In life, it can feel like you're swimming in murky waters. You don't know what’s below you, or how deep it is, and your only choice is to keep swimming. It can be hard to find something to clear that water up and make it more enjoyable, especially if you're depressed or anxious. 

A counselor based in Clearwater can help. Clearwater is known for its beautiful beaches with, well, clear water. Your life can be like those beaches. All you need to do is to talk to a counselor and see what the solution is.

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Christine Parisen

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

Hello! I am a licensed mental health counselor with over 10 years of experience in treating people of all ages, backgrounds and walks of life. I use a strengths based approach when treating my clients, believing that we all have tools within us that we can use to help during the bumps in life and sometimes need a guide to help us use these tools. As a therapist I hope to be a partner in healing and growth. I've worked with clients who have experienced trauma, anxiety, depression, addiction, LGBT issues, relationship problems, chronic illness, and grief. It is most important to me that I build solid rapport with my clients and that they feel safe and accepted. Although not everyone is willing to take the plunge, I think that everyone can benefit from counseling. I look forward to working with you!

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Tracy Rose

Offering therapy in FL
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

If you’re reading this, it’s probably because you are looking for change or you want something more. Maybe you feel like you’re stuck in an unfulfilling pattern, one that leaves you feeling disappointed in yourself or angry at those around you. Or perhaps you think you are doing well on paper—good job, stable home life, supportive friends—but can’t seem to derive the sense of accomplishment that “should” accompany “success.” Either way, you are here because you think you might be ready to get more out of life and are prepared to examine things closely, maybe even ask yourself some tough questions. I am here to help formulate those questions with you and, if you’re willing to do the work, help you answer them. Why am I uniquely positioned to help you? My educational background and work experience certainly help, but more important than those qualifications is the fact that I have done the work in my own life. We have all at some point met the cardiologist that smokes or the car mechanic that drives a clunker—many of us find it difficult to practice what we preach. But I have lived through transformation and can attest to, firsthand, how difficult, powerful, and rewarding it can be. For those of you who are ready, I await you.

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Saila Akhtar

Offering therapy in FL
License: LMHC,MS
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteem
8 years of experience

I am a licensed mental health counselor from New York. I have over 10 years of experience working with at risk children and their families. I have worked directly with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD, ADHD, substance use concerns and family conflicts. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My counseling style is interactive. I believe in building good rapport with my clients and providing a safe space to have open dialogues about their concerns. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, motivational interviewing, psychodynamic, and person-centered. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to be aware of your needs and to seek out support to change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to partner with you and work towards the change you crave. I look forward to working with you!

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Mary-Eileen Walker

Offering therapy in FL
License: MS,LMHC,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesDepression
38 years of experience

Hi! My name is Mary Walker. I have been dually licensed as a Mental Health Counselor and a Marriage and Family Therapist for over 30+ years. I am a Board Approved Supervisor for both disciplines. I have worked in many different settings and have maintained a private practice in Wilton Manors, FL, for over 13 years. I have worked with clients of all ages and a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, substance use, couples/intimacy, trauma, and sexuality issues. I am skilled in providing Individual, Group, and Couples/Family therapy. I work from an eclectic approach that combines Client-centered, CBT, Mindfulness, and Systems Therapies. I utilize techniques from these and other schools of therapy to provide a unique experience to meet your needs. I believe the counseling relationship is a collaboration between the therapist and the client(s) based on compassion, genuineness, and respect. You are the expert in your own life. I have experience in helping people with change. Together we will design a plan to help you address your concerns. I am looking forward to working with you!

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Norma Owens-Hixon

Offering therapy in FL
License: LMHC,MH11167
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
3 years of experience

I, Norma Owens-Hixon, received my Master’s Degree from the University of North Florida in Mental Health Counseling. I am a Florida Licensed Mental Health Counselor and have worked full-time at Northeast Florida State Hospital for 15 years, first as a Mental Health Program Analyst/Auditor and now as a Clinical Counselor in the Psychology Department. I have experience as a Child Protective Investigator, Family Service Counselor, and Independent Contract Therapist with the Department of Juvenile Justice through Daniel Kids. I am dedicated to facilitating positive growth and enriching the lives of others by endorsing an eclectic approach to counseling. In my spare time, I enjoy walking and arts & music.

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Chantelle Rhoden

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyLGBTGriefCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
9 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbt-related issues, coping with grief and loss, & career difficulties. 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 takes courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Mark Jackson

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

Mark has been a Clinical Social worker for the past 16 years working in the US and UK with various client populations from Babies needing organ transplants to adults with End Stage Renal Disease. The common thread with those unwell as he puts it, has been their connection or lack thereof with positive thoughts, habits and social network. The lack of these associations generally leads to decline over time. He realized that he was most passionate about helping people stay or return to wellness rather that assisting the disease state. Mark actively pursues the link between effective nutrition and solid Mental Health and Wellness, his aim is the help clients feel like the best version of themselves.

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Alex Kawliche

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
5 years of experience

My name is Alex Kawliche. I am a dedicated and compassionate Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with a passion for guiding individuals on their path toward self-discovery, growth, and emotional well-being. I'm ready to embark on a transformative therapeutic experience with you. As a psychotherapist, my approach to therapy is rooted in humanistic principles and emphasizes the uniqueness and inherent worth of each of us. I believe that the therapeutic relationship is a collaborative partnership built on trust, empathy, and understanding. I aim to create a safe space where you can thrive and explore your concerns, thoughts, and feelings. My background encompasses diverse settings, including private practice and ten years working in residential substance abuse treatment. These experiences have enriched my understanding of human behavior and healing. I specialize in working with a range of issues including anxiety, depression, self-esteem challenges, and life transitions. If you're seeking a supportive male therapist who values your individuality and growth, I invite you to connect with me. Together, we'll embark on a transformative journey toward self-discovery and empowerment as I walk beside you on the path to mental and emotional wellness.

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This is Jodi Flanigan's avatar and link to their profile

Jodi Flanigan

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

I am licensed in Florida with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, parenting issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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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Angela Hansen

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionADHD
5 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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How to find counseling in Clearwater

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Clearwater 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 Clearwater 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 Clearwater 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 Clearwater, 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 Clearwater 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 Clearwater 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 Clearwater 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 Clearwater 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 Clearwater 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 33761 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 Clearwater 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 Clearwater 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 Clearwater, 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.

Clearwater 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 Clearwater.

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

33755, 33756, 33757, 33758, 33759, 33761, 33763, 33764, 33765, 33766, 33767, 33769

Popular cities near Clearwater, FL

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