Dr. Tanisha L. Knighton

Dr. Tanisha L. Knighton is a licensed clinical psychologist with over 25 years of experience providing compassionate, evidence-based care to diverse populations. She specializes in psychotherapy for adolescents, adults, couples, and families, with a clinical focus on suicidality, grief and loss, trauma, sexual abuse, problematic sexual behaviors, forensic issues, substance use disorders, and PTSD. A passionate advocate for ethical practice and social justice, Dr. Knighton is committed to addressing the unique mental health needs of BIPOC individuals, first responders, and the LGBTQI+ community. Dr. Knighton’s expertise extends beyond private practice. She serves as a forensic consultant in an inpatient hospital setting, leveraging her deep understanding of forensic psychology to support complex cases. She is a distinguished speaker, curriculum developer, and educator, with extensive experience designing and delivering hundreds of impactful seminars and workshops for federal and state agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), child advocacy centers (CACs), national conferences, and academic audiences at both undergraduate and graduate levels. Her work focuses on critical issues such as human trafficking, missing persons, trauma-informed care, and first responder collaboration. Dr. Knighton’s extensive experience in both social services and law enforcement provides her with a unique, multidisciplinary perspective. This depth of knowledge enables her to deliver integrated, evidence-based care that addresses the complex needs of individuals, families, and communities with compassion and expertise. Engaging with, listing to, and supporting the community is foundational to Dr. Knighton’s philosophy and values. Dr. Knighton serves on board of the Child and Family Advocates of Cuyahoga County and in the past has served on the Early Childhood Enrichment Center board and other local and state taskforce efforts on matters related to the nexus of missing person’s, human trafficking, the justice system and behavioral health. Additionally, Dr. Knighton is an active member of American Psychological Association Division 41: American Psychology Law Society; the Ohio Psychological Association, Diversity Committee Co-Chair and The Association of Black Psychologist (ABPsi). As a volunteer therapist for Give an Hour Dr. Knighton offers ongoing pro-bono services to veterans, military, victims of crime and individuals in the justice system. Dr. Knighton's clients have shared they enjoy being able to just “talk for an hour” while she “keeps it real” in sessions. She enjoys helping her clients achieve whatever they are seeking in a casual/comfortable therapy setting so they are safe to explore their thoughts, feelings, and vulnerabilities. She invites you to reach out if the fit feels right.