Sanibel is an island city in Lee County, Florida and has about 7300 residents living there. Incorporated in 1974, it is a relatively young city and half of it is a group of wildlife refuges that draw tourists from all over. Living on a gorgeous island can be a blessing but may also be a curse when the traffic piles up during tourist season.

Whether you are stressed out due to traffic or have been having signs of another mental illness such as depression or anything else, the Sanibel area counselors are there to help you. In fact, in and around Sanibel, you can find many mental health care experts who are able to help with any mental health concern.

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Barbara Barr

Offering therapy in FL
License: PhD.,LMHC, LCPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
3 years of experience

Hello and Welcome. My name is Barbara Barr and I am Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor licensed with over 25 years of experience. Throughout my years of providing professional counseling, I have worked with individuals, teenagers, families and couples. My counseling focus addresses issues of depression, anxiety, sexual, physical and emotional abuse and trauma, eating disorders, drug and alcohol addition issues, teenager and adolescent counseling, couples counseling, and family relationship issues. My counseling style has been described as being warm, caring, sensitive and supportive. I strive to help my clients feel safe, comfortable and trusting in me as their clinician. It is important to me that you feel understood, really listened to, and confident in my ability to help you achieve your goals, and that you are able to explore your thoughts and feelings in and safe and trusting place free of judgment. I believe in emphasizing each person’s internal feelings, thoughts and sense of basic human worth. It is very important for me to help individuals understand their own potential, accept themselves and others as unique individuals, and help individuals to take a problem-centered approach to life situations. On-line counseling may be new for many individuals, yet it is being described as extremely comfortable, convenient, and very effective. Our work together will be structured to meet your specific and individual needs and comfort level. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have and I will be happy to respond with any information you may need as well as reviewing the process with you. Live video sessions are scheduled between 6:00am EDT. - 2:00pm EDT; I am looking forward to this journey with you and look forward to hearing from you.

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Manuela Marin

Offering therapy in FL
License: LMHC
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

Hi! My name is Manuela and I am a licensed mental health counselor in Florida. I am passionate about helping individuals unpack and work through some of the things that keep them stuck in negative cycles. Sometimes it feels like you are making progress but then take a few steps back. While this is part of our growth, it can bring feelings of frustration, irritability, guilt, shame, and other emotions accompanied with the belief that things will never change or that you can’t change.​ This sometimes will lead to depression and just a general dissatisfaction with life. You feel like you’ve lost your spark. ​Let’s dig deep, and unpack the stories you are telling yourself about yourself and about others. Let’s work on getting you to a place where you can see things clearly and are able to own your emotions…not let them own you. ​This stuff can be so hard! Some of us live our lives carrying hurt and pain that we have never shared with another person. Or perhaps you tried to share it and were minimized or dismissed. That hurt won’t heal if you keep it all inside and never confront it. We cannot heal what remains hidden. ​I am also able to integrate faith in our work together if this is something you would like. When utilizing a faith-based approach, I combine psychological perspectives with wisdom found throughout Scripture only when it is relevant and appropriate to your circumstance. Reaching out for help takes so much courage and vulnerability, and it can be really scary. I want you to know that when we work together, I will do everything in my power to create a sense of safety and trust so that you feel comfortable bringing all of your "stuff" to our sessions. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. Let’s work on figuring out those hard places where you seem to get stuck and tackle those together. I look forward to working with you!

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Sharon Lewis

Offering therapy in FL
License: MS, LMHC, MHP
AddictionsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
3 years of experience

Hello: I am a licensed mental health therapist with over 20 years of experience. I enjoy working with all ages and realize how difficult it may have been for you to decide to seek assistance with an issue effecting your life, emotions and physical well-being. My past clients have had a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, addiction issues, OCD and ADHD. I have also helped clients who have experienced physical trauma and emotional abuse. My counseling style is attentive, interactive and reality based. I believe in treating everyone respectfully, with sensitivity, empathy and compassion. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, client centered therapy, rational-emotive counseling and Faithful Counseling. With your assistance we will build a dialog of trust and honesty while identifying your goals for treatment that meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek 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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Sus Austill

Offering therapy in FL
License: LCSW
AddictionsLGBTTrauma and abuseGriefADHD
30 years of experience

Your story honors me As you have a path that is unique to you. I offer to walk with you … To provide support over rough ground, To offer tools for repair or new directions Or just a chance to tell your story. I bring 40 years of sobriety, 39 years of parenting; 28 years of working with children, adolescent, adults and families in the areas of mental health, substance use disorders and crisis stabilization in settings including outpatient, residential and inpatient. Personally, I also benefitted greatly from six years of therapy as I believe a good therapist has a therapist. Thus, my style has become intuitive over time instead of using just one type of therapy. My virtual toolbox includes genograms, recovery based therapy, motivational interviewing, empathetic listening, gestalt therapy, cognitive-behaviorlal theory, narrative therapy and tai chi. Areas of speciality include PTSD/Moral Injury/Compassion Fatigue; Substance Use/Abuse/Dependency; ADHD; LGBTQ+; Depression; Anxiety, Childhood Trauma and Family Systems. I especially welcome people who may feel marginalized or isolated in this time of heightened stress as we are coping with a pandemic. I offer to walk with you to provide support over rough ground, to offer tools to ease your path forward or just a chance to rest and share your story in safety.

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Kathleen Wakefield

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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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Ashley Burchell

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseEating disordersDepression
5 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 5 years of professional experience working with children and adolescents, adults of all ages, families, and takes a particular interest in treating women’s issues. I have expertise in assisting clients in their recovery from trauma, eating disorders, and substance use disorders, and is highly skilled at assisting clients when facing challenges related to their mental health and well-being. 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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Michael Keller

Offering therapy in FL
AddictionsRelationship issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepression
30 years of experience

I am a Counselor and Registerd Nurse, licensed in Florida with over 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. I respect my client's time and money by getting to issues directly, and get down to business quickly. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. Exploring your psychological, social, biological and spiritual of your life, 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!

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Charles Blickle

Offering therapy in FL
AddictionsLGBTDepression
5 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, lgbt-related issues, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Rachael Gross

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
4 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 4 years of professional work experience. 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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Shane Davis

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

How to find counseling in Sanibel

Finding the best therapist close by in Sanibel 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 Sanibel. 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 Sanibel, 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 Sanibel 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 Sanibel 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 Sanibel, 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 Sanibel area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Sanibel 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 Sanibel 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 Sanibel 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 Sanibel, 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 Sanibel 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 Sanibel 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 Sanibel 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 Sanibel 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 Sanibel 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 33957 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 Sanibel 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 Sanibel 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 Sanibel, 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.

Sanibel 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 Sanibel.

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

33957

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