What’s more exciting than living so close to Miami? Not much. The residents of Opa-Locka get to enjoy all that Miami-Dade County has to offer: the beaches, the weather, the nightlife to name just a few.

But not all of its residents are soaking in the sunny Miami-Dade life. Many Floridians in this town are struggling with their mental health, just like others all across the country. When internal troubles have you feeling down, consider reaching out to an Opa-Locka-area therapist today to get the support you need. You'll have access to therapy, counseling, crisis intervention, and much more.

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Denise Wasmer

Offering therapy in FL
License: MS, LMHC, CHt
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseDepressionCompassion fatigue
10 years of experience

Hi! I’m Denise Wasmer, LMHC, Licensed Psychotherapist and EMDR Therapist. Are you experiencing trauma, PTSD, depression and/or a women's issue? I specialize in helping women go from stressed-out and overwhelmed to feeling at peace and confident in themselves. I see my clients as team members. Together, we formulate goals and immediately find solutions to the problems, so you can start seeing positive changes as quickly as possible. I am deeply committed to helping each of my clients reach their full potential and meet their treatment goals. My approach promotes self-awareness and growth while implementing skills to relieve difficult symptoms, quickly. My clinical work is also enriched by studies on mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy and self-compassion. I offer services to clients with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, self-esteem, among other issues. I graduated from The University of Miami in 2006 and since then I have been working in the field of Psychology in various settings such as Private Practice, Group Practice, Behavioral Therapy Organizations and a Substance Abuse Clinic, as well as a Professor of Psychology. I look forward to working with you, so that you can find the happiness and peace in your life, that you’ve always dreamed of.

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Yvonne Ricketts

Offering therapy in FL
License: Licensed Mental Health Counselor,LMHC
Family conflictsGriefParenting issuesDepressionADHD
12 years of experience

Welcome to BetterHelp !! My name is Yvonne Ricketts. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with the State Board of Florida. I have been providing face to face and virtual psychotherapy to children and adults for over 13 years. My education is from Palm Beach Atlantic University where I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Ministry and a Master's of Science degree in Counseling Psychology. I have also been employed in various community agencies and have additional on the job training and experiences in various modalities. I am caring, empathic, and non -judgmental. My experiences across cultures and the ability to treat everyone as unique individuals, has allowed me to hone and master my skill of reaching the heart of my clients. I am competent in the areas of Trauma Outcome Process, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Parenting Skills education (Triple P Level 4 Standard Triple P, and level 5 Pathways Triple P certification). Prepare/ Enrich certification for (Couples that are preparing for marriage and enrich those who are already married) narrative therapy to name a few, are an asset to ensure my clients get the best care. I believe that anyone can find himself or herself in circumstances which can change their life for the better or worst. Should you find yourself in a situation where you need a competent, professional, caring person to help you navigate life’s challenges no further.

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Roselyn Perez

Offering therapy in FL
License: MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
7 years of experience

I am a clinical social worker licensed in Florida with over 10 years of experience. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting/co-parenting problems, conflicts related to LGBTIQA+, career challenges, emotion management, substance abuse, grief, and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My therapy style is client-centered, warm, and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, dialectical behavioral, humanistic, rational-emotive, and solution-focused therapy. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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Kamille Harris

Offering therapy in FL
License: LMHC
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified Life Coach I have extensive experience in individual and family counseling. My clinical focus includes moving individuals and families forward into life changing experiences. I use an eclectic approach to counseling sessions which combine cognitive-behavioral, trauma-focused and client-centered therapy techniques. My experience as a clinical therapist has allowed me to service many different populations and ages and I am confident that I will be able to support you in initiating change.

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Richard Whitton

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsBipolar disorderDepression
15 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, & bipolar disorder. I also have experience working with depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Fredrick Hodges

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
18 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Dr. StarrLee Heady

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCoping with life changes
22 years of experience

I am licensed in Wyoming and in Florida with 22 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & coping with life and relationship changes. I have been part of the Military Community and have extensive experience working with Military members and their families. I have provided clinical supervision for other Mental Health Professionals and presented and consulted in both the United States and abroad concerning the provision of mental health services. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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Iraida Espada

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefAnger managementDepression
16 years of experience

Welcome to my profile, my name is Iraida and I am a bilingual Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, I obtained my Master in Marriage and Family Therapy from the University of Phoenix in Puerto Rico. I have over 16 years of professional experience working with anger management, trauma, sexual abuse, domestic violence, self-harm behaviors, suicide ideations, depression, stress and anxiety, grief and loss, family, relationship concerns, and mood disorders among others. I have experience working in different settings such as community centers, outpatient mental health clinics, shelters, home-based, the school system, and the health department. I am also a Certified Grief Informed Professional. I utilize different therapeutic modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy, Client-centered, and systemic theories. I have also facilitated numerous groups including behavior groups, anger management, parenting skills, and self-esteem to name a few. I like to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. That is one of the most important steps in this process; to build the relationship between therapist-client. I work with my client in partnership to determine which therapeutic approach and techniques better suit them and to explore new alternatives and solutions that work for them individually. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy is often the hardest part of the process and I am proud of you for getting started! I check messages daily and make every effort to respond within 24h excluding holidays and vacations. I am looking forward to getting to know you.

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Diann Toney

Offering therapy in FL
Trauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
8 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 8 years of professional work experience. I believe that therapy is collaborative process between a client and a therapist. Effective therapy requires that both the client and therapist develop a relationship based on mutual trust and respect. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are looking to reclaim your life, I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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Jordan Buckley

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changesADHD
4 years of experience

A Message From Jordan: Welcome! I am so proud of you for taking the first step in living a happier and healthier life. It takes bravery and courage to step out of your comfort zone and acknowledge that life is not going exactly as planned. You may be struggling to manage your emotions, deal with day-to-day stressors, have healthy interpersonal relationships, or cope with a traumatic experience. I look forward to starting this journey with you. Alone we are strong, but together we are stronger. Get To Know Jordan: Jordan graduated with a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Central Florida. Jordan has specialized training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT). She has experience working in both residential and outpatient mental health settings.

How to find counseling in Opa-locka

Finding the best therapist close by in Opa-locka 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 Opa-locka. 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 Opa-locka, 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 Opa-locka 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 Opa-locka 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 Opa-locka, elsewhere in Miami-Dade, 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 Opa-locka area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Opa-locka 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 Opa-locka 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 Opa-locka 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 Opa-locka, 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 Opa-locka 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 Opa-locka 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 Opa-locka 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 Opa-locka 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 Opa-locka 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 33054 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 Opa-locka 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 Opa-locka 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 Opa-locka, 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.

Opa-locka 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 Opa-locka.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Opa-locka:

33054

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