Melissa Pesce
Clinician
License Type(s): FL LCSW SW15618
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
16 years offering treatment
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!
Cheryl Scott
Clinician
License Type(s): FL LMHC MH4463
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
25 years offering treatment
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, relationship struggles, or the effects of past hurts that keep showing up in your life, you’re not alone. Many people reach out because they’re tired of the same patterns and want real tools to move forward. I’m a Florida-licensed LMHC with more than 25 years of experience. I work in a direct but respectful way — I don’t sugarcoat things, but I don’t believe in tearing people down. My approach combines honest self-examination with practical strategies to help you change unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns so you can function better in your daily life and relationships. As a practicing Christian, I’m comfortable incorporating biblical principles and scripture if that’s something you want. If faith isn’t part of what you’re looking for, we’ll focus on straightforward, evidence-based methods that fit your needs. If you’re looking for honest, practical support focused on real and lasting change, send me a message.
Francesca Thomas
Clinician
License Type(s): FL LMHC MH15634
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesParenting issuesAnger management
11 years offering treatment
I am licensed in Florida with more than 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, anger management, domestic violence, criminal justice issues, relationship issues, & parenting issues. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Sara Zenlea
Clinician
License Type(s): FL LCSW SW9743
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years offering treatment
I am licensed in Florida with 20 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 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
James Wells
Clinician
License Type(s): FL LMHC MH12479
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAddictionsDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years offering treatment
Life sometimes gets complicated, getting help doesn't need to be. I am licensed in Florida with 8 years of professional work experience as an LMHC, with another 9 years of prior experience working within the mental health field. I enjoy uncomplicating the counseling process. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, & depression as well as coping with life changes. I view the therapeutic process in this way: You and I sitting across a table eye to eye. We are looking at your map of life and the dynamics going on. You are at point A and want to be at point B. I am but your guide/advisor on how to get from A to B, more of a life coaching from a therapeutic perspective.
Shelly Wilson
Clinician
License Type(s): FL LCSW SW10273
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
23 years offering treatment
I am licensed in Florida with 21 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with parenting issues. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Brandi Horak
Clinician
License Type(s): FL LMHC MH13270
Mental Wellness Specialties: AddictionsLGBTTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
11 years offering treatment
I am licensed in Florida with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients of all ages, couples, individuals, teens and children, with coping with addictions, lgbtq+ related issues, trauma, abuse, coping with grief, & coping with loss. I also have experience working with depression, anxiety and PTSD. 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.
Ilkem Onder
Clinician
License Type(s): VA LPC 0701016657, FL LMHC MH22680
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefDepression
8 years offering treatment
I am licensed in Florida and Virginia with 8 years of professional work experience. As a therapist, I believe that it is important to understand holism when treating the mind, body and behavior and thus look at things as a whole. My mission is to help my clients discover their own beliefs and how to move towards a healthier and fulfilling life. I strive to formalize various treatment approaches that are geared to fit the client’s individual needs and further help address maladaptive patterns in a safe, supportive and nurturing environment.
Eron Tworetzky
Clinician
License Type(s): FL LMHC MH5823
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
45 years offering treatment
I am licensed in Florida with 40 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & family conflicts. 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.
Patrickk McDonald
Clinician
License Type(s): FL LMHC MH25145
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseEating disordersSelf esteemDepression
3 years offering treatment
I am licensed in Florida with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, eating disorders, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with 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!
Austine Nwaobi
Clinician
License Type(s): FL LMHC MH26416
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepression
5 years offering treatment
I am licensed in Florida with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, anger management, motivation, self-esteem, confidence, & bipolar disorder. I also have experience working with 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. 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.
Gaileanne 'Alianna' Timmins
Clinician
License Type(s): FL LCSW SW25838
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesDepression
5 years offering treatment
As a licensed therapist in Florida, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex life challenges. My professional approach centers on helping clients address depression, anxiety, relationship dynamics, and career transitions with compassionate, personalized care. I offer a supportive therapeutic environment that honors each person's unique journey, with particular expertise in women's issues, life purpose exploration, and managing significant life changes. My practice welcomes diverse clients, including those seeking faith-informed perspectives or secular support. My clinical focus spans a wide range of concerns, from workplace stress and family dynamics to chronic health challenges and personal growth. I'm committed to helping individuals develop resilient coping strategies, process difficult emotions, and create meaningful paths forward. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I provide a warm, collaborative approach that empowers clients to discover their inner strengths and navigate life's complexities with greater confidence and clarity.
Dedra McIntosh
Clinician
License Type(s): FL LCSW SW25455
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
3 years offering treatment
As a licensed therapist in Florida, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on helping clients heal from trauma, manage anxiety and depression, and develop stronger interpersonal relationships. With a deep commitment to culturally responsive care, I create a compassionate space where we can together explore your unique experiences and challenges. My therapeutic approach focuses on building self-love, addressing communication barriers, and working through feelings of guilt and shame. I understand the profound impact of attachment issues and caregiver stress, and I'm dedicated to guiding clients toward emotional resilience and personal growth. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I aim to empower individuals to reconnect with their inner strength, heal from past wounds, and cultivate healthier, more fulfilling life patterns. Every client's journey is sacred, and I'm honored to walk alongside them with empathy, respect, and genuine care.
Tomeka Bright
Clinician
License Type(s): TX LPC 101031, WA LMHC MHC.LH.70074642
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
26 years offering treatment
I am a marriage and family therapist licensed in in Florida, Texas and Washington with over 10 years of experience working in clinical practice. I work with clients who experience a wide range of symptoms and concerns, including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD, and ADHD. I have also worked with many people who have experienced trauma and emotional abuse. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and rational-emotive therapy. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!
*BetterHelp insurance availability, coverage, and cost may vary by state, plan, provider network, therapist availability, and deductible status.
Find a therapist near you in Ellenton, Florida
Finding a therapist near you in Ellenton, 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 Ellenton.
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 Ellenton, Florida
Ready to begin? BetterHelp can match you with a licensed therapist serving Ellenton and the surrounding FL area. When you are ready to take the next step, get started.
Find the right therapist for your needs
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