No matter how long people have settled in a place, getting help when the going gets tough is a common ambition many engage in. Fortunately, you can get the help you need by finding a counselor in Lakeland that can work with you.

Lakeland is a city built on very ancient land, it’s rumored to have been populated by native Americans about 12,000 years ago. With the expansion of rails, people now come to this place for the rich industry, and the many jobs. You can do the job of taking care of your mental health today by seeking out a counselor. 

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Denise Wasmer

Offering therapy in FL
License: MS, LMHC, CHt
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseDepressionCompassion fatigue
10 years of experience

Hi! I’m Denise Wasmer, LMHC, Licensed Psychotherapist and EMDR Therapist. Are you experiencing trauma, PTSD, depression and/or a women's issue? I specialize in helping women go from stressed-out and overwhelmed to feeling at peace and confident in themselves. I see my clients as team members. Together, we formulate goals and immediately find solutions to the problems, so you can start seeing positive changes as quickly as possible. I am deeply committed to helping each of my clients reach their full potential and meet their treatment goals. My approach promotes self-awareness and growth while implementing skills to relieve difficult symptoms, quickly. My clinical work is also enriched by studies on mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy and self-compassion. I offer services to clients with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, self-esteem, among other issues. I graduated from The University of Miami in 2006 and since then I have been working in the field of Psychology in various settings such as Private Practice, Group Practice, Behavioral Therapy Organizations and a Substance Abuse Clinic, as well as a Professor of Psychology. I look forward to working with you, so that you can find the happiness and peace in your life, that you’ve always dreamed of.

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Dr. Melissa Echevarria

Offering therapy in FL
License: Ms.,PsyD.
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
9 years of experience

Hello! I am Dr. Echevarria, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in the state of Florida. I am bilingual (English and Spanish) and have specialized training on stress management, motivation issues, and chronic pain management.

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Kentaya Nielly

Offering therapy in FL
License: MS,LMHC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
9 years of experience

I have a Masters degree in Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida and a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in the state of North Carolina. Since I was young, I’ve always known that counseling others is my passion. I have worked with various populations including those who have faced serious and significant trauma, those recovering from substance dependence, as well as individuals who simply wanted to achieve or maintain optimal mental wellness. I believe that we all hold the keys to our destinies inside of us and often simply need a bit of guidance in unlocking those destinies to reach our ultimate potential. My therapeutic approach utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing. I believe that the therapeutic process is collaborative in nature and is only beneficial when you have the opportunity to establish the goals that are important to you. By establishing the goals that are most important to you, we can work together to determine the best course of action in achieving those goals. Most of the work in therapy often happens outside of the confines of the session; it’s my desire to equip you with the tools that you need so that you can do the work. I am here to you develop insight and improve those areas of your life that you are struggling. I believe that one of the most important aspects of therapy is the therapeutic relationship between you and I. It is unlike any other relationship in our lives because it is a place that we can truly be free to express ourselves with no fear of judgment. I am a person committed to maintaining the integrity of that relationship. I often tell my clients that I am going to guide you in the best way that I know how while also holding you accountable for being responsible for your healing; you are the master of your life. I am excited to work with you! Everything that you need will be given to you when the time is right. Trust in the timing of all that you are.

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Sarah Pommier

Offering therapy in FL
License: MS,LMHC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I enjoy working with persons of all intellects, beliefs, and backgrounds. I have a professional history that includes having worked with individuals on the Autism Spectrum and members of their families for over 25 years. I have worked with those in recovery and individuals recently retired from military service. I received my Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University and am registered with the State of Florida’s Department of Health as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (MH16231). In various professional roles, I have worked with hundreds of individuals and their families in both private and transitional homes and under challenging circumstances. I have provided training and support in places of employment, helping people build skills necessary to succeed professionally. I have worked with families, teaching them how to build and maintain stronger relationships through effective and honest communication with one another, while promoting growth and independence of once-codependent family members. My approach is warm and eclectic - I feel it is important to meet people where they are until they grow the skills needed to meet me halfway. I am a solutions-focused practitioner with a background in applied behavior analysis. I appreciate the importance of self-knowledge and know that the acknowledgement of personal strengths and limitations are important to making meaningful and lasting changes. My hope is that individuals seeking support see the time in therapy as an investment in themselves -- using the psychological and spiritual support provided as a doorway to decreased stress and anxiety, while recognizing their personal role in achieving lasting personal change. I seek, through unconditional positive regard, earned mutual respect, and modeling of self-acceptance, to educate and provide holistic treatment for each individual in my care-- no matter their race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, physical attributes, personality, political affiliations, religious beliefs, professional identities, etc.

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Margaret "Maggie" Nash

Offering therapy in FL
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
24 years of experience

After “curing” most of Washington DC except Congress, I moved to Fort Myers, Florida. With 24 years of private practice experience I still love this work. I’m an author and provide T.V. interviews upon request. Humor is an essential part of my life and my practice. Humor is integral in grieving, healing, recovery and problem solving. Therefore it is incorporated into my treatment. There are a myriad of issues for which you may be seeking help. Often they involve problematic relationships or relationships with self. To self many of us are unforgiving and punishing. This is common and treatable. One of the great hurdles to starting treatment is the belief that this pain will not end and cannot be problem solved or that you do not deserve to feel better. Both beliefs are false. Whether you have difficulty accepting self, have marital or partner problems, parental discord, anxiety about life and work, you will find rewarding dividends for life in this work. I am compassionate and persistent. I am a strong proponent of improving mental health treatment.

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Felipe Regueira

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsDepressionCoping with life changes
4 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 4 years of professional work experience. My counseling style is easy going and introspective, while always helping clients learn to manage their stressful emotions in a healthy manner. I hope to provide objectivity in assessing a client’s life patterns so they can be seen in a more positive light and transgressed if a client sees it as appropriate. My goal is also to teach you tools to address your concerns on your own so that your time with me will pay dividends once our time together is over.

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Ivi Torres

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesEating disordersCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida and New York with over 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse. 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.

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Christine D'Avico

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
21 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 21 years of professional psychotherapy experience. I have helped clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & depression. As a therapist, my role is to be a focused and deep listener, as well as a fellow traveler in life. Often, we just need someone to listen deeply and attentively so that we see ourselves from a new perspective. This is part of the process of growth and change. I believe that you can learn to have healthy self-compassion and believe in your strengths. Subsequently, this will impact your mental health and relational health. I am trained in EMDR, a method that has been successfully applied to panic attacks, anxiety issues and traumas. I look forward to meeting you.

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Jessica Allen

Offering therapy in FL
Self esteemCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

Welcome! I specialize in working with individuals during life-phase transitions primarily through the lens of depth psychology and expressive art therapy. Whatever the phase, be it an adjustment in your career, health or relationship status, loss of a loved one (pets are family too!), retirement, or any of the countless ways our lives are shaped and sometimes twisted by the very experience of being human -- there is a way through. Your journey is unique, as you are individual, therefore it is my intention to serve as a temporary guide while you are in a valley, along a ridge, and/or in a crevice for these are the wild places in which we heal deeply and extract our own authentic healing and wisdom from. My goal is to hold the sacred space necessary for you to heal, cultivate change in your life, uncover your authentic nature, identify your strengths, and develop a new personal myth. WHAT MAKES ME DIFFERENT? My psychotherapeutic approach includes working with symbols from the unconscious realms and one's personal myth -- be they from dreams, the tarot, found in the space between worlds, the effects of planetary alignments, and the impact life changing events have on our lives by weaving the esoteric with evidence-based practices of psychotherapy. Between sessions I may assign methods to develop and nurture a self-care routine, books or articles to read related to your situation, active or expressive ways for you to achieve your goal(s) such as journaling, drawing, writing poetry, dancing, playing music, creative writing, and yes, likely some standard worksheets and cognitive or dialectical behavior therapy techniques sprinkled in along the way.

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Demetrius Jifunza

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
3 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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!

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How to find counseling in Lakeland

Finding the best therapist close by in Lakeland 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 Lakeland. 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 Lakeland, 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 Lakeland 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 Lakeland 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 Lakeland, elsewhere in Polk, 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 Lakeland area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Lakeland 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 Lakeland 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 Lakeland 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 Lakeland, 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 Lakeland 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 Lakeland 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 Lakeland 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 Lakeland 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 Lakeland 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 33803 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 Lakeland 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 Lakeland 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 Lakeland, 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.

Lakeland 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 Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, 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 Lakeland.

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

33801, 33802, 33803, 33804, 33805, 33806, 33807, 33811, 33813, 33815

Popular cities near Lakeland, FL

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