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.
Nancy Arnovits
I have been a practicing social worker for more than 30 years . Much of this experience has been working in a large public teaching hospital in Miami, Florida. The scope of service that the hospital provides is quite comprehensive which afforded me opportunities to work with a very diverse population . i have counseled patients and their families dealing with a variety of illnesses, both physical and mental health, survivors of sexual assault, and also providing counseling to patients in a correctional setting. I like challenging situations. My style of counseling is very eclectic, depends on the client and their unique set of problems. This can range from client centered, solution oriented or cognitive behavioral as many people are coming to therapy to learn new ways of thinking and alternative coping strategies. given some of the events of the past year, many people are experiencing additional stressors, particularly the LGBTQ community and am very interested in providing services to this population. I am looking forward to learning along with you.
David Thomas
From the first breath of life to the last, relationship with others is a living passion. When relating becomes dysfunctional, life is turned inside out and upside down. Through practiced clinical skills, client sensitivity, and compassion born through faith, the therapeutic approach I bring to clients can foster a life-balance of living, loving, and relating once again, or for the first time ever. It can be a difficult task. I am here to help make it easier. In addition to a normal practice of building healthy relationships and families, I also specialize in working with children and adolescents experiencing trauma and crisis. I also provide Prolonged Exposure Therapy for adults suffering with PTSD resulting from domestic violence, sexual abuse, combat, or first responder situations. Efficacy of treatment is validated and enhanced in my practice through purposeful utilization of quality assessment tools. These tools help take the guess work out of diagnosis and treatment, and help facilitate a brief therapy approach, reducing therapeutic involvement and investment from months of work to a matter of weeks. On a personal note, I have been married for 46 years and have two wonderful adult children and two fabulous grandsons! I hold a Master of Church Music degree from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and a Master of Psychology Counseling with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from Palm Beach Atlantic University. I have a pet cat named Soxy, who loves me as much as I love her!
Amy Meek
I am licensed in Florida with 25 years of professional work experience to include working with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family of origin issues, grief, life changes, trauma and abuse and depression. 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.
Gerald Syrkett
I am licensed in Florida with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, parenting issues, & 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!
Robert Shackelford
I am licensed in Florida with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & anger management. 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 takes courage and I will do my best to build upon that effort.
Susan Ramsey-French
As a licensed therapist in Florida, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My approach centers on understanding each person's unique journey, with a deep commitment to addressing challenges like depression, anxiety, trauma, and life transitions. I offer compassionate, evidence-based support for those struggling with trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and personal growth. My therapeutic practice is particularly attuned to helping older adults, veterans, first responders and young professionals work through difficult emotional experiences. Drawing from extensive clinical trauma training, I create a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their deepest challenges. Whether you're dealing with panic or anxiety attacks, dysregulation, depression or anxiety I'm dedicated to walking alongside you with empathy and professional expertise. My goal is to help you develop resilient coping strategies, heal your past trauma so that we can rebuild self-confidence, and create meaningful pathways toward emotional wellness and personal transformation. By bridging the past and present we can work together for your empowered future.
Joivonna Thompson
Welcome! I’m glad you are here. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Florida with 18 years of professional experience supporting individuals through life’s challenges, transitions, and periods of personal growth. My areas of focus include stress and anxiety, depression, self-esteem and confidence, motivation, coping with life changes, and military-related stressors. I have extensive experience working with service members and Veterans and understand the unique challenges that can accompany military service, transitioning to civilian life, and navigating major life changes. My therapeutic approach is compassionate, collaborative, and solution-focused. I believe therapy should not only provide a safe space to process your experiences, but also help you recognize your strengths, develop practical coping strategies, and move toward meaningful, achievable goals. I incorporate evidence-informed approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Trauma-Informed Care, tailoring treatment to meet your individual needs. I strive to create a welcoming, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where you can feel comfortable expressing your thoughts, emotions, and concerns openly. Together, we will build upon your strengths, explore solutions, and identify strategies that support your overall well-being and personal growth. Taking the first step toward change can require courage, but you do not have to navigate the process alone. Whether you are experiencing a difficult transition, feeling overwhelmed, working to rebuild your confidence, or simply seeking greater balance and fulfillment, I am here to support you as you move toward the life you envision.
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.
Bryana Villalobos
I am licensed in Florida with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, parenting issues, 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Heidi Collins
I am a mental health and addictions counselor, licensed in Florida as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and Certified Addiction Professional (CAP) with over 12 years of experience working in clinical practice. I work with clients who experience a wide range of symptoms and concerns, including addictions, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, family conflicts, anger management, motivation, self-esteem, relationship issues, ADHD and more. My therapy style is warm, caring and interactive. My Christian worldview forms the lens through which I view clients. I believe that every person has dignity since they were made in the image of God. I also believe that everyone has depravity due to sin. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and will never shame you for anything you share with me. It takes a lot of courage to share the painful and shameful parts of yourself, and I will always hold your heart gently during those times of sharing. I want to know the whole you and will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and emotion focused therapy. 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!
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.
Katharine Alfs
As a licensed therapist with over four decades of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating life's complex challenges. My practice focuses on wellness and healing and helping individuals develop new skill sets to improve coping. Drawing from years of clinical experience, I offer a very nuanced empathetic approach that honors each client's journey and cultural background. My goal is to provide thoughtful and personalized support that empowers clients to navigate challenges with resilience and hope.
Austine Nwaobi
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.
*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 Myers Shores, Florida
Finding a therapist near you in Fort Myers Shores, 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 Fort Myers Shores.
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 Fort Myers Shores, Florida
Ready to begin? BetterHelp can match you with a licensed therapist serving Fort Myers Shores and the surrounding FL area. When you are ready to take the next step, get started.