Find a Therapist for Self-Esteem in Akron

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

Looking for support with Self-Esteem in Akron? You’re in the right place to learn about Self-Esteem and connect with local clinicians. Explore options near you, understand care choices, and find providers who fit your needs in Akron, OH.

  • 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 Self Esteem, Social Anxiety, Suicidal Ideation.

    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.

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  • 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 Self Esteem, Racial Identity, Women's Issues.

    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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  • Hider Shaaban, Psychotherapist

    Hider Shaaban

    Psychotherapist, Psychologist

    255 South 17th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103

    Hider Shaaban is a Psychotherapist in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They treat Self Esteem, Peer Difficulties, Childhood Abuse.

    Your emotional wellbeing is our priority. We will work together to not just get you unstuck, but help you thrive and flourish.

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  • Robert Buzan, Psychologist

    Robert Buzan

    Psychologist, Psychotherapist, Counselor

    920B Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27514

    Robert Buzan is a Psychologist in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. They treat Self Esteem, Work/Life Balance, Sleep Concerns.

    I am a clinical psychologist with extensive experience working with college students via telehealth. I welcome clients of all backgrounds.

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  • 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 Self Esteem, Borderline Personality, Women's Issues.

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

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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 Self Esteem, Work/Life Balance, Burnout.

    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.

    View profile

Understanding Self-Esteem

Self-Esteem refers to how you see and value yourself, including your sense of worth and capability. When self-esteem is low or unsteady, it can shape thoughts (self-criticism or doubt), emotions (sadness, shame, or anxiety), body sensations (tension, fatigue, restlessness), and behavior (avoidance, people-pleasing, or overcompensating). It exists on a spectrum, from mild dips that come and go to more persistent patterns that disrupt daily life, relationships, school, or work. Changes in self-esteem can show up in how you make decisions, set boundaries, and respond to setbacks. This is a recognized mental health concern and not a personal flaw.

Having a clear label can help you search for the right kind of support, such as approaches that build skills in self-compassion, balanced thinking, and gradual confidence-building. It also makes conversations with providers and loved ones more focused, so you can track progress and choose strategies that fit your needs. Using the term “Self-Esteem” when seeking help in Akron can make it easier to identify services and resources that align with what you’re experiencing and what you want to change.

Common Signs and Symptoms

This section outlines common signs related to Self-Esteem to help people in Akron spot concerns early and decide whether it may be worth talking with a professional. Everyone’s experience is different, and noticing some of these signs can simply be a cue to check in with yourself.

  • Frequent self-criticism or negative self-talk
  • Difficulty accepting compliments or acknowledging strengths
  • Comparing yourself unfavorably to others
  • Avoiding new challenges due to fear of making mistakes
  • People-pleasing or saying yes to avoid disapproval
  • Strong sensitivity to criticism or perceived rejection
  • Second-guessing decisions and seeking constant reassurance

Why This Happens

People in Akron may experience challenges with Self-Esteem for many reasons, including genetics and temperament, early life experiences, family dynamics, and peer or social pressures. Ongoing stress, trauma, bullying, social media comparisons, perfectionism, and critical self-talk can also contribute, as can co-occurring issues like anxiety, depression, or health and learning challenges. Self-Esteem usually reflects a mix of biological, psychological, and environmental influences rather than any single cause. Struggling with Self-Esteem is not a personal failing.

How Treatment Works

Treatment for Self-Esteem is usually a mix of learning practical skills, getting support, and sometimes using medication, depending on your symptoms and goals. Many people benefit from combining approaches so you can work on thoughts, feelings, habits, and relationships at the same time.

  • Individual therapy helps you notice and shift negative self-talk, build self-compassion, and practice small confidence wins; examples include CBT, ACT, DBT, or trauma-informed therapy, but your therapist can tailor the approach to you.
  • Group therapy or peer support offers a place to share experiences, get feedback, and practice new skills with others who understand, which can reduce isolation and boost encouragement between sessions.
  • Skills-based work on routines—like sleep, stress management, and lifestyle habits—supports steadier energy and mood, making it easier to follow through on goals and handle setbacks.
  • Goal-focused counseling can target everyday challenges such as communication, boundaries, and values-driven choices, helping you show up more confidently at work, school, and in relationships.
  • Practical planning helps you match care to your situation: insurance acceptance varies and private pay is generally moderate, so checking network access can improve affordability; in Akron, car-dependent travel and limited transit frequency make it helpful to confirm drive times and parking, which is generally accessible.

In Akron, prioritize finding someone experienced with Self-Esteem who feels like a good fit for you.

Finding the right provider in Akron

For Self-Esteem therapy in Ohio, choose a therapist licensed where you live; many telehealth services and insurance plans require in-state licensure for care and reimbursement. MiResource lets you filter by licensure so you can find Ohio-licensed therapists.

Local Care Logistics in Akron

Accessing self-esteem support in Akron is shaped by car-dependent travel and limited transit frequency; parking is generally accessible near offices in Downtown, Highland Square, North Hill, and Kenmore. Expect variability in insurance acceptance; private pay rates are generally moderate, but actual availability often depends on being in-network. University and seasonal calendars can tighten or loosen appointment slots: University of Akron terms, summer events, holidays, and winter conditions all shift schedules and demand.

To reduce friction: use telehealth to avoid long cross-town trips and weather delays; ask about cancellation lists and join more than one waitlist to move up faster; request early-morning, lunchtime, or evening slots if you have shift-based work. If driving, group errands near your appointment area and build extra time for low-frequency buses if you rely on transit.

Taking Care of Your Mental Health in Akron

In Akron, scheduling constraints for manufacturing and shift-based workforces can make time off for appointments hard to secure, which can slow progress on self-esteem goals. Legacy health-system consolidation shaping referral pathways and limited in-network behavioral health capacity often mean long waitlists for specialty care, so aligning openings with work schedules can be challenging. Transportation barriers across a spread-out metro area compound the issue; travel is largely car-dependent, limited transit frequency can stretch commute times to care, and while parking is generally accessible, it may still require added time planning. Insurance complexity tied to mixed employer and public coverage affects access, and insurance acceptance varies; generally moderate private pay may be an option, but availability depends on network access.

Use MiResource filters to narrow by evening or weekend hours and “accepts your insurance” first, then sort by distance to minimize commuting time.

When to Seek Immediate Help

If low self-esteem escalates to thoughts of self-harm, suicide, inability to function safely, or you feel you might act on a plan, treat it as an emergency. Seek help immediately if there is any risk of harm to yourself or others, intense hopelessness, or escalating substance use tied to feeling worthless. Call 911 for immediate danger or if you cannot stay safe; if you need urgent emotional support, call 988.

1) Recognize crisis signs: persistent hopelessness, talking about being a burden, self-injury, suicidal thoughts, a plan or intent, or inability to care for basic needs. 2) Call 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or Summit County ADM Crisis Line (330-434-9144); for immediate danger call 911; you can also contact the Summit County Outreach Team for mobile crisis support. 3) If you need in-person urgent care, go to Summa Health Akron Campus, Cleveland Clinic Akron General, Western Reserve Hospital, or University Hospitals Portage Medical Center. 4) Expect triage, a safety assessment, and a mental health evaluation; you may be offered a brief stay or follow-up resources. Travel is mostly car-dependent with limited transit frequency; parking is generally accessible.

Common Questions About Self-Esteem

Q: How do I know if I need a therapist for Self-Esteem? A: Consider therapy if self-criticism, doubt, or shame are getting in the way of your goals, relationships, or daily decisions. If you find yourself avoiding opportunities, comparing yourself harshly to others, or feeling stuck despite trying on your own, support can help. A therapist can offer tools to build a more balanced self-view and practice new habits that reinforce confidence.

Q: What if I don’t feel a connection with my therapist? A: It’s okay to say so; the relationship is a key part of progress. Share what isn’t working and what you need more of—many therapists can adjust their approach. If it still doesn’t feel right, ask for a referral; in Akron, you may want to consider travel time, parking (often accessible), or limited transit when choosing a new clinician.

Q: Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy for Self-Esteem? A: Many people make meaningful progress with either format, and the best choice is the one you’ll consistently attend. If you live in Akron and rely on limited transit, online sessions can reduce barriers, while in-person may feel more grounding if you prefer a set space. You can also mix formats based on your schedule and comfort.

Q: What should I ask a potential therapist for Self-Esteem? A: Ask about their experience helping clients with self-esteem concerns and what approaches they use. Discuss how progress is measured, what sessions might look like, and how you’ll practice skills between visits. In Akron, clarify scheduling, parking or transit needs, and whether they accept your insurance or offer a private pay rate that fits your budget and network access.

Q: Does therapy for Self-Esteem really work? A: Yes, many people find therapy helps them challenge unhelpful beliefs, develop self-compassion, and take healthier risks. Change often comes from small, consistent steps paired with guidance and feedback. With a good fit and a plan you can stick to—online or in-person in Akron—you can build confidence that lasts.

Local Resources in Akron

MiResource can help you search for clinicians in Akron, OH who treat Self-Esteem. 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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