About Cincinnati, OH
Whether you’ve lived here all of your life or you’re a new resident, Cincinnati, OH, is unlike any other city. It’s a relatively big city with a small town feel. Cincinnati, OH has a current population of over 300,000 residents with a greater metropolitan population of over 2 million people. Historically, it doesn’t have the European influence that bigger cities to the east have, though it was heavily populated by German immigrants in the mid to late 19th century. It was known as one of the gateways to the West when it was founded in 1788 and was considered the first “inland” American city. Known for its conservative and slow to change nature, Cincinnati is awakening and in the midst of a revival of sorts. The downtown area, namely the area called “Over the Rhine” has seen a renaissance in the past decade. With a pronounced Italianate architecture style still keenly visible in many of its neighborhoods, Cincinnati has a feel of the past kept alive in its resurgence. You’ll notice that it’s hard to not know someone who knows someone here. Families are close, tradition is strong. There are things to be desired in this town, but nobody can argue the city’s blue collar and tight knit feel.
If you’re new to the city, don’t be surprised if someone asks you “where did you go to school?” They’re talking about where you went to high school. Cincinnati has more school districts per capita than most metropolitan areas. Because of this, high school sports and school pride run deep. Many people stay in the area for college opting to go to the University of Cincinnati or Xavier University. Stay here long enough and you’ll never leave. It’s a great place to raise a family, establish a career, and live with a great standard of living. I’m proud to call this place home and I can’t imagine raising my family somewhere else. If you live here, you might feel the same. And if you’re a new resident, welcome to Cincinnati. We’re glad you’re here.
Common things you’ll see in Cincinnati, OH
Some signature Cincinnati icons are our chili, the riverfront, Over the Rhine, one of the largest historical districts in the nation, Union Terminal, the Roebling Suspension Bridge, the Reds and Bengals, the Cincinnati Zoo, Octoberfest, and the numerous intact historical buildings and sights that are one of a kind. Sports are huge here. Because of the large Catholic population, there are traditions and rivalries between some of the private high schools that compare to some college team rivalries. Fall here in Cincinnati is a huge time for sports with football taking the front seat in the city’s sports attention. Spring brings baseball with the first professional baseball team, the Cincinnati Reds founded in 1869, starting the season with its traditional opening day parade. Festivals are a big part of the fun in Cincinnati. The Labor Day fireworks show, Octoberfest, and the annual Taste of Cincinnati in the fall. There’s a year round outdoor flea market, called the City Flea, that brings aspiring small business vendors to Washington Park in Over the Rhine showcasing their talents and products for thousands of people each year. Unlike some bigger cities, Cincinnati’s attractions and celebrations usually bring in people from the surrounding neighborhoods in a way that makes an event seem like a reunion of sorts. Cincinnati isn’t a vacation spot, let’s be honest. But there’s enough energy and things to do here that make it a great place to get out and have some fun.
About Some of the People of Cincinnati (if you’ve never lived here)
The people here are close. To newcomers that can feel a bit overwhelming trying to fit in. This isn’t New York or Chicago where you’ll be right at home with thousands of other people who have relocated from other areas. Some of the neighborhoods have multiple generations of residents that have called their side of town home for decades. This is a traditional town. It takes a bit of time to get used to. It’s not quite the Midwest because of its relative location to the southern US. But it’s not the south or the eastern US, either. However, over the last few decades more and more people seem to be relocating and calling Cincinnati home. The current revival of the downtown and surrounding areas is helped by new residents from other parts of the country coming to Cincinnati for career moves and seeking to live in a bigger city without the drastic cost of living. Cincinnati is a city on the rise and it can only be improved by more people coming to the city’s center and growing and establishing new businesses and bringing new life and energy to the area. So Cincinnati is a mix. It’s a mix of old and new. Tradition plus new ideas and I can only think that its better because of this unique blend of long time residents and new residents. Finding your “people” might take some time, but you’ll be able to find your stride especially now more than ever.
Seeking Counseling and Using Your Insurance Benefits
Many people seek counseling in Cincinnati and for different reasons. Women, men, families, couples, and children. Cincinnati has a wide variety of options for people looking for therapy. There are various agencies and counseling practices to choose from. Using insurance is a popular option for many people. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is one of the major providers in town and if you have this insurance, you will be able to find a counselor that can fit your needs. However, other people have other insurance carriers such as United Health Care or Aetna. Doing a search for a provider who takes your insurance can be done by contacting your insurance carrier and getting access to their provider directory. If you have Medicaid, you can use your insurance in many locations or find a private provider just as you could if you were using a major insurance company. Another option for people is to contact Talbert House. Talbert House works with people who may not have the monetary resources to access a private provider. They are a big advocate for mental health here in Cincinnati and also provide substance rehabilitation services both inpatient and outpatient. If you do not choose to use your insurance, or wish to find a private provider who offers more specialized therapy, you can choose a self pay option. Even with a self pay option you can use your HAS benefits or your out of network benefits if you have Anthem, for example. Contact your insurance provider to learn more about your out of network benefits. If you do choose to use your in network insurance, out of network insurance, or Medicaid benefits you will have to have a mental health diagnosis given to you. This diagnosis will “follow” you from provider to provider and is subject to be used by other entities, such as life insurance companies. This is an important factor for people to understand. Do your homework and research and pick the right option for you or your family. There are excellent and credible services all over the greater Cincinnati, OH area.
Men’s Counseling in Cincinnati
One of the specialties here at Life Made Conscious is men’s counseling. In men’s counseling men can get specific attention to their emotional and mental health needs. Men tend to need help with their day to day mood and emotional state. Stressors from their career, family life, or relationship have a lasting impact on their life satisfaction. We understand that seeking counseling isn’t easy and for many men when they reach out to us they are looking into counseling, or men’s counseling, for the first time. We’ll help you take your time and sort through the things that are affecting you and your well being. We take pride in being understanding and realistic to the needs of men. John Harrison works specifically with men and has a background as an Army veteran, as well as being a father. John leads a men’s counseling group that meets once a week working with a small group of men. These men are dedicated to each other and the group discussion is realistic and helpful for men who are not looking to be different people for themselves or their families, but are looking to be better versions of themselves. Men going into men’s counseling, or the men’s counseling group, can expect to find a warm and understanding atmosphere to talk through some of their most sensitive and important issues. To find out more about men’s counseling, click here.
Relationship Counseling
Just like any other town, people in Cincinnati need help for their relationships. Of course, this isn’t unique to any other city. Couples seeking relationship counseling, just like individual counseling, can find various providers all across town. We serve couples dealing with various relationship issues here at Life Made Conscious. Whether you and your partner are dealing with communication issues, distancing problems, or are at the brink of splitting up, we can help through relationship counseling. Using methods such as Relational Life Therapy (RLT) and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) our therapists can help you and your situation. If we can’t help you, we are glad to link you up with a trusted counselor in the Cincinnati, OH area to help you and your partner. To learn more about our relationship counseling services, click here.
If you are interested in learning more about Life Made Conscious, and our Cincinnati Counseling services, call or text us at 513-306-4000 or email us at info@lifemadeconscious.com.