Position:

Adjunct Professor

Contact Information:

mbest@paloaltou.edu

Programs:

Master's

Education:

• PhD in counselor Education and Supervision, University of Toledo, May, 2023
• M.Ed. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Cleveland State University
• B.S. Health Science, Cleveland State University

Biography:

Mihkaya Best, PhD, LPC (OH) is passionate about serving children, adolescents, and their families.

Mihkaya is certified as clinical autism specialist and also is trained in CBT, DBT, and behavioral therapy approaches. Mihkaya also utilizes ACT, SFBT, play therapy and exposure therapy informed approaches. Mihkaya’s clinical expertise centers around children and adolescents diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, OCD, anxiety, depression, general behavioral concerns and family training.

Outside of her clinical work, Mihkaya has earned her PhD from The University of Toledo, Masters and Bachelors degrees from Cleveland State University. Mihkaya also dedicates time to instructing graduate learners as an adjunct professor at the University of Toledo in addition to graduate learners at PAU. Mihkaya’s current research focus centers around barriers accessing mental health care for individuals with ASD.

Beyond clinical and scholastic endeavors, Mihkaya is passionate about true crime, powerlifting and spending time with her golden retriever, Henry.

Areas of Interest:

Child and Adolescent counseling, ASD, family systems, ADHD, behavioral therapy