Meet Shannah Cariño, LPCC-S
I am here, in the Akron area, to therapy support for adults, children, and adolescents facing challenges in their personal, professional or academic lives. Our work and school environments are significant parts of our daily routines, and when things aren't going smoothly in these areas, it can have ripple effects on all aspects of our lives. This is especially true for children and adolescents who spend the majority of their time in classrooms, where the pressures of academic demands and peer relationships can extend far beyond school walls.
The stress of work or school can strain our relationships and diminish our self-esteem, impacting our performance and potentially leading to burnout. It is common to feel unsure whether our difficulties sleeping or our experiences of anxiety, depression, or irritability are caused by our professional or academic circumstances, or if they are the root cause themselves.
With over 20 years of experience as a school counselor, mental health professional, and administrator, I have worked with individuals of all ages. I am I am confident that together we can reclaim a sense of control and satisfaction.
Life outside of the office is spent raising a couple of kids in West Akron, enjoying all of the nature that that Northeast Ohio has to offer and all of the good food between Akron and Greater Cleveland. Frequent visits to Cuyahoga National Park, Summit Metro Parks, and Stan Hywet Gardens help me find balance. Most weekends, I can be found checking out all of the fields, courts or pools my kids’ activities take me to. I live for annual area traditions such as cheering on runners for the Akron Marathon, the Porchrokr festival, and visiting ALL of the fall farms. It would be an honor for me to learn more of your story and be a part of your journey.
“My goal is to help you untangle these complexities and work towards the life you desire, and deserve.”
Will I be able to help you?
I have read many therapist bios myself, only to be left wondering…
Is she qualified to help me?
Will I or my child click with her?
Will she help me explore my issues on a deep, meaningful level, despite my natural tendency to keep things casual by using humor or avoidance?
What will sessions look and feel like?
Am I qualified to help you?
Yes! With 20 years of independent licensure in Ohio, I bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the table. As a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC-S), I am qualified to provide psychotherapy, diagnose, and treat mental health disorders and supervise other counselors. Additionally, I am a licensed School Counselor with 10 years as an elementary and high school counselor.
Throughout my career, I've worked across various settings, including clinical, trauma, community mental health, and educational institutions. My roles have encompassed managing staff, budgets, and developing comprehensive programming. I've navigated the complexities of grief, trauma, and personal growth, supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds and circumstances.
Whether it's assisting those grappling with profound loss or guiding individuals towards greater fulfillment, I've witnessed the spectrum of human experience. I firmly believe that every journey, no matter how challenging, holds potential for growth and healing.
Will I or my child click with a new therapist?
You are not alone in this question and it is acceptable to ask. I encourage you to explore the site. Deciding to invest the time to help yourself or your child is a big step but I am guessing that if you are here, you are ready for some support. I am happy to schedule a free, 15-minute consultation call to discuss your goals, concerns and to answer any questions you have.
Will the therapist allow me to joke my way through the session or keep it very surface level to avoid hard work?
Like some, you might use humor and charm to deflect and to avoid hard feelings. You might be resistant to therapy or unsure if you want to be vulnerable. We will have to get through that surface layer to discover the tools that work best for you. Will we need do that immediately? No! We will first make sure to build the trust and comfort necessary for this to happen. This can feel uncomfortable but you have done hard things before and we can do this together. While there are things in life or society that are beyond our control, there are ways you or your child can thrive.
What will sessions look and feel like?
Sessions will take place at a Shannah’s office in Copley at a newly made space we call “The Collective”. You will have the option to opt-in to virtual sessions if needed. The best part of being a therapist is that every single client is different with a different story and with different needs. Through talk therapy, interviewing, and collective goal setting, I will learn your story and you will gain insight into where you are today. All of this will guide your treatment process and, together, we will make a road map to the life you desire. I am excited to begin the journey with you.
Financial Information
Each 50 minute session with Shannah is $150.
I accept HSAs cards and all major credit cards. I am happy to provide a Superbill for potential insurance reimbursement. I am contracted with 3 insurance companies to accept Medical Mutual of Ohio (MMO), Optum Behavioral Health (which includes United HealthCare/UHC, United Medical Resources/UMR, Optum), and Aetna.