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Jennifer Albert

Offering therapy in FL
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesEating disordersDepression
29 years of experience

My only goal is to help you and your family work through life's challenges — big and small. I am a Florida Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with an online therapy practice. I completed by M.S. in Marriage and Family Therapy at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida in 2000. I have a B.S. in Social Work from Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pennsylvania. In the fifteen years since I began helping individuals and families as a therapist, I have focused my practice on brief therapy and solution-focused therapy. My goal is to make sure my clients reach a quick and effective solution to their varied challenges without dwelling on what brought them to therapy. I have worked with hundreds of clients from all walks of life in private practice and in multiple hospital settings in Florida, New York, and West Virginia. I taught other aspiring therapists as an Adjunct Professor of Marriage and Family Therapy at Marshall University in Charleston, West Virginia. My experience has provided me with a deep insight and a practical view of the problems people face in their personal and professional lives. I have worked with families on relationship issues, marriage problems, and chemical dependency. As a result, I can help address a variety of issues in your life.

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Hollie Chambers

Offering therapy in FL
License: MSW,LCSW
Relationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemCoaching
4 years of experience

Hello! I am a licensed clinical social worker. I'm licensed in Florida and Texas. I was born in Kentucky and raised in New York. I have experienced a lot of challenges in the African American community as it relates to trauma, disguised anxiety/depression and manifesting into anger and seclusion. I have also witnessed and assisted adolescents and adults struggling with their sexual orientation. My passion is assisting clients gain self-acceptance, sustain intimate relationships and regain confidence. I have a business background and understand women issues with regard to transitioning into leadership positions. If you require coaching in this area, I am very skilled and experienced. My speciality is working with intimate relationships, break-ups, at-risk adolescents and the LGBTQ community. My plan of action is to use Person-Centered interventions, Positive Psychology, Cognitive Behavioral Techniques (CBT), Solution Focused techniques and the Gottman Method with intimate partners. If you believe you fit the mold for anything I mentioned above, believe the techniques can conquer your barrier, and you are ready to live your "Best Life" make sure to contact me. Wishing you the Best and I look forward to working with you.

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Rehana Saleem

Offering therapy in FL
License: LMHC,MCAP,Qualified Supervisor
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
8 years of experience

​Hello my name is Rehana Saleem. I am a licensed Mental Health Therapist. My belief is that we all need someone to talk to, someone who can really listen and accept us as we are, without judgment. I also believe that good treatment consists of establishing excellent communication and trust in a secure environment. I approach counseling and psychotherapy from a nonjudgmental, empathetic, logical, warmth, person-centered perspective. I have extensive experience working with youth and adults from various cultural backgrounds. I offer services to English, Hindi, Urdu, and Gujrati speaking clients. In addition to helping my clients find stability and fulfillment in their lives, I also spend time volunteering to help women and families. My cultural background has helped me understand issues in immigrant families with second generation children. I also have experience and interest in treating depression, anxiety, ADHD, domestic violence, and substance abuse issues. Therapeutic Approach Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Motivational Interviewing Relaxation techniques Meditation Psychoeducation

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Justine Nyman

Offering therapy in FL
License: LMHC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsAnger managementBipolar disorderDepression
8 years of experience

My name is Justine Nyman. I want to thank you for taking the time to seek support. It is not easy to reach out or even realize that counseling/support is needed. So I welcome you. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida. I have about 8 years' experience and continue to grow in my therapeutic approaches and my knowledge as a therapist. I have familiarity through group counseling and individual counseling for both mental health and dual diagnosis. My approaches vary per the clients' specific needs. I am familiar and utilize the cognitive behavioral approach, dialectical behavioral therapeutic approach, mindfulness therapies, positive psychology, and do incorporate some solution focused therapy depending on the client's needs. My specialties' include: depression, anxiety/stress management, bipolar disorder, substance use recovery, and many other areas. I create a very warm and non-judgmental environment where the client feels comfortable. In order to express ourselves and be open with our struggles we need to feel comfortable in the therapeutic process. I use acceptance with my clients and don't judge them based on their history or the choices that have been made. I want the client to feel comfortable, so they can start their journey, set goals, use coping skills, and improve their overall well-being. Counseling is a process and takes time. Some individuals require more time than others and that is okay. I believe in moving with the pace of the client, through setting goals and practicing tools is essential for change. In order to feel change, we need to make changes in our everyday lives. If we don't initiate changes, it becomes a struggle to move forward. "Practice makes permanent" I look forward to working with you on your journey of growth, mastery, and success.

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John Portolano

Offering therapy in FL
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
23 years of experience

In 1998, as retirement drew nearer and my career as a firefighter/paramedic was coming to an end, I had a great awareness that I was too young to spend the next twenty years playing golf or sitting on a beach. So, I decided to go back to school. I knew that I wanted to continue helping others and after months of exploring my options I decided that my next life chapter would be as a clinical therapist. Six years later I graduated from the University of South Florida with a master's degree in clinical social work. Over the course of the next twenty years I had the opportunity to work with children, adolescents and adults in a verity of settings. My education and experience extended well beyond my time in the classroom. I honed my skills while working with patients coping with emotional issues, addiction and the dual diagnosed. At present I know that I have the expertise to work with a vast majority of those that seek out help however, I've also learned my therapeutic limitations. Before entering into a therapeutic relationship I have to be certain that I have the expertise to provide the appropriate help or I would be doing my patient a great disservice. My singular goal is to provide you the help you seek. My therapeutic approach is using Solution Focused Brief Therapy and I've attached some information below to better explain what that is; Unlike Traditional forms of therapy that take time to analyze problems, pathology and past life events, Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) concentrates on finding solutions in the present time and exploring one's hope for the future to find a quicker resolution of one's problems. This method takes the approach that you know what you need to improve your life and, with the appropriate coaching and questioning, are capable of finding the best solutions. I should also add that I'm not a shirt and tie or Dockers and Polo shirt therapist, more than not you'll see me in a t-shirt and shorts. Hopefully that does not dissuade you from coming onto my service but I definitely understand if it does.

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Lita Ellsworth

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

I am licensed in New Jersey and Florida with close to a decade of clinical experience in grief, loss, and trauma . I also partner in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. Taking the time to sign up for therapy is a huge step and we can continue the journey together from here.

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William Teese

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesAnger management
25 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 25 years of professional work experience. I have worked for 7 years at a residential substance abuse treatment facility, treating substance abuse, bipolar, depression, anxiety, anger management and resentment issues to list a few. I prefer to work with clients age 18 to 98 where I have the most experience. I have also worked for a major medical insurance provider's "Special Needs Program" for clients who have Medicare and Medicaid develop coping skills to improve their quality of life. I have also worked as a crisis counselor for Military One Source for 3 years, helping clients work through stressful issues in their lives. 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!

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Clarrissa Hazel

Offering therapy in FL
AddictionsRelationship issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changes
18 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship issues, anger management, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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.

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Shieka Davis

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! “The soul always knows what to do to heal itself. The challenge is to silence the mind.” -Caroline Myss

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Kristy Justice

Offering therapy in FL
AddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am licensed as a LCSW in Virginia, California, Colorado, and Florida with over 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I believe therapy is a process, and take a conversational approach with clients. My approaches tend to focus on our thought patterns, identifying distorted thinking, and learning how that affects us in our daily lives. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

How to find counseling in Crystal River

Finding the best therapist close by in Crystal River 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 Crystal River. 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 Crystal River, 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 Crystal River 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 Crystal River 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 Crystal River, elsewhere in Citrus, 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 Crystal River area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Crystal River 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 Crystal River 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 Crystal River 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 Crystal River, 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 Crystal River 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 Crystal River 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 Crystal River 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 Crystal River 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 Crystal River 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 34423 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 Crystal River 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 Crystal River 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 Crystal River, 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.

Crystal River has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions?

The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.

Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on PinterestLinkedInInstagramTwitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time today to learn more about the team of therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of Crystal River.

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

34423, 34428, 34429

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