Alachua has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online sessions to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into trying it online, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change 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 treatment.
Do you have several days or weeks of intense energy and feeling hyper alternated with days or weeks of severe depression when you cannot even get out of bed? Do you sometimes go for days without sleep, but other times have to sleep for days? You may be suffering from bipolar disorder, which can be treated by one of the many counselors around the Alachua area.
Some fun things you can do to relax include visiting the San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park, which has miles of trails to explore or you can check out the Santa Fe College Teaching Zoo that has a small zoo and playground for the kids. Take some time to enjoy the town after you visit one of the counselors for treatment.

Charity Lamerson
Are you looking for someone who listens? Tired of the same approach to therapy? Maybe you need a change in your life. Making change is hard. I'm not your average therapist and I understand how you feel. My goal is to break barriers and make mental health approachable. No stuffy couch, dark room or judgmental vibes. Offering a laid back approach to therapy that makes you want to come back for the next session instead of avoiding it. I have been a therapist for over 10 years and specialize in addictions, relationship issues, depression and anxiety issues and childhood trauma. I use many approaches and adjust my therapeutic interventions based on each clients needs.

William Besterman IV
I am a social worker in Florida with 6 years experience. I have worked with crisis and suicide prevention for many years. My specialties include substance abuse counseling, and grief and loss counseling. I find that I am able to understand my clients in ways that others cannot. With a technique that incorporates finding one's own Inner Strength and uncovering things that they do not know about themselves. It is important to realize the positive qualities of not only yourself but your life in general and use that as the basis to better yourself. It is time to make the decision to be better.

SHARON ZIGMAN
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and a Master's level Certified Addiction Professional (MCAP) in the State of Florida. I have been working in the field for 25 years, and have experience with clients who suffer from depression, anxiety, addiction, grief and loss, change of life challenges, family and relationship issues. I offer a safe, respectful, nonjudgmental environment to help you explore the issues that brought you to counseling at this time. By creating an open, trusting and collaborative partnership, and utilizing evidence-based practices, I can help you to make conscious choices and practical behavioral changes. I utilize multiple therapeutic modalities while emphasizing self-care and mindfulness practices.

Patricia Wolfenden
I am licensed in Florida with 32 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts/estrangement, & trauma and abuse. 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 have a great deal of respect for you for getting started!

Alexandra Valencia
Hi. My name is Alexandra. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. I have been a therapist for 7 years, during this time I have worked with clients that are struggling in many aspects of life. I have a broad background of experience which ranges from Maternal and Infant Mental Health, Substance Abuse, Anxiety, Depression, and Trauma. I use eclectic therapeutic modalities when helping clients. I am EMDR trained and CPP trained. I would like to help support you in your journey in accomplishing you goals that will lead to your best life.

Jerrold Jacobson
My ideal client might be any individual in need of assistance to help themselves feel better, more capable-confident and able to resolve whatever 'problems in living' have interrupted their lives. There are times we may need the support of another caring person, perhaps not directly involved with our lives, to listen, reflect, help us consider alternative approaches. This perspective remains central to my intervention techniques, delivered with sensitivity to individual needs. My specialty is born of the blending of two bodies of knowledge, one focused on interpreting everything as behavior through the lens of learning theory and the other chemical dependency/abuse of substances (CAP). The intersection of these areas can be fruitful, giving rise to creative counseling applications & excellent outcomes. In addition, my practice evolved to include knowledge gained from groups, Anger Management, Batterers' Intervention Program, and Substance Abuse. As a seasoned professional counselor I've had the opportunity to work in a variety of settings, typically full-time employment supplemented by a private practice. Having been employed by an Area Agency on Aging in PA, since relocating to the State of Florida my most recent experience was with the Department of Juvenile Justice. Private practice has ranged from court-ordered (Anger Management, Batterers' Intervention Program, Substance Abuse) to EAP to self-referrals. It would be my distinct pleasure to assist you in addressing & resolving any identified issues contrributing to disturbance of your emotional balance. Please contact me at your earliest convenience; I look forward to meeting and working with you!

Dr. David Wilcox
I have been practicing professional counseling since 1991. I am a licensed mental health counselor, and my license is from Florida. Much of my work has been trauma-related. As such I have worked not only with individuals who have experienced trauma, but also with their loved ones (spouse, family) so that all understand the dynamics related to trauma. For some trauma-sufferers, substance misuse has become a way of coping with the intrusive thoughts and feelings. I can help with substance misuse, also. My counseling framework/practice includes cognitive-behavioral, transtheoretical (the Stage of Change model), solution-focused, and humanistic-existential. I believe we all have four majors components to our lives: biological, psychological, social, and spiritual. Effective counseling addresses all four areas, though not all at the same time.

Cynthia Barrett
I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in AL and MA and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in FL and NJ with 25 years of experience as a therapist and counselor in a variety of settings. I have helped people with a wide range of challenges including depression, anxiety, stress, career concerns, family and couples issues and military issues. I also have experience working with trauma and abuse survivors. My therapy style is warm, inviting and open. I believe in treating people with respect, sensitivity and compassion, avoiding labels and other stigma. My background is in cognitive behavioral therapy and client-centered counseling. My goal is to work with you to develop treatment plans that fit you and your specific needs and concerns. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and the first steps it takes towards change. If you feel you are ready to take those steps, I am here to support and encourage you. At this time I am only available on Saturdays. Please visit my calendar to schedule an initial session. I look forward to working with you!

Alicia Gard
Welcome! I am a mental health counselor, licensed in Florida and have been providing psychotherapy services for 7 years. I have worked with people who are experiencing many different issues, which have all led them to seek assistance with changing their mindset, their responses, and their overall mental health. This includes issues such as depression, anxiety, anger, low self esteem, and impulsivity. Additional issues in which I have specific training and certification are unresolved grief and loss, substance abuse and addiction, and trauma. My therapy approach is based on getting to know each client as an individual; I don't believe in "cookie cutter" approaches to therapy and as we work together, I will build a treatment plan suited to your individual needs. I use a combination of therapy styles including narrative, cognitive-behavioral (CBT), psycho-dynamic, and dialectical-behavioral ( DBT). My therapy style is compassionate and empathetic, and I believe in treating others with respect and understanding. When life gets out of balance, we all respond differently, and often need help. It takes courage to reach out and take the first step to change. That is where the therapeutic relationship starts and I am ready to listen and support you. I look forward to working with you!

Sarah Cooper
ABOUT ME: My name is Sarah Cooper I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the State of Florida. I received my Bachelors in Social Work from UCF and my Masters in Community Counseling Psychology from Springfield College in Tampa. I have worked in community substance abuse and mental health. I have experience in working with both adults and adolescents. I have worked with those involved with the criminal justice system, addiction issues, anxiety, stress, depression life-skills, anger management, and others. I also have cross cultural experience working in Namibia, Southern Africa as a Peace Corps Volunteer as a Rural Youth Development Office. I am available to do traditional counselor, or counseling with a spiritual or Christian based focus. SPECIALTIES: Addictions Stress, Anxiety Depression Family Conflicts Also experienced in: Self-esteem, Guilt and Shame, Coping with life changes , Anger Management, Goal Setting, Blended, Drug and Alcohol Addiction , Family Conflicts, Spirituality, Problem Solving, Goal Setting, Life Skills Clinical approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, Solution-Focused Therapy, Client Centered Therapy SERVICES OFFERED: MESSAGING, LIVE CHAT, PHONE, VIDEO LICENSING LMHC #10511 (Expires: March 31, 2023)

Laura Richardson
I am licensed in Florida with 20 years of professional work experience working with individuals at various stages of life. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, managing family conflicts, parenting issues, & anger management/developing calming strategies. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I will use a client centered approach in this process, which places the client in the driver seat of the journey. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Arthur D. Barfield III
I am licensed in Florida with 30 years of professional work experience. I have a Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology. I have worked in a number of clinical settings. I recently retired from the Dept. of Veterans Affairs as a Therapist (Tampa VA Hospital) assigned to the PTSD /Trauma clinic for the past 15 years. I am a Veteran and served for 6 years on active duty. I have worked in Forensic Psychology (incarcerated inmates), private practice, large hospital settings as well as group practice. Additionally, I was an adjunct professor at a local Community College where I taught a number of undergraduate Psychology courses. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, anger / emotional regulation, depression, adjustment issues (often observed in our veteran population) as well as issues related to emotional trauma and guilt. Finally, I have a number of years experience in group settings (i.e., psychoeducational and process groups as well). In closing, I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that may challenge you. Taking the first step to pursue therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! I look forward to working with you toward your therapeutic goals.

James Hoy
I am licensed in Florida, Oklahoma and Oregon with 10 years of professional work experience. My certifications include Master Certified Addiction Counselor, Internationally Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, National Certified Counselor and Licensed Practitioner of the Healing Arts. I have experience in helping clients with addictions, relationship issues, career difficulties, coping with life changes, executive coaching, spiritual issues, aging, bereavement/hospice/death, anxiety, depression, loneliness, socialization, holistic mental health solutions and professional coaching. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. 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, and will share my mental and spiritual health knowledge and tools to help remind you of the truths you have within yourself.

Shantell Whitaker
I am licensed in Florida with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, abuse, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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.
How to find a licensed therapist serving clients in Alachua, Florida
Finding the best therapist close by in Alachua can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area. You can get connected with a clinician 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 with therapists 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. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of support of this kind with BetterHelp therapists can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.
Licensed therapists & mental health professionals available through BetterHelp
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 for therapists. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinician or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained able to treat individuals and couples, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy in the Alachua region and in the state of Florida. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.
A mental health professional working through their own in-person therapy practice in Alachua or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples challenges, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family life, or change in negative thinking patterns. A may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. 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 Alachua area offering therapy for:
- CBT
- DBT
- Substance use
- Couples
When you're ready to start your search keep in mind what support 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 Alachua, elsewhere in Alachua, or in the greater state of Florida. Get matched with one of the therapists working on the BetterHelp platform today.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about licensed therapists and mental health services
Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Alachua area can be found below:
How does the cost of an in-person therapist compare to BetterHelp?
The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US with most therapists is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Alachua due to a higher cost of living, and a limited number of therapists taking new clients. 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:
- With a psychiatrist: $150-$500
- With therapists: $100-300
- With a clinician: $100
While many psychologists in Alachua 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 a BetterHelp therapist 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).
Read more about this cost related question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
How are therapists on a Alachua online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in 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. Therapists 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, therapists here 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.
Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from Alachua psychiatrists to prescribe a drug or medication as treatment, or perform psychological assessments and other psychiatric services.
Read more about this license question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
How does BetterHelp online therapy work?
BetterHelp clinicians treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Alachua 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 for in person sessions.
Through BetterHelp, 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 helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, marriage, and more. Get matched today.
Read more about this question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
What mental health issues can a therapist address?
BetterHelp's verified 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.
Alachua therapists' specialties available through the BetterHelp platform
- Cognitive behavioral
- Behavior
- EMDR
- Talk therapy
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders counselor
- Stress
- Eating disorders
- Grief
- Attachment
- Relationships
- Children, adolescents, and teens
- Addiction (substance abuse)
- Divorce
- Trauma or PTSD
- Bipolar disorder
- Psychodynamic treatment with a counselor
- Career
- Alcohol use disorders
- OCD counselor
- ADHD
- Mood disorders
- Sex addiction
- Complex trauma
- Life transition
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 provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain.us, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide with licensed therapists.
Read more about this psychotherapist question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
Is BetterHelp right for me?
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.
Therapists 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 in Alachua 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 therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words with a psychotherapist.
With a lot of people in FL, therapists 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 32615 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site where you can schedule a session based on your and the therapist's schedule. No matter if you are seeking help from therapists around or in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.
Read more about this family question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Alachua therapist?
Before seeing your therapist near you, prep for your session by reading to understand the 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, you can let our therapists know if you have any concerns or feel unsure about what to talk about. therapists near you may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions while offering mental health services. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn how to best help and support you.
Read more about this first session question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
Should I find a Alachua therapist or psychologist for therapy 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 it might entail. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or specific condition. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback. A Alachua 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 with a counselor 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 that a counselor can help with.
Read more about this question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
Is therapy worth it?
Therapy with a licensed counselor 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. An experienced clinician 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 therapist 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 licensed clinician in Alachua, 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.
Counseling with an online Alachua provider
Do therapists judge you in therapy?
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 BetterHelp, the leading therapist platform serving the population of Florida
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 BetterHelp or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out to customer service 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.
- Thehotline.org - National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- Suicidepreventionlifeline.org - National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisistextline.org - Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- Veteranscrisisline.net - 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.
- Thetrevorproject.org - Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- Samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline - SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- Nationaleatingdisorders.org/help-support/contact-helpline - National Eating Disorder Association Helpline :1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST)
- Childhelphotline.org/resources-for-teens/ - Child Help Hotline: Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature
- Fraternallaw.com/help-us-stop-hazing - National Anti-Hazing Hotline for young adults, adolescents, and adults: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physiciansupportline.com - Physician Crisis Support Line: Contact 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-19
- Rainn.org - Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
