Amy Matthews
I have been doing counseling for over 35 years. When I lived in Pennsylvania, I worked as a school counselor in a high school for 28 years and also maintained a private practice. Since moving to Florida, I worked in a private practice in which I specialized in both adolescents and adults. I also work with families and couples. I worked at Better Help before and formed many successful relationships with clients. I consider myself to be an eclectic counselor who is genuine, supportive, and empathetic. I have been in therapy many times and definitely understand how helpful it can be to have someone who is in your corner, advocating and believing solely in you. I consider myself liberal and non-judgmental and I would be surprised if there was something you could tell me that I have not heard before, I also have a strong sense of humor and know that humor has saved me many times from my own issues. I received my Master's degree in 1980 in Marriage, family, and Child Counseling, but I consider that my life experience just as important in having added to my counseling skills. Many counselors can learn from books, but I incorporate all I have learned in my own life experience into the work I do with clients. Let's talk.
Thomas Dukes
Having experienced the benefit of being born and raised in Brooklyn, NY I was gifted with exposure to a varied cultural base. My first work engagement in the mental health field occurred in 1996. The facility was a medicaid based dual diagnosis treatment center with the primary diagnoses psychiatric with a secondary substance use disorder. My interactions with the patients flowed naturally and, in my discussions with staff, the owner of the facility suggested that I should get my license in mental health counseling. I began graduate study in 1998 while working full time in varied facilities in order to gain maximum exposure to diverse mental health/substance abuse modalities. My work experience included the Palm Beach County psychiatric crisis stabilization unit, The Drug Abuse Foundation in Delray Beach and the Juvenile Intervention Facility in Broward County. Upon graduation in 2000 and license activation I spent time as a therapist at the Renaissance Institute in Boca Raton. Shortly after the events of 9/11/2001 I began the process of creating a private practice in psychotherapy. During the growth of my practice beyond seeing patients for individual therapy, I provided services for EAP programs, sober house residences and treatment facilities. In December 2010 I closed my practice and relocated with my dogs to western North Carolina. I spent ten years at Pavillon in Mill Spring, NC as a clinical supervisor until November 2020. I continue to reside in North Carolina and hold active licenses in Florida (LMHC) and North Carolina (LCAS). I am experienced with a varied patient demographic and am easy to connect with. While currently semi-retired I continue seeking to help provide guidance and direction for others.
Nikkia Evans
I am licensed in Florida with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & coping with grief and loss. 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!
Cheryl Freimuth
Welcome to a peek into my life. I am a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC), in the beautiful sunshine state of Florida. I have been blessed to have many tassels on my hat of life. I began teaching Anatomy/Biology at the high school level over 36 years ago, then became an adjunct professor in the mental health program, where due to my background in Biology I was asked to teach Human Sexuality to the counseling students. I have practiced mental health counseling for 25years, and during that time have had the opportunity to develop a great bag of tools to help with my client's metamorphosis into a confident individual. As a mental health counselor, I mainly work with couples who are dealing with communication issues as well as intimacy issues. I am often called upon to assist people dealing with parenting dilemmas. During my year's teaching and counseling, I have been blessed to develop a common sense and eclectic style of therapy. I always tailor my mode of therapy to the client's best interest. I firmly believe the client must be the focus, therefore Client-Centered Therapy is always the foundation, as I believe respect, trust, and self-awareness is essential to the client-finding their answers to their concerns. I feel each person has all the answers or solutions to their concerns or stressors within, just where God has placed them. I want to assure you that there isn't too much under the sun that I haven't seen, heard, or experienced as a counselor. I also want to assure you that this road that we are about to embark upon is a journey that we will take together; Hand in hand, side by side. I am here to support and help you as you travel this amazing trail to self-awareness I am very aware of the courage and strength that one has in order to ask a stranger for help, in such major life's trials and tribulations. I admire you for taking these first difficult steps and am excited to embark on this healing process. I am excited to get started walking along beside you as we continue to once again find your place of peace.
Tanya Parnes
Welcome! It is so nice to meet you! I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) from Florida with over 15 years of experience in the field helping people create lasting changes in their lives. I have worked with a variety of individuals of all ages and backgrounds. My approach is a combination of solution focused, narrative and cognitive behavioral therapies used to help you identify the strengths you already possess within to find solutions to the things that are holding you back from achieving your goals. When I work with clients, I focus on making sure they feel understood and heard. I help to create a therapeutic environment based on mutual respect and trust. Life is tough enough, so sometimes you just need someone to listen and be a sounding board. Other times, you find yourself stuck and cannot find a way out. I specialize in helping people identify those answers and solutions that allow them to move forward to a happier space in their lives. We work together to break those unhealthy habits, to change that old way of thinking and to make room for personal growth. Therapy is a giant step, and I am thrilled to be on this journey with you. Let's work together to figure out those answers that you've been searching for but haven't yet found.
Dr. Shannon Holliker
Hello and Welcome! It is great to see that you have decided to take this step into further self-discovery, self-growth, and reflection. Therapy is a process, but doesn't necessarily require you to know exactly what type of support you might need. Actually, many people enter therapy to discover they have other things they also want to address. Sometimes, it's about the rewarding process to self-discovery that can be the motivation. Regardless of how you got here, my goal is to provide you with unconditional support. My approach is about honest dialogue. Too often there is a belief that saying 'certain things' in therapy is not acceptable. The reality is that it is the best place to have such discussions about feelings, thoughts, and approaches to challenges. It is also equally important to celebrate what may even feel like small victories. As we reach adulthood, we can tend to think that celebration is less important when it is super important. I hold a PhD in Public Affairs (Social Work Focus). This credential has provided me the opportunity to continue teaching college and doing research in critical areas of mental health. I have two Masters' degrees, in Social Work and Child Development and Education. I went back to pursue my second Master's in Early Childhood because one of my specialties is parenting and providing counseling support to very young children, supporting families affected by trauma or stress due to issues with their young child, and trauma response. I am passionate about helping parents with their own anxiety and depression (or other challenges), providing support to families affected by medical stress (a child with a chronic illness or in the NICU or a parent with medical concerns), assisting with support for intervention of developmental or behavioral concerns, fertility, and/or any concerns related to your family dynamics. My experience has also been in providing different therapy interventions to young children (0-5 years) with their family. I have assisted many families in identifying and addressing family challenges that could contribute to their young child's emotional or behavioral concern. Through this platform, our focus would be on your concerns or challenges in parenting and/or mental health or other areas, and we would work together for an end goal. I am also passionate about providing individual therapy to support anxiety, problem-focused depression, burnout, and effects of trauma. These challenges can present differently for different people and no feelings are 'wrong.' Our world is filled with a variety of unique cumulative stressors and this can make it sometimes difficult to identify the cause. Things such as, burnout, from the daily challenges can create more complex feelings of loss, confusion, and depression because they are often minimized by our own beliefs. I want to conclude by sharing that not everyone requires walking through their past to understand their current circumstances. There are lots of approaches to therapy as it is just a form of support. The duration of therapy also depends on many factors, but I believe that you and I should always form goals we can track progress. I'm happy you decided to stop by and that you are considering the process of therapy. I look forward to working with you!
Donna Williams Welch
I am licensed in Florida with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, depression, trauma and abuse. 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.
Lucila Coba
My name is Lucila Coba, I'm licensed in Florida with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with anxiety, relationship issues, stress management, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, and life transitions. My approach is integrative which allows me to draw from various therapeutic modalities to tailor therapy to your individual and unique needs. In addition, I'm a bilingual clinician (English and Spanish). 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! I'm looking forward to start working with you in your healing journey!
Reginal Wallace
I am licensed in Florida with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & anger management. 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. In order for me to work with you, you must live in the state of Florida.
Moraima Medina
I am licensed in Florida with 10 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. 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.
Patricia Roebuck
I am licensed in Florida with over 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, domestic violence, setting boundaries, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression, mood disorders and substance use. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our sessions 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.
Cynthia Young
I am licensed in California and Florida with 25 years of professional work experience. 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
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!
Gaileanne 'Alianna' Timmins
As a licensed therapist in Florida, I support individuals navigating complex life challenges. My professional approach centers on helping clients address depression, anxiety, 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, exploring life purpose, 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.
*BetterHelp insurance availability, coverage, and cost may vary by state, plan, provider network, therapist availability, and deductible status.
Find a therapist near you in Fort Meade, Florida
Finding a therapist near you in Fort Meade, 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' copay is as low as $15, some pay $0.
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 Fort Meade.
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' copay is as low as $15 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' copay is as low as $15 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 Fort Meade, Florida
Ready to begin? BetterHelp can match you with a licensed therapist serving Fort Meade and the surrounding FL area. When you are ready to take the next step, get started.