Fort Myers Beach has a lot to offer its residents, from regular community activities to food, shrimp and other festivals. Celebrating food and life is a good thing, but sometimes you might not feel like celebrating. If you are suffering from depressing thoughts that are keeping you from enjoying life, you should seek help.
Counselors in the Fort Myers Beach area are available now to offer this assistance. These licensed therapists can offer you advice and guidance to work your way through depression and out to the light. Contact a counselor today.
Karen Bradt
11/28/25 It is winter in the mountains. I have turned off video scheduling availability. If you want video please just let me know. I am into frequent power outage season and video is not always a possibility. I am a licensed clinical social worker and certified trauma professional. I graduated from the University of Central Florida with a BSW in social work, a certificate in Addictions, and an Master's in clinical social work. I have worked with clients experiencing anxiety, panic attacks, agoraphobia, borderline personality disorder and depression; clients with a history of physical and psychological abuse, self harm, sexual abuse, and other traumas. I utilize a combination of traditional talk therapy, education on how trauma affects our brains, and implementation of practical tools and action steps to achieve the changes you want to make in your life. I believe talk therapy is helpful but that it takes action to reprogram your brain's reactions to triggers. Most clients I have worked with who are experiencing any form of anxiety believe they are crazy. I assure you it is not crazy. Your brain is meant to function in the way it does to protect you. I also wholeheartedly believe physical and mental health are intertwined. I will ask you to experiment with new techniques and reactions to triggers and difficult relationships. I provide the knowledge of tools and techniques but you are the expert on you. Generally, I start with getting to know you and what you want to work on. We move into education on your specific diagnoses and on brain function and how we can reprogram. We begin taking small steps using tools I will teach you. All I need is for you to be willing to experiment with new techniques and reactions to difficult situations and people, and to let me know if the specific technique does not work for you so we can try another. Those steps have been as small as having clients who experience agoraphobia sit in a different room for 5 minutes, simple but not easy. I will also focus on your physical health and activity level. There is much research that shows some type of physical activity is helpful. I myself have experienced this. I am a hiker, a former activity leader for the Florida Trail, and wilderness first aid certified. I hike, when I am inactive I definitely experience mood changes. If hiking is not your thing that is okay. We will find something that works for you. 10/01/25 If you have requested to work with me.. I am not refusing you. For whatever reason I receive the message and then clients are removed before I have 10 minutes to respond. Most recent disappeared in 6 minutes while I was reading the client info.
Althea Sawyers
As a Florida Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist with over 10 years of experience, I work online using evidence-based models of therapy that get results. I help clients with issues of anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, trauma-related issues, goal-setting and performance hurdles, and other areas of self-empowerment. My mission is to empower you to manage and become an overcomer of the obstacles and "stuckness" caused by these issues, so that you can start accomplishing your goals, begin feeling fulfilled, to confidently step out of the shadows and fears caused by past traumatic events by taking back the reins of control into your life, and to start living a life of fulfillment, peace, balance, and strength! Let me accompany you on your journey of rediscovering and re-establishing your strengths, and help you become equipped with the tools you need to become better problem solvers. It’s not easy to decide on which therapist may be best for you, but I’m hoping you will take a leap of faith and allow you and I the chance to work together. I’m looking forward to meeting you soon and to helping you accomplish your goals!
Margaret Mortensen
Congrats on choosing psychotherapy! I am an experienced and compassionate psychologist. I treat mood disorders, trauma and grief survivors, anxiety/depression issues, as well as eating disorders. I also enjoy working with couples and families. The work we will do together includes cognitive-behavioral treatment and person centered therapy. I bring empathy, acceptance and compassion. Oh yeah, some humor too. I truly enjoy people and I love helping them navigate their worlds. I welcome teens, adults, seniors, couples and families. Just schedule a session to see if i am the right therapist for you.
Kimberly Hines
In this journey called life, we often deal with unexpected crises such as job loss, death of a loved one, aging family members, health issues and ongoing life transitions. Welcome to Life University where often we are never prepared for the lessons being taught. That's where I come in to help with providing coping skills and resources that assist with managing the unexpected. Many of the technique I use are: Mindfulness, Cognitive-Based and Strength-Based therapies and Solution Focused. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has served in the field of social work for the past 15 yrs. My background includes working with foster care and adoptive families, HIV/AIDS population, LGTBQ+ communities, BIPOC communities, medical social work and end stage renal and kidney transplant patients , hospice, palliative care and older adults. I would love to help you on the journey to gaining tools and resources that can help with restoring balance in your life. Response submitted will be addressed within 24 hours of submittal.
Margaret Doman
Hi. I’m Margaret Doman. I am a licensed clinical social worker. My professional training was with an emphasis in clinical social work with individuals and families, with the utilization of psychodynamic processing and therapeutic counseling models including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Rational Emotional Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy among others. From my professional experience, I bring over 34 years of experience working with people in the helping professions, including over 17 years as a clinical social worker. I have worked directly with clients of all ages, children through adolescents and adults, in a variety of settings. I have worked with clients with a variety of presenting issues and dilemmas, including depression, anxiety and stress, anger management, grief and loss, marital and relationship discord, family and parenting difficulties, trauma and emotional abuse, and mental health disorders. I have worked indirectly as a Clinical Supervisor over children's mental health programs which provided therapeutic and case management services to children who suffered displacement, separation, trauma neglect and abuse and accompanying behavioral and mental health issues. I have worked as a Program Director of an outpatient substance abuse treatment program. I have worked as a program supervisor over an adolescent respite and treatment program providing shelter, behavior modification, and individual and family counseling for troubled teens. From my personal experience I bring decades of experience, including living and working within a variety of cultures, and religious and ethnic communities, making me aware and sensitive to the nuances of individuals’ diversity and challenges. As a social worker I recognize that life, with all its possible joys and wonderment, presents us with many varied challenges and barriers to being and feeling fulfilled, happy, content, satisfied, or good and at peace with our lives and the relationships that we desire, seek, and pursue. For the most part we cope and manage to come out on top; however, life can also overwhelm us and we might find ourselves in an ever-increasing downward spiral of unhappiness, low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, problems with life and relationships, and maybe a general sense of futility and hopelessness. I believe in a holistic approach to mental health therapy, taking into consideration all aspects of being a person in their particular unique environment and circumstance. My therapeutic approach is strength-based, using eclectic therapeutic techniques, providing a supportive counseling relationship, whereby you can explore and gain understanding and insights to drive your resolve, action plan, change, and growth towards that stronger, happier, functional, fulfilled you!
Carolyn Hallinan
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina with over 12 years of experience working as a therapist/counselor. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, anger issues, relationship issues, aging and geriatric problems, and isolation/loneliness problems. I also helped many people who have experienced life purpose problems, emptiness, and self-love. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, client-centered and solution focused. 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!
Dr. Anthony Schefstad
I am licensed in Florida with 39 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, grief and loss, phobias, pre and post incarceration and anti-social personality disorder. I am a practitioner of Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP) and Ericksonian Hypnosis. 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.
Marianne Penichet
I am licensed in Florida with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Veronica Gill-Reed
As a licensed therapist in Florida, Texas, and Indiana, I specialize in supporting individuals through complex life transitions and emotional challenges. My practice centers on empowering clients to develop resilience, self-understanding, and healing strategies. My expertise spans a wide range of sensitive areas, including mood disorders, family dynamics, caregiver stress, and multicultural experiences. I bring a compassionate, responsive approach to addressing issues like self-esteem, isolation, attachment challenges, and the impact of past hurts. With over a decade of professional experience, I'm committed to creating a supportive, affirming therapeutic environment where clients can explore their experiences, process difficult emotions, and develop meaningful strategies for personal transformation. My approach honors each individual's unique journey and strengths.
William Flores
I am licensed in Florida with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, parenting issues, & depression. I also have experience working with compassion fatigue. I believe we can change. 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.
Sherline Herard
I am licensed in Florida with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with compassion fatigue. 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.
Briana Barbour
I’m a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), Master’s Level Certified Addiction Professional (MCAP), and National Certified Counselor (NCC), licensed in the state of Florida. With over five years of professional experience, I specialize in helping clients navigate stress, anxiety, addiction recovery, trauma, abuse, depression, and life transitions. My therapeutic approach integrates Motivational Interviewing and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), allowing us to explore your goals, challenge unhelpful patterns, and build practical strategies for change. I strive to create a safe, open, and nonjudgmental space where you can share freely and feel genuinely supported. Taking the first step toward therapy is a courageous act, and I’m proud of you for getting started.
Kylie Carlson
I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Florida with 7 years of experience supporting people through anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, conflict, and life’s everyday challenges. I aim to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings at your own pace. I meet you where you are and support you in discovering what works best for you. When helpful, I draw on approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) to provide practical strategies and tools that can make daily life feel more manageable. You are the expert on your life, and I’m here to walk with you as you take steps that feel meaningful and right for you.
Michele Smith
I am licensed in Florida with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with addictions, career difficulties, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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.
Find a Therapist Near You in Fort Myers Beach , Florida
Finding a licensed therapist near you in Florida can be an important step toward improving your mental health and overall well-being. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, stress, or major life changes, working with a qualified mental health professional can offer meaningful support.
Florida is home to people with diverse mental health needs across urban, suburban, and rural communities. Online therapy makes it easier to connect with a therapist near you without being limited to nearby offices. BetterHelp connects you with licensed therapists authorized to practice in Florida, allowing you to attend sessions online from the comfort of your home.
Why work with a licensed therapist near you?
Working with a licensed therapist near you ensures that your provider meets state licensing requirements and professional standards in Florida (FL). Licensed therapists use evidence-based approaches to help individuals manage emotional challenges, develop coping skills, and work toward personal goals.
People seek therapy for many reasons. Some are navigating ongoing mental health concerns, while others want guidance during stressful periods or major life transitions. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to work with a therapist. Many individuals seek therapy to improve communication, strengthen relationships, manage stress, or gain greater self-awareness.
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 on BetterHelp support adults across Florida with a wide range of mental health concerns and life challenges, including:
- Anxiety and stress
- Depression and mood-related concerns
- Trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Grief and loss
- Relationship and family challenges
- Life transitions and adjustment concerns
- Self-esteem and confidence
- Job stress and burnout
- ADHD-related challenges
- Sleep concerns
- Parenting stress
- Eating disorder support
Therapists use approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and other evidence-based methods tailored to individual needs.
Online therapy vs. in-person therapy in Florida
When searching for a therapist near me in Florida, many people compare online therapy with traditional in-person care. Online therapy offers several potential advantages:
- Greater accessibility: Attend sessions from anywhere with an internet connection
- Reduced wait times: Many people are matched in as little as 24-48 hours, faster than typical in-person availability
- Flexible scheduling: Sessions that fit around work, family, or school commitments
- Expanded provider options: Access licensed therapists across Florida, not just nearby offices
Research shows that online therapy can be effective for many mental health concerns. Online therapy may also reduce barriers such as transportation challenges, long commutes, or limited local availability, especially in larger or more rural counties across Florida.
Finding a therapist near me that accepts insurance
Many people looking for a therapist near me in Florida want to know whether insurance is an option.
Many providers on BetterHelp now accept major insurance carriers in select states. In many states, certain therapists on BetterHelp may be in-network with specific insurance plans. Coverage depends on your plan, provider, and therapist availability.
When sessions are covered, insured members typically pay an average copay of about $19 per session. Coverage varies by state and provider availability, so it’s important to check your in-network status directly on the BetterHelp site.
If insurance coverage is not available, BetterHelp’s flexible subscription model remains an option, with online therapy typically costing $70 to $100 per week, billed weekly or monthly. Additional discounts or financial aid may also be available for a lower price.
How BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in Florida
BetterHelp simplifies the process of finding a therapist near you in Florida without requiring you to search through tons of profiles on your own.
Here’s how it works:
- Complete a brief questionnaire about your needs, preferences, and goals
- Get matched with a licensed therapist authorized to practice in Florida (FL)
- Begin online therapy sessions through video, phone, or live chat
BetterHelp works with one of the world’s largest networks of licensed therapists, with over 30,000 qualified providers globally. Many members are matched in as little as 24 to 48 hours, and 93% of user preferences are met during the matching process.
You can request a new therapist at no additional cost if your needs or preferences change.
Therapists near you in Florida
Below, you’ll find licensed therapists authorized to provide online therapy to adults across Florida, including residents in Fort Myers Beach.
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 vary depending on provider and location. In-person therapy sessions may cost $100 to $200 or more per session. BetterHelp offers online therapy subscriptions that typically range from $70 to $100 per week, billed weekly or monthly, depending on factors such as location, source, preferences, and therapist availability. Additional discounts or financial aid may also be available for a lower price. BetterHelp now accepts major insurance plans in select states and members pay an average copay of $19 per session. Coverage varies by plan, provider, and therapist availability. You can check coverage on the BetterHelp site.
Does BetterHelp accept insurance?
Yes. Many providers on BetterHelp now accept major insurance carriers in select states. In many states, certain therapists on BetterHelp may be in-network with specific insurance plans. When sessions are covered, insured members typically pay an average copay of about $19 per session. Coverage varies by plan, provider, and therapist availability. You can check coverage on the BetterHelp site.
Is online therapy effective?
Yes. Research shows that online therapy can be effective for many mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress, and relationship challenges. Online therapy allows you to connect with a licensed therapist without commuting to an office.
Do I need a diagnosis to see a therapist?
No. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to seek therapy. Many people work with a therapist for stress management, relationship concerns, grief, life transitions, or personal growth.
How quickly can I start therapy?
Many people are matched with a licensed therapist in as little as 24 to 48 hours after completing the initial questionnaire. Match times may vary based on preferences and therapist availability.
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 private and secure?
Online therapy through BetterHelp allows you to communicate with your therapist in a discreet setting through video, phone, or messaging tools.