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.
Connie Branham
As a licensed therapist in Florida with over four decades of clinical experience, I bring a compassionate and seasoned approach to supporting individuals through life's complex challenges. My professional journey has been dedicated to helping clients navigate emotional wellness, with specialized expertise in addressing depression, anxiety, relationship dynamics, parenting challenges, and self-esteem concerns. I understand that seeking therapy requires courage, and I provide a supportive, understanding environment that respects individual values and beliefs. My approach is grounded in empathy, drawing from years of professional practice and a deep commitment to helping people discover their inner strength and resilience. With a focus on Christian-centered counseling, I offer a warm, respectful therapeutic space that honors your personal journey and supports your emotional and spiritual growth. My goal is to walk alongside you, providing guidance and support as you work towards healing and personal transformation.
Theresia Jackson
Hello, my name is Theresia, but you can call me Tee! I understand that right now you may be feeling lost, frustrated, angry, hurt, and depressed; believe it or not...I’ve been there! I get what it’s like to feel hopeless, scared, worried, alone, and overwhelmed. Right now, you may not even know what you feel. I know you have many questions, yet few answers to what is happening in your life right now. This is where I come in. Together, we will get to the root of what's beneath the mask. Yeah...that mask, we all have one. People may see us one way, but what you are carrying beneath it... That's what we will get through together. My goal is to help you identify what's beneath your mask, to help you heal. It can be exhausting, but you don't have to do it alone. I am here to help, listen to you tell your story, and help you figure out how to move forward in your life. More importantly, I am here to give you support and understanding so you do not have to do this alone. I promise you I will provide a safe place for you. Now, let me tell you a bit about myself. I am an experienced Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Master's level Marriage and Family Therapist, with specialized training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). In addition, I completed 8 years of PhD-level coursework and research at Northcentral University, specializing in Marriage and Family Therapy, focusing on relationships and understanding family dynamics, attachment issues, and patterns of codependency. This advanced training has deepened my understanding of relationships, family dynamics, child development, and how to address unique challenges. My expertise includes helping with managing depression, rumination and overthinking, trauma, releasing trauma, and trapped emotions from your body, relationship attachments, codependency, and more. Also, I work with people who have low self-esteem or confidence issues, and I provide effective ways to manage and reduce anxiety. I help you figure out why you feel the way you do and how you can change it. Also, as a relationship expert, I can help you understand why you may find yourself repeating unhealthy cycles in relationships, struggling to set boundaries, or even trying to figure out what you want. My PhD level education and extensive training in family dynamics, personality traits, and even societal pressures have allowed me to help many build and maintain healthy relationships. In our sessions, we will explore attachment styles and personality traits that can better help you understand your relationships. As a clinician, I go beyond the "textbook" version of counseling. By this, I mean that I understand the value of engaging with you, being relatable and realistic about your needs, and supporting you in your efforts. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Positive Psychology, Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Structural Family Therapy (SFT), and Family Systems Therapy (FST) are my preferred therapeutic modalities. Aside from these, I have been trained in many other modalities, so my approach to therapy is eclectic. Thus, your counseling experience will be genuine and tailored to your specific situation. I am down to earth, and I am always available to offer relevant feedback and support. As you go through the current conflict or crisis in your life, I am here to listen and support you. Whether you are seeking meaning, managing depression, anxiety, difficulty in a relationship, or dealing with traumatic memories, I am here to support and help you. What makes me different? Well for one, I won't sugarcoat it. I will be honest with you and tell you what I see, because if I am not being honest with you, then I am not helping you. I will then help you to cope, heal, and build emotional resilience, and confidence, and provide you with strategies that help you gain clarity in your life. I understand this is a vulnerable experience for you, so I will support you every step of the way. In addition to this, I will engage with you throughout the week so we are not just meeting once a week, but talking, interacting, and working on the problems that led you here. This is a judgment-free zone that will give you the freedom to be yourself and discuss what is happening in your life. My goal is to build you up to the point of resiliency so that you can advocate for yourself. You may leave me a message at any time, and I will respond to you as quickly as I can with relevant feedback on your conflict. The process will not be easy, but it is possible. I make it my business to understand your experience and offer realistic feedback and interventions to help you. I see each client as unique, and therefore my strategies are genuine to your specific need. I am here waiting to help you. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Lucia Stanfield
As a licensed therapist in Florida with two decades of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals through complex emotional landscapes. My approach is compassionate and holistic, addressing challenges ranging from depression and relationship dynamics to trauma recovery and personal growth. I offer a supportive, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their deepest struggles—whether related to anxiety, life transitions, family dynamics, or personal identity. My therapeutic work centers on empowering individuals to develop self-understanding, resilience, and meaningful strategies for healing. My expertise spans diverse areas including mood disorders, social challenges, sexuality, workplace stress, and interpersonal relationships. I'm committed to meeting each client exactly where they are, honoring their unique experiences and supporting their journey toward emotional well-being and personal transformation. I draw from evidence-based practices to provide personalized, thoughtful guidance that respects each individual's background, values, and goals. Together, we'll work collaboratively to navigate life's complexities and cultivate sustainable emotional strength.
Courtney Stewart
As a licensed therapist in Florida, I specialize in supporting individuals through life's complex transitions and emotional challenges. My approach centers on helping clients navigate stress, anxiety, grief, and significant life changes with compassion and practical strategies. I'm particularly passionate about working with individuals experiencing anxiety, grief, life transitions such as pregnancy and postpartum, and personal growth journeys. My therapeutic practice focuses on empowering clients to develop self-love, improve communication, and address feelings of isolation or disconnection. I offer supportive guidance for diverse experiences including women's issues, parenting stress, midlife transitions, and young adult challenges, With over a decade of clinical experience, I create a warm, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their emotions, develop resilience, and cultivate meaningful personal insights. My goal is to support you in understanding yourself more deeply and creating positive, sustainable changes in your life.
Bonnie Define
Hi! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Missouri, and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida. I earned my Bachelor's Degree from the University of South Florida, and my Master's Degree in Counseling from Florida Gulf Coast University and have been working in the field since 2001. I have worked inpatient and outpatient hospital settings, non-profit agencies, and in private practice. My experience is extensive, having done much work with couples working to strengthen and preserve their relationship, supported clients who are healing from divorce or other traumatic life events, and worked with individuals who are struggling with depression, anxiety or chronic stress. I have worked with clients who have a significant mental health diagnosis, as well as individuals who are in crisis. You will find me to be compassionate and thoughtful as we work together to sort through your issues and experiences in order to gain a healthy perspective and healing. Please message me if you're interested in talking before setting up a session.
Gina Cardines
My name is Gina Cardines and I have been a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the state of Florida for 7 years and a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Texas for 3 years. With a total of over 20 years experience in the mental health field and 7 years as a licensed therapist, I have experience in working with individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, substance abuse, and PTSD. I also have experience working with survivors of Intimate Partner Violence, human trafficking, and other trauma, including those who have served in the military. During sessions, you can expect honesty and unconditional positive regard, with no need to worry about monitoring expressions of self, feelings, language, or reactions. Though I have a base in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, I tailor each session to meet the needs of the client, and utilize an eclectic approach with multiple modalities and interventions to create a safe space, free from judgment, to put each client at ease and help clients to engender genuine change in their lives. I look forward to walking with you on your journey. I am able to see clients in both Florida and Texas, and I am available for video, phone, and chat sessions.
Diego Gumucio
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) with extensive experience working individually with clients to address issues and promote their personal well-being and success. I believe every individual is unique and my approach is tailored to and reflects the specific needs of the client. I have dedicated myself to assisting individuals navigate through the various issues encountered in their personal life experience, while improving their quality of life. The human experience and the needs of every individual are specific to the person, and I believe that there is not a "one-size-fits all" approach and/or solution that will "work all the time." Every session is tailored to the current, here & now, physical and mental state of the client and always in direction of the underlying personal need. Together, we can deal with and/or navigate, any difficulty that you may encounter in life, as I believe, no issue/challenge is too big for an individual to overcome/manage. Thank you for taking the time to read this description, I look forward to our time and work together during session. Kind regards, Diego Gumucio
Grace Smith
Often, we need support with challenges, fear, grief, and feelings of unsettlement. Regardless of the size of issue(s), if it's significant to you, we can face it together. My name is Grace Smith, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 19 years of experience. I provide individual counseling services to youth and adults who struggle with anxiety, depression, diminished self-esteem, mood instability, anger issues, relationship struggles, and those having difficulty adjusting to life transitions. Helping individuals make the best of relationships with their partners, children, and themselves is my goal. Therapy can be uneasy and at times uncomfortable, and having a safe environment to talk about, and process life's stresses is very important. For this, I continuously strive to create and maintain a safe place for individuals or groups to restore peace and balance in their lives. My approach is individualized, solution-focused, holistic, and goal-oriented. As a life coach, I teach effective communication skills, assertiveness, healthy boundaries, stress management, conflict resolution, problem-solving, and parenting techniques. I utilize many counseling approaches, as well as evidence-based practice models, that are specific to individual needs and preferences including Trauma Informed Care, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Person-Centered approaches, Collaborative Problem Solving, Positive Behavior Support, Motivational Interviewing, Family Systems, and when suitable, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (best suited for youth who have experienced trauma and experiencing symptoms of PTSD). Thank you for reading my profile. Let us Work Together to make it happen! Respectfully, Grace
Crystal Talamantes
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with 18 years of clinical experience, 10 of those years doing therapy in various settings with various populations. I have extensive experience working with individuals from those experiencing minor life adjustments to those experiencing severe and persistent mental illness. I look forward to helping you tap into your problem-solving skills so that you can achieve your particular goals. I tailor my approach to your needs but generally use Cognitive-Behavioral, Solution-Focused, and Psychoeducational modalities. I look forward to working with you!
Melissa Cooper
I am licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in Florida with 15 years of professional work experience. I started as a School Counselor mostly working with middle and high school students and their parents and have transitioned to mental health. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, parenting issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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!
Zhanna Cohen
Hello there and welcome to my page! My professional journey began in Florida, where I obtained my mental health license in 2013. Since then, I have worked tirelessly to help individuals, families and adolescents, who struggled with issues such as life transitions, career counseling, relationship counseling, gender dysphoria, adoption and foster care, family of origin issues, depression and self-esteem issues, as well as women's and attachment issues. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I believe it takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life, and I applaud you for taking the first steps toward change. I am here to support and empower you in this process.
Lacey Buxton
I am licensed in Florida with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. I also have experience working with 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!
Melissa Ludwig
I am licensed in Florida, Idaho and South Carolina with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma, & abuse. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Michelle Agrela
As a licensed therapist in Florida, I bring over two decades of compassionate clinical experience supporting individuals through complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on helping clients navigate challenging life experiences, with specialized expertise in addressing depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, and self-esteem concerns. I approach therapy as a collaborative journey, creating a supportive and non-judgmental space where individuals can explore their deepest challenges. My work focuses on understanding communication dynamics, processing feelings of guilt and shame, and empowering clients to develop healthier emotional patterns. My therapeutic approach is grounded in evidence-based practices that honor each person's unique story and inherent strengths. I believe in meeting clients exactly where they are, offering gentle guidance and practical strategies to support meaningful personal transformation and emotional healing. Through years of dedicated clinical work, I've developed a profound commitment to supporting individuals as they rediscover their resilience, rebuild their sense of self, and create more fulfilling lives. I'm passionate about walking alongside my clients with empathy, respect, and genuine care.
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.