Chris (CJ) Johnson, MSW, LSW

Clinical Therapist

Fluent in American Sign Language (ASL)

Hello!!! My name is Chris Johnson, CJ. I am a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) through the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board. I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Gallaudet University in 1996 and my Master of Social Work degree from The Ohio State University in 1999.

For over 25 years, I have provided mental health, behavioral health, crisis intervention, and supportive counseling services to children, adolescents, adults, and families throughout Central Ohio. My professional experience includes working in community mental health, residential treatment, crisis response, school-based services, and home-based counseling. I have worked with Netcare Access, The Woods at Parkside in partnership with Columbus Colony Elderly Care, St. Vincent Family Center, Southeast Healthcare, and ViaQuest, Inc.. I currently serve as a School Social Worker at Ohio School for the Deaf, where I provide counseling, crisis intervention, behavioral support, and collaboration with students, families, staff, and community providers.

As a Deaf professional fluent in American Sign Language (ASL), I bring both professional expertise and personal lived experience to my work. I am passionate about improving access to culturally and linguistically appropriate mental health services for Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and DeafBlind individuals, while also supporting hearing individuals and families.

My clinical areas of focus include anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, behavioral concerns, self-esteem, stress management, relationship challenges, and family dynamics. I believe in creating a supportive, respectful, and person-centered environment where individuals feel heard, understood, and empowered to reach their goals. I value building strong therapeutic relationships and working collaboratively with clients, families, schools, and community agencies to support emotional wellness and personal growth. As a therapist with Serenity Behavioral Healthcare Services, I provide both face-to-face and telehealth counseling services to meet the unique needs of individuals and families.