Serenity Behavioral Health Services

Hello! My name is Nelli LaValle. I am a licensed social worker and mental health therapist from Columbus, Ohio. I have bachelor's degrees from Ohio State University in English, Psychology, and Women's Studies as well as a master's degree in Social Work. Prior to beginning my journey as a therapist, I spent time volunteering with LGBTQ+ organizations such as Kaleidoscope Youth Center and TransOhio. I believe that therapy is beneficial for anyone but is particularly important in supporting vulnerable communities, and in order for therapy to be effective, individuals need to be able to feel safe and to feel seen by their therapist. I have experience working with a variety of individuals with identities across spectrums of gender and sexuality as well as a variety of non-traditional relationship structures. Anxiety and depression can be linked to the coming out process or ongoing issues navigating systems where gender and sexuality can limit access to resources, support, and sa...

Most think of grief in association with a loved one who has passed. But we can also experience grief when we lose a job, when diagnosed with a life-changing illness, when our children leave home, when we lose a close relationship through divorce or separation, or when we lose a beloved pet. Grief can manifest emotionally as shock, sadness, guilt, anger, or fear and it can physically manifest as fatigue, nausea, weight loss, or insomnia. Should you seek professional help dealing with your grief? Perhaps. If grieving has negatively impacted your day-to-day living manifesting as depression, withdrawal, or alcohol/drug abuse, finding a support group or therapist is warranted. These professionals can assist you in sorting through difficult emotions and reactions. In all grieving situations, take care of yourself; there is no right or wrong way to grieve and there is no timetable for grieving.

Hello! My name is Aida Diallo. I am a mental health therapist and I grew up in Dakar and New York. I am multi-lingual, speaking fluent Wolof and French in addition to English. I graduated with a bachelor’s in Sociology from the City College of New York and a master’s in Social Work from New York University. Therapy is just not about talking to someone, it is more than that. Our mental health and well-being are important. Most of the time we are told to “be strong,” but being strong requires facing unwanted thoughts and feelings so that you can be the best version of yourself. Avoiding or “Mougnal” (translated as “just endure”) can lead to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, especially when it comes to children.  Immigrating, adjusting to a new country, leaving friends and family behind, coping with a major life transition, acculturation issues, and bullying can leave you mentally worn-out and can affect your relationships and self-motivation. Therapy can be a place...