Judy Thompson
My name is Judy Thompson. I have been a licensed marriage and family therapist since 2015. My communication style is supportive and educational. I employ a Family Systems approach which considers the impact of childhood experiences on present relationship -functioning. I offer 30 - 45 minute PHONE sessions (only). Subscribers typically schedule sessions once a week.
Lynda Nora Durand
Hi my name is Lynda Nora Durand and I go by Nora. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 10 years of experience in the state of Florida and New York. I am a Florida native who moved to New York years ago. I have a Master in Mental Health Counseling and a certificate in Child and Adolescent Studies. I have worked in child welfare as an advocate and counselor to youth in foster care from there I became a crisis counselor for Hurricane Sandy Victims, to then run a crisis respite center for individuals with what we call “severe mental illness” where we provided a peer environment in which individual’s experiencing psychosis but did not rise to the level of hospitalization could have a place to stay away from their activating environment, and currently I work with victims of crimes. I shared so much detail as to my prior work experience because it speaks to the way I work with individuals. I believe in meeting every person where they are at and providing a compassionate non-judgmental space to process and explore their individual reality. My approach is a combination of Intentional Peer Support, Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, and Need Adaptive Treatment model. I do my best to be creative with the therapy I provide and tailor it to the individual that I am working with. I am so happy that you have taken this step to work on your emotional and mental health and look forward to the opportunity to be a support alongside you in this journey.
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!
Samala Wallack
Caring for you in a safe, therapeutic online environment while promoting healing is my specialty. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) for 10+ years, who provides therapeutic services for young adults, adults, and families from diverse backgrounds. I work with individuals who may experience symptoms related to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Anxiety, Depression, Adjustment Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, and Gender Dysphoria,. My treatment approaches include utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, and artistic modalities to address a variety of challenges including but not limited to trauma, suicidality, self-esteem, academic performance, defiance, anger, depression, anxiety, parenting, and relationship issues. I also customize therapy to your personal situation and goals for treatment. I completed my Educational Specialist degree in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Missouri, Kansas City, and have a Master of Science in Counseling from Wright State University. I have a Bachelor of Science Degree in Counseling Psychology with a minor in Correctional Science from Oakwood University. My experience includes working with the child welfare system, public vocational rehabilitation system, in-home based therapy, residential treatment care, and outpatient therapy. Let’s partner together to promote healing one therapy session at a time!
Andrea Baker
I am licensed as a Mental Health Counselor in Florida with 24 years of counseling children and adults. I started my career working with children in therapeutic foster care, teaching kids and parents positive life skills and parenting skills. Over the past 20 years, I have worked in a hospital setting, supporting individuals experiencing acute medical crisis. I have experience in helping clients manage symptoms of anxiety and depression, teaching positive coping strategies, reinforcing effective communication, strengthening self confidence, processing grief and loss, exploring career goals and developing action plans necessary to improved well being. I am passionate about supporting women during the perinatal period who are adjusting to life as a new mom, feeling stressed and overwhelmed, and/or are experiencing postpartum depression. I have significant experience providing supportive counseling for those experiencing medical crisis and navigating their health journey. 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. 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.
Barbara Southard
BOUT ME I have been providing therapy for 5 years. I've worked with the general population from 10 years old to older adults. The treatment modality depends on the issues at hand and I'm flexible based on the situation accordingly. SPECIALTIES I am experienced in: Stress, Anxiety , Addictions , LGBT , Relationship issues , Family conflicts , Trauma and abuse , Grief , Parenting issues , Anger management , Self esteem , Career difficulties , ADHD, Antisocial Personality , Avoidant Personality , Blended Family Issues , Caregiver Issues and Stress , Commitment Issues , Control Issues , Domestic Violence , Family of Origin Issues , Family Problems ,First Responder Issues , Forgiveness , Guilt and Shame , Impulsivity , Infidelity, Midlife Crisis , Mood Disorders , Multicultural Concerns , Narcissism , Obsessions, Compulsions, and OCD , Panic Disorder and Panic Attacks , Personality Disorders , Post-traumatic Stress , Self-Harm , Sexuality , Women's Issues Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy Years of Experience: 4 SERVICES OFFERED * * MESSAGING * LIVE CHAT * PHONE * VIDEO
Janine Gonzalez
Thank you for taking a moment in considering your next steps in healing. The courage it takes to think I need help is a powerful step toward the reality of being healed, restored, or just gaining your footing again. My name is Janine Gonzalez, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, in the state of Florida and New Jersey: with over 25 years' of experience working with a diverse population. This includes working with individuals experiencing complex issues. I believe that you are the expert of your story and within you are the answers. It takes courage to seek out assistance and determination to see it through. Taking the first steps toward change, may not be easy, however as we work together you will discover you are worth it. I am here to support and empower you in your journey.
Linda Kartell
I am licensed in Florida with 23 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression and relationship issues. I believe that you are your own expert and that you have many strengths and resources that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Our partnership will focus on identifying your strengths and resources and using them to reduce your difficulties and address your issues. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Rebecca Wilkerson
I am licensed in Florida with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Joel Polk
Hello, my name is Joel Polk, and I am a Florida-based Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with nearly a decade of professional experience. I support adults navigating stress and anxiety, depression, and a wide range of life, relationship, and identity-related challenges. I work with clients on concerns related to self-esteem, self-love, communication, motivation, and confidence, as well as relationship and family difficulties, including caregiver stress and fatherhood-related concerns. I also provide affirming support for LGBTQ+ individuals, including concerns related to sexuality and gender dysphoria. My professional background includes experience in both telehealth and structured clinical environments, which has helped shape a calm, grounded, and thoughtful approach to therapy. Through this work, I developed strong skills in emotional regulation, pattern recognition, and clear communication, and I help clients manage anxiety, panic symptoms, control-related concerns, attachment patterns, and feelings of isolation or loneliness with greater clarity and stability. My therapeutic approach is collaborative, strengths-based, and goal-oriented. I primarily draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and solution-focused practices to help clients identify unhelpful thought patterns, build practical coping strategies, and create meaningful, achievable change. I believe you are the expert on your own life, and my role is to support you in exploring life purpose, personal values, and meaning while developing tools that align with your goals. When relevant, I am comfortable addressing spiritual, faith-based, or existential concerns in a way that respects each client’s beliefs and worldview. I work with adults and young adults facing issues related to relationships, family conflict, substance use, self-harm behaviors, workplace and financial stress, and the emotional impact of prejudice or discrimination. Whether you are seeking support around anxiety or panic attacks, navigating men’s issues, adjusting to adulthood, or integrating personal beliefs into your healing process, we will work together at a pace that feels right for you. Reaching out for support takes courage, and I’m glad you’re here.
Rene Garcell
I am licensed in Florida with over 20 years of professional work experience in end of life, hospice care, as well as working with teens and young adults at the start of life. 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. I am client centered and that means you decide what we need to talk about in therapy. My goal is to cater this room to your needs and preferences.
Kayla Swanson
I'm Kayla Swanson, a therapist dedicated to supporting individuals through life's most challenging moments. With several years of clinical experience, I work with clients navigating depression, anxiety, stress, relationship difficulties, trauma, and self-esteem concerns. My approach is grounded in empathy and collaboration. I believe in creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can explore your experiences at your own pace. I draw from evidence-based therapeutic practices to help you build insight, develop coping skills, and move toward meaningful change. Whether you're working through past trauma, managing overwhelming emotions, or seeking to strengthen your relationships and sense of self, I'm here to support you. I'm honored by the courage it takes to begin therapy, and I look forward to walking alongside you on your healing journey.
Sheilaann Fritz-Ellis
Sheila Fritz-Ellis Ed.D., LCPC, NBCC, LMHC, holds a doctorate degree in Counselor Education and Supervision. She has 23 years of clinical counseling experience, in private schools, outpatient community mental health centers, and hospital programs. She taught courses in Counseling graduate programs and continues to provide supervision to counselors in training. Dr. Fritz-Ellis believes in integrating the art and science of counseling to deliver the most effective care to her clients. Her focus is on developing a strong therapeutic relationship to facilitate healing for the client. Her treatment method is based on the clients specific needs. She is trained in DBT, CBT, and ACT, with additional certification in Grief Counseling. .
*BetterHelp insurance availability, coverage, and cost may vary by state, plan, provider network, therapist availability, and deductible status.
Find a therapist near you in Cloud Lake, Florida
Finding a therapist near you in Cloud Lake, 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 Cloud Lake.
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 Cloud Lake, Florida
Ready to begin? BetterHelp can match you with a licensed therapist serving Cloud Lake and the surrounding FL area. When you are ready to take the next step, get started.