For Dr. Leslie Worth, healing and growth are more than goals, they’re a calling. As the owner and lead therapist at Worthwhile Therapy, she specializes in marriage and family counseling and clinical sexology, creating safe spaces where people can rebuild relationships and rediscover themselves.

“The defining moment that shaped who I am today was choosing to pursue my master’s degree in marriage, couple and family therapy,” she says. “It was the first step in aligning my career with my passion for helping people heal and grow. That decision ultimately led me to pursue a PhD in clinical sexology, where I’ve continued to refine my expertise and leadership in the field of mental health and relationships.”

Leslie’s leadership extends beyond her own practice. As a qualified supervisor, she mentors new clinicians as they enter the field.

“My hope is to leave a mark by shaping a new generation of therapists who feel supported, inspired and equipped to meet the evolving needs of our community,” she says. “I want my leadership to ripple outward, creating more access to compassionate, high-quality care for years to come.”

Starting her practice in 2020, at the height of the pandemic, was one of the greatest challenges of her career.

“I wanted to offer a safe space for people to find support when the world felt unpredictable,” she says. “Five years later, expanding into a larger space with additional clinicians has brought new challenges leading others, managing growth, and staying grounded in purpose. These experiences have shaped me into a more compassionate and adaptable leader, reminding me that growth often comes through discomfort.”

When asked how she hopes to be remembered, Leslie says, “I’d like people to say that I not only built a thriving practice but also built a culture of compassion and collaboration that changed lives. That through Worthwhile Therapy, clients, clinicians, and the broader community felt supported, empowered, and seen, and that this ripple effect continued long after me.”

Leslie’s motivation stems from a desire for change.

“My drive comes from a deep commitment to changing how our community experiences mental health care,” she says. “Each day, I’m motivated to create spaces where clients and clinicians alike feel safe, supported and valued. Seeing individuals find healing and empowerment and knowing that this ripples outward into families and communities, fuels my passion for this work.”

A fun fact about Leslie: she loves building cosplay costumes inspired by her favorite video game characters.

“It’s a creative outlet that lets me combine art, design and imagination,” she says.