People with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) do not get to enjoy life as much as the rest of us because they are constantly on edge, worrying about the next panic attack or flashback. They cannot sleep well, hold a steady job, and relationships are tough. It’s essential that you get help if you have PTSD, and there are plenty of licensed professionals in Avon Park who can help.

Whether you are a veteran or someone who has been in a traumatic situation, PTSD can make everything you want to do hard. Living in Avon Park, you probably know that there are a lot of parks and other attractions such as the SFSC Museum of Florida Art and Culture, Peter Powell Roberts Museum of Art HCA Cultural Center, and over 15 great lakes to enjoy. Reach out to one of the Avon Park professionals to get treatment right away.

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Melissa Rini

Offering therapy in FL
License: MA,LMHC
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
22 years of experience

I am a licensed mental health counselor supervisor in Florida with over 20 years of experience working as a counselor. I have worked with clients struggling with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, family/parenting problems, ADHD, domestic violence, and grief and loss. I also have experience working closely with individuals who have experienced trauma and abuse. My counseling style is warm and interactive. You will be treated with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach to counseling will be tailored to meet your unique needs. Together we will set specific personal goals to set you up to succeed and reach the life change that you can make happen. All it takes is the motivation to change and the rest we will discover, explore and experience together on your journey to growth.

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Kathleen "Kathy" Meeks

Offering therapy in FL
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesDepression
7 years of experience

I am a Marriage and Family Therapist, a Board Certified Sex Therapist and a Clinical Sexologist. I take a wholistic approach to healing, mind body and spirit. I incorporate Spirituality in healing because this permeates different areas in a person's life. There will be times when I will refer to a Psychiatrist or a Urologist when the issues are beyond my scope of practice. I use different interventions in the healing processes. Some interventions I use are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Dialectal Therapy, EFT and the Gottman Method. There are times when the trauma is complex or beyond the person's awareness and I will use Brainspotting, Hypnotherapy or Somatic Experiencing. However, the intervention (s) are tailored specifically to the clients needs. The goal for each client is to help them to function at an optimum level. I am committed to changing lives, one person and one family at a time. It will be an honor and a privilege to work with you to achieve your goals.

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Leslie M. Brown

Offering therapy in FL
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
12 years of experience

I am a licensed marriage and family therapist licensed in Florida with 12 years of experience. I have worked with clients experiencing many different life issues that range from post traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, depression, career workplace issues and a myriad of other challenges. I have also helped many people from marginalized communities who are experiencing discrimination and equity issues. My counseling style is warm, optimistic, and with a sense of humor. I believe that our challenges in life don't have to define our present or future. I am a stickler for treating others with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, solution-focused counseling. I will tailor the counseling experience to meet your unique and specific needs. Lastly, I appreciate the courage that it took for you to seek counseling. I am here to work collaboratively and dynamically with you. I look forward to meeting you!

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Patricia Childress

Offering therapy in FL
License: MSW,LCSW-S,ACHP-SW
Relationship issuesGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
26 years of experience

Life does not always go according to plan and it sure can be messy sometimes. It is nice when you can be expressive and heard as you share your messiness. My name is Trish, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and I am here to support you and encourage you through the 'messy'. I have been in the field for over 25 years guiding, supporting and cheering on clients, couples, and families as they make way for change. My background is serving pediatrics to geriatrics. I have a passion to work with Veterans of all ages as well as first responders and active military. As a mother of 5 children, I have both the professional and personal knowledge of child development, family systems, and the complexity of family dynamics. I have an extensive background in grief work. Keeping in mind, grief is not just a death loss but any significant change in our life that was unexpected, unplanned, or did not go according to plans. Think about those big events in your life (divorce, moves, change in jobs, relationships, etc) how did you feel and react? Each big event that did not turn out the way we hoped may have unresolved feelings attached. Let's dig into those feelings and work through our hurts and disappointments to build a resilient toolbox to help us through future messy times. My interactive, supportive style of therapy is built into creating a plan of care with solution focused goals in a short term treatment therapy formula to assist in making changes and improvements. Life gets messy, that's for sure. However, when we have the necessary supplies and support during those times, we are better equipped to embrace the big events and things don't feel or look as messy.

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Liz Aponte

Offering therapy in FL
License: MS Ed.S LMHC,LIZANNIE APONTE
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepressionCoping with life changes
22 years of experience

I am License Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida with more than 22 years of clinical experience and psychotherapy techniques. I have experience in helping clients with stress, depression, anxiety, family conflict, & couples' 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! Kindly, Lizannie

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Amy Waldie

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. 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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Heather Summers

Offering therapy in FL
Trauma and abuseGriefDepressionCoaching
12 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with over 12 years of therapeutic experience. I've spent most of my career in the non-profit arena so I've worked with a variety of people, with a wide range of mental health issues, in various types of settings. The majority of my time has been spent working with trauma survivors and those with depression and/or anxiety disorders. I utilize an eclectic mix of theories to help clients & my therapeutic approach reflects that. I primarily use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) but sometimes another approach (DBT, MI,etc.) is more appropriate. I meet my clients where they are & work to build rapport. I provide active listening in a supportive, non-judgmental, & empathic environment so clients can address their issues & concerns; while also being able to challenge them when appropriate. I've found that I'm passionate about empowering people & helping them become their whole & authentic self. I think it's so rewarding to help people work through difficult situations & offer some hope for the future. If you're ready to get started on this journey together, I encourage you to reach out!

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Nicolas Gross

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

I believe that engaging the process of therapy is a courageous act-a personal commitment to living a more fulfilling and happier life. A lot of my work has been with individuals who find themselves at a crossroads in life, struggling to fully engage with their life in a meaningful way. Whether due to the weight of past experiences or self-limiting beliefs, I work collaboratively with individuals to better understand and work with these undermining forces. As a therapist, part of my work is to hold space for my clients so that they can undertake the process of charting a new course, exploring past and present barriers that interfere with their ability to achieve success in work, relationships, and everyday life. I believe that we possess strengths that spring forward from our innate resilience, key allies that are uncovered and activated during therapy. Through a combination of focused talk therapy, personalized goals, and other creative tools, the goal is to outline a strategy for transforming negative emotions, relationship conflicts, fears, and self-defeating habitual patterns as a pathway to freedom and healing. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Florida with 20 years of professional clinical experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, LGBTQIA+ support, family conflicts, coping with grief and loss, depression, and adjustment to life changes.

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Candyce Thomas

Offering therapy in FL
Relationship issuesGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, life transitions, motivation, self esteem, confidence, anxiety & 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. My primary goal is to provide a safe and bold space for you to navigate through emotional discomfort towards healing. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy takes courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Dr. Christina Ladd

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyEating disordersParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
15 years of experience

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience helping clients with substance addiction, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, OCD and related issues, parenting issues, educational issues, motivation, self-esteem, and self-confidence. I take an integrative, strength-based approach in helping adolescents and adults overcome difficult life events or psychological conditions and develop resilience. People with resilience cope with stress in a healthy way. The great news is resilience can be learned and strengthened with different strategies. I utilize Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Dialectical Behavior, as well as Adlerian Therapy, which is a brief, psychoeducational approach that is both humanistic and goal oriented, to help clients achieve wellness. I have a Masters in Counseling and a PhD in Counselor Education. I am a Florida Licensed Mental Health Counselor Supervisor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapy Supervisor. In addition to helping people, I instruct and supervise Masters level counselor trainees at a local university and assist them in becoming highly competent and compassionate therapists. Additionally, I have been active in physical fitness and wellness education for more than 30 years. I am a firm believer in the reciprocal and dynamic effects of the mind and body: your body is affected by the way you think, feel, and behave. When you are stressed, anxious, or upset, your body reacts physically. When you are physically or emotionally stressed, your body releases stress hormones that can affect all body systems and organs. For example, depression has the potential to decrease the natural ability of the body to heal. The use of Cognitive Behavior Therapy, progressive muscle relaxation, and meditation encourage relaxation, improve coping skills, reduce tension and pain, and may decrease the need for medication. Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine, once wrote, "The natural healing force within each one of us is the greatest force in getting well." My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. I will tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. You have my unwavering support throughout your journey towards optimum mental health and increased overall well-being.

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How to find counseling in Avon Park

Finding the best therapist close by in Avon Park 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 Avon Park. 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 Avon Park, 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 Avon Park 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 Avon Park 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 Avon Park, elsewhere in Highlands, 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 Avon Park area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Avon Park 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 Avon Park 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 Avon Park 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 Avon Park, 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 Avon Park 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 Avon Park 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 Avon Park 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 Avon Park 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 Avon Park 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 33825 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 Avon Park 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 Avon Park 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 Avon Park, 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.

Avon Park has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions?

The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.

Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time today to learn more about the team of therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of Avon Park.

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

33825, 33826

Popular cities near Avon Park, FL

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