You can plan and plan, and sometimes things still go wrong. For most of us that's a fact of life we can move past. The people of the planned community of Lake Mary know this well. But still, some of its residents still have a harder time overcoming the pitfalls life brings despite ample planning.

If you are struggling with your mental health due to a disorder like depression or anxiety, or you've experienced overwhelming loss or trauma, a Lake Mary-area therapist or counselor can help. A qualified mental health professional can provide the support you need to get back on track to a well planned life.

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Alicia Jones

Offering therapy in FL
License: LMHC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
11 years of experience

Hello ! My name is Alicia Jones and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. I have been in the counseling field since May of 2011. I have worked in the private non-profit sector and had the opportunity to provide a variety of helping services over the course of nine years. My experiences include working with adults with mental illness and mood disorders, assisting with crisis stabilization, case management and supportive therapy. Working with families performing individual and family counseling focusing on parenting, anger management, self-esteem, mental health and family relationships. I spent five years supervising Juvenile Drug Court and outpatient substance use counseling services program working with teenagers and their parents to gain positive coping skills to combat substance use issues and co-occurring disorders. Finally, I am now providing school counseling in the middle and high school setting, working with my clients to address presenting problems including anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem issues, social skills and independent living skills. My treatment approach is client centered in that I try to meet every client where they are at and build them up. My goal as the therapist is to teach you skills and give you tools to improve your quality of life and address the problems that you feel are hindering your life. I prefer a strengths-based approach and believe in the goal setting process, taking problems and breaking them down step by step. I believe that all people are capable of change and can provide the support and guidance to assist clients to make those changes.

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Aleisa Keels Wilson

Offering therapy in FL
License: LCSW,LCAS
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepression
20 years of experience

I am a license clinical social worker and a license clinical addiction professional in North Carolina and Florida with over 25 years of experience working as a psychotherapist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, co-occurring disorders , career challenges and substance abuse issues. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional and verbal abuse. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, dignity, and compassion. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, person center, and rational-emotive therapy. 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!

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Erika Cooley

Offering therapy in FL
License: MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

As a clinician, I strongly believe that each individual is their own expert. When things become complicated, it is often hard to put ourselves in the driver’s seat and take control. Through practice, I hope to help you find that strength within to overcome some of life’s most difficult challenges. My interest in mental health peaked after college, when I worked with a therapeutic recreational program for children. Witnessing others find and develop their own strengths, I saw how empowering this can be, motivating me to continue to be an agent for change. I facilitate a trauma informed, strengths based approach. I have worked with individuals and families of varying ages and backgrounds, focusing on various concerns including depression, anxiety, mood disorders, relationship and attachment issues, anger management, self-esteem, and parenting skills. I incorporate client-centered, cognitive behavioral, and solution-focused therapies in order to assist individuals in developing skills and strengths. I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy, in which I also incorporate use of mindfulness and meditation. I also have experience working in Child Welfare with substance abuse and mental health populations. I received my Master’s in Social Work from Florida State University in 2013, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.

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Elena Spanos

Offering therapy in FL
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsAnger managementDepressionADHD
25 years of experience

My goal as a therapist working in the profession for the past 25 years has been to find solutions that work for you, helping you to discover the true potential of your life, so everyday can be a celebration and feel like a breath of fresh air. There may be no magic button or quick-fix solution when it comes to therapy but we can work together to find comfort and resolve issues in the difficult areas of your life and the challenges you have to face. Through various techniques and long standing approaches with proven results, we will be able to determine what behavior and/or thoughts might be holding you back from living your best life and finding meaning in everyday situations. Whether you are looking for support or guidance through a particularly difficult time or you are open to a real change in your life and where you are going, together, we can work meet your goals. Anyone dealing with any type of behavioral or emotional issue from depression to couple's counseling and everything in between is welcome. I graduated from Hillsborough Community College in 1993 with an Associate in Science Degree in Human Services Technology. I continued my education at the University of South Florida and earned a Bachelor of Social Work Degree. I also have a Master of Social Work Degree specializing in Clinical Social Work from Michigan State University. In 2000 I became a licensed therapist and began working in private practice in 2002. My past work experience includes working as a therapist in schools, homes, outpatient settings, as well as couples and Military Families for several years. Lastly, the treatment approaches that I frequently utilize are Client Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, and Trauma Focused Therapy. I hope you allow me the opportunity to work with you!

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Dr. Jennifer Williams

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteem
25 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with over 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, 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. 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. If you'd like to find out more about me, please visit my websites at: https://www.living-force.com/about https://www.barry.edu/en/c-vitae/professors/jennifer-williams https://www.facebook.com/barryuniversity/videos/2489517791360933

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Nathalie Carrera

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & parenting issues. 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. 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.

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Stacey Adams

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with eight years of dedicated professional experience specializing in Mindfulness Cognitive Behavioral therapy. This technique incorporates self-awareness, thought-pattern restructuring and mindfulness practices. My goal in therapy is to empower my clients to navigate life's challenges through a self-empowered therapeutic process that promotes individual growth. The areas I work in include coping with grief and loss, low self esteem, symptoms of depression and recovery from unhealthy relationship patterns. I work with my clients to create a therapeutic partnership that prioritizes holistic healing with clinical practices. If your seeking mental health recovery that encourages personal insight and awareness as a path to emotional healing, I am here to support you in that journey.

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Renee Melin

Offering therapy in FL
Family conflictsGriefCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
14 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 14 years of professional work experience as a Liscensed Clinical Social Worker. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, coping with grief and loss, & coping with life changes. I also have experience working with compassion fatigue. I have my own practice to provide guidance for families with aging loved ones and work with each family to find the best solutions available to them. Please reach out today if you think I'd be a good fit to meet your needs.

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Trinika Trotter

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 12 years of professional work experience. My experience and expertise working with various demographics and vulnerable populations has inspired me to specialize in Crisis Management. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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 have a careful and balanced way of blending humor, intelligence, insight and sensitivity in order to help others face and identify solutions for dealing with past hurt and beginning the healing process. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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Jessica Pakatar

Offering therapy in FL
License: LCSW-R
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
10 years of experience

Hello! My name is Jessica Pakatar and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker practicing in New York. I have been practicing in the clinical social work field for 10 years primarily in an outpatient setting providing both individual treatment as well as couple's counseling. I earned my degree from the State University College at Albany with a Master's in Social Work. My experience includes working with individuals that suffer from anxiety, depression, PTSD, relationship issues, and mood disorders. My approach to therapy is client centered. I focus on helping you understand the roots of your current struggle and helping you use your inner resources to develop ways to respond to the world that benefit your life and relationships. I will work with you to practice techniques to enhance peace of mind and gain a sense of calm as well as gaining perspective on your life experiences and understand their context. I do this by using multiple treatment modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing techniques, Strength Based approaches, Solution Focused techniques, and mindfulness practices. All approaches are supportive, compassionate and non judgmental.

How to find counseling in Lake Mary

Finding the best therapist close by in Lake Mary can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area, you can find a therapist in your city that is accepting new clients and fits your goals. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage, family issues, or other emotional challenges, feel proud that you have begun your search to find the mental health care services that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Lake Mary. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of therapy can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Lake Mary, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.

It is also important to understand that mental health professionals in the United States are accredited to provide care, helping individuals and couples, with a variety of licenses. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinical psychologist or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

Mental health professionals working through their own in- person therapy practice in Lake Mary or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, or change in negative thinking patterns. They may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain. Verified providers can provide licensed marriage and couples therapy, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.

There are all kinds of therapists working with clients today across the United States and in the greater Lake Mary area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find therapists, have in mind what type of therapy you'd like your provider to be most experienced with and choose an experienced provider with a practice located near you in the city of Lake Mary, elsewhere in Seminole, or in the greater state of Florida.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Lake Mary area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Lake Mary therapist?

The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Lake Mary due to a higher cost of living. The price also depends on the type of provider you are looking for. See the following average prices for various mental health providers without insurance:

  • Counseling with a psychiatrist: $150-$500
  • Counseling with therapists: $100-300
  • Therapy with a psychologist: $100

While many psychologists in Lake Mary may not take health insurance, some in the state of Florida may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With BetterHelp or clinicians throughout the state of Florida you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).

How is a licensed therapist on this online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Lake Mary, Florida working on BetterHelp are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited as a doctor of psychology (PhD / PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW / LICSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). All of these psychology clinicians have a Masters Degree or a Doctorate Degree in their field of psychology sciences, and follow the APA Code of Ethics. They have been qualified and certified by their state's professional board after successfully completing the necessary education, exams, training and practice with a patient, and extensive experience in a healthcare clinic or treatment centers, in order to become a mental health provider. While their lived experience, expertise, careers, and background vary, they all possess at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience with adult and sometimes teen patients, and have the necessary therapist credentials to provide a safe space for long lasting emotional healing in therapy. 

Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from psychiatrists to prescribe a drug as treatment, or perform psychological assessments.

How does working with a counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?

BetterHelp clinicians treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Lake Mary above, can work with young adults, children, adolescents, and adults virtually as an accredited licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). You do not have to commute to a an office as a psychotherapy client.

Through BetterHelp therapy, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, use the in app journaling feature, and receive worksheets. You'll also find support groups or group therapy lead by a therapist in Lake Mary helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety or depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address?

BetterHelp's verified Lake Mary therapists specialize and have clinical experience in a wide range of mental health issues and modalities, helping clients to feel better and improve their lives every day. See below for examples.

Specialties on BetterHelp include:

You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy or with a sex therapist. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists or licensed marriage family therapists (LMFT) who work with clients in relationships. You can also try a Lake Mary therapy provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide. 

How do I know if online counseling is right for my family?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a therapist is the validation and active listening they can provide. Your friends and loved ones may also be available to listen, but you may feel that they may lack the skills to provide objective guidance. Counselors are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

A psychologist in your city can support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health, life concerns, or healing needs. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another good benefit of therapy is having an understanding, safe space with a non-judgmental party who can support you through challenging experiences.

Many people have sensitive topics that they may feel ashamed to discuss with their friends or partner. A Lake Mary therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, such as art therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words.

With a lot of people in FL, providers may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles above and others within BetterHelp's team, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching to find a a nearby psychotherapist close to 32799 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Lake Mary counselor?

Before seeing your therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the therapy process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist, any emotional pain you may feel, and the ways in which you hope to improve. When you attend your session, let them know if you have any concerns about therapy or feel unsure about what to talk about. They may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy.

Should I find a therapist or psychologist if I feel fine? 

Some simply don't feel the need to see a psychologist. However, some people may avoid attending therapy due to stigma or preconceived notions of what therapy entails. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback and advice. A Lake Mary licensed clinical social worker may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.

Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find through therapy can be dependent on your process.

People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles.

Is mental health care and therapy worth it? 

Therapy is effective and has the power to change individuals' lives. Each client is at a different stage of their emotional healing journey in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, skills, and goals. A psychologist can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities to help you feel your best and put you on the path to healing. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, a mental health professional has an understanding of various disorders like ADHD and depression with many hours of experience in treating adults in their practice. For this reason, seeing an evidence based psychologist in Lake Mary, Florida can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy services each year, showing it's a popular option and is proven to be effective.

Lake Mary has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions?

The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.

Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on PinterestLinkedInInstagramTwitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time today to learn more about the team of therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of Lake Mary.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Lake Mary:

32746, 32795, 32799

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