Elena Zagarskas, Psy. D.
Dr. Zagarskas provides therapy and formal assessment for children and adults ages 5 and up. Areas of assessment include intellectual and learning abilities, memory, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), major mood disorders, and personality functioning. She is experienced in treating mood disorders (depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder), grief/loss, trauma, eating disorders among adults, personality dysfunction, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorder.
Elena’s treatment approach is integrative with a foundation in existential psychology and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). She also frequently uses skills and approaches from dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), motivational interviewing (MI), and psychodynamic theory. A deep value for social justice underlies her focus in which individual differences are explored and appreciated. Elena also welcomes the use of creative arts in sessions for those interested.
Dr. Zagarskas earned her bachelor’s degree from Oberlin College in Ohio, her master’s degree from Gannon University in Erie, PA, and her doctoral degree in Counseling Psychology from Carlow University in Pittsburgh, PA. She has worked in a variety of mental health settings since 2007.
Personal Quote
"Challenges to maintaining wellness come at various ages and times in our lives. These challenges can become opportunities to discover more of our authentic selves, develop greater resilience, and create more balance. The process of this growth itself is unique and incredibly meaningful for each of us." - Elena Zagarskas, Psy. D.
Contact
Position:
Counseling Psychologist
Address:
8224 Mentor Ave, Suite 208
Mentor Ohio 44060
Email:
ezagarskas@behavioralwellnessgroup.com
Phone:
440-392-2222 EXT 409
Fax:
440-565-2349
Testimonials/Reviews
Testimonial Disclosure Statement: Testimonials herein are unsolicited, anonymous and are received after care has been received in an attempt to assure healthy therapy relationships and confidentiality.
"Dr. Zagarskas was amazing! Aftercare Program was much needed….Follow up with patients and the level of care you provide… giving patients practical skills to use to help with mental health issues."
Dr. Glovan, Health and Wellness IOP; Dr. Zagarskas, Individual Therapist; Katie Petrochic, Adult Aftercare Program) "I miss everyone in IOP! I believe you have given me so much opportunity to grow and learn! Thank You so much for all that you have done for me! Aftercare is going well after the first visit. My 1:1 sessions with Dr. Elena (Zagarskas) are also going really well! Setting my world up the way I want it to feedback to me is an ongoing effort! But yes, I am determined to continue to grow and learn with whatever life throws at me! I believe you have an amazing program/practice with an incredible team! Keep being true to you! I love what you are, what you stand for, and what you potentially do into the future! I promise I won’t be a stranger!"
"Hi Dr. G, I hope you are doing well! I do miss you and The Health and Wellness Intensive Outpatient Program! I continue to apply all of your teachings as I move through life! Dr. Elena Zagarskas has been a blessing to me as well. She definitely points out my blind spots, which I’m so grateful for. I’m also wishing and sending the rest of your amazing team my utmost respect...They all have touched my life in a way that is priceless."
Articles
There Goes My Last Nerve – Dealing with Difficult People
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Doing Your Part to Decrease the Mental Health Stigma
Doing Your Part to Decrease the Mental Health Stigma May is Mental Health Awareness Month Yes, we have made great progress in decreasing the stigma that exists regarding mentalhealth issues and related treatment. However, we still have a long way to go. Severalrole models have recently “come out” in the media in an attempt to normalize mentalhealth issues and to encourage open, honest discussion and treatment. The Duke andDuchess of Cambridge, Prince Harry and Lady Gaga for example, recently have…
When Someone You Love Struggles with Depression and Anxiety
When Someone You Love Struggles with Depression and Anxiety May is Mental Health Awareness Month and October 10th is World Mental Health Day every year. According to The World Health Organization, there are more than 350 Million people around the world who struggle with Depression alone. It has come to my attention by many of my patients individually as well as in my Health and Wellness Intensive Outpatient Program that, “Others just don’t understand”. Although family, friends, loved ones and…
Managing the Fourth Trimester
Managing the Fourth Trimester The fourth trimester is the 12-week period after your baby is born. It is made up of emotional and physical changes as you adjust to being a parent. During the fourth trimester, it can be helpful to be mindful and aware of how you are feeling so you can best show up for yourself and your new baby. Below are some tips that can help you manage the fourth trimester after your child is born: ●…
Mentor Local Buzz – Spotlight on Wellness
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Self Harm Awareness
Self-Harm Awareness Did you know that March is self-harm awareness month? It is and this is a topic that is often not spoken about but something that many people, adults and kids, struggle with. Self-harm refers to intentional actions someone takes to cause harm to their own body as a way of coping with emotional pain, stress, or other overwhelming feelings. Sometimes it can even be in the form of a punishment or to feel something- to feel alive when…