If you have ever had a panic attack, you know what it is, and you will never forget it. If you haven’t, it is characterized by racing heartbeat, palpitations, trembling, nausea, dizziness, confusion, chest pains, hyperventilating, and even fainting. Those who have panic attacks are usually suffering from an anxiety disorder and the Bartow therapists are experts at treating these disorders. 

Bartow is a little town between Orlando and Tampa, Florida and it is called the “city of lakes, citrus groves, antique shops, and historic culture.” You will not be bored in Bartow where you can fish, swim, go boating or skiing, and just about anything else you like. They also have some of the best therapists in the world who can help with anxiety and other mental disorders. 

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Dr. Jeffrey Friedman

Offering therapy in FL
License: Ph.D. LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuse
7 years of experience

A warm caring therapist that connects to clients' experience. Great with relationship issues, as well as anxiety and depression. Specialize in helping clients' overcome trauma. Also adept at helping to reduce family conflict and do great work with young adults as well as adolescents.

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Melissa Klemkosky

Offering therapy in FL
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
8 years of experience

My name is Melissa and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Florida, Virginia and DC. I received my Master's degree in Social Work from University of South Florida. I have extensive experience working with a wide range of individuals and problems, including substance abuse, depression, anxiety, trauma, self-esteem, difficulty with life transitions, stress management, and grief. I also have professional and personal experience with military and law enforcement cultures. I use a variety of evidence-based approaches. My approach is individualized and based on the needs of each person. I treat everyone with respect, dignity, and am nonjudgmental. I believe we all have the answers on how we can live our best life and therapy is a way for us to tap into those answers. I take a collaborative approach with your treatment, as you are the expert on your life. I look forward to working with you!

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Teresa Robertson

Offering therapy in FL
License: MA,LMHC,LCPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
19 years of experience

I am licensed in the state of Florida and Illinois as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LMHC and a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, LCPC. I have been in private practice since 2014, first in Illinois and currently in Florida. Prior to private practice, I worked in community mental health/social service settings for over 18 years providing a variety of counseling services to a diverse population. I earned a master’s degree in professional counseling from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology in 1999 and recently completed additional graduate level courses in human sexuality, grief/loss, and trauma counseling. During that time, I extensively studied and researched these areas which provided me with additional skills and knowledge on trauma-informed treatment. I completed training for EMDR, Clinical Trauma Professional, Psychological First Aid, and FEMA – community preparedness. I have worked with clients struggling with a variety of mood and behavior challenges including depression, anxiety, ADHD, trauma and other stress related issues. In addition, assisted clients with concerns related to parenting, divorce, grief/loss, self-esteem, relationship problems, social/peer issues, bullying, changes/transitions, women’s issues, and work/school/family related stress. My treatment approach is from an integrative perspective, a view of helping people that is not restricted to one approach. I draw from a variety of approaches and treatments techniques including but not limited to, psychodynamic, client-centered, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based therapy, as well as an understanding of how our brains respond to stress and trauma. I work to integrate those therapeutic techniques that are most useful with a client’s unique characters, preferences, and individual needs, as well as adjusting them to one’s social/cultural context. I will work collaboratively with you and encourage your input throughout this process. I am committed to provide quality care where integrity and trust are top priorities. My mission is to help one gain insight, self-acceptance, and fulfillment, as well as the skills needed to thrive and succeed in life.

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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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Noraliz Nagarsheth

Offering therapy in FL
License: MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseDepression
10 years of experience

My name is Noraliz Nagarsheth, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Florida. I am glad you have decided to reach out for help, and I hope that BetterHelp finds the best fit to meet your unique needs. I have been a social worker since 2012. I have worked as an outpatient mental health therapist, social worker case manager, and home health care social worker before venturing into private practice as a telehealth mental health therapist. I specialize in working with individuals with a history of trauma experiencing symptoms of anxiety & depression. My preferred therapy modalities are Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral, and Solution Focused Therapy. I also received training in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and often find it helpful when working with clients. My passion is to help clients find meaning in life and understand life events by searching for awareness and unraveling patterns in their emotions, thoughts, and belief systems, gaining insight into their current selves and what led them to be in the present moment. Once we unraveled the thoughts and identified the limiting beliefs, I like to find and implement strategies and techniques that would challenge those beliefs to promote new behaviors that will empower clients to live fulfilling lives. Although I have my preferences in therapy, I believe that everyone is unique in their way. My goal is to utilize a therapy technique that will best fit your personality and help you accomplish your treatment goals. Let's determine if we are a good fit for each other so we can embark on this journey of self-reflection, empowerment, and behavior modification. If we embark on this journey together, I want you to be confident that if you are going through a tough time of uncertainty in your life, I am here to support you. In addition, I want us to work together to find ways to enhance your life experience and accomplish your goal of feeling better and working on other areas of interest. I aim to create a therapeutic relationship where I will listen and help you process along the journey. I will meet you where you are at all times and when you are ready to work, I will provide you with tips and strategies that we will sort out to figure out which ones will be the most effective for you to implement in your life. It may take a few tries, but I am confident that we will find the one that will help you accomplish your goals and feel empowered. I look forward to working with you.

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Tina LaPorta

Offering therapy in FL
License: LMFT,LPC,LCDC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
15 years of experience

Thank you for visiting my profile! I am here to help you. I have many years of counseling experience with adults and adolescents that have depression, anxiety, PTSD, anger issues; relationship, family, career or adjustment concerns; as well as substance abuse issues. I have military counseling experience with active duty troops and combat veterans. I have two Master’s degrees in Psychology, the first in College Teaching and the second in counseling, specializing in marriage and family therapy. I began my career as an Adjunct Professor in Psychology in the San Francisco Bay Area; after 6 years of teaching , I began to work clinically, as a community based mental health clinician, with adults with more severe , chronic symptoms, such as schizophrenia. I also worked in the community, as a licensed clinician with both adults and adolescents, with mental health and substance abuse disorders, in Outpatient, IOP and partial hospitalization treatment programs. After many years in the private sector, I decided to work for the Federal government. I was hired as a Psychologist, at Fort Sam Houston, in Texas. I worked for the Department of Defense, on base at Fort Sam Houston and Fort Bliss. As a Federal GS employee, I transferred to the Department of Veteran Affairs. I worked in their Vet Centers as a licensed marriage and family therapist. I am licensed in CT, FL, N.J., AZ, and TX. I prefer a cognitive behavioral (CBT) approach. I like to focus on cognitive and behavioral changes, in working with you to achieve your therapy goals. Thank you for your consideration. If you have any questions, please write. Tina LaPorta

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Desi Dixon

Offering therapy in FL
Self esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

My name is Desi Dixon. I am a licensed clinical social worker. My therapy style is warm and collaborative. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, motivational interviewing and other therapeutic techniques. There are many reason that you may be seeking therapy such as struggles in a relationship, marriage, depression, anxiety, life crisis and more. I would like to take the time to applaud you for seeking therapy. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life. My aim is to tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your needs. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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Matthew Sheft

Offering therapy in FL
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

Creating an environment filled with empathy, collaboration, unconditional positive regard and communication are vital to success in therapy. As a licensed therapist in the state of Florida, I take pride in my work with clients and building strong therapeutic relationships that allow for us to grow together towards reaching stated goals. Building a foundational level of trust during our early work together is of paramount importance and allows for a solid structure to be built off of. I operate from a strengths based approach and utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy and Dialectical Behavior Therapy amongst other evidence based practices. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, coping with life changes and individuals with relationship issues. I believe each person has their own unique story and I look forward to hearing yours and working together!

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Lynn Hager

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionADHD
4 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 4 years of professional work experience as a trauma therapist. I have experience in helping clients work to identify triggers for stress and anxiety, process trauma and abuse, increase the ability to cope with grief, & improve ability to manage daily living. I strive to work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment or shame. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process to improve your self worth, ability to manage hard experiences, and love yourself authentically.

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Tara Duncan

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
4 years of experience

I am a licensed mental health counselor in Florida with about 4 years of clinical counseling experience and approximately 10 years in the mental health field working in various settings. I have experience in helping clients manage a wide range of stressors such as depression, anxiety, body image, career difficulties, relationships, grief, and life transitions. I have also helped those dealing with a chronic illness diagnosis and those finding themselves in the correctional or penal system. I desire to provide an open, collaborative, and safe environment to work with my clients where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Theoretically speaking, I have a Solution-Focused approach but I mainly value the therapeutic relationship and want to identify what works best for you. I aim to only use evidence based techniques based out of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to address your individual concerns. I desire to assist you in reaching your goals that will ultimately uplift your mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey. I am so glad you are here. I look forward to the opportunity to speak with you!

How to find counseling in Bartow

Finding the best therapist close by in Bartow 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 Bartow. 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 Bartow, 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 Bartow 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 Bartow 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 Bartow, elsewhere in Polk, 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 Bartow area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Bartow 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 Bartow 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 Bartow 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 Bartow, 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 Bartow 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 Bartow 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 Bartow 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 Bartow 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 Bartow 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 33831 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 Bartow 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 Bartow 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 Bartow, 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.

Bartow 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 Bartow.

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

33830, 33831, 33880

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