Life can sometimes feel like a palm tree. It can be beautiful and a nice place to lie down. However, when there is a storm coming, the palm tree may not be able to stand. Anxiety, depression, and many other ailments can affect your mental health and make your tree fall down. Luckily, a counselor based in Fort Myers can help you. 

Fort Myers is known as the City of Palms. When you’re having trouble, you can rely on the palm trees for protection. A counselor based in Fort Myers can guide you to be the best person possible.

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Dorothy Charest

Offering therapy in FL
License: MS, LPC, LMHC, NCC, CSOTP, CAADC, ICAADC, CCTP,
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesAnger managementDepression
18 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor through the Virginia Board of Counseling and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor through the Florida Department of Health. I have over 18 years experience working with individuals affected by a range of concerns including depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance abuse. I am also a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor through the Virginia Board of Counseling and a Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor through the Virginia Certification Board. Additionally, I am Certified Sex Offender Treatment Provider through the Virginia Board of Psychology and have provided treatment for individuals with sexually compulsive behaviors for over 11 years. I graduated from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia in 2003 and continue to remain current in the field though professional training and workshops and have achieved certification as a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional and a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. I utilize various treatment modalities including cognitive behavioral, schema therapy, humanistic, and solution-focused brief therapy and believe that treatment should be tailored to the individual client in a non-judgmental and safe environment. Treatment can be both challenging and rewarding and I commend you for taking that first step and entrusting me to take that journey with you. Specialties: Mood disorders Anxiety Substance use disorders Trauma Anger management Sexually compulsive disorders

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Dr. Linda McKayle

Offering therapy in FL
License: LMHC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
22 years of experience

I am a Licensed mental health counselor in the state of Florida with over 16 years of experience working as a mental health counselor in different settings. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, and ADHD. My experience includes working with individual with substance abuse issues. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines person- centered, cognitive-behavioral, solution focus and rational-emotive counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I will be available to help you when you are ready to take the next to achieve the help that you seek. I am looking forward to working with you!

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Naomi Blake

Offering therapy in FL
License: MS, LMHC,Doctoral Candidate
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefDepressionCompassion fatigue
17 years of experience

My purpose and passion involve helping others. I believe in working collaboratively with you to help you to identify needs, support you in finding ways to manage them positively, and assist in promoting mental health and wellness. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida. I have a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology, Master of Science in Counseling, and I am a Doctoral Candidate. I have worked in the field of counseling for almost 15 years, working with individuals from children, adolescents, and adults. I have also worked in several programs: Inpatient, Residential, Intensive Outpatient, and Outpatient. My experience includes working with mental health disorders, substance use disorders, and co-occurring disorders. I have helped individuals presenting with depression, anxiety, panic attacks, grief and loss, stress, maladaptive communication, decreased self-esteem, substance use, and other needs. My treatment approach is primarily Cognitive Behavioral with the understanding that our thoughts affect our emotions and behaviors, taking into consideration the impact of our environment and experiences. Other treatment approaches used are Solution Focused Therapy, Family Systems, Motivational Interviewing, and Mindfulness. I believe in treating others with respect, being non-judgmental, actively listening, and being client centered.

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Bernabe Gonzalez

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesDepression
10 years of experience

I began my practice of counseling to assist others in finding a holistic way to deal with life stressors. I have been in the healing business for over 10 years. It all began with my desire to assist others while I was in the hospital setting as a Spiritual Leader (Chaplain). I develop a love for counseling and have been licensed by the State of Florida as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. I'm happy to provide individual services, family services and life coaching. I have a unique style of utilizing CBT, REBT, Emotional and Spiritually based counseling that has helped many conquer their fears and problems and bring positive solutions to their emotional problems. I'm the father of two boy and have been married for over 30 years to my red hair sweetheart and best friend.

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Tina LaPorta

Offering therapy in FL
License: LMFT,LPC,LCDC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
15 years of experience

Thank you for visiting my profile! I am here to help you. I have many years of counseling experience with adults and adolescents that have depression, anxiety, PTSD, anger issues; relationship, family, career or adjustment concerns; as well as substance abuse issues. I have military counseling experience with active duty troops and combat veterans. I have two Master’s degrees in Psychology, the first in College Teaching and the second in counseling, specializing in marriage and family therapy. I began my career as an Adjunct Professor in Psychology in the San Francisco Bay Area; after 6 years of teaching , I began to work clinically, as a community based mental health clinician, with adults with more severe , chronic symptoms, such as schizophrenia. I also worked in the community, as a licensed clinician with both adults and adolescents, with mental health and substance abuse disorders, in Outpatient, IOP and partial hospitalization treatment programs. After many years in the private sector, I decided to work for the Federal government. I was hired as a Psychologist, at Fort Sam Houston, in Texas. I worked for the Department of Defense, on base at Fort Sam Houston and Fort Bliss. As a Federal GS employee, I transferred to the Department of Veteran Affairs. I worked in their Vet Centers as a licensed marriage and family therapist. I am licensed in CT, FL, N.J., AZ, and TX. I prefer a cognitive behavioral (CBT) approach. I like to focus on cognitive and behavioral changes, in working with you to achieve your therapy goals. Thank you for your consideration. If you have any questions, please write. Tina LaPorta

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Elisabeth Spear

Offering therapy in FL
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
23 years of experience

I am a licensed clinician with over 20 years of experience working with multiple treatment modalities to assist both people in crisis and people seeking to improve self esteem, evaluate all types of relationships and life goals or make major life changes. I am very practical in terms of helping you to make changes and transitions in your life. My viewpoint is one of working with a person and also what surrounds that person - family, community, workplace and social life. I am also caring, warm, and open professionally to spiritual and alternative methods such as mindfulness and meditation. I am open to both video and phone sessions but not to chat or text sessions as I believe it is easy to misinterpret emotions and levels of concerns you may express via text and chat. Finding a therapist that you trust and connect with is a challenging task, it is important to me to offer the best of myself when we are working together. Over the past twenty years I have worked with people experiencing chronic and terminal illness, mental heath crisis, homelessness, PTSD, consequences of aging, and disability. I have also worked with people wanting to improve self esteem, work through family and relationship issues, and also the many internal conflicts experienced throughout the stages of life as beliefs, needs and goals change over time. I am comfortable working with LGBTQ clients and also with clients in alternative lifestyles such as polyamory, swinging and BDSM. My goal is for each client to have a space to discuss choices and needs openly in a caring and professional relationship. For all the clients who have posted reviews - I am so grateful you are a part of my life, and thank you so much for your kindness!

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Amanda Capalbo

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseCoping with life changes
13 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & parenting issues. I also enjoy working with professionsals facing burnout and compassion fatigue. I pride myself on being a strong woman that has a passion to empower and uplift other woman. However, when working with couples, I am very firm with "what is right is right and wrong is wrong", I will never take sides, my goal is to get you to a place of compromise and growth. I love teenagers. I have such a respect for the challenges they face in today's world. I also believe in accountability and erasing the mentality of entitlement. I love working with teenagers to develop into the best person they can be. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Thamar Blaise

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

This is Nilsa Rohaidy's avatar and link to their profile

Nilsa Rohaidy

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefSelf esteemDepression
3 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with over 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Mariana Orcillez

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Florida with 3 years of professional work experience providing therapy services. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I'm experienced with helping my clients process their emotions and coping with their situations with Cognitive behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) amongst other therapy modalities that I use. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

How to find counseling in Fort Myers

Finding the best therapist close by in Fort Myers can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area, you can find a therapist in your city that is accepting new clients and fits your goals. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage, family issues, or other emotional challenges, feel proud that you have begun your search to find the mental health care services that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Fort Myers. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of therapy can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Fort Myers, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.

It is also important to understand that mental health professionals in the United States are accredited to provide care, helping individuals and couples, with a variety of licenses. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinical psychologist or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

Mental health professionals working through their own in- person therapy practice in Fort Myers or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, or change in negative thinking patterns. They may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain. Verified providers can provide licensed marriage and couples therapy, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.

There are all kinds of therapists working with clients today across the United States and in the greater Fort Myers area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find therapists, have in mind what type of therapy you'd like your provider to be most experienced with and choose an experienced provider with a practice located near you in the city of Fort Myers, elsewhere in Lee, or in the greater state of Florida.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Fort Myers area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Fort Myers therapist?

The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Fort Myers due to a higher cost of living. The price also depends on the type of provider you are looking for. See the following average prices for various mental health providers without insurance:

  • Counseling with a psychiatrist: $150-$500
  • Counseling with therapists: $100-300
  • Therapy with a psychologist: $100

While many psychologists in Fort Myers may not take health insurance, some in the state of Florida may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With BetterHelp or clinicians throughout the state of Florida you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).

How is a licensed therapist on this online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Fort Myers, Florida working on BetterHelp are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited as a doctor of psychology (PhD / PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW / LICSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). All of these psychology clinicians have a Masters Degree or a Doctorate Degree in their field of psychology sciences, and follow the APA Code of Ethics. They have been qualified and certified by their state's professional board after successfully completing the necessary education, exams, training and practice with a patient, and extensive experience in a healthcare clinic or treatment centers, in order to become a mental health provider. While their lived experience, expertise, careers, and background vary, they all possess at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience with adult and sometimes teen patients, and have the necessary therapist credentials to provide a safe space for long lasting emotional healing in therapy. 

Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from psychiatrists to prescribe a drug as treatment, or perform psychological assessments.

How does working with a counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?

BetterHelp clinicians treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Fort Myers above, can work with young adults, children, adolescents, and adults virtually as an accredited licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). You do not have to commute to a an office as a psychotherapy client.

Through BetterHelp therapy, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, use the in app journaling feature, and receive worksheets. You'll also find support groups or group therapy lead by a therapist in Fort Myers helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety or depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address?

BetterHelp's verified Fort Myers therapists specialize and have clinical experience in a wide range of mental health issues and modalities, helping clients to feel better and improve their lives every day. See below for examples.

Specialties on BetterHelp include:

You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy or with a sex therapist. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists or licensed marriage family therapists (LMFT) who work with clients in relationships. You can also try a Fort Myers therapy provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide. 

How do I know if online counseling is right for my family?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a therapist is the validation and active listening they can provide. Your friends and loved ones may also be available to listen, but you may feel that they may lack the skills to provide objective guidance. Counselors are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

A psychologist in your city can support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health, life concerns, or healing needs. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another good benefit of therapy is having an understanding, safe space with a non-judgmental party who can support you through challenging experiences.

Many people have sensitive topics that they may feel ashamed to discuss with their friends or partner. A Fort Myers therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, such as art therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words.

With a lot of people in FL, providers may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles above and others within BetterHelp's team, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching to find a a nearby psychotherapist close to 33902 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Fort Myers counselor?

Before seeing your therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the therapy process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist, any emotional pain you may feel, and the ways in which you hope to improve. When you attend your session, let them know if you have any concerns about therapy or feel unsure about what to talk about. They may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy.

Should I find a therapist or psychologist if I feel fine? 

Some simply don't feel the need to see a psychologist. However, some people may avoid attending therapy due to stigma or preconceived notions of what therapy entails. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback and advice. A Fort Myers licensed clinical social worker may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.

Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find through therapy can be dependent on your process.

People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles.

Is mental health care and therapy worth it? 

Therapy is effective and has the power to change individuals' lives. Each client is at a different stage of their emotional healing journey in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, skills, and goals. A psychologist can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities to help you feel your best and put you on the path to healing. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, a mental health professional has an understanding of various disorders like ADHD and depression with many hours of experience in treating adults in their practice. For this reason, seeing an evidence based psychologist in Fort Myers, Florida can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy services each year, showing it's a popular option and is proven to be effective.

Fort Myers has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions?

The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.

Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on PinterestLinkedInInstagramTwitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time today to learn more about the team of therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of Fort Myers.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Fort Myers:

33901, 33902, 33905, 33906, 33907, 33911, 33913, 33916, 33918, 33966, 33994

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