The atmosphere is typically warm and sunny in Lakeland, and this isn't simply due to the weather. The people themselves always strive to provide a certain warmth and you enjoy living in such a friendly community. The depression that you face on a daily basis makes it much more difficult than it used to, though. When you feel symptoms of anxiety and depressive thoughts are creeping up on you, it becomes tough to appreciate the friendly atmosphere.
You need a Lake City counselor that can act as your ally in this fight. They will be able to stand by your side and listen to your problems. It is possible to turn your situation around when you have the right help. Contact a Lake City counselor today to get the help that you need.
Penny Howland
Penny has always practiced in a blend of medical and mental health settings in various venues and with many different populations, including dialysis, the terminally ill, grieving, substance abuse, adjustment disorders of all kinds. Penny uses whatever treatment modality is best to meet patients' goals . She believes strongly in the mind-body connection and has great respect for the resilience of the human being and the ability to adapt to life with balance and comfort. Penny received her BA and MSW from Wayne State University in Detroit, MI. She is a member of ACSW and NASW. Also CAP for all addictions.
Samantha Schwartz
As a licensed therapist in Florida with two decades of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My practice focuses on helping clients work through stress, anxiety, relationship challenges, trauma, and addiction. I am deeply committed to guiding individuals toward self-discovery, healing, and personal growth. My therapeutic approach is compassionate and holistic, addressing issues like panic disorder, mood challenges, life transitions, and family dynamics. I understand the profound impact of experiences such as divorce, pregnancy, and personal struggles with shame and self-esteem. My goal is to create a supportive environment where clients can explore their inner world, develop resilience, and reconnect with their inherent strength and purpose. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I work collaboratively with clients to develop personalized strategies for emotional wellness. Whether you're confronting worry, low mood, major life changes, or relationship problems, I'm here to walk alongside you with empathy and professional expertise.
Sandra Rico
As a licensed therapist in Florida, I bring 17 years of dedicated experience supporting individuals through complex life challenges. My practice centers on creating a compassionate, affirming space for clients navigating diverse personal experiences. I specialize in working with LGBTQ+ individuals, addressing relationship dynamics, family conflicts, and intimate personal growth. My therapeutic approach honors each person's unique journey, with expertise in areas including social anxiety, trauma recovery, life transitions, and multicultural concerns. I'm particularly passionate about supporting young adults, women, and individuals exploring identity, sexuality, and self-love. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I help clients develop meaningful communication skills, process challenging emotions, and build resilience. Whether you're confronting workplace stress, relationship complexities, or personal transformation, I'm committed to walking alongside you with empathy, respect, and professional guidance. I'm fluent in both English and Spanish, allowing me to provide culturally responsive care that meets you exactly where you are in your healing journey.
Sarah Alvarado
I am licensed in Florida with over 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping teens and adults of all ages with stress and anxiety, coping with substance use and addictions, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. I believe that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming any challenges you are facing. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am ready to help you get started!
Barbara Williams
As a licensed therapist in the state of Florida, I bring over two decades of clinical experience supporting individuals through life's complex challenges. My practice centers on helping clients navigate depression, anxiety, relationship dynamics, and life transitions with empathy and understanding. I specialize in supporting individuals through personal growth journeys, focusing on self-love, communication skills, and discovering a life of meaning and purpose. My approach integrates faith-based perspectives for clients seeking spiritual guidance, creating a holistic and nurturing therapeutic environment. Drawing from extensive professional training, I am committed to walking alongside clients as they develop resilience, heal emotional wounds, and cultivate deeper self-understanding. My goal is to provide a supportive, affirming space where individuals can explore their experiences, build meaningful coping strategies, and move toward personal transformation.
Karen Cino
I am licensed in Florida with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. 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.
Jennifer Cruz
I am licensed in Florida with 3 years of professional work experience in inpatient and outpatient settings- helping clients with needs that range from help dealing with day to day stressors to help with symptom management for acute and/or chronic mental health needs. 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.
Katie Drobney
I am licensed in Colorado with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, 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. 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. To do this, I often like to utilize creative interventions (art, music, journaling) in our therapy together, however it is always up to you whether or not you would like to work this way. I am also trained in transpersonal counseling, which calls upon your own personal spiritual beliefs to aid in the therapeutic process.
Ivonne Fraga
I’m a licensed therapist in Florida with over 7 years of experience supporting individuals through some of life’s most overwhelming moments. I specialize in helping clients navigate anxiety, trauma, depression, low self-esteem, and lack of motivation—especially when it feels like you’ve been carrying everything on your own for too long. My approach is warm, honest, and supportive. I focus on creating a space where you can be fully yourself without fear of judgment, while also helping you build real tools to move forward—not just talk in circles. Whether you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just not like yourself lately, you don’t have to figure it out alone. Taking that first step into therapy isn’t easy—but it says a lot about your strength. I’m here to support you every step of the way.
Diane Haskill
I enjoy my 25-year career in social work. I often meet a person at their low point, help identify problems, and help create a plan for change. My specialties are cognitive behavioral and solution-focused therapy. I am licensed in Florida and have experience with relationship, communication, self-esteem, and boundary issues, trauma, grief and loss, addiction, and more. I offer an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear or judgment. Life can be overwhelming at times and it takes courage to ask for help. I am available to listen, support, discuss, problem-solve, and share strategies to help create a path forward.
Michael Schwing
I am licensed in Florida with 22 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Scott Paul
I am licensed in Florida with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I believe is a positive investment in self improvement.
Colleen Walker
With over 20 years of experience, I am passionate about helping individuals navigate life’s challenges and discover their inner strength. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, I have worked with children, adolescents, and adults, supporting them through stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, abuse, parenting concerns, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence building. I believe that you are the expert in your own life, and my role is to provide guidance, support, and encouragement as you work toward healing and personal growth. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and tailored to your unique needs. Whether you're facing difficult emotions, life transitions, or simply seeking self-improvement, I am here to walk alongside you. Taking the first step toward therapy can be empowering, and I am honored to be part of your journey. Together, we can work toward healing, resilience, and positive change.
Melissa Onappeau
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and I have been practicing for the last 3 years in community and nonprofit organizations. I have experience working with adolescents and adults who struggle with anxiety, stress and life transitions. I also have experience working with clients have experienced being unhoused. My therapy style is warm with interactive conversations. My therapy approach is a combination of strength based, client lead with compassion and respect, and realistic goal setting. If you are ready to work on your first step, I am here to support and empower you.
Find a Therapist Near You in Lake City , 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 Lake City.
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.