Charnell Benjamin-Carter
Hello and congratulations on making the first step towards your new journey! My name is Charnell Benjamin-Carter. I’m a born again Christian and licensed mental health counselor practicing for over 17 years now. I graduated from Nova Southeastern University and completed my Internship at Hyde Park Counseling Center, an Inpatient Residential Facility for women specializing in Eating Disorders and Substance Abuse. My advanced training in Trauma Informed Care and Addictions is beneficial to healing and restoring the family unit. If you have been having problems in your relationship, I’m sure you’ve received lots of advice from friends, family and maybe even other counselors and wondering why things still seem broken. For years counselors have taught couples to "fight fair" and have active listening skills. While these tools are helpful, it’s not just that simple. I believe in addressing not only the symptoms, but the core issues. I use a multifaceted approach including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma Informed, Solution Focused Therapy, Reality Therapy, Conflict Resolution and Family Systems among others. My professional training is backed by over 17 years of experience working with couples and families exploring our faith, reducing depression & anxiety, exploring what makes relationships work, how to navigate through rough times and repair from trauma and infidelity. I apply some of the same principles taught in the 12 Step Program to treat addictions adding insight on the Disease Model of Addiction. I have assisted individuals and families for over 17 years, and I would like to help you!
Judith (Judy) Durdan
Hi! My name is Judy Durdan and I am a Clinical Social Worker licensed in both Florida and Connecticut. I graduated with a Master's Degree in Social Work from Fordham University in 2001. I have extensive experience working with a variety of people in both inpatient and outpatient settings. I've worked with people who are diagnosed with severe and persistent mental illness, forensics, homelessness, and veterans, as well as people who just want an ear to hear them and help guide them through the steps to feeling whole. My goal is to help adults in difficult times figure out how to address those issue through thoughtfulness and mindfulness, utilizing their own strengths and experiences, as well as, a few skills I have to offer. The treatment is an agreed upon approach created through support and understanding, and my approach being adjusted to your needs. Please contact me so that, together, we can find the most convenient and beneficial time that we can meet to tackle those issues. Enjoy your day!
Elaine Morris
As a licensed therapist in Florida, I bring over two decades of dedicated experience supporting individuals through complex life challenges. My practice centers on helping clients navigate addiction recovery, relationship dynamics, and family conflicts with compassion and cultural sensitivity. My approach is rooted in understanding the unique experiences of women, particularly those seeking faith-based guidance and healing. I specialize in addressing substance use challenges, interpersonal struggles, and emotional wellness through a holistic, empathetic lens. Drawing from extensive clinical expertise, I create a supportive environment where clients can explore personal growth, develop healthy coping strategies, and work towards meaningful transformation. My commitment is to honor each individual's journey with respect, understanding, and genuine care. I believe in the power of forgiveness, resilience, and personal empowerment. Together, we can collaboratively develop strategies that support your emotional well-being and help you move towards a more fulfilling life.
Abraham Knowles
Hello! My name is Abraham Knowles and am a licensed clinical social worker with over 25 years of experience in Florida. I earned my Master’s degrees in Social Work and Public Health from the University of South Florida in 1995. I have since worked as a school social worker and also have worked in a variety of other fields including community mental health, substance abuse, and home health. I have worked with clients in a variety of modalities including individual, group, and family counseling as well as case management. I draw from a variety of counseling approaches but mostly cognitive behavioral and humanistic/ client centered therapies. I have helped clients with many presenting problems, especially depression, anxiety, and trauma. Outside of my work as a therapist/ social worker, I enjoy reading, movies, and theater as well as spending time with my wife (married 31 years) son (25), daughter (21), and grandson (4) at their various activities. I have been a volunteer with my church’s youth group for over 20 years. It takes courage to seek support to work through difficult issues and I’m proud of you for taking that first, very important step. I love listening to and supporting people through difficult circumstances and working with them to develop and implement a plan for improvement. I would love to work with you to provide support and assistance as you work toward symptom reduction, confidence, improved relationships, life purpose, and positive change.
Dr. Mary Torok
Hi! My name is Mary Torok. I am an accomplished and Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida. I have over fifteen years of experience supporting adults, children, adolescents, and families through counseling, psychoeducation, directive, and non-directive instruction. I have provided support and direction for clients remotely and in the clinical, classroom, residential, outpatient, and in-home settings. Overall, I am passionate about motivating, empowering, and helping people manage situations and overcome obstacles. My specialties include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, Client and Person-Centered Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Mindfulness and Relaxation, EMDR, Motivational Interviewing, Strengths-Based Therapy, and other modalities. I have had success working with various populations, including clients diagnosed with anxiety and depressive disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Adjustment Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive, and other personality disorders. I have assisted clients by providing critical resources to help with employment, education, and community referrals. Furthermore, I have helped clients improve self-esteem and overcome situations related to bullying, discrimination, and abuse. I also specialize in improving communication and applying conflict resolution skills to manage family and relationship issues. Overall, I believe that education is the key to change. Therefore, my priority is to provide a trusting therapeutic relationship for teaching client’s the skills they need to improve any situation and ultimately transform!
Ellen OMalley
I am licensed in Florida with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, anger management, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Karrie Dolan
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 20 years of experience working with clients with grief and loss, perinatal and maternal issues such as grief and loss and fertility issues, caregiver and caregiver burnout support, support for parents or caregivers with children with autism and clients who have been diagnosed with complex medical issues. I believe that to have a successful outcome in therapy, the client and therapist must first build a strong rapport. When working with clients I strive to make the therapy experience genuine, positive, respectful, and safe. I believe you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in doing great things and overcoming your challenges. My approach is solution focused, client centered, and draws heavily from Cognitive Behavioral Theory. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy takes courage and I am proud of you for getting started! I am looking forward to working together to identify your goals and work to achieve them!
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?
Megan Renz
I am licensed in Florida and New York State with 10 years of professional work experience in mental health. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with addictions, motivation, self-esteem, confidence, & depression. I also specialize with those in the penal system as a specialty since 2020. 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.
John Checkett
Prof John Checkett (pronounced as in, Check it Out!) is a highly skilled, highly educated therapist holding degrees in several of the social sciences. He's the first man in history to earn a master's degree in Women's Studies in Florida, an academic discipline which he also taught on a university level. He also holds university degrees in communication arts and social work, as well as being an LCSW. He's worked in emergency screening, providing spot analysis for emergency mental health cases with no advance notice. He also worked for years in the prison system, with inmates experiencing mental health difficulties. John'san excellent listener and communicator, and he specializes in problems related to gender, problems between couples -- which are usually matters of communication -- and social justice. He employs an integrative approach, drawing especially upon cognitive behavioral therapy, Jungian and narrative therapy, addressing such matters as self-care, empowerment, self-image, self-esteem and conflict resolution.
Ginger Santiago
I am licensed in Florida with 10 years of experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your life and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Syrenthia Parker
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Florida with 4 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 that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Austine Nwaobi
I am licensed in Florida with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, anger management, motivation, self-esteem, confidence, & bipolar disorder. 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. 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.
Julian Laverde
I am licensed in Florida with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & despression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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.
*BetterHelp insurance availability, coverage, and cost may vary by state, plan, provider network, therapist availability, and deductible status.
Find a therapist near you in Bay Harbor Islands, Florida
Finding a therapist near you in Bay Harbor Islands, 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' copay is as low as $15, some pay $0.
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 Bay Harbor Islands.
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' copay is as low as $15 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' copay is as low as $15 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 Bay Harbor Islands, Florida
Ready to begin? BetterHelp can match you with a licensed therapist serving Bay Harbor Islands and the surrounding FL area. When you are ready to take the next step, get started.