About Marisa Rayford
Focus areas
Anxiety
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Counseling
Therapy
Cognitive Therapy
Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit
Worry
Depression
Stress
Clientele seen
Young adults (18-24)
Individuals
Adults (25-64)
Groups
Seniors (65+)
Treatment approaches
Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Attachment-based
Cognitive Processing (CPT)
Christian Counseling
Culturally Sensitive
Identity
Gender
FemaleSexuality
StraightFaith
ChristianEthnicity
Black or African American
Languages spoken
English
Getting to know Marisa Rayford
I am Marisa Rayford, MA, LPCC, LPC, and the owner of Restorative Oasis Counseling and Wellness LLC. I am licensed in Ohio and Colorado and have experience in private practice, community mental health, employee assistance counseling, and crisis counseling.
My work focuses on adult women who are dealing with anxiety, trauma, chronic stress, relationship patterns, emotional exhaustion, and difficulty setting boundaries. I often work with women who have spent years functioning, caregiving, performing, pushing through, or trying to keep everything together, only to realize that what once helped them survive is no longer helping them live well.
I am interested in the root of the concern, not just the symptom that finally brought someone to therapy. Anxiety, irritability, shutdown, people-pleasing, overthinking, resentment, perfectionism, and emotional disconnection usually have a history. In therapy, I help clients understand what shaped those patterns, how those patterns are showing up now, and what needs to change in order to move forward.
My clinical approach is trauma-informed and structured, with attention to thoughts, emotions, behavior, the nervous system, relationships, values, and physical wellness. I also consider how stress, sleep, nutrition, lifestyle, and the body can influence mental and emotional health. My goal is to help clients gain insight that is honest and useful, then turn that insight into practical change.
What should a new client know about working with you?
Clients should know that I am engaged in the therapy process. I listen closely, ask direct questions, and pay attention to patterns. I am not a passive therapist, and I do not believe therapy should become a weekly place to repeat the same concerns without movement.
There is room in therapy to process, cry, vent, reflect, and be honest about what hurts. There is also room to challenge old beliefs, practice new responses, build skills, and take responsibility for the parts of life that are within your control. I work best with clients who want both support and direction.
My style is warm, direct, and practical. I may slow you down when you are intellectualizing, help you notice when guilt is driving a decision, or ask what a boundary would look like in real life. I may also offer worksheets, journaling prompts, education, or exercises to help you continue the work outside of session.
Many clients come to me after realizing that being “strong” has come with a cost. They may be tired of overexplaining, overgiving, overthinking, or carrying emotional weight that others do not see. My role is to help clients understand those patterns clearly and begin practicing a different way of living.
What is your typical process for working with clients?
I begin with a consultation to determine whether we are a good fit. This gives us a chance to discuss what brings you to therapy, what you are looking for, and whether my approach matches your needs.
If we decide to move forward, we complete a comprehensive intake. During intake, I gather information about your current concerns, history, relationships, symptoms, strengths, coping patterns, and goals. I am listening for the larger story, not just the immediate problem.
After intake, we begin ongoing therapy. Early sessions often focus on identifying the main patterns that are affecting your life. These may include anxiety cycles, trauma responses, people-pleasing, boundary issues, relationship patterns, emotional avoidance, negative self-talk, or difficulty trusting yourself.
From there, treatment becomes more focused. We may work on regulating emotions, processing past experiences, changing unhelpful thought patterns, strengthening boundaries, improving communication, or making decisions from a healthier place. I use conversation, clinical education, reflection, and practical tools to help clients understand what is happening and what to do with that understanding.
I regularly check in on progress so therapy remains useful. The goal is not to stay in therapy forever. The goal is to help you build awareness, skills, and confidence so that change continues outside of session.
Is this doctor in your insurance network?
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In-network insurances
Aetna
BlueCross BlueShield
Cigna
UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare Oxford
Out-of-pocket fees and assistance
Initial session: $175 for 60 minutes
Ongoing session: $150 for 60 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
More information on payments and coverage
Insurance billing and payment processing are managed through my secure billing platform. I accept the insurance plans listed on my profile and encourage clients to confirm their mental health benefits directly with their insurance company before the first appointment.
Coverage can vary based on your specific plan, deductible, copay, coinsurance, and authorization requirements. Being listed as in-network does not always guarantee that services will be fully covered. Clients are responsible for any copays, deductibles, coinsurance, denied claims, or out-of-pocket balances determined by their insurance plan.
For self-pay clients, the initial intake appointment is $175 and ongoing individual therapy sessions are $150. Payment is due at the time of service unless otherwise arranged. Limited reduced-fee options may be considered on a case-by-case basis, depending on availability.
Before beginning therapy, clients will receive information about practice policies, payment expectations, insurance billing, and required intake forms through the secure practice platform.
Education and background
Practice names
Education and training
- John Carroll University, Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
- Cleveland State University (Bachelor's)
NPI number
1962015610
How soon can I make an appointment with Marisa Rayford?
Generally, Marisa Rayford has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Marisa Rayford's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Marisa Rayford accepting new patients?
Marisa Rayford generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Marisa Rayford's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Marisa Rayford accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Marisa Rayford is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Marisa Rayford online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Marisa Rayford using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Marisa Rayford work with?
What are common reasons for patients to see Marisa Rayford?
Marisa Rayford frequently sees patients for Depression, New Patient Visit, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, and Therapy. You can see other visit reasons for Marisa Rayford on their profile.
What languages does Marisa Rayford speak?
Marisa Rayford speaks English.