Columbus, Ohio  ·  General Educational Resource

Understanding your child's
mental health journey

General educational resources for parents navigating childhood anxiety, emotional development, and family wellbeing — informed by international training in child psychology and genuine cultural understanding.

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Clinical Therapist InternUnder Supervision
Accepting Clients
M.A.In Progress · Clinical Counseling
Liberty University
M.S.Earned · Clinical Psychology
Aix-Marseille University, France
3Languages:
English · French · Arabic
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International Credentials

Hayfa earned her B.S. in Psychology from Tunis El Manar University and her M.S. in Clinical Psychology from Aix-Marseille University in France. She is currently completing her M.A. in Clinical Counseling at Liberty University. She has practiced as a psychologist in both France and Tunisia, where she also served as a school psychologist.

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U.S. Licensure Status

Hayfa is a Clinical Therapist Intern at Serenity Behavioral Health Services, under the clinical supervision of Rachel Mertens, MA, LPCC-S. She is currently completing the requirements necessary to become a licensed LPCC in Ohio.

A cross-cultural lens on child & family wellbeing

Hayfa Bouzouita brings a rare international perspective to her work — combining academic training and clinical experience in Europe and North Africa with supervised practice in the United States. Research consistently shows that cultural match between client and therapist improves treatment engagement and outcomes, particularly for children and immigrant families.

  • B.S. in Psychology — Tunis El Manar University (Tunisia)
  • M.S. in Clinical Psychology — Aix-Marseille University (France)
  • M.A. in Clinical Counseling — Liberty University · In Progress
  • Former private practice and school psychologist experience in Tunisia; clinical work with psychological associations in Marseille
  • Fluent in English, French, and Arabic — deeply familiar with immigrant and bicultural family experiences
  • Currently a Clinical Therapist Intern at Serenity Behavioral Health Services in Westerville, Ohio, under clinical supervision of Rachel Mertens, MA, LPCC-S
Read full bio  →

Hayfa Bouzouita, MS

Clinical Therapist Intern · Under Supervision

Fluent in Arabic and French

I am a clinical mental health counseling intern with international experience in child and adolescent psychology. Originally trained overseas as a clinical psychologist, I have practiced in France, Tunisia, and the United States, both in private practice and within mental health centers, working alongside interdisciplinary teams. These experiences have strengthened my ability to collaborate, adapt, and support clients from diverse cultural, linguistic, and social backgrounds.

In addition to my clinical experience, I have also taught ballet to children and adolescents. Through that work, I focused not just on technique, but on helping students build confidence, develop a sense of discipline, work collaboratively in groups, and find joy in creative expression. This experience deepened my passion for fostering emotional growth, resilience, and healthy identity development in young people. It allowed me to blend art and science using structure alongside creativity to help youth develop a strong sense of self.

I work with children, adolescents, and adults navigating anxiety, depression, emotional and behavioral challenges, family conflict, acculturation stress, trauma, and major life transitions. I draw from evidence-based approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), play therapy, and family systems work. I believe therapy should never be a one-size-fits-all process, so I take time to understand each client's unique story and tailor treatment to meet their individual needs, values, and goals.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1 in 5 children in the United States experiences a diagnosable mental health condition — yet the majority do not receive any treatment. Early intervention makes a meaningful difference: the American Psychological Association (APA) notes that evidence-based therapy is effective for a wide range of childhood and adolescent mental health concerns, with outcomes significantly better when support is sought early rather than after problems have become entrenched.

For immigrant and multicultural families, additional barriers compound the challenge. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) recognizes that cultural and linguistic access to care is a key factor in mental health equity — and that therapy delivered in a person's primary language, by a clinician with genuine cultural understanding, leads to better engagement and outcomes.

Having lived and practiced in different countries, I bring a deep awareness of multicultural issues, including cultural identity, adjustment, and the challenges of assimilating into new environments. I strive to provide a safe, compassionate, and collaborative therapeutic space where clients feel respected, understood, and empowered to grow.

I am deeply committed to my work and hold a strong belief that healing begins when clients feel seen, supported, and accepted, just as they are.

Areas of Focus

  • Anxiety and depression
  • Emotional and behavioral challenges
  • Family conflict
  • Acculturation stress
  • Trauma
  • Major life transitions
  • Cultural identity and adjustment

Approaches

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Play Therapy
  • Family Systems Work

Populations

  • Children and adolescents
  • Adults
  • Multicultural and immigrant families
Please note: Hayfa Bouzouita, MS is a Clinical Therapist Intern at Serenity Behavioral Health Services under the clinical supervision of Rachel Mertens, MA, LPCC-S. She is a Non-U.S. Licensed Child Psychologist (France and Tunisia) and is not independently licensed in the United States. The information on this website is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice.

Educational articles
for parents

General information articles to help you understand and support your child's emotional development — written clearly, without jargon. These are not a substitute for professional advice.

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Anxiety & Worry

Recognizing Childhood Anxiety: What Parents Need to Know

Learn to distinguish normal worry from anxiety that may benefit from professional support — and how to talk with your child about their fears.

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Development

Emotional Development Milestones: Ages 5–12

What emotional growth looks like at each stage of childhood, and how parents can offer meaningful support along the way.

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School & Learning

When School Becomes Stressful: Supporting Your Child

Academic pressure is a leading source of stress for children. Here's how to help without adding to the load.

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Self-Regulation

Big Emotions, Small Bodies: Helping Children Self-Regulate

Young children experience intense emotions before they have the tools to manage them. Practical strategies for everyday life at home.

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Family Relationships

Sibling Conflict and Family Harmony: A Parent's Guide

Understanding sibling dynamics through a developmental lens, and strategies that build connection rather than competition.

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Adolescence

The Teen Years: Understanding Adolescent Mental Health

Mood swings, identity, peer pressure, and knowing when to seek professional guidance — a guide for parents of teenagers.

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ADHD & Anxiety

Is It ADHD, Anxiety, or Both?

Many symptoms overlap. Learn how to tell them apart, why they often occur together, and what parents can do to help.

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Screen Time

How Much Screen Time Is Too Much?

What parents should know about social media, gaming, and children's mental health — and what the research actually says.

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School Avoidance

When "I Don't Want to Go to School" Is More Than a Phase

How to tell school avoidance from typical resistance — and how to respond with both empathy and structure.

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Resilience

Five Ways Parents Can Help Children Bounce Back

Evidence-informed strategies for building resilience in children — through everyday family life.

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Friendships & Peers

Why Losing a Friend Can Feel Like a Major Loss for Teens

Peer relationships are central to teen wellbeing. What parents can do when friendship problems become painful.

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Young Adults · Social Media

Why Everyone Else Seems to Have Their Life Together

Social media shows polished highlights, not complete lives. Understanding the psychology of comparison can protect your self-worth.

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Young Adults · Anxiety

When Anxiety Hides Behind Achievement

A person can appear organized and successful while privately feeling tense and afraid of making mistakes.

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Young Adults · Burnout

Am I Burned Out or Depressed?

Burnout and depression share symptoms but differ in context, scope, and what recovery requires. Learn the key distinctions.

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Young Adults · Connection

Why We Feel Lonely Even When We Are Constantly Connected

Constant contact is not the same as feeling known. Why loneliness persists and what meaningful connection actually requires.

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Young Adults · Coping Skills

What to Do When Your Emotions Feel Too Big

A practical seven-step framework for managing intense emotional states — drawing on CBT and DBT principles.

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Relationships · Attachment

How Your Attachment Style Influences Conflict and Communication

Learn how secure, anxious, and avoidant attachment patterns shape communication, conflict, and repair in adult relationships.

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Relationships · Anxiety

Is It My Anxiety or Is Something Wrong in the Relationship?

How to distinguish anxiety-driven doubt from real relationship concerns — by examining patterns, evidence, and repair.

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Relationships · Stress

The Hidden Responsibilities That Create Relationship Tension

The mental load — tracking, planning, and managing daily life — often falls invisibly on one partner and quietly builds resentment.

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Relationships · Conflict

How Healthy Couples Disagree

Disagreement is normal. Learn how healthy and toxic conflict differ in respect, repair, and what each produces for the relationship.

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Relationships · Connection

When You Love Each Other but Feel Like Roommates

Many couples do not stop loving each other — they stop feeling reached. How partners rebuild trust and emotional closeness.

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Trauma · Education

Trauma Is Not Always What People Think It Is

Trauma refers not only to what happened, but to how the nervous system and sense of safety were affected. Common misconceptions clarified.

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Relationships · Attachment

How Childhood Experiences Shape Adult Relationships

Early relationships teach us what closeness feels like and what happens when we have needs. These lessons can continue into adulthood.

Wellness · Stress

Why Small Problems Sometimes Feel Overwhelming

When the nervous system has been carrying too much for too long, a minor inconvenience can become the final demand on an overloaded system.

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Parenting · Emotion Coaching

What to Say Instead of "Calm Down"

Emotion coaching helps children name feelings and regulate their bodies. Practical phrases and strategies for parents.

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Parenting · Stress & Uncertainty

Helping Children Manage Stress When the World Feels Uncertain

How parents can help children feel safe, make sense of difficult events, and develop coping skills during uncertain times.

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Parenting · Child Development

When Trying Your Best Turns Into Never Feeling Good Enough

How perfectionism differs from healthy effort, why children fear mistakes, and how parents can support confidence and resilience.

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Wellness · Stress & Uncertainty

When Staying Informed Starts Feeling Overwhelming

Constant news checking can increase stress and disrupt sleep. How to stay informed without keeping your nervous system on alert.

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Wellness · Anxiety

Why Uncertainty Feels So Stressful and What Helps

The mind often treats not knowing as danger. Practical ways to tolerate the unknown and focus on the next controllable step.

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Community · Wellbeing

Why Feeling Connected Matters More Than Ever

Community connection creates belonging, practical support, and resilience. Why regular participation matters and how connection grows.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the questions parents and individuals most often ask about Hayfa's background, services, and approach.

Hayfa Bouzouita, MS is a Clinical Therapist Intern at Serenity Behavioral Health Services in Westerville, Ohio, practicing under the clinical supervision of Rachel Mertens, MA, LPCC-S. She holds a Master of Science in Clinical Psychology from Aix-Marseille University (France) and is completing her M.A. in Clinical Counseling at Liberty University. Prior to coming to Ohio, she worked as a licensed Child Psychologist in France and Tunisia. She is not yet independently licensed in the United States.
Hayfa currently sees children, adolescents, and adult clients at Serenity Behavioral Health Services. Areas of focus include childhood anxiety, school-related stress, emotional dysregulation, trauma, ADHD, and the mental health needs of multicultural and immigrant families. All services are delivered under clinical supervision.
Hayfa draws on evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills, and trauma-informed, culturally responsive care. Her work is guided by an awareness of how cultural context, family background, and language shape a person's experience of distress and healing.
Yes. Hayfa is currently accepting both child and adult clients at Serenity Behavioral Health Services. She has training and experience working with children as young as school age, adolescents navigating the teen years, and adults dealing with anxiety, burnout, relationship stress, and life transitions.
Hayfa offers therapy in English, French (Français), and Arabic (العربية). She is fully fluent in all three languages and is one of a small number of clinicians in the Columbus, Ohio area who can work with Arabic-speaking and French-speaking families in their native language.
A Clinical Therapist Intern is a graduate-level clinician completing the supervised clinical hours required for licensure in the United States. Hayfa practices under the clinical supervision of Rachel Mertens, MA, LPCC-S at Serenity Behavioral Health Services. All sessions are covered by this supervisory relationship. She is not independently licensed in Ohio at this time.
You can reach Hayfa through Serenity Behavioral Health Services by visiting her profile at serenity-bhs.org/hayfa-bouzouita.html or by calling the practice directly at (614) 948-3273. The office is located at 5011 Pine Creek Dr, Westerville, OH 43081.
Hayfa offers both in-person sessions at the Serenity Behavioral Health Services office in Westerville, Ohio and telehealth sessions for clients located within Ohio. Contact the practice to discuss which format is right for your situation.
Cultural background shapes how people experience stress, express emotions, and understand mental health. A multicultural therapist brings cultural humility and specific knowledge of the challenges immigrant and bicultural families face — including acculturation stress, bicultural identity, and the tension between family values and the dominant culture. Research consistently shows that cultural match between therapist and client improves engagement and outcomes, particularly for children and adolescents navigating multiple cultural worlds.
Parents often reach out when a child is struggling with persistent worry or anxiety, behavioral changes, school avoidance, difficulty managing emotions, problems with peers or friendships, the aftermath of a stressful event or family change, or signs of low mood. According to the CDC, approximately 1 in 5 children in the U.S. experiences a mental health condition — early support can make a meaningful difference.

Helpful Links & Community Resources

Mental and emotional well-being are essential parts of overall health, especially during times of stress or transition. If you or someone you care about is feeling overwhelmed, distressed, or in need of support, the services below can help connect you to trained professionals and community-based assistance.

Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Immediate Crisis Support

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    988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

    Call or text 988 for free, confidential support. Available around the clock for anyone experiencing a mental health crisis.

    988lifeline.org →

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    Ohio CareLine

    Call 1-800-720-9616 for 24/7 emotional support from behavioral health professionals across Ohio.

    Ohio CareLine (OhioCares) →

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    Crisis Text Line

    Text 4HOPE to 741741 for free, confidential text-based crisis support at any time.

    crisistextline.org →

⚠️ If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.

ADAMH Board of Franklin County

Local crisis services, provider directory, and behavioral health resources for Franklin County residents.

adamhfranklin.org →

Mental Health America of Ohio (MHAOhio)

Community mental health services, peer support, advocacy, and referrals across Ohio.

mhaohio.org →

CAP4Kids Columbus

A local directory of counseling, crisis hotlines, and mental health support resources for children and families in Columbus.

cap4kids.org/columbus →

NAMI Ohio

Education, advocacy, and support resources for individuals and families affected by mental illness, statewide.

namiohio.org →

Comprehensive
Parent Guides

General information guides for parents navigating complex child mental health topics — grounded in research, written for real life. Not a substitute for professional consultation.

More Guides Coming Soon

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Raising Emotionally Intelligent Children

Building emotional vocabulary and resilience from early childhood through the teen years.

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Navigating School Transitions with Your Child

New schools, new grades, and new social worlds — a guide for parents who want to support through change.

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Trauma-Informed Parenting: What It Means

Understanding how adverse experiences affect children's behavior and relationships.

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Sleep, Stress & Your Child's Mental Health

The science behind children's sleep needs and how rest shapes emotional wellbeing.

Raising children
between cultures

Bicultural and immigrant families face a unique psychological landscape. These resources speak to the real experiences of children navigating identity, language, and belonging across cultures. According to the American Psychological Association, culturally adapted mental health interventions are significantly more effective for ethnic minority and immigrant populations than standard unadapted approaches.

1 in 4

U.S. children live in an immigrant family household

200+

Languages spoken in Ohio schools

↑ 40%

Greater cultural stress for second-generation immigrant youth

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Languages Hayfa speaks and writes fluently

🇺🇸 English 🇫🇷 Français 🇹🇳 العربية
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Bicultural Identity in Children

Helping children develop a secure sense of self when they belong to more than one cultural world — and why this dual identity is a strength, not a burden.

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Bilingual Children & Language Development

Dispelling myths, celebrating cognitive advantages, and understanding the emotional dimensions of growing up multilingual.

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Cultural Adjustment & Acculturation Stress

Resources for parents navigating the psychological impact of moving countries and supporting children through major cultural transitions.

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Arab & North African Families in the U.S.

Culturally grounded resources for MENA families — honoring values, traditions, and the specific mental health considerations of this community.

Working toward U.S. licensure in Ohio

Hayfa Bouzouita, MS is a Clinical Therapist Intern at Serenity Behavioral Health Services under clinical supervision, and a Non-U.S. Licensed Child Psychologist (France and Tunisia). Full transparency about her current status is provided below.

Completed

B.S. Psychology — Tunis El Manar University

Foundational academic training in psychology at one of Tunisia's leading universities.

Completed

M.S. Clinical Psychology — Aix-Marseille University

Graduate clinical psychology degree from a top French research university.

In Progress

M.A. Clinical Counseling — Liberty University

Currently completing the M.A. degree in Clinical Counseling at Liberty University.

Completed

International Practice — Tunisia & France

Private practice and school psychologist in Tunis; clinical work with psychological associations in Marseille.

In Progress

Clinical Therapist Intern — Serenity Behavioral Health Services, Westerville, OH

Currently practicing as a Clinical Therapist Intern under the clinical supervision of Rachel Mertens, MA, LPCC-S, and completing requirements toward U.S. professional licensure. Not yet independently licensed in the United States.

Future Goal

Licensed Practice — Columbus, Ohio

Upon achieving Ohio licensure, plans to establish a practice specializing in children, adolescents, and multicultural families.

Contact Hayfa

To connect through Serenity Behavioral Health Services, please reach out via her profile or call directly.

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Currently accepting children and adult clients. Hayfa is a Clinical Therapist Intern at Serenity Behavioral Health Services under the clinical supervision of Rachel Mertens, MA, LPCC-S. If you are in crisis, call or text 988.

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Practice

Serenity Behavioral Health Services

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Address

5011 Pine Creek Dr, Westerville, OH 43081

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Languages

English · Français · العربية

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Current Status

Clinical Therapist Intern · Under Supervision

Ready to connect?

Visit Hayfa's profile at Serenity Behavioral Health Services to learn more or schedule an appointment.

View Serenity Profile
📞  (614) 948-3273

Hayfa Bouzouita, MS is a Clinical Therapist Intern under the clinical supervision of Rachel Mertens, MA, LPCC-S at Serenity Behavioral Health Services and is not independently licensed in the United States. This website does not establish a professional relationship.