Melissa Pesce
Meaningful change happens when you feel both supported and challenged. My approach is direct, supportive and compassionate. Creating a space where you can feel safe to explore your experiences while being encouraged to move toward your goals. I am passionate about empowering individuals to recognize their strengths, deepen their self-awareness, and develop the insight needed to create lasting change. Together, we will work to bring greater clarity, direction, and purpose to your life while fostering accountability, growth, and personal evolution. I strive to create an open-minded, nonjudgmental environment that promotes healing, resilience, and transformation. Whether you are navigating relationship challenges, life transitions, anxiety, or personal growth, I will meet you where you are while helping you move toward where you want to be. My integrative therapeutic approach combines trauma-focused, cognitive behavioral, and mindfulness-based interventions tailored to your unique needs and goals. I also incorporate evidence-based techniques including strengths-based, solution-focused, family systems, holistic, client-centered, and culturally sensitive approaches. By drawing from a variety of therapeutic modalities, I am able to provide individualized care that supports healing, fosters self-discovery, and empowers you to create meaningful and sustainable change. Please feel free to reach out about my office hours. I offer 30 minute video or phone sessions. I look forward to helping you grow and move you forward into the next chapter in your life. Let’s get started!
Marie Pierre-Canel
As a licensed therapist in Florida, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex life transitions, relationship dynamics, and personal growth. My professional background centers on addressing stress, anxiety, family conflicts, and interpersonal challenges with a compassionate, culturally responsive approach. I bring a deep understanding of communication barriers, attachment dynamics, and emotional wellness. My practice focuses on helping clients work through isolation, body image concerns, caregiver stress, and relationship patterns. Drawing from evidence-based techniques, I create a supportive environment where individuals can explore their experiences and develop meaningful strategies for healing. My multilingual background allows me to connect with diverse communities, offering therapy in English, French, and Haitian Creole. I am committed to honoring each client's unique journey and providing personalized support that respects individual experiences and cultural contexts.
Penny Howland
Penny has always practiced in a blend of medical and mental health settings in various venues and with many different populations, including dialysis, the terminally ill, grieving, substance abuse, adjustment disorders of all kinds. Penny uses whatever treatment modality is best to meet patients' goals . She believes strongly in the mind-body connection and has great respect for the resilience of the human being and the ability to adapt to life with balance and comfort. Penny received her BA and MSW from Wayne State University in Detroit, MI. She is a member of ACSW and NASW. Also CAP for all addictions.
Ebony McCray-Holmes
As a licensed therapist in Florida, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex life transitions, relationship dynamics, and personal growth. My practice centers on empowering clients to develop deeper self-understanding, heal from past experiences, and cultivate meaningful connections. With extensive experience in trauma-informed care, I help clients address challenges related to self-esteem, family dynamics, workplace stress, and young adult transitions. My approach is compassionate and collaborative, focusing on communication skills, emotional resilience, and personal empowerment. I am particularly passionate about supporting women through transformative life stages, helping individuals overcome feelings of isolation, shame, and abandonment. By creating a safe, affirming space, I guide clients toward self-love, purpose, and healing from past wounds. My therapeutic work honors each person's unique journey, recognizing the strength and wisdom inherent in every individual's story. Together, we'll explore your experiences, build coping strategies, and create pathways toward meaningful, sustainable personal growth.
Brittany Dunn
I’m Brittany, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida with 10 years of experience in the mental health field. I work with adults who may be feeling anxious, overwhelmed, stuck, emotionally exhausted, or unsure of how to move forward. Many of my clients are navigating depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, grief, low self-esteem, stress, or major life transitions. My style is warm, collaborative, and practical. I want therapy to feel like a space where you can speak openly without judgment while also gaining tools that help you make meaningful changes in everyday life. I primarily use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), and person-centered approaches to help clients better understand patterns in their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, strengthen coping and communication skills, and move toward their goals with greater clarity and confidence. I believe you do not need to have everything figured out before starting therapy. We can begin with where you are now and work together at a pace that feels comfortable for you. For clients who would like faith to be part of the process, I am also comfortable incorporating Christian beliefs and values into our work. "We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them." Albert Einstein
Richard Whitton
I am licensed in Florida with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, & bipolar disorder. I also have experience working with 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Shelly Wilson
I am licensed in Florida with 21 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with parenting 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!
Anthia Casanova
I am licensed in Florida with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, LGBTQ-related issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story, and you have many strengths that will help with 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 your journey.
LaKesha Thomas
I am licensed in Florida with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, family conflicts, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Patricia Roebuck
I am licensed in Florida with over 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, domestic violence, setting boundaries, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression, mood disorders and substance use. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our sessions 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.
Dr. Dr.Claribel Perez
Hello and Welcome! You are here for a reason and your intuition may be pressing upon you to reach out for help, guidance, insights, and healing. I understand how life circumstances, traumas, hurt, and emotional instability can make you feel. If you are experiencing a situation that is challenging your wellness and stability, possibly disrupting optimal living, I am here to help! I commend you for taking the first step to reach out. My name is Dr. Claribel Perez; and many address me as Dr. Claire. I’m a Licensed Mental Health Counselor since 2005 and a Certified Clinical Sex Therapist in Florida, since 2015. Also, I am a retired English Teacher since 1989, with over 30 years of experience and a retired UCF Adjunct Professor. My counseling tone envelops a communication style characterized by a warmth, caring, resourceful, supportive, and an empathic genuine demeanor, fostering a safe, non-judgmental space. Accordingly, my clinical approach unfolds from getting to know you first followed by building trust; focusing on your presenting concerns, your presenting problem and your overall goals. Afterwards, contingent on your needs, I interweave clinical approaches encouraging a mutual collaborative effort to work on treatment interventions, implementing and adapting therapeutic strategies and tools towards the accomplishment of your goals. In your best interest, I provide you treatment intervention options to "adapt and adopt", a healthy sense of “self”, empowering you towards a positive self-actualization and self-fulfillment (based on The Self Theory by one of my favorite classical Philosophers: Carl Rogers and Albert Bandura). I implement collaborative, evidence-based treatment interventions to address each person’s unique objectives and needs via Teletherapy. Clinical counseling approaches that I implement include: Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (MBCBT) combined with a Psycho-educational Approach, Sex Therapy (specifically the Psychological Barriers Type for women undergoing biological or traumatic issues), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Reality Therapy, and Psycho-dynamic Therapy, tailored to help each individual address their unique wellness goals. A Collaborative Approach entails mutual, interactive, communicative and intentional working together through a formative process, which is essential to your progress. Whether you intend your sessions to strictly involve my listening skills and reflective insights, or whether you wish to establish detailed-specific goals to address specific issues, I will provide a structured framework tailored to provide you the therapeutic strategies, tools, and techniques. Embarking on the first steps towards your therapy journey requires courage and you already deserve a pat on your back for getting started! You are not alone on your journey towards empowerment, healing, and learning. At best, I am committed to provide insights and instrumental tools that will support your needs and goals. Overall, my utmost approach is to provide you a safe therapeutic experience embracing emotional support, reflective insights, well-being, healing, and empowerment. I look forward to working with you. Stay well! ~ Dr. Claire
Theyazan Kohaif
I am a licensed mental health professional in Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Colorado, Vermont and Virginia with a decade of experience supporting clients through a variety of challenges. My expertise includes working with stress, anxiety, relationship concerns, trauma, abuse, motivation, self-esteem, confidence, and depression. I am committed to providing care that is grounded in respect, sensitivity, and compassion. Understanding that each individual is unique, I tailor our conversations and treatment plans to align with your specific needs and goals. I am here to support and guide you on this meaningful journey toward growth and healing.
Natalie Talpesh
I am licensed in Florida with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & depression. 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.
Tomeka Bright
I am a marriage and family therapist licensed in in Florida, Texas and Washington with over 10 years of experience working in clinical practice. I work with clients who experience a wide range of symptoms and concerns, including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD, and ADHD. I have also worked with many people who have experienced trauma and emotional abuse. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and rational-emotive therapy. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!
*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 Pines, Florida
Finding a therapist near you in Bay Pines, Florida starts with matching to a licensed professional who fits your needs, schedule, and goals. Florida is home to people with diverse mental health needs across urban, suburban, and rural communities, which can make it challenging to find care. BetterHelp connects you with a licensed therapist through tailored matching, so you can begin care from home or wherever works for you.
The network includes over 30,000 licensed therapists globally, and over 4 million people have used BetterHelp to find support through online therapy. During matching, 93% of user preferences are met, which helps you connect with a therapist suited to what you are looking for. Whether you are searching for help with anxiety, trauma, affordable or insurance covered therapy, weekend or flexible scheduling, or virtual sessions, you can find a therapist and get started when you are ready.
Why work with a licensed therapist near you?
Working with a licensed therapist near you gives you access to professional mental health support from someone trained to help you understand and manage what you are going through. A licensed therapist can offer evidence-based approaches, a steady space to talk, and guidance tailored to your situation. In Florida, online therapy can make that care more accessible, since sessions happen from home or wherever you are, without the need to travel to an office. This can help if your schedule is full, if travel is difficult, or if you simply prefer a more discreet setting. You can learn more about what a therapist does on the therapist role page.
Online therapy can be especially helpful for people living across Florida, where access to in-person mental health care may vary by location.
What concerns can therapists help with?
Therapists can help with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety and stress, depression, trauma and PTSD, self-esteem and identity, people-pleasing and fear of rejection, insomnia and racing thoughts, workplace stress and burnout, substance use, parenting and co-parenting stress, grief and loss, and relationship and family challenges. Therapists on BetterHelp may draw on approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), depending on your needs and goals. You can explore support for specific concerns on pages such as generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and eating disorders.
Please note that therapists on BetterHelp do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses.
Online therapy vs. in-person therapy in Florida
Online therapy and in-person therapy both connect you with a licensed professional, and the main difference is how you meet. In Florida, online therapy through BetterHelp lets you have sessions by phone, video, or in-app messaging, so you can meet from home or on a schedule that fits your life. In-person therapy takes place at an office and may involve travel and set appointment windows. Online therapy may be more accessible for people with busy schedules, limited transportation, or a preference for a more discreet setting. Both formats can support meaningful progress, so the right choice often comes down to what fits your life.
Finding a therapist that accepts insurance in Florida
BetterHelp accepts insurance through many major insurance plans. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability, and deductible status. Eligible members' average copay is $23 per session.
You can check your in-network status on the BetterHelp site through the sign up flow. If you prefer to pay without insurance, BetterHelp subscriptions range from $70 to $100 per week, billed as an alternative way to access the same care, and you can use HSA and FSA funds toward the cost. For a full breakdown of how BetterHelp works with insurance plans, see BetterHelp insurance coverage.
How BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in Florida
BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in Florida through personalized matching that considers your needs, preferences, and goals. After you answer a few questions during the sign up flow, you can be matched with a licensed therapist from a network of over 30,000 professionals, and 93% of user preferences are met during matching. The search and location matching cover common near-me needs, including anxiety, trauma, affordable or sliding-scale support, weekend or flexible scheduling, and virtual sessions. If your first match is not the right fit, you can switch therapists at no extra cost. When you are ready, you can get started and begin the process.
Therapists near you in Florida
Below, you’ll find licensed therapists authorized to provide online therapy to adults across Florida, including residents in Bay Pines.
Each provider meets state licensing requirements and has experience supporting clients with a wide range of mental health concerns using evidence-based therapeutic approaches.
Please note: Therapists on BetterHelp in Florida do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses.
Frequently asked questions about finding a therapist near me
How much does therapy cost near me?
Therapy costs near you can vary by provider, format, and payment method. With BetterHelp, subscriptions range from $70 to $100 per week, and you can use HSA and FSA funds toward the cost. BetterHelp also accepts insurance through many major insurance plans, and eligible members' average copay is $23 per session. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability, and deductible status.
Does BetterHelp accept insurance?
Yes. BetterHelp accepts insurance through many major insurance plans. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability. Eligible members' average copay is $23 per session. Check your in-network status on the BetterHelp site through the sign up flow. For a full breakdown of how BetterHelp works with insurance plans, see BetterHelp insurance coverage.
Is online therapy effective?
Online therapy can be an effective way to receive licensed mental health care for many common concerns. Research suggests that online therapy may support progress in ways comparable to in-person care for concerns such as anxiety and depression. On BetterHelp, you connect with a licensed therapist who can use evidence-based approaches such as CBT and DBT, and you can meet by phone, video, or in-app messaging.
Do I need a diagnosis to see a therapist?
No, you do not need a diagnosis to see a therapist. Many people begin therapy to work through stress, life changes, relationships, or personal growth without any diagnosis. Please note that therapists on BetterHelp do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses. If you are looking for a starting point, personalized matching can connect you with a licensed therapist suited to your goals.
How quickly can I start therapy?
You can often start therapy within 24 to 48 hours of signing up with BetterHelp. After you answer a few questions during the sign up flow, personalized matching connects you with a licensed therapist, and you can schedule your first session once you are matched. This process is designed to help you begin care at your own pace, without a long wait.
Can I switch therapists if it’s not the right fit?
Yes. If you feel your therapist is not the right match, you can request to be matched with another licensed provider at no additional cost. You are able to do so through the BetterHelp user portal and select switch therapists if needed.
Is online therapy discreet?
Online therapy with BetterHelp offers a discreet setting where you can connect with a licensed therapist from the comfort of your home. Sessions take place by phone, video, or in-app messaging, so you can meet without going into an office. Your account and sessions are protected with strong safeguards, and you choose how and where you attend. This can make therapy feel more comfortable for people who prefer a discreet way to get support.
Find a Therapist in Bay Pines, Florida
Ready to begin? BetterHelp can match you with a licensed therapist serving Bay Pines and the surrounding FL area. When you are ready to take the next step, get started.