What patients are saying
Overall rating
5.00
Average wait time
5.00
Bedside manner
5.00
“My visit was professional and enlighting. The provider was caring, listened to my needs and helped me understand what I need to do to make changes in my life. She gave me hope that things would be okay when I didn't feel like it would be. ”
NHLess than 1 month ago
“I felt comfortable sharing with Debbie right away. She’s very easy to talk to, she listens closely and remembers details from past sessions which makes me feel truly cared for! If you are looking for a therapist who really understands you and offers helpful insight for your life, i highly recommend Debbie to you”
CMLess than 1 month ago
About Debbie Shaffer
Focus areas
Addiction / Substance Abuse
Childhood Trauma
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Counseling
Addiction Therapy
Codependency
Psychotherapy
Anxiety
Depression
Clientele seen
Young adults (18-24)
Individuals
Adults (25-64)
Groups
Seniors (65+)
Treatment approaches
Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)
Clinical Supervision and Licensed Supervisors
Adlerian
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Attachment-based
Cognitive Processing (CPT)
Identity
Gender
FemaleEthnicity
White
Languages spoken
English
Getting to know Debbie Shaffer
I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker – Supervisor (Ohio) with over 12 years of clinical experience and a master’s degree in social work from Case Western Reserve University. I work primarily with adults navigating mental health and substance use concerns, as well as other long standing life challenges.
I primarily work with adults who may find themselves repeating familiar ways of coping while hoping for different results. Many struggle with self-criticism, confidence, and self-esteem, as well as sensitivity to criticism or rejection. Often, this distress is carried quietly—people may feel overwhelmed, tense, low, or unsettled inside, without being able to clearly name what they’re feeling or how to change it.
Some overwork or carry a strong sense of responsibility for others, while others find it hard to stay motivated with daily responsibilities. Boundaries are often difficult, and many focus on holding things together for others while their own needs go unmet. Over time, strategies that were once helpful can begin to unravel, leaving people feeling stuck, discouraged, or unsure how to cope.
I specialize in working individuals living with anxiety, depression, late diagnosed ADHD or are in recovery, as well as who have experienced trauma, grew up with family dysfunction, or struggle with their relationship with alcohol and/ or other drugs, or codependency.
My approach is holistic, collaborative and trauma informed, grounded in unconditional positive regard and emotional safety. This creates a space where clients can feel accepted as they are, develop greater self-acceptance, rebuild trust in themselves, and feel safe enough to open up without fear of judgment or pressure. Over time, therapy can support increased confidence and a redefining of self, as people begin to loosen old beliefs shaped by shame or self-doubt and find their voice with a growing sense of control over themselves and their lives.
What should a new client know about working with you?
Many people come to therapy having managed a great deal on their own for a long time. They may feel overwhelmed, self critical, or quietly exhausted, even while appearing capable and responsible on the outside.
You don’t need to have a diagnosis, clear goals, or the right words to begin—only a sense that the way you’ve been managing things no longer feels sustainable, even if it’s hard to put into words or know what needs to change.
My style is collaborative, compassionate, and trauma informed. I focus on creating emotional safety and a non judgmental space where you can speak openly, explore what’s been happening, and begin to make sense of your experience at your own pace. I don’t push for change or quick answers; instead, I work with you to understand patterns, clarify what matters to you, and support choices that feel realistic and sustainable.
Whether you are just beginning to question long standing ways of coping or have been doing this work for some time, we will start where you are.
What is your typical process for working with clients?
My work involves creating a safe container—an environment where people feel welcome and a sense of ease, free from judgment and expectations. Within this space, clients can explore and share in their own way and in their own time, without pressure to have things figured out or to move faster than feels right.
We begin by talking about what brings you to therapy and what feels most present in your life right now. Early sessions include a thoughtful assessment process that helps me understand your history, current concerns, strengths, and what you’re hoping for from therapy. This is not a one-time test or checklist, but an ongoing conversation that unfolds at a pace that feels respectful and manageable.
As part of this process, we work together to identify goals based on what matters most to you and what feels realistic and meaningful where you are right now. Goals are shaped collaboratively and may evolve over time. They are intended to help you notice progress, build confidence, and experience a sense of momentum, rather than feel pressured or overwhelmed.
As therapy continues, sessions may involve exploring emotions, understanding long-standing patterns, and developing practical skills to support daily life. The focus of our work is adjusted over time based on your needs, readiness, and what feels most helpful in the moment.
Throughout the process, I prioritize emotional safety, unconditional positive regard, respect, and collaboration. Therapy is not about forcing change or having answers right away, but about creating space to make sense of your experience and build skills you can rely on.
Is this doctor in your insurance network?
Enter your insurance carrier and plan
choose insurance
In-network insurances
Aetna
BlueCross BlueShield
Cigna
Don’t see your insurance?
It’s common for mental health providers to be out-of-network. Many insurance plans offer out-of-network coverage, so you may get partially reimbursed. Learn more
Out-of-pocket fees and assistance
Initial session: $150 for 55 minutes
Ongoing session: $150 for 55 minutes
- Sliding scale: Offers lower out-of-pocket fees on an individual basis, typically based on your ability to pay
- Files your insurance claim: You pay the session fee upfront and the provider files the claim for you, so you can get reimbursed directly without worrying about the paperwork
- Charges post-reimbursement amount: This provider will only charge you for the amount you pay after you get reimbursed from your insurance plan, so you don’t need to pay the session fee upfront
More information on payments and coverage
I accept clients who are private pay and have limited spaces for sliding scale.
Education and background
Practice names
Education and training
- Case Western Reserve University, Master's in Social Work
- Kent State University (Bachelor's)
Professional memberships
- National Association of Social Workers
Awards and publications
- Kranke, D., Jackson, S. E., Taylor, D. A., Landguth, J., & Floersch, J. (2015). ‘I’m loving life’: Adolescents’ empowering experiences of living with a mental illness. Qualitative Social Work, 14(1), 102-118. https://doi.org/10.1177/14733250135105
- Kranke, D., Jackson, S. E., Taylor, D. A., Anderson-Fye, E., & Floersch, J. (2013). College student disclosure of non-apparent disabilities to receive classroom accommodations. Journal of Postsecondary Education and Disability, 26(1), 35–51. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1026808.pdf
- Collins, C. C., Anthony, E., Taylor, D., & Rothstein, D. (2018). Family, Identity, and the American Dream: Service Providers’ Perspectives on Families’ Experiences With Foreclosure. Families in Society: The Journal of Contemporary Social Services, 99(1), 16-28. https://doi.org/10.1177/1044389418756869
NPI number
1154705275
Patient reviews
All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.
Overall rating
5.00
Wait time
5.00
Bedside manner
5.00
Your trust is our top concern, so providers can't pay to alter or remove reviews. We also don't publish reviews that contain any private patient health information. Learn more here
3 reviews
Most relevant
My visit was well respected and my comments and concerns were taking care of
Less than 1 month agoTB
My visit was professional and enlighting. The provider was caring, listened to my needs and helped me understand what I need to do to make changes in my life. She gave me hope that things would be okay when I didn't feel like it would be.
Less than 1 month agoNH
I felt comfortable sharing with Debbie right away. She’s very easy to talk to, she listens closely and remembers details from past sessions which makes me feel truly cared for! If you are looking for a therapist who really understands you and offers helpful insight for your life, i highly recommend Debbie to you
Less than 1 month agoCM
Less than 1 month agoInitials hidden
Less than 3 months agoInitials hidden
How soon can I make an appointment with Debbie Shaffer?
Generally, Debbie Shaffer has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Debbie Shaffer's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Debbie Shaffer accepting new patients?
Debbie Shaffer generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Debbie Shaffer's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Debbie Shaffer accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Debbie Shaffer is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Debbie Shaffer online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Debbie Shaffer using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Debbie Shaffer work with?
Debbie Shaffer works with Debbie Shaffer, MSSA, LISW-S, LLC..
What are common reasons for patients to see Debbie Shaffer?
Debbie Shaffer frequently sees patients for Depression, New Patient Visit, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Sleep Problems. You can see other visit reasons for Debbie Shaffer on their profile.
What languages does Debbie Shaffer speak?
Debbie Shaffer speaks English.
How do patients rate Debbie Shaffer in reviews?
3 patients have reviewed Debbie Shaffer. The overall rating for this doctor is 5/5. They have a 5/5 rating for bedside manner and a 5/5 rating for wait time. You can read individual reviews and ratings on their profile.