About BrightSpot Families
Every family has dark seasons. We're the BrightSpot that helps you find your way out.
BrightSpot Families is a therapy and coaching practice in Bowling Green, Ohio, serving families, kids, teens, parents, couples, and athletes in-person and virtually since 2019. We're not a large group practice with rotating staff and long wait times. We're two specialists who chose this work on purpose, and who show up for every family like it matters, because it does.
The reason BrightSpot exists.
We opened BrightSpot in 2019 because we kept seeing the same gap: people and families who needed specialized, practical support they couldn't find in one place.
A teen navigating anxiety, a couple going through a transition, or a parent looking for a sports psychologist for their athlete, all of these shouldn't have to be searched for separately. They often live in the same household.
So, we built a practice that specializes in all of the above. One that sees every person in the room, not just the problem that brought them there. One where you know exactly who you're working with and why they're qualified to help.
Dr. Andrea Mata, Ph.D
Owner • Licensed Clinical Psychologist • Parent Coach
Dr. Andrea Mata, statistically, should not be as successful as she is. The daughter of a Mexican immigrant, she grew up in a gang-infested nine-block unincorporated neighborhood on the south side of Chicago. Andrea learned the value of having a strong and loving family at an early age and attributes much of her success to her close-knit and sarcastic family.
Andrea graduated summa cum laude with her Bachelor of Science degree from Valparaiso University. While there, she majored in Psychology and minored in Criminology and Urban Studies. Andrea completed her Doctorate in Clinical Child Psychology at Kent State University. She had the fortunate experience of interning at Boys Town in Omaha, Nebraska, where the mission is to save children and heal families.
Andrea was a college professor at the University of Findlay for 9 years until she realized she needed to live out her life’s mission of fortifying families. As a result, she resigned and founded BrightSpot Families.
Andrea has been married to her husband, Jim, for 15 years. They are blessed with girl-boy twins and a younger daughter. When Andrea is not spending time with her family or fortifying other families, she can be found reading, rucking, or painting.
Education & Training
Ph.D, Clinical Child Psychology — Kent State University
Predoctoral Internship — Boys Town, Omaha, Nebraska
B.S., Psychology (Minors: Criminology & Urban Studies), Summa Cum Laude — Valparaiso University
Dr. Alex Long, Psy.D
Sport clinician • Clinical Psychologist • Mental Performance Coach
Dr. Alex Long grew up in Pontiac, Michigan, where sports weren't just a pastime; they were a way out. That experience shaped everything about how he works with people today.
He played Division 1 football at Eastern Michigan University before transferring to the University of Findlay after the loss of a close friend and teammate. At Findlay, he played Division 2 football for the Oilers and met Dr. Mata, eventually joining her at BrightSpot Families in 2025.
Dr. Long believes his clients are the experts of their own lives. His job is to help them get to where they want to go. He uses evidence-based approaches, including CBT and DBT, always tailored to the individual's unique strengths and challenges.
He specializes in working with teens and adults navigating stress, anxiety, depression, life transitions, and identity, and has a particular passion for supporting individuals from marginalized backgrounds, including members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Outside the therapy room, Dr. Long is a devoted husband and new dad. He's also deeply committed to Black youth development, using sports and extracurricular activities to strengthen identity, self-love, and personal growth in young people. And yes, he watches every sport there is. GO VOLS!
Education & Training
Psy.D, Clinical Psychology — John F. Kennedy University
Predoctoral Internship — UC Davis
Postdoctoral Fellowship — The Ohio State University
B.S. — University of Findlay (Division 2 Football, Oilers)
Lindsay Thornham
Office Manager
Lindsay was born and raised in Lilburn, Georgia, where family, faith, and football were central to everyday life. During a brief break from college, she nannied for three children and began working in the front office of a physical therapy practice, where she quickly grew into an office management role. She later followed a long-held dream to Southern California, continuing her work as an office manager in a healthcare setting.
Lindsay completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Findlay in Ohio, earning degrees in Pre-Physical Therapy and Psychology. Her background reflects a passion for both healthcare operations and supporting people behind the scenes.
Health and wellness have always been important to Lindsay, especially as she has learned to manage autoimmune conditions through lifestyle, diet, and exercise. This led her to become a certified health coach, with a growing interest in blood chemistry and whole-person wellness.
Lindsay now lives in Las Vegas, Nevada, with her husband, Jon, their son, and their dog. Outside of work, she enjoys fitness classes, spending time in the sun, and reading. At BrightSpot Families, Lindsay is grateful to support families and clinicians by creating a welcoming, organized, and compassionate experience.
Our Office
Come in or log in. Either way, we’re here.
The BrightSpot office, located in Bowling Green, Ohio, is designed to feel like the opposite of a waiting room. No stiff chairs, no awkward silences in the hallway. Just a comfortable, private space where you and your family can show up as you actually are.
Can't make it in person? Many of our services are available both in-person and virtually, so location doesn't have to be a reason to stop you from getting started.
Address: 165 N. Main Street, Bowling Green, OH 43402
Parking: Available on Main Street or the parking lot at the intersection of Court and Church Street
Know Your Payment Options
Payment & Insurance
We know cost is one of the first things people think about, so let’s discuss it. Some of our services are covered by insurance. Others are private pay. When you reach out, we'll walk through your situation so you can make a decision with full confidence and information.
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Dr. Mata accepts the following insurance plans for qualifying therapy services.
Aetna
BCBS
FrontPath
Medical Mutual/Medical Health Services
Paramount
Providence
UMR
United Health Care/Optum Health
Not sure if your plan is covered? Call or text us, and we'll check for you.
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Dr. Long's sessions are $150 for the initial intake and $100 per session after that.
Dr. Mata's cash pay rate is $225 for the initial intake and $160 per session after that.
Some services, like sport psychology coaching with Dr. Long and some parts of psychological testing with Dr. Mata, are cash pay only. Psychological/ADHD testing can cost up to $1200.
We believe the right support is worth the investment. We also believe you deserve to know the cost upfront.
Contact BrightSpot
Ready to stop waiting to see if things get better?
The first step doesn't have to be complicated. Call or text us, tell us a little about what's going on, and we'll take it from there. BrightSpot is here for the families who are done just getting by.