This is Dr. Robin Avery's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Robin Avery

Offering therapy in FL
License: Ph.D.
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
18 years of experience

A mixture of hope and skepticism often accompanies seeing a new therapist. You wonder if this therapist can help bring an end to your suffering and confusion. You ask yourself if you will get the clarity you are searching for, closure to the grief you are experiencing, or find purpose and meaning in the life you are living. I bring to your sessions a blending of training in evidenced-based psychotherapy with over 30 Years of combined professional and personal experience to help you through your journey of self-discovery and healing. I provide the emotional support needed as you walk through the barriers of fear that prevent you from exploring your inner world and living a more liberated, balanced life. I walk alongside you in a caring, empathic therapist, as you uncover your seeds of suffering. I teach you skills to help you cope with what cannot be changed, and offer new ways to perceive and experience yourself and your reality that can be a wellspring of growth, positivity, and personal life enhancement. Treating the whole person, I place value on the lessons learned from all of life’s experiences. In addition to psychology, my wisdom draws from the gifts of the natural world, the cultural and performing arts, mindfulness, and my belief in empowering people to find their own unique gifts, talents, and wisdom to create more meaningful connections and purposeful living. I specialize in individual psychotherapy working with adults across the adult lifespan. Whether you are struggling with stress-related issues at home, work, or with relationships in general, feelings of loss and grief, caregiver fatigue, or feelings related to change and life-transitions, I utilize evidenced based approaches including CBT, ACT, mindfulness, and insight-oriented psychotherapies to help you increase self awareness, experience your own inner wisdom and clarity, and create a foundation for successful coping and handling life's uncertainties, healing, and greater life satisfaction.

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Aimee Wilson

Offering therapy in FL
License: LMHC
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

Hello! I am a mental health counselor licensed in the state of Florida. I have been fully licensed for 5 years, however I have over 8 years of experience in the counseling field. I enjoy working with clients of all ages, and I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, body image, eating disorders, trauma, parenting issues, and attachment. My counseling style is warm, interactive, and supportive. I combine the counseling styles of cognitive behavioral therapy, client centered therapy, and mindfulness. I believe in treating clients with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor your treatment plan to meet your individual needs. It takes a lot of courage to reach out for help so I am glad you are here! I look forward to working with you.

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Audrey Spirakis

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
33 years of experience

Hello! My name is Audrey and I'm a licensed clinical social worker. I licensed in Florida and have been working as a licensed therapist for the past 33 years. In this time I have experience in helping clients with depression, anxiety, mood disorders, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, as well as most other mental health issues. I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to work in varied mental health settings, including private practice, inpatient hospital, day treatment program, and public school. This allows me to better understand how our environment impacts our experiences in therapy. Whether you're looking to address issues from your past or issues that you are presently living with, I am able to assist you in resolution and skill building to better manage your life experiences. Taking the first step to reach out can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! I look forward to us working together to help you reach your goals for better living.

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Terri Marshall

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. 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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Natalie Suazo

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteem
6 years of experience

Hi there, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have worked in the mental health field for 8 years. My passion is working with people going through their toughest moments and watching them transform into the best version of themselves in the process. I provide individualized assessment and treatment with a variety of populations. My goal is to use my clinical skills to create a safe and helpful environment where healing can happen. 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. Natalie offers Attachment therapy, person centered approach, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution Focused, Trauma Informed CBT, and supportive therapy. She’s worked with a variety of clients including men, women, young adults, military populations (active duty and veterans), culturally diverse persons, and elders. Natalie’s goal is to be on this journey with you in support and as a guide, while you hold the compass. Her collaborative services provide new prospectives and techniques that challenge you and encourage you, while you move toward breakthrough and overall mental health wellness.

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Wanda Barnes

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesBipolar disorderDepressionADHD
15 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida and Maine with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, bipolar disorder, depression, ADHD both adult and child, ODD, parenting, co-parenting couples and families. I help individuals deal with trauma including trauma from domestic violence situations. 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.

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Dr. Brianna Brandon

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietySleeping disordersSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
9 years of experience

Therapy should always feel like a safe and cooperative experience and I take pride in ensuring that my clients feel well-equipped to manage their difficulties when they leave our sessions. I take a collaborative and holistic approach with my clients to help them assess what is most important to them in every aspect of life so they can lead happy and healthy lives. When we understand our values, we are then able to alter our behaviors to align with those values and decrease overall feelings distress. I am trained in a variety of evidence-based therapies that have been shown to create lasting change for clients. While I provide therapy services for many different issues, I specialize in helping individuals who have difficulties with sleeping, weight loss, anxiety, and stress.

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Yshheyna ("EEsh-key-na") Hamilla LMHC

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGrief
40 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping people with stress and anxiety, LGBTW+ related issues, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse as well as life coping with stress. Desiring to transform your life? Your relationship(s)? You CAN heal and finally leave behind old limiting feelings, traumas, fears, and patterns. Begin a new level of success in your life journey, life purpose and your Mental, Emotional, & Spiritual strength and freedom. As a therapist for 20+ years I have had extensive success with building confidence, resolving relationship issues, healing Trauma, PTSD & ACOA issues. Trained in the powerful tools of A.R.T, a new trauma therapy (Advanced Resolution Therapy, like EMDR), plus Gestalt, NLP, EFT, hypnotherapy, & the Landmark Forum. Together we will transmute your stress, anxiety & traumas into confidence, well-being, freedom & success. All spiritual perspectives are also welcome. You CAN make good progress in your relationship(s)! As a relationship therapist and former County Court conflict resolution mediator, I have helped heal all kinds of relationship issues, in all kinds of relationships. I enjoy transforming relationship concerns and conflicts for couples, families, neighbors, business relationships, LGBT & other relationships into ones that are mutually healthy, supportive and empowering. I have provided many many years of therapy personal help as well as groups in mental health, self-esteem, assertiveness, inner child, women’s groups, etc; 6 yrs of addiction/ recovery groups; 25+ yrs of spirituality counseling, meditation, mindfulness, yoga, intuition development, spiritual tools for prosperity, etc. Author of 33 self-help charts & cards. Over 5 million published internationally.

This is Duncan Wilbanks's avatar and link to their profile

Duncan Wilbanks

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsAnger managementDepressionCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor licensed in Florida with 8+ years of experience working in multiple varied environments. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD and ADHD. I have also had a great deal of experience in crisis counseling, counseling for individuals experiencing mental illness, and substance abuse counseling. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe wholeheartedly in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, person centered, psycho-dynamic and motivational interviewing. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. You should feel proud for taking this difficult first step in empowering your life and I look forward to working with you!

This is Vanouche Gervais's avatar and link to their profile

Vanouche Gervais

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & 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.

How to find counseling in El Portal

Finding the best therapist close by in El Portal 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 El Portal. 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 El Portal, 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 El Portal 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 El Portal 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 El Portal, elsewhere in Miami-Dade, 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 El Portal area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed El Portal 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 El Portal 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 El Portal 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 El Portal, 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 El Portal 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 El Portal 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 El Portal 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 El Portal 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 El Portal 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 33138 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 El Portal 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 El Portal 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 El Portal, 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.

El Portal 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 El Portal.

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

33138, 33150

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