Tampa is the largest part of the Tampa Bay area, which is connected to the gulf of Mexico. It invites adventure as one wishes to sail across the sea. In life, it can be hard to brave the murky waters of life, especially if you don’t have a good guide.
A counselor can be the guide you’re looking for, and they can give you the ability to brave the waters even if there is a storm coming. Speak to a Tampa-based counselor today and see what they can do for you.
Priscilla McAllister
**Weekend & Evening Availability Upon Request** Hello, my name is Priscilla McAllister, and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). Chances are that you are here because something is not working in your life. Perhaps a toxic relationship, harmful behavior, or unhelpful thinking pattern. Maybe it is low self-esteem or general uncertainty. Are the kids driving you crazy during COVID? Whatever the case, I recognize the courage it takes to ask for help. I hope to meet your courage with relentless support. With over a decade of experience working with parents, adolescents and young adults, I am uniquely aware of cultural intersections that might be part of your struggle, and can help you reframe them as strengths. I have a deep respect for anyone who is seeking to grow, heal, or adapt. In working collaboratively with you I intend to strengthen your resilience and deepen your self-awareness in a way that can empower you to live the life you want. I aim not only to help you gain clarity about problematic areas of your life, but to help you work through them and thrive thereafter. I have extensive experience working in grades K-12 as well as college mental health, so I may be an especially good match for students and emerging adults. I appreciate your interest in working with me and welcome any questions you may have.
Dhaima Chin
My name is Dhaima Chin and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I received my masters degree from Florida Atlantic University in 2011. I have worked in many populations in this field. I currently have a private practice and I utilize three specific types of therapy with my clients. These therapies are Solution-focused therapy, which is often called "brief therapy," and focuses on what clients would like to achieve while in therapy. I also use cognitive behavioral therapy which focuses on the role of our thinking in regard to how we feel and what we do. The third therapy that I use with clients is solution focus therapy which empowers clients to own their abilities in solving problems. I can help you regain insight and get you back on track. I provide a non-judgmental space, which helps to create a safe and comfortable zone to express yourself. My goal is aimed specifically to help you identify the problem, find a solution, and provide empowerment tools.
Deborah Newell
Hello & Welcome, My name is Deborah Newell and I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and an Accredited Triple P Parenting Therapist. I have 14 years of experience counseling in a variety of settings. I enjoy working with children, adolescents, adults, & families around issues of depression/anxiety, foster care/adoption, behavioral concerns, parenting, relationships/family issues, adjustment/transitions, and trauma. I approach each situation with compassion and understanding, it is my goal to provide a safe space that is gentle, collaborative, and direct in order to help you better understand and find a solution to current or long-standing challenges through a trauma sensitive approach and cognitive-behavior intervention. I look forward to supporting and guiding you on your journey to improved mental health. It is vital to be patient with yourself as you work toward your healing and change. Learn to find reasons to love yourself, embrace your uniqueness; nurture and hold yourself accountable for the changes you hope to accomplish. I enjoy helping individuals find motivation within themselves to change their lives, situations and/or relationships for the better. I assist individuals to identify the choices they can make in their own lives to reach their goals. We all experience stress in life, complications in relationships, confusion with goals and desires, Uncertainty about the future and decisions that we have made can make us lose touch with who we are and what makes us truly fulfilled and happy. Traumatic events from the past can cloud that vision even more. We can work together to gain insight into who you truly are and how you can create the life you want. Whatever reasons you may have for reaching out at this moment, I am ready to work with you as part of a collaborative relationship in which you will be respected, supported, and free to express your feelings and talk about anything without fear of judgment. I will actively listen and help guide you in identifying personal gifts, abilities, and resources you possess. Together we can effectively meet your needs and goals.
Ginna Downing
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida with experience working with adults of all ages. I have worked with clients with a wide range of issues including anxiety, loss and separation, relationship issues, parenting problems, caregiving conflicts, and issues with work/home balance. I am primarily a cognitive therapist who works with clients to identify and correct thinking styles that interfere with achievement of personal goals. I approach each client with dignity and respect and strive to develop a positive therapeutic alliance in which I partner with clients to achieve their desired clinical success. I check messages mid-morning and mid-afternoon seven days a week, so you will hear back from me the day of your initial contact, or the very next day, at the latest. I look forward to hearing from you and discussing how we can work together to achieve your personal goals. Please remember that BetterHelp is not appropriate if you are in crisis or in immediate need of assistance. In crisis situations, please call 911 or your local emergency services. You can also call 988 to talk to someone right away.
Pauline Schuck
I am a licensed clinical social worker with over 20 years of experience with counseling others around grief and loss, depression, and chronic health issues. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD, and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic, logotherapy or meaning centered therapy, and rational-emotive therapy. I will tailor our dialogue 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!
John Rubinov
I am licensed in Florida with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, lgbt-related issues, & 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. 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.
Dr. Zereana Jess-Huff
Hello! I am so glad you've taken the first step to improving your mental health. It takes a lot of courage to step out of the shadows and get help. Please take a moment to have compassion for yourself as you navigate our system. My name is Dr. Zereana Jess-Huff and I am a licensed professional counselor and a licensed marriage and family therapist. I am currently accepting individual patients ages 13 and older. My approach to therapy is extremely educational and focused on something we call behavioral activation. My goal is for you to leave each session feeling heard, understanding our plan, and having something to practice in the real world. Week after week you can expect to build upon your skill set as we move you towards living your healthiest and best life possible. I practice using several evidence-based theories but do so in a way that is relatable and relevant. I specialize in adolescents (13 and older), ADHD, CPTSD, Depression, Social Anxiety, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. I also am trained to treat certain process disorders including shopping addiction, gambling addiction, and even love addiction. I also have a keen interest in women's health and working with the LGBTQIA population especially those individuals who identify as transgendered. It takes a lot of courage to commit to counseling and to begin working on steps toward change. If you are ready to take that step, I'm here to support and empower you to be the very best version of yourself. I look forward to hearing from you soon!
Glorimar Leyton
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Florida with 8 years of diverse professional work experience in both outpatient, school settings and community outreach. As a bilingual, Latina therapist, I offer Spanish/English services. I am also experienced with serving first responders and veterans. I have helped individual clients and/or their families with coping with addictions, relationship issues, parenting issues, & stress management during hardships to include homelessness and divorce. My approach is solution focused and client centered. I have a very direct and realistic approach that has great success working with the most challenging situations. 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 by providing a safe space that reinforces authentic connectivity, direct communication and kindness. You will be provided with a space that is non-judgmental as we work towards prioritizing your needs. My role is to reconnect you to those emotional needs, educate and support you on ways of meeting these needs and provide you with tools to maintain stability and balance in life. The pursuit of self-exploration is a courageous one! I believe that there is no such thing as the perfect person, just a better version of who you were yesterday, today. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
Stacey Pebbler
I am licensed in Florida with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & bipolar disorder. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Nathan Pettit
I am licensed in Florida with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & anger management. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
How to find counseling in Tampa
Finding the best therapist close by in Tampa 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 Tampa. 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 Tampa, 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 Tampa 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 Tampa 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 Tampa, elsewhere in Hillsborough, 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 Tampa area can be found below:
How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Tampa 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 Tampa 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 Tampa 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 Tampa, 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 Tampa 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 Tampa 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 Tampa 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:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Behavior therapy
- EMDR therapy
- Talk therapy
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Stress
- Eating disorders
- Grief
- Attachment therapy
- Relationships
- Children, adolescents, and teens
- Addiction (substance abuse)
- Divorce
- Trauma or PTSD
- Bipolar disorder
- Psychodynamic treatment
- Career counseling
- Alcohol use disorders
- OCD
- ADHD
- Mood disorders
- Sex addiction
- Complex trauma
- Life transitions
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 Tampa 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 Tampa 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 33601 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 Tampa 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 Tampa 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 Tampa, 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.
Tampa 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 Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, 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:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- Veterans Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
- Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- National Eating Disorder Association Helpline:1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST)
- Child Help Hotline: Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature
- National Anti-Hazing Hotline for young adults, adolescents, and adults: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physician Crisis Support Line: Contact 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-19
- Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Tampa:
33601, 33602, 33603, 33604, 33605, 33606, 33607, 33608, 33609, 33610, 33611, 33612, 33613, 33614, 33616, 33617, 33619, 33620, 33621, 33622, 33623, 33629, 33630, 33631, 33633, 33637, 33646, 33647, 33650, 33655, 33660, 33661, 33662, 33663, 33664, 33672, 33673, 33674, 33675, 33677, 33679, 33680, 33681, 33682, 33684, 33685, 33686, 33687, 33688, 33689, 33694