Your mental health can be like a fortress. When it’s high, it’s an impenetrable fortress that no one can defeat. However, many people’s fortresses have fallen. What should one do? One solution is to speak to a counselor based in Fort Lauderdale. They can help you with your mental state and make sure your mental fortress is up to snuff. 

After all, Fort Lauderdale is known for its fortresses, and if you want them to stand strong, talking to a counselor here can make sure you're always improving, and arming, the fortress in your mind, no matter what danger is at hand. 

This is Samantha Eisenhart-Petkovski's avatar and link to their profile

Samantha Eisenhart-Petkovski

Offering therapy in FL
License: MA,LPC,LMHC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
17 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Michigan and Texas. Additionally, I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the State of Florida. I have comprehensive and extensive experience working with adults, adolescents, children and families in both individual and group settings. Some of the clinical issues that I have the most experience with in include: depression and anxiety, parenting matters, anger/stress management in addition to trauma and women's health issues and mood instability. I believe that every individual has the necessary tools to enhance their lives and it is my responsibility as a therapist to help my clients learn how to use their tools effectively. I believe that establishing a strong therapeutic relationship with my clients is essential and primary. I believe having a good connection helps to facilitate effective counseling and provides the best outcomes. In therapy, I am supportive, empathetic, compassionate and am present in times of both struggle and success. I believe that therapy must be individualized to meet your needs and strive meet each individual where they are in their therapeutic journey and actively listen and respect where they would like to see themselves in the future as part of the therapeutic process. Collaboration with individuals on their treatment goals is a fundamental priority and I encourage open communication regarding what therapeutic techniques and approaches work best for the person with an emphasis on individual strengths to ensure the best therapeutic experience. My counseling style is individualized strength-based, rooted in cognitive-behavioral and solution focused methodologies. Identifying one's strengths and effective coping skills that can be used to help work through identified treatment issues is an essential component of my therapeutic approach. I believe you are the expert and it is my responsibility to help you realize your full capacity to better navigate life's journey. I truly value and approach each individual therapeutic relationship fully and empathize with the different spectrum of emotions that a client may experience during the course of treatment. I firmly believe each individual has the ability and strength to overcome their struggles, but that sometimes having additional support in the form of therapy can assist one to better identify and recognize the skills, strategies and strengths they already possess. It takes courage in making the first step to creating a healthier and happier you and I would be truly honored to assist you in your journey! I look forward to speaking with you soon! Warm Regards, Samantha

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Sharon McKay

Offering therapy in FL
License: LMHC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTTrauma and abuseDepression
3 years of experience

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida with 13 years of experience working with children, teenagers, and adults. I have experience working with individuals with a wide range of challenges including substance/alcohol abuse, depression, anxiety, ADHD, LGBTQ+ issues, trauma related issues, toxic relationships and other relationship issues. I am client centered, utilizing various interventions taken from a range of therapeutic approaches to include psychotherapy, motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral, realistic, and a strength-based approach, always maintaining creativity, flexibility, and awareness to meet the needs of every individual. I look forward to developing a compassionate, collaborative, and productive relationship with you as I work collaboratively to help you overcome the challenges you face and develop a healthy, happier life.

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Laura Guarino

Offering therapy in FL
License: MA,LMHC,CBHCMS
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesBipolar disorder
18 years of experience

Never has mental health support been needed more than it does today. I see the stress people are under at work, at home, in school, and it is so clear to me that they need someone to talk to, someone who can offer a healthy perspective, someone who can suggest alternatives that can help people cope with the pressures of daily living, and their reactions to it. My personal mission is to find coping mechanisms for the patients in my care. In the 17 years since I earned my Masters Degree in Psychology at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY, and the 13 years since I earned my license as a mental health counselor in Florida, I have worked hard to help people deal with their emotional reactions to their personal situations. Drug abuse, suicide ideation, anxiety and anger can be very harmful reactions to their perceptions and assessment of the problems they face. I am trained in treating with a variety of diagnoses including trauma, substance abuse, ADHD, bipolar disorder and other mental health diagnoses. I take great personal satisfaction when I can help make a difference in someone’s life. Their success is my reward. I have found that young people respond best when they believe I am listening, when they believe I can actually help them cope so that the problems they have no longer seem insurmountable. Younger children often open up during play therapy. Most of my career has been focused on children. But helping children always involves helping their families, their teachers and bringing in adult support. In the process, I have provided therapy and guidance to adults whose pressures and diagnoses have such tremendous impact on the children whose lives they touch. In my years as a mental health counselor, I have successfully treated a variety of diagnoses, working in patients’ homes, in teletherapy, and in office visits. I have treated people in in-patient hospital settings. I have been called by local police departments when a dangerous crisis has erupted and been successful getting the patient into treatment. I have been published in the local newspapers in an effort to generate awareness and help remove the stigma of mental health issues. There is so much more that needs to be done to help people with mental health issues, and I very much want to continue my efforts to be part of the solution.

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Selma Rodriguez Freijo

Offering therapy in FL
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyGriefAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

I have worked as a therapist for over 8 years, serving in both private practice and community mental health settings. I graduated with my masters degree in social work from Florida International University in 2016 and I am fully bilingual in English and Spanish. I specialize in using a range of evidence-based modalities including cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based approaches, and psychodynamic approaches. As a therapist I have learned the importance of endorsing a non-judgmental attitude, empathy and flexibility to help patients feel safe and comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings. As a therapist, I am passionate about empowering individuals heal and transform by providing a safe, supportive and non-judgmental space for them to explore their thoughts, feelings, and experiences. My experience as a therapist has taught me the importance of collaboration in the therapeutic process to help uncover inner resources and strengths to overcome challenges and achieve goals.

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Tricia Betters-Black

Offering therapy in FL
License: LCSW,ACHP-SW
AddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesGriefDepression
23 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 25 years experience with a wide range in many areas including substance abuse, mental health, grief counseling and extensive work within the LGBTQ+ community. My therapy style is very interactive, compassionate and warm. My therapeutic modalities varies upon the client, no one person is the same. Some of the modalities used are Client Centered, Motivational Therapy, Mindfulness Based Therapy, CBT , Solution Focused Therapy and Psychotherapy. I believe in treating everyone with dignity and respect and will meet you where you are at. I am a extremely good listener and also find it important for you to have feedback and be able to communicate openly with me. Finding the right therapist is not always easy and for some can be discouraging, I commend you for reaching out and truly hope I can be part of your journey.

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Christi Wilson

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
11 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Florida and Oregon with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with issues associated with grief, motivation, stress, self esteem, and lack of confidence. I believe you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming that which challenges 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.

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This is Jacqueline Meredith's avatar and link to their profile

Jacqueline Meredith

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepression
13 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family and marital conflicts, trauma and abuse, and bipolar (mood) disorders. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of criticism or 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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This is Dr. Natalia Kuzmina's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Natalia Kuzmina

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
15 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. 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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This is Sandra Dempsey's avatar and link to their profile

Sandra Dempsey

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
15 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 15 years of professional work experience. My professional repertoire includes facilitating support groups and individual counseling for LGBTQ+ adolescents, Family Counseling, Couples Therapy and most recently Care Management for older adults. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & coping with life changes. There is no greater investment than your mental health. Your relationship with yourself is by far the most significant and long-lasting. Transforming maladaptive behaviors lays the foundation for life satisfaction and success. It requires constant , consistent work, and is well worth it... because YOU are worth it. 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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This is Jaye Anderson's avatar and link to their profile

Jaye Anderson

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, bipolar disorder, & depression. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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How to find counseling in Fort Lauderdale

Finding the best therapist close by in Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale. 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 Fort Lauderdale, 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 Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale, elsewhere in Broward, 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 Fort Lauderdale area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale, 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 Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale 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 33301 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 Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale, 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.

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

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions?

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

Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform

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

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

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

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

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of Fort Lauderdale.

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

33301, 33302, 33303, 33304, 33305, 33306, 33307, 33308, 33309, 33310, 33311, 33312, 33315, 33316, 33318, 33320, 33329, 33334, 33335, 33336, 33337, 33338, 33339, 33340, 33345, 33346, 33348, 33349, 33355, 33359, 33388, 33394

Popular cities near Fort Lauderdale, FL

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