COUNSELING

Virtual or
In person.

Convenient, confidential, and safe.

Helping with hope.

No mental health problem is terminal - with treatment. Anxiety, depression, grief, codependency, low self-esteem are common issues that can be improved through counseling.

Kirk Sheppard believes that all clients who want to get better can get better. As your counselor, he will extend hope - even if you may currently not be able. His positive attitude combined with his realistic perspective and honest feedback can help you improve your mental health.

“Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.”

- Aristotle

Self-Pay Pricing

Assessment

An hour long video session, required for all new clients to formally assess your needs and decide on a plan to move forward.

$150

Full Session

A standard counseling session done via video telehealth.

$140

Short Session

A shorter video session, for established clients who are looking for occasional maintenance sessions

$75

Please reach out to your insurance payor for specific information on your coverage and benefits.
We will verify your cost with you when you begin counseling.
Click here for more information.

This information is required by the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board, which regulates the practices of professional counseling, social work, and marriage and family therapy in this state.

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Counseling for people who don’t like counseling.

Things counseling should not be:

Stuffy
Intimidating
Cold
Boring

Things counseling should be:

Welcoming
Comforting
Warm
Hopeful

Kirk is refreshingly engaging. His natural warmth, gentle honesty, and off-beat sense of humor have helped many clients navigate difficult issues like self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and grief.

“Kirk Sheppard has impressed me for some time with his wit, his genuine compassion and his skill as a therapist. Kirk has the ability to cut through the fluff and help individuals see things more clearly as well as develop plans for change.”

- Dr. Tim Barber

“Kirk is an outstanding therapist with wonderful clinical skills. He is a remarkably talented clinician, and brings creativity, compassion and genuine caring to his practice. Kirk is personable and well-respected in the field of mental health care, and I have always enjoyed working with him personally and professionally.”

- Lisa Steiner, LCSW, LCAC

Frequently Asked Questions

What do all those letters behind your name mean?

I’m a licensed professional clinical counselor who is also permitted to supervise other counselors who’ve not achieved independent licensure yet (LPCC-S). I’m also a licensed independent chemical dependency counselor (LICDC). This means that I went to school for a while, took a couple of tests, and have been practicing for a long time – and that more importantly, the state of Ohio grants me the rights, responsibilities, and privileges that come with having those licenses.

In compliance with state law, you can verify my license information here.

What ages do you work with?

I provide counseling and personal/professional coaching to adults. I am not currently accepting clients younger than 18 at this time.

Do you take my insurance?

I am currently accepting some insurance payors as well as self-pay clients. If I am not in-network, I am also able to provide you with a superbill for you to submit towards your out-of-network benefits for reimbursement. Reach out and ask if you have questions!

I also accept FSA and HSA cards in addition to VISA, MASTERCARD, DISCOVER, and AMERICAN EXPRESS.

What kinds of issues can you help me with?

I see clients with lots of concerns, including anxiety, depression and other mood disorders, low self-esteem, codependency, life transitions, adults with ADHD, anger issues, stress, religious trauma, general trauma and PTSD, and grief and loss.

There are some clients that I do not treat. For example, I do not see clients who are court-ordered or mandated by a third party to treatment.

I’m happy to provide referrals to someone who can help.

What are the differences between telehealth and in-person appointments?

During the COVID-19 crisis, it became clear to me that more mental health services are needed. Setting up a “virtual practice” was the quickest way I felt I could respond to the needs. Since then, I have found that it is more convenient for many people and works really well!

That said, I know some people prefer in-person sessions - and I now see clients at 8118 Corporate Way, Suite 175 in Mason, Ohio. Those times are quite popular, with limited availability for new clients, but if you are interested let me know and I’ll try to accomodate.

Can we be friends on social media?

Social media is a tricky thing. In modern times, those sites are sometimes a primary way people connect with one another. However, due to the importance of your confidentiality and the importance of minimizing multiple relationships, I do not accept friend or contact requests from clients on any social networking site profiles (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, etc).

What is a “multiple relationship?”

We used to call them “dual relationships.” Basically, it just means that I can’t counsel people that I know from other aspects of my life. Unlike other businesses, I can’t provide professional services to family or friends or co-workers. Part of the reason counseling works so well is that there is a “professional detachment” that allows me to focus solely on your needs during our sessions.

This doesn’t mean that I won’t be friendly or warm and in fact, sometimes that’s why it’s so confusing; because you are sharing really intimate information and are being validated and cared for that you sometimes desire a closer relationship with your counselor.

This is all very normal and I promise that I will do my best to navigate this issue in a way that is transparent, judgment-free, and not distracting to our work together.

I see that you went to a Christian college. Does that mean that you are a Christian?

I am happy to discuss how all of my views and philosophies impact my work as a counselor at any time in order to focus on how I can help you meet your goals. My faith, my worldview, my education, and my life experiences all inform my interactions with people in positive ways. I promise to be respectful of your viewpoint, identity, faith, and philosophy in order to help you navigate your own “stuff” – no matter what if we share the same ideologies or not.

I Googled you. I have A LOT of questions.

Since we live in an electronic age where there is access to so much personal data online, I think it’s only fair that I tell you upfront that yes, if you google me, you will find information about my personal life. I have a lot of hobbies and interests outside of work. Just remember – counseling is supposed to focus on the client, not the counselor, and so while I’m happy to answer your questions about any information you may have discovered about me, its important we stay focused on your goals and your life to make sure you’re getting the best possible treatment. (But, yes, I have a lot of fun and no, I won’t be googling you back.)

Do you prescribe medications?

I’m a licensed mental health counselor and do not prescribe medications. However, if you are looking for medication management services, I highly recommend Leeside Wellness located near my practice in Mason, Ohio. They can usually get you in quickly and provide empathetic psychiatric care.

I’m a current or former client. Can I refer my friend, colleague, spouse, or family member to see you?

While I really appreciate this, it is unethical for me to work with people that you are close to for a variety of reasons. I’m happy to provide you with a few referrals of other counselors that I trust who might be able to help but let’s keep our relationship sacred. Therapy is one area of your life that it’s OK to be selfish about - you don’t need to share me!