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Business Details
45 Years
experience
Holistic Mental Health Counseling in Elyria
Established in 1981, Pathways Counseling & Growth Center & Growth Center has dedicated over four decades to providing holistic mental health services rooted in a person-centered approach. Our multidisciplinary team of licensed professionals delivers individual, family, and community-focused therapy, emphasizing body, mind, and spiritual well-being. Certified by the Ohio Department of Mental Health and CARF-accredited since 2006, we maintain rigorous standards while offering sliding fee scales for underserved populations.

Our services include EMDR therapy, trauma-focused care, and specialized programs for anxiety, depression, and life transitions. As a trusted community partner, we collaborate with local agencies and provide thousands of annual counseling hours, blending clinical excellence with compassionate care. With board-certified leadership and clinicians trained in diverse therapeutic modalities, we ensure tailored treatment plans that respect clients' values and foster personal growth.
Services
Individual Therapy Family Counseling EMDR Therapy Depression Treatment Anxiety Management Trauma Recovery ADHD Assessment Couples Counseling Sliding Fee Programs Community Referrals
Details
  • Year established: 1981
Highlights and features
  • 40+ years serving Lorain County with evidence-based therapies
  • Sliding fee scale ensures affordable care for all incomes
  • CARF-accredited for meeting highest treatment standards
  • EMDR-certified therapists for trauma resolution specialists
  • Multidisciplinary team blends clinical expertise with compassion
Associations and certifications
  • CARF
  • Ohio Department of Mental Health
What people say
Life-changing breakthroughs Compassionate care Knowledgeable staff Empowering support Effective treatment
Services
Individual Therapy
Personalized mental health treatment addressing anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. Our licensed therapists use evidence-based approaches like CBT and DBT to create tailored treatment plans that respect clients' values and promote emotional well-being. Sessions focus on building coping skills and fostering personal growth.
EMDR Therapy
Specialized treatment for trauma and PTSD using Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. Certified therapists guide clients through processing distressing memories and developing healthy coping mechanisms. This evidence-based approach helps reduce symptoms of trauma and improve emotional regulation for lasting recovery.
Family Counseling
Collaborative sessions addressing family dynamics and communication challenges. Therapists help resolve conflicts, improve relationships, and develop healthy interaction patterns. Services include parent-child support, managing behavioral issues, and navigating life transitions together through a systemic approach.
Sliding Fee Scale
Income-based pricing for uninsured or underinsured clients ensures accessibility to mental health services. Fees are determined by household income and size, allowing everyone to receive quality care regardless of financial circumstances while maintaining the same high standard of treatment.
Community Referrals
Coordinated care through partnerships with schools, clergy, physicians, and social service agencies. Our team provides expert counseling referrals and collaborates with community partners to ensure comprehensive treatment approaches that address both mental health needs and related social factors.
People
Ruthie Lasecki
Executive Director
With 25+ years in mental health leadership, Ruthie Lasecki brings expertise in healthcare management and CARF accreditation. She has led Pathways since 2016, previously serving as a consultant during our initial CARF certification process.
Doreen George-Thomas
Clinical Director
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor Supervisor with specializations in trauma therapy, OCD treatment, and family counseling. Holds advanced degrees from Cleveland State University and Baldwin-Wallace University, bringing expertise in mental health and community reintegration.
Danielle Ries
Clinical Supervisor
20-year veteran of Pathways providing clinical oversight, mentoring staff, and ensuring quality care standards. Serves as supervisor for multiple therapists, combining leadership with direct client support expertise.
Brittney Lindway
EMDR Therapist
Certified EMDR Therapist with experience treating trauma, anxiety, and mood disorders. Specializes in person-centered approaches combining CBT, MI, and trauma-focused techniques. Provides tailored treatment plans emphasizing client comfort and safety.
Eric Sparrow
Licensed Therapist
Master's level clinician treating depression, social anxiety, and ADHD. Uses integrative methods including CBT, DBT, and ACT to create collaborative treatment plans focused on client values and personal growth.
Questions
What mental health services do you offer?
We provide individual/family therapy, EMDR trauma treatment, ADHD assessment, depression/anxiety management, and sliding fee programs for underserved populations.
Do you accept insurance?
Yes, we accept Medicaid, CareSource, most private insurance plans, and offer sliding fee options for uninsured clients based on income.
How does your sliding fee scale work?
Fees are calculated using household income and size. Eligible clients receive reduced rates while maintaining access to the same quality care as all our patients.
What is EMDR therapy?
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) treats trauma/PTSD through guided processing of distressing memories, helping reduce symptoms and improve emotional regulation using evidence-based protocols.
How can I schedule an appointment?
Call us at 440-323-5707 to schedule in-person or telehealth appointments. We offer immediate openings and have multiple therapists specializing in various mental health concerns.
Are services available for LGBTQ+ individuals?
Yes, our clinicians provide affirming care with specialized services for LGBTQ+ clients, including relationship support and gender identity exploration in a safe, welcoming environment.
Reviews (3)
Violet Marie Golembiewski
Mar 03, 2021 Report
My son sees Ms. Laura for counseling. She has been absolutely phenomenal and I am so grateful we switched to her. She makes time for weekly appointments and has been so helpful when it comes to new parenting strategies and helping my son be the best him he can be. We are at a point where we are making breakthroughs as a family and I couldn’t be happier. We are so thankful for Ms. Laura!
Jessica Lovett
Aug 30, 2020 Report
Laura Skerbec is a great counselor! We have a child seeing her and another counselor at Nord Center. Pathways is on top of their game and extremely helpful! Highly recommend!
Derald Deblasis
Dec 08, 2018 Report
I'm upset that I've called so many times leaving a message for a councilor with the same secretary and have yet ti receive a call back. Sincerely derald DeBlasis