Karla Mellott is a compassionate and grounded counselor who meets every client with kindness, curiosity, and deep respect. With experience as a therapist, case manager, and care coordinator, Karla has supported individuals from early childhood through adulthood. She is especially experienced in working with teens navigating severe mental health challenges, including self-harm and suicidal ideation, and holds a particular passion for supporting children, single parents, and those healing from trauma.

Karla’s therapeutic approach is person-centered, built on a foundation of unconditional positive regard, validation, and active listening. She integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and has extensive training in DBT, which informs her work with emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and relationship skills.

She holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies from Kent State University and a Master of Social Work from The University of Akron. In addition to her counseling role, Karla also supports clinical quality through documentation review at HWS.

Clients working with Karla can expect a deeply human, nonjudgmental space. “I relate to people on a human level,” she says. “While I’m a professional, I never forget that I’m also a person, just like the clients I serve.”

Outside of work, Karla finds joy in nature walks, meditation, and time with her daughter. She’s also a lover of music—if there’s a beat, she’s probably moving to it.

In therapy, Karla believes that healing begins when people feel free to be their most authentic selves.