure, expected length of treatment, and what progress might look like. Ask about confidentiality, coordination with partners or family if relevant, and what work between sessions is recommended.

Q: Does therapy for the condition really work? A: Therapy can foster self-awareness, empathy, and more flexible ways of relating, which often improves relationships and reduces distress. Progress usually builds through honest reflection and steady practice, both in and between sessions. Motivation helps, and it’s normal to have ups and downs along the way. A good therapeutic fit and clear goals make a meaningful difference.

Local Resources in Akron

MiResource can help you search for clinicians in Akron, OH who treat Narcissism. 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.

Share: