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.

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SHARON ZIGMAN

Offering therapy in FL
License: LMHC,MCAP
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesGriefDepression
25 years of experience

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.

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Elaine Morris

Offering therapy in FL
License: LMHC, MCAP, SAP
AddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflicts
21 years of experience

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), Certified Addiction Professional MCAP) I have been actively engaged in helping families during life's myriad of challenges for more than with 21 years. Providing solution focused, Cognitive Behavioral and Faith based counseling to guide individuals and families through life's difficulties. I have worked with individual and families regarding issues including but not limited to marriage and family, anxiety, life transition, isolation, employment challenges and substance abuse. My counseling style is relaxed, non threatening, non-judgemental, interactive and individualized. It is difficult to seek help and to be vulnerable, however I encourage you to take the first. Help is available Looking forward to working with you

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Jay Ortiz

Offering therapy in FL
License: MS,LMHC
Trauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemBipolar disorder
11 years of experience

I am a 50 year old therapist with over 11 years of experience in crisis intervention and psychotherapy. My number one objective is to do no harm, followed by working with the client in resolving internal conflicts via eclectic approaches. I am committed to stay in the moment with my clients.

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Scott Wetherhold

Offering therapy in FL
License: MS,LMHC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

I am a LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor) currently licensed in Florida. I have 5 years experience in this capacity, as well as 24 years as a para-professional providing crisis response services (CISM, Peer Support) to First Responders (I am a retired Law Enforcement Officer with 28 years of experience). In addition to my first responder work, I have also had the pleasure of providing counseling services to many of the same people that I had arrested. I mention this because it is not where you've been or where you're at, but where you want to be. I value the person. I have worked with clients over trauma issues, anxiety, depression, coping, existential/quality of life concerns, etc. I take an integrative approach to counseling, adjusting to best serve the client's needs. I am direct and factual in my approach with clients, as I don't believe in ambiguity or leaving someone guessing. That being said, effective counseling also requires warmth, caring and support. I find that a sprinkling of appropriate humor helps to facilitate the process, but most of all, sincerity is the key to a successful collaborative experience. I bring a lot of life experience to counseling, especially trauma/crisis issues for First Responders. I do not just talk the talk, I have walked the walk.

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Sarah Bearss

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefCoping with life changes
11 years of experience

I'm here to help and walk with you on your path to growth! My work as a therapist is grounded in the belief that everyone has the power to conquer challenges and grow as a person with the right tools and guidance. Therapy provides a unique opportunity to explore new parts of yourself, challenge old beliefs, and develop new ways of healing. I have over 11 years experience working as a therapist with a speciality in trauma and anxiety. Helping you reach your personal goals is my priority. I hold a Masters degree in counseling from Austin Peay State University, TN. I am licensed by the (Board of Professional Counselors and Marital & Family Therapists) in TN, KY and FL. I have over 11 years experience working with individuals, families, children, couples, and groups. I am a Level II EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) Therapist. I am also trained in TF-CBT (Trauma Focused - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy). TF-CBT is a recognized treatment for ages 3-18.

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Dr. John Stiles

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefSelf esteem
40 years of experience

I am licensed inFlorida with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & coping with grief and loss. 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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Elaine Wells

Offering therapy in FL
License: MSW, LCSW, C-ASWCM, QS
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
5 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & anger management. 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. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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Patricia “Trisha” Auzenne

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepression
17 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, family conflicts, & parenting issues. 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. 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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Sean Kweskin

Offering therapy in FL
AddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteem
25 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & intimacy related issues. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Colleen Bender

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemDepression
4 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida and Minnesota with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, navigating grief, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

How to find counseling in Alachua

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 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 Alachua. 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 Alachua, 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 Alachua 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 Alachua 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 Alachua, elsewhere in Alachua, 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 Alachua area can be found below:

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

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 Alachua 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 Alachua 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 Alachua 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 Alachua 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 32615 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 Alachua 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 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 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 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.

Alachua 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 Alachua.

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

32615, 32616

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