Life is an adventure. And just like an adventure, there are going to be struggles and trials one must face. These struggles can come in the form of inner battles like depression, or external problems like moving or trying to get a new job. 

A counselor can help you. Aventura is Spanish for “adventure.” Every day in Aventura is a new adventure. If you need help with your adventures, a counselor can help you, but you must speak to one and follow their instructions. You can achieve your goals and end your adventure with a bang.

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Jennifer Cohen

Offering therapy in FL
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsDepression
13 years of experience

I am a Florida-based Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 10 years of experience working with youth, adults, and families. I have worked with clients regarding a wide range of topics including anxiety, depression, parenting strategies, anger management, family conflicts, and school-related issues. I have also worked with youth and families in public schools, foster care, and adoption agencies. My counseling strategy is to approach our sessions as a partnership. My goal is to assist you with identifying and reaching your goals, and my aim is to meet you where you are ready to begin. It takes a lot of courage to make the first step and reach out for support. I look forward to working with you and helping you on your journey!

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Sandra Rico

Offering therapy in FL
License: MS,LMHC
LGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesParenting issues
16 years of experience

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified Sex Therapist. I have 15 years of experience treating people suffering from a wide range of problems including family problems, relationship problems, parenting issues, depression, anxiety, and sexual disorders. I gained a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Science at Florida State University in 2005, where I learned about people of various cultures. I continued my studies in Florida International University to earn a Master of Science with a major in Psychology, and became a Certified Sex Therapist in 2008. I utilize techniques learned in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Client Centered Therapy to assist people in developing tools to improve their lives. I will provide guidance by helping you develop your goals and treatment plan so that you can take control of your life.

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Eileen OBrien Phelps

Offering therapy in FL
License: LMHC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
28 years of experience

My name is Eileen OBrien Phelps. I'm a licensed mental health counselor with over 20 years of experience helping clients with depression, stress/anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder. I also have experience helping people with substance abuse issues, domestic violence issues, and self-esteem. I am a graduate of the University of Maryland system Adlerian school of psychology at Bowie State University 1994. Over the years, I have helped many clients navigate through painful circumstances to find a new sense of purpose and strength. I feel as if my clients are my teachers and my colleagues in the healing process. I am holistic and research-based in my work with clients. They use cognitive behavioral therapy, person-centered therapy, Solution-focused therapy, and EMDR. I work with each one of my clients to develop a specific plan to achieve unique life goals. My emphasis lies in developing the confidence of each one of my clients and building upon the strengths that already exist within them to address challenges You may have come to the site because you wish to address a particular problem in your life. Please know that you have much of what it takes to overcome your challenges and create your best life. Often when people are under stress, they forget or minimize their strengths because the problem seems so big at the time. Let me help you right now by reminding you that you can do this I look forward to creating a plan with you that helps you create the best path for yourself. I believe in you and I look forward to working with you. Don't forget to do something great for yourself today because you deserve it.

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Andrew Richey

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoaching
8 years of experience

Professional Experience Now in practice for nearly a decade, Andrew is a Licensed Therapist in South Florida, working with individuals and groups in a variety of settings. He uses his training and experience in the field to help those struggling with Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Stress Management, Relationship, Grief/Loss, and life transition issues. He has served on the numerous coalitions and committee’s in both Florida and Pennsylvania focusing on Mental Health in the community, Suicide Prevention education and prevention, and creating access to care. In addition to his work as a therapist, Andrew has worked across multiple top 50 hospital systems working to bridge Behavioral Health care to the community and creating transitional care/social determinants of health focused approaches to meeting the needs of the community. He has worked with grants from NIH, CDC, and others to develop and study interventions related to severe mental illness, suicidality, and modes of providing services across several states within the United States. All in all, Andrew dedicates his life to being of services to those in need of that extra support, mental health care, and creating opportunity for all parties to do so! Education Andrew graduated from University of North Florida with a Bachelors in Developmental Psychology. He then attended Florida State University, where he received his Master’s Degree in Clinical Social Work and was given the Opportunity to work and train with The Mayo Clinic and Johns Hopkins. In addition, he contributed to research on suicidality and psycho-pharmacology and worked with P.A.M within the West Indies developing programs associated with creating opportunity for education with adolescent Mothers. Andrew continued his education with the University of Maryland with a Doctorate in Social Work, further his involvement with Penn Medicine and extending his research and clinical applied practice, and University of South Florida’s MBA Program. “My Philosophy on Mental Health and Wellness” I believe that we are stewards of our minds equipped with the tools needed to create balance in our lives. Learning how to harness said tools, empowering ourselves to shift our patterns and thoughts, is the roadmap to wellness. Wellness is made up of mental health (psychological and emotional wellbeing); physical health, relational health; and various interdependent components. Maintaining a balance between all of these things leads to overall wellness, but how we place value or maintain can oftentimes take intentionality and rolling back the tape on what can shift us back into balance. As a therapist, I enjoy collaborating with others to help strengthen their mental health. By creating greater self-awareness and using introspection, we can better examine what parts of their overall wellness might be lacking and in need of adjustment. I am a passenger, with you at the wheel, here to guide the way until your view becomes clear and understanding of the mechanics for your optimized life are formalized!

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Jean Kraljev

Offering therapy in FL
License: MA,LMHC,MCAP
AddictionsBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
25 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Holly McDuffie Darby

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsAnger managementDepressionADHD
20 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & 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.

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Dr. Theodosia Paclawskyj

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
16 years of experience

I am a psychologist licensed in Florida with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with autism and with intellectual disabilities; I have also work with parents of children with special needs. At present, I specialize in treating anxiety, trauma, and depression; in addition, I continue to work with parents of children with special needs. I also speak Ukrainian and am happy to conduct sessions in Ukrainian for those patients who prefer it. Most importantly, 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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Jalia Hurst-Smart

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
7 years of experience

I am a licensed therapist in Florida that is passionate about working with diverse individuals and families. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, lgbtq+ related challenges, trauma and abuse, motivation, life changes, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion to empower them to achieve their treatment goals. 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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Dr. Linda Young

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
35 years of experience

I am a licensed marriage and family therapy, licensed in Florida with 35 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with depression, stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & coping with 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.

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Nicole Moroz

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
25 years of experience

Hello, my name is Nicole, and I am a Licensed Mental Health Clinician (LMHC) in the state of Florida. I have been working in this field for over 25 years and really enjoy what I do. I consider myself to be easy-going and empathetic. I listen without judgement and my number one priority is to ensure a safe and healthy therapeutic environment for my clients. I am the mother of a 10-year-old son and am married. Both my husband and our son have ADHD and Dyslexia. I have found myself saying, “I am a mom, and I get it,” a lot these days. Early in my career I worked with victims of domestic violence (men, women, and children). I have also worked with children, teenagers, and adults with developmental disabilities. I have done intensive in-home therapy for children and teenagers who were at risk of out of home placement. During that time, I also worked closely with parents and caregivers for support. I enjoyed these positions very much. Eventually I began working in the field of forensic therapy and pursued this for a few years. This involved working with clients in the Department of Corrections, both teenagers and adults. I have experience working in a high-level juvenile detention center as well as prison. Eventually I found my way to substance abuse. I have worked at a dual diagnosis rehabilitation center and now I work alongside doctors at a medical facility that provides medically assisted treatment to individuals addicted to opiates. I also work with individuals with other various substance use disorders and just simply mental health diagnosis. Every step that I have taken has led me to this platform. I am very excited and honored to be able to serve you in a telehealth setting. My clinical focus is on Person Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness and Solution Focused Brief Therapy. I also pull from other evidenced based models. We are all different and do not fit into the same therapeutic treatment mold. I have an array of diagnosis I have worked with ~ Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Conduct Disorder, Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, Substance Use Disorders, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Developmental Disabilities, Grief / Loss (Bereavement) as well as various personality disorders. I also understand chronic pain, and some of the challenges this brings to day-to-day living. I enjoy working with all age groups and do not shy away from difficult and challenging situations. I feel that we all need someone to talk to and to listen to us. I also feel that we all would benefit by having someone walk alongside us while we figure out how to be the best version of ourselves. I would be honored to meet you and hear your story.

How to find counseling in Aventura

Finding the best therapist close by in Aventura 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 Aventura. 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 Aventura, 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 Aventura 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 Aventura 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 Aventura, elsewhere in Miami-Dade, 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 Aventura area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Aventura 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 Aventura 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 Aventura 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 Aventura, 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 Aventura 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 Aventura 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 Aventura 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 Aventura 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 Aventura 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 33180 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 Aventura 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 Aventura 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 Aventura, 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.

Aventura 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 Aventura.

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

33160, 33180

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