Online Therapy for Men in Ohio: What to Expect & How It Helps

May 26

For many men, the idea of therapy feels unfamiliar, maybe even uncomfortable. You’ve spent years figuring things out on your own, powering through stress, pushing down emotions, and trying to be the rock everyone depends on. But lately… the cracks are showing.

If you're reading this, chances are you're wondering whether therapy could help, or maybe someone you love is wondering for you. Let’s talk about how online therapy works, why it’s especially helpful for men, and what it looks like when you finally decide to take that first step.

Why More Men in Ohio Are Turning to Online Therapy

Men across Ohio are choosing online counseling for one simple reason: it works, and it fits into their lives. No waiting rooms. No awkward small talk with strangers. No fighting traffic or trying to leave work early.

Online therapy gives you access to professional support from anywhere in Ohio, whether you're on a lunch break in Columbus, working late in Cleveland, or relaxing at home in Cincinnati. All you need is a private space, a phone or laptop, and an internet connection.

What Issues Can Therapy Help With?

At Westside Counseling, most of the men we work with are dealing with things like:

Anger that’s getting harder to control
Anxiety that keeps them up at night or leaves them feeling on edge
Depression that drains motivation or leads to emotional shutdown
Relationship stress from poor communication or emotional distance
Addiction (chemical or behavioral) or old habits that are hard to shake
Feeling stuck, lost, or like they’re going through the motions

You don’t need to be in crisis to start therapy. In fact, therapy can work best when you catch things before they spiral.

What Happens in a Session?

A typical session is 45–50 minutes and takes place by secure video. There’s no couch. No clipboards. No “how does that make you feel?” stereotypes.

Here’s what to expect:

🔹 Week 1: Getting Started

We’ll talk about what brought you here. Not just the surface stuff, but what’s really been bothering you. I ask questions about your history, and complete an overall assessment of your mental health. We will identify your primary goal, and you can ask questions if you need to.

🔹 Week 1: The Starting Point, Understanding the Whole Picture

Our first session is about getting the full story, past and present. I’ll guide you through a comprehensive mental health assessment that covers what you’ve been dealing with, how it’s been affecting your life, and what brought you to therapy now. We’ll define your biggest pain points and work together to clarify your goals, whether that’s managing anger, feeling more like yourself again, or just getting through the day without feeling overwhelmed. No pressure, no judgment, just a clear starting point.

Click here to schedule your first online session today — no pressure, no commitment, just a real conversation.

🔹 Weeks 2–4: Rebuilding with Structure and Strategy

In the next few sessions, we combine Behavioral Activation with Cognitive Therapy, practical tools that help break the cycle of stress, low motivation, and overthinking. We’ll create a personalized plan for adding back activities that bring even small moments of enjoyment. You’ll start scheduling things that make you feel more human again, not just responsible. At the same time, we’ll work on recognizing thought patterns that feed anxiety, frustration, or self-doubt, and learn how to shift them. This stage is about momentum, not perfection, and laying the groundwork for real change.

Is Online Counseling Private and Secure?

Yes, I use a HIPAA-compliant platform for all sessions. You’ll receive a secure video link before each appointment. Everything you say is confidential, just like in-person therapy. You will need a good internet connection, and a fully charged phone and earbuds.

You can join sessions from:

A home office or spare room
Your car during lunch break
A quiet, private space anywhere you feel comfortable

What Makes This Different from Other Therapy?

I specialize in working with men, especially those who’ve never been to therapy before.

You won’t get generic advice or vague affirmations here. Instead, you’ll get practical tools, honest conversation, and a straightforward plan to start feeling better.

Here’s what clients often tell me after a few weeks:

“I wish I’d started this years ago.”
“This actually feels doable.”
“It’s nice to talk to someone who gets it.”

Therapy doesn’t have to be soft or emotional all the time. Sometimes it’s about problem-solving, gaining clarity, and being reminded that you don’t have to carry this alone.

For Wives and Partners: “He Won’t Go, But I Know He Needs Help”

It’s common for wives or partners to find this page first.

You’ve seen the changes, the distance, the irritability, the way he shuts down. You’ve probably tried to bring it up, only to get shut out. You're not alone. Many men don’t reach out because they’ve never been shown how to do it, or they think therapy means admitting weakness.

Sometimes, the most helpful step is just sharing this page with him. Let him read it in his own time. No pressure.

It’s like Yoda says to Luke, “Do or do not, there is no try.”

Cost and Insurance

Westside Counseling takes both insurance and private-pay. It is also an online-only practice. I take most major insurances, check our insurance page for more information. The cash rate is $110 per hour. There are no setup fees, assessment fees or anything like that on my end.