Mathew Varughese, PhD, LPC, CHES
Offering in-person sessions at Columbus (Polaris) and online sessions at Columbus (Polaris), Middleburg Heights, and throughout Ohio State.
Ages Served: 12+
Meet Mathew
“Therapy is not just a set of techniques, it's a collaborative relationship between therapist and patient.”
—Judith S. Beck
That quotation resonates with me because I believe in therapy as a collaborative effort, and that as therapist and client, you and I bring together different skill sets to work towards achieving a common goal—your goals for treatment.
Who I Work With
As a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES), I am dedicated to helping individuals aged 12 and above navigate the complexities of mental health challenges. With a Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Bowling Green State University and a Ph.D. in Health Education from the University of Toledo, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to my practice.
My passion for mental health began at a young age when I found myself being a trusted confidant for friends and acquaintances. This early experience has shaped my approach to therapy, focusing on collaboration and creating a safe space for individuals to untangle the roots of their concerns and achieve their goals. Growing up in Malaysia, as an Indian, being sent to Chinese school, I’ve had to navigate the complexities of identity at an early age, in trying to figure out who I am in this world. Also, my experiences making Ohio, and in fact the USA, my new home when I moved here to continue my studies, gives me a special awareness of the challenges and joys that similarly situated folks might experience.
I specialize in addressing a range of mental health issues, including:
Trauma
Substance abuse
Anxiety
Adolescent challenges with school, peers, and family
Depression
Men’s issues
Identity exploration
Challenges faced by international students and immigrants
My Approach
My diverse professional background includes working with adolescents at the partial hospitalization program in Nationwide Children's Hospital and adults in intensive outpatient and outpatient settings at the Zepf Center in Toledo. My early experiences as a fresh graduate working with individuals with substance abuse at the Zepf Center really helped me to look beyond the individual to understand the systems in play that impacts an individual. This was one of the main reasons that led me to pursue a doctorate in health education. These experiences have provided me with a unique perspective, enabling me to consider not only the individual but also the societal and systemic influences that may impact one's mental health. Furthermore, recognizing the impact of trauma on the lives of many, I am EMDR-trained and can currently see patients who would like to receive EMDR treatment.
To create a personalized treatment plan, I employ a variety of evidence-based strategies, such as:
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Person-centered therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
I believe that the collaboration between client and clinician begins with treatment planning and thus work with you to discover and apply the strategies and techniques most helpful for you.
Fun Facts
As a new father to a lovely baby girl, I spend much of my free time exploring the world through her lens. When not engaged in therapy or parenting, I find joy in playing the guitar, singing, and watching soccer, badminton, and tennis.
I am committed to working alongside you, combining our unique skill sets to help you achieve your mental health goals and lead a fulfilling life. Together, we can create a path toward healing and personal growth.
Supervised by David Bowers, PhD, IMFT lic# F.2000127
Accepted Insurance
Aetna
Anthem
BCBS
Medical Mutual
Optum
OSU—Faculty and Staff
OSU—Student Health Insurance
United Healthcare
Molina
OhioHealthy
Oscar
AmeriHealth Caritas
CareSource
UHC Community Plan
HUMANA
