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. 

This is Melissa Nadler's avatar and link to their profile

Melissa Nadler

Offering therapy in FL
License: LMHC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefDepression
24 years of experience

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Licensed Professional Counselor who uses several therapeutic styles including cognitive/behavioral and reality therapies. My strengths include empathy, compassion, humor, and sensitivity to any issue that is brought to the "couch." My job is to help you help you and in doing so I am along for the ride and journey of self-discovery, healing, and growth. I work with a varied clientele covering many different issues and feel that my approach is both inviting and invigorating in terms of allowing clients the opportunity to find a healthy path that was designed especially by them for them. I have experience with many different clientele and therapeutic settings including private practice, community agency, legal system, and college counseling center. I have worked in the prison/court systems, private practice, and college counseling center, and feel that I have the perspective that is necessary and desired for a successful therapeutic relationship. I am involved in the Veterinary Community of Central Florida as a consultant, therapist, and wife of a local veterinarian. I have a Bachelor of Science majoring in psychology. I also have both a Masters and Specialist Degree in Education with a focus in Mental Health Counseling. All three of these degrees are from the University of Florida. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the State of Florida and New Jersey.

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Charles Snider

Offering therapy in FL
License: MA, LMHC,LPC
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesGriefDepression
11 years of experience

Hello and welcome to my online office! My name is Charles and I am a mental health counselor licensed in Arizona, Florida and Georgia with over 10 years of experience working with individuals and families. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, substance abuse, gender identity issues and grief/loss. I have also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. I am trained as an adoption-competent therapist to work with adoptive families and I am a certified trauma therapist. My counseling style is warm, caring and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused and rational-emotive counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs as it is important to meet you where you are at and use your expertise as well. It takes courage to seek out help for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I live by the view that if you can change the way you look at things the things you look at can change. This slight change in perspective can make a world of difference in your life! Thank you for stopping by and I look forward to working with you!

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Maylin Gonzalez

Offering therapy in FL
License: M.S., LMHC
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
5 years of experience

It takes a strong person to realize help is needed. I am glad you found the courage to seek support in your journey of personal growth. My goal is to help you navigate your individual difficulties, big or small, hoping you gain the ability to always become a better version of yourself. My name is Maylin Gonzalez and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida. I have had the opportunity to work with a wide variety of clients, and different disorders along the years. I realize there is not a “one size fits all” therapy manual, and it must be individualized to your specific needs. I want you all to feel heard and understood throughout our sessions, and that you learn to find strength within yourself to achieve your goals. Thank you for choosing me to guide you through the healing process.

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Jenny Ortega

Offering therapy in FL
License: MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
4 years of experience

My name is Jenny Ortega, and I was born in Havana, Cuba. I am fluent in Spanish and English, and I enjoy working with individuals from all cultures. I am an LCSW in the state of Florida. I graduated from Saint Leo University in 2016 with a Master's in Social Work -Advanced Clinical Concentration. My training and background have provided me with the skills to work in many different settings with a diverse clientele. In addition to providing counseling and education for stress management and anxiety relief, I am experienced in working with those suffering from depression and other mood disorders. I have worked with vulnerable populations such as older adults, children and adolescents on the autism spectrum, survivors of physical and sexual abuse, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. I have a passion for working with women and children who have experienced trauma, and I am able to build trust while being sensitive to their special needs. I am mostly trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), Client Centered, and Solution Focused Therapy, though I like to draw from multiple approaches and employ an eclectic style in therapy. My combined set of skills afford me the ability to treat in a holistic manner. I consistently add to my knowledge base by researching and attending educational training to enhance my professional skills. I will meet you where you are and provide support through whichever means you are most comfortable with, whether video, talk, or text. I hope to teach you skills that will make your life a bit easier. It is a privilege and an honor to join you on this journey to a healthier you!

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This is Katrina Jones-Lewis's avatar and link to their profile

Katrina Jones-Lewis

Offering therapy in FL
License: LMHC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepressionCompassion fatigue
10 years of experience

I am the youngest of 12 children. Growing up in such a large family, there were lots of different personalities! Often times I found myself wondering how we were all raised in the same household yet our experiences and worldviews were so vastly different. For this reason, I was drawn to psychology. I received my bachelor’s degree from Troy University and Masters from Liberty University. During my career as a licensed mental health counselor I have facilitated alcohol and drug addiction groups, parenting, sexual offenders, domestic violence victims and adolescent groups. I also have experience with individual and couples therapy. My desire is for my clients to experience fulfilling and abundant lives. The goal is to assist them to live their absolute best lives without fear or self-imposed limitations. Step into your destiny and live the life intended!!! Katrina L Jones-Lewis, LMHC

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Joel Brooks

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

I am licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 40 years of professional work experience. I have helped my clients to overcome stress, anxiety, depression, trauma and abuse, obsessive compulsive disorder, relationship issues, bipolar disorder, & many other life adjustment concerns. I provide an open, safe and confidential environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Everyone has a right to feel and think their emotions without shame and guilt for their distress. Taking the first step to seek counseling is courageous. I am here to support you in that process and provide you the opportunity to find the solutions you are seeking to achieve. Your happiness and contentment is my primary objective in our work together. I would look forward to working with you as your therapist.

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This is Lisa Bishop's avatar and link to their profile

Lisa Bishop

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changesADHD
19 years of experience

I have had the opportunity to work with clients for over 19 years in the clinical and school setting. I use a multidimensional approach to help facilitate the healing process. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, confidence and coping with life changes. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. Each individual is unique and different, and requires an individualized approach that best fits their needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and can help develop positive coping strategies which empowers people to make positive changes.

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This is Patricia Wolfenden's avatar and link to their profile

Patricia Wolfenden

Offering therapy in FL
AddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGrief
32 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 32 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts/estrangement, & trauma and abuse. 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 have a great deal of respect for you for getting started!

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This is Joanna Hedin's avatar and link to their profile

Joanna Hedin

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
15 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 10 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 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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This is Sarah Orlando's avatar and link to their profile

Sarah Orlando

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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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 33811 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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