Kimberly Smith
As a licensed therapist in Florida and Michigan, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My approach centers on understanding each person's unique journey, with particular expertise in addressing depression, trauma, LGBTQ+ experiences, and addiction challenges. I am deeply committed to creating a compassionate, affirming space where clients can explore their most profound personal struggles. My therapeutic work focuses on helping individuals develop self-love, improve communication, overcome social anxiety, and heal from past experiences of discrimination, violence, and systemic challenges. My practice embraces a holistic perspective that honors diverse identities and experiences. I work collaboratively with clients to develop personalized strategies for healing, growth, and empowerment. Whether you're confronting workplace stress, relationship dynamics, or personal transformation, I'm dedicated to supporting your path toward emotional wellness and authentic living.
Dr. Mary Ann Meli
I am licensed in Florida with 35 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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. 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.
Margaret Johnston
I am a LMHC therapist, public speaker community organizer, social and environmental activist and have been listening for decades. I received my formal education at University of North Florida as Master of Clinical Psychotherapy, 2013. I also took a 9-month internship under Ed Wilder, in Clinical Pastoral Education, in deep listening. I worked in the Talk program at Wounded Warrior for 8 months- the warriors talked; I listened. Did you go through trauma? Are you, right now, in a high stress situation? Do you keep losing your patience or your professionalism at the wrong moment and you don’t know why? Do you keep getting in your own way? I use Trauma Supportive Therapy to safely address, as slowly as need be, the pain of the past that keeps coming to trip your defenses at all the wrong moments, in your present. I can be that supporting presence who will help sort it out by listening- really hearing you. Reflect your depth of feelings back to you. Validate what are your unmet emotional needs. I practice the therapy of defining personal meaning, so, together we will facilitate your thinking of your options, planning, purpose, and goals for living a meaningful life without being afraid of tripping over your past or yourself. I practice person centered therapy by meeting you where you are. I strive to be culturally sensitive, non-prejudicial and use strength-based therapy as a jump point, truly believing I am the guide for you, but you are the treasure/wisdom keeper. Of all the reasons people come to therapy: anger, guilt, anxiety, changes, transitions, depression, trauma, jealousy, and “it is just not working anymore”, the extra burden of race and racism is more than just a nuance to be nodded at in therapy. I will view race as central to all the other pieces, when it is central to you. I am inclusive, secular, competent, affirming and non-judgmental. I have worked with people in transition, people who are very much defined, “but things got complicated”, people in the communities of LGBTQA, Polyamory, Kink, non-gendered. Each are safe and welcome here.
Stalburn VanSluytman
My interest in individual and social psychology developed when I was an undergraduate at Howard University in the latter part of the 1960s. While working my way through school I somehow also found time to provide volunteer services at various non-profit agencies in around the Washington DC area. After graduating with a degree in Sociology I worked at Federal Government clerical jobs crunching numbers but I really wanted to work with "real" people. I soon started working in case management and substance abuse counseling in New York City. I was recommended to enter a special accelerated graduate program in Clinical Social Work at Adelphi University by the director at one of the agencies. The Clinical degree launched my entry into a more research-based and specialized area of the field which had grown with the myriad social changes that were taking place in the country (substance abuse; HIV epidemic; two paycheck households; etc.). I moved to Florida in the 1990s I had to make adjustments to a culture that I was unfamiliar with but quickly assimilated to. I had the good fortune of working for some of the best agencies as well as having a successful run as an independent practitioner. I eventually spent my last ten years of employment as a mental health therapist for the Florida Department of Corrections before retiring in 2014. Over the years I have worked with individuals and groups from all walks of life and with a wide variety of concerns. I have also done presentations at schools and churches on the issue of emotional disorders and ways of identifying some of the symptoms in students. My training in Clinical Social Work would be categorized as a psychodynamic approach however, I have been trained in Cognitive Behavioral Approach and have been a certified trainer and Supervisor of Masters level therapists in the use of that method. Since retirement I have done some part-time quality-control work for a Community Mental Health Center and have been active in doing volunteer work with Big Brothers/Big Sisters, a local Hospice Center, and the American Cancer Society, however, these have been put on hold since the emergence of the COVID pandemic.
Robin Lavine
My clients have taught me that everyone, (even though you think you're different) wants the same thing: to be heard, understood, and validated, so it's safe to love and be loved. With the use of psychodynamic, Jungian, and humanistic style, I listen to your stories from childhood or yesterday as we identify, explore, and process your feelings. You may find that it's okay to be angry at your mother. I'm only a phone call away and would like to assist you realize your best self. Men, that means you, too. I have 17 years of clinical experience working one-on-one, with couples, or in groups while practicing in mental health agencies, hospitals, residential facilities, and prisons. When will we start?
Dr. Douglas Rodriguez
I am licensed in Florida and Michigan with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, anger management, & 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.
Diane Petersen
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida. I have been providing counselling services in an inpatient and outpatient setting for over 20 years. My therapeutic approach is simple. I actively listen without judgment so I can provide the best quality care for all my clients. I have extensive experience helping clients manage stress and anxiety, cope with addictions, and recover from trauma, abuse, grief and loss. 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.
Emily Adler
I am licensed in Kansas and Missouri with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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.
Amber Poma
I am licensed in Florida with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma and abuse, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I encourage feedback and open communication. 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 and encourage you in that process. I look forward to working with you.
Ebony Benjamin
Seeking therapy is not a sign of weakness; nor is it a sign of failure. It is actually a signal of strength...Empowerment! Therapy is a personalized tool tailored to your specific needs with the purpose of helping you navigate through life struggles. Caregiving, struggling relationships, job stress, parenting, chronic physical and mental illness, and societal pressures can impact our lives in ways that overwhelms our ability to function day to day. I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for over 25 years. I have worked primarily with Adults living with mental illness and substance abuse, families and Caregivers, and those seeking support for stressors that have become to difficult to manage independently. My goal as a Therapist is to partner with you and strategize ways to live through personal struggles while protecting your physical and mental health. I believe that Therapy should not be as stressful process, but rather a safe space for you to be your authentic self, free from judgment and reproach. As a single parent of a very active 9 year old daughter and 2 year old Shih Tzu I have learned the importance of SELF care. It took a while for me to learn what self care "looks like" for me. Sometimes it's playing Crossword Master or Playdoku on my phone. Sometimes it's watching True Crime documentaries. Sometimes it's taking a solo drive and listening to my favorite tunes. And at times, it has been Therapy. I look forward to the opportunity to partner with you on your journey to wholeness/wellness, and relief from whatever life circumstance has you stuck.
Ilkem Onder
I am licensed in Florida and Virginia with 8 years of professional work experience. As a therapist, I believe that it is important to understand holism when treating the mind, body and behavior and thus look at things as a whole. My mission is to help my clients discover their own beliefs and how to move towards a healthier and fulfilling life. I strive to formalize various treatment approaches that are geared to fit the client’s individual needs and further help address maladaptive patterns in a safe, supportive and nurturing environment.
Stefan Selochan
I am licensed in Florida with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, anger management, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with 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.
Jacqueline Mcintosh
As a licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida, I specialize in supporting individuals and couples navigating complex emotional landscapes. My professional approach centers on helping clients develop resilience, self-understanding, and healthy coping strategies across various life challenges. My clinical expertise spans depression, anxiety, trauma recovery, addiction support, and anger management. I am particularly passionate about guiding clients through communication difficulties, social anxiety, and personal growth journeys. My therapeutic style emphasizes compassionate, culturally responsive care that honors each individual's unique experiences and strengths. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I create a supportive environment where clients can explore their emotions, develop meaningful insights, and cultivate self-love. My commitment is to walk alongside you, offering professional guidance and genuine understanding as you work toward healing and personal transformation.
Teshane Wilson
As a licensed therapist in Florida, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on helping clients address stress, anxiety, family dynamics, and personal growth. With a compassionate, culturally responsive approach, I work closely with individuals seeking to heal from past traumas, improve self-esteem, and develop stronger communication skills. My therapeutic approach is rooted in understanding each person's unique journey. I'm particularly passionate about supporting clients through challenges related to isolation, life transitions, and personal empowerment. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I create a supportive environment where clients can explore their experiences, build resilience, and cultivate self-love. I bring a warm, affirming perspective to our work together, honoring each individual's lived experience and personal strengths. Whether you're working through family conflicts, seeking deeper self-understanding, or navigating life's complex emotional terrain, I'm committed to walking alongside you with empathy and professional guidance.
*BetterHelp insurance availability, coverage, and cost may vary by state, plan, provider network, therapist availability, and deductible status.
Find a therapist near you in Alva, Florida
Finding a therapist near you in Alva, Florida starts with matching to a licensed professional who fits your needs, schedule, and goals. Florida is home to people with diverse mental health needs across urban, suburban, and rural communities, which can make it challenging to find care. BetterHelp connects you with a licensed therapist through tailored matching, so you can begin care from home or wherever works for you.
The network includes over 30,000 licensed therapists globally, and over 4 million people have used BetterHelp to find support through online therapy. During matching, 93% of user preferences are met, which helps you connect with a therapist suited to what you are looking for. Whether you are searching for help with anxiety, trauma, affordable or insurance covered therapy, weekend or flexible scheduling, or virtual sessions, you can find a therapist and get started when you are ready.
Why work with a licensed therapist near you?
Working with a licensed therapist near you gives you access to professional mental health support from someone trained to help you understand and manage what you are going through. A licensed therapist can offer evidence-based approaches, a steady space to talk, and guidance tailored to your situation. In Florida, online therapy can make that care more accessible, since sessions happen from home or wherever you are, without the need to travel to an office. This can help if your schedule is full, if travel is difficult, or if you simply prefer a more discreet setting. You can learn more about what a therapist does on the therapist role page.
Online therapy can be especially helpful for people living across Florida, where access to in-person mental health care may vary by location.
What concerns can therapists help with?
Therapists can help with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety and stress, depression, trauma and PTSD, self-esteem and identity, people-pleasing and fear of rejection, insomnia and racing thoughts, workplace stress and burnout, substance use, parenting and co-parenting stress, grief and loss, and relationship and family challenges. Therapists on BetterHelp may draw on approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), depending on your needs and goals. You can explore support for specific concerns on pages such as generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and eating disorders.
Please note that therapists on BetterHelp do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses.
Online therapy vs. in-person therapy in Florida
Online therapy and in-person therapy both connect you with a licensed professional, and the main difference is how you meet. In Florida, online therapy through BetterHelp lets you have sessions by phone, video, or in-app messaging, so you can meet from home or on a schedule that fits your life. In-person therapy takes place at an office and may involve travel and set appointment windows. Online therapy may be more accessible for people with busy schedules, limited transportation, or a preference for a more discreet setting. Both formats can support meaningful progress, so the right choice often comes down to what fits your life.
Finding a therapist that accepts insurance in Florida
BetterHelp accepts insurance through many major insurance plans. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability, and deductible status. Eligible members' average copay is $23 per session.
You can check your in-network status on the BetterHelp site through the sign up flow. If you prefer to pay without insurance, BetterHelp subscriptions range from $70 to $100 per week, billed as an alternative way to access the same care, and you can use HSA and FSA funds toward the cost. For a full breakdown of how BetterHelp works with insurance plans, see BetterHelp insurance coverage.
How BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in Florida
BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in Florida through personalized matching that considers your needs, preferences, and goals. After you answer a few questions during the sign up flow, you can be matched with a licensed therapist from a network of over 30,000 professionals, and 93% of user preferences are met during matching. The search and location matching cover common near-me needs, including anxiety, trauma, affordable or sliding-scale support, weekend or flexible scheduling, and virtual sessions. If your first match is not the right fit, you can switch therapists at no extra cost. When you are ready, you can get started and begin the process.
Therapists near you in Florida
Below, you’ll find licensed therapists authorized to provide online therapy to adults across Florida, including residents in Alva.
Each provider meets state licensing requirements and has experience supporting clients with a wide range of mental health concerns using evidence-based therapeutic approaches.
Please note: Therapists on BetterHelp in Florida do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses.
Frequently asked questions about finding a therapist near me
How much does therapy cost near me?
Therapy costs near you can vary by provider, format, and payment method. With BetterHelp, subscriptions range from $70 to $100 per week, and you can use HSA and FSA funds toward the cost. BetterHelp also accepts insurance through many major insurance plans, and eligible members' average copay is $23 per session. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability, and deductible status.
Does BetterHelp accept insurance?
Yes. BetterHelp accepts insurance through many major insurance plans. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability. Eligible members' average copay is $23 per session. Check your in-network status on the BetterHelp site through the sign up flow. For a full breakdown of how BetterHelp works with insurance plans, see BetterHelp insurance coverage.
Is online therapy effective?
Online therapy can be an effective way to receive licensed mental health care for many common concerns. Research suggests that online therapy may support progress in ways comparable to in-person care for concerns such as anxiety and depression. On BetterHelp, you connect with a licensed therapist who can use evidence-based approaches such as CBT and DBT, and you can meet by phone, video, or in-app messaging.
Do I need a diagnosis to see a therapist?
No, you do not need a diagnosis to see a therapist. Many people begin therapy to work through stress, life changes, relationships, or personal growth without any diagnosis. Please note that therapists on BetterHelp do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses. If you are looking for a starting point, personalized matching can connect you with a licensed therapist suited to your goals.
How quickly can I start therapy?
You can often start therapy within 24 to 48 hours of signing up with BetterHelp. After you answer a few questions during the sign up flow, personalized matching connects you with a licensed therapist, and you can schedule your first session once you are matched. This process is designed to help you begin care at your own pace, without a long wait.
Can I switch therapists if it’s not the right fit?
Yes. If you feel your therapist is not the right match, you can request to be matched with another licensed provider at no additional cost. You are able to do so through the BetterHelp user portal and select switch therapists if needed.
Is online therapy discreet?
Online therapy with BetterHelp offers a discreet setting where you can connect with a licensed therapist from the comfort of your home. Sessions take place by phone, video, or in-app messaging, so you can meet without going into an office. Your account and sessions are protected with strong safeguards, and you choose how and where you attend. This can make therapy feel more comfortable for people who prefer a discreet way to get support.
Find a Therapist in Alva, Florida
Ready to begin? BetterHelp can match you with a licensed therapist serving Alva and the surrounding FL area. When you are ready to take the next step, get started.