Amy Matthews
I have been doing counseling for over 35 years. When I lived in Pennsylvania, I worked as a school counselor in a high school for 28 years and also maintained a private practice. Since moving to Florida, I worked in a private practice in which I specialized in both adolescents and adults. I also work with families and couples. I worked at Better Help before and formed many successful relationships with clients. I consider myself to be an eclectic counselor who is genuine, supportive, and empathetic. I have been in therapy many times and definitely understand how helpful it can be to have someone who is in your corner, advocating and believing solely in you. I consider myself liberal and non-judgmental and I would be surprised if there was something you could tell me that I have not heard before, I also have a strong sense of humor and know that humor has saved me many times from my own issues. I received my Master's degree in 1980 in Marriage, family, and Child Counseling, but I consider that my life experience just as important in having added to my counseling skills. Many counselors can learn from books, but I incorporate all I have learned in my own life experience into the work I do with clients. Let's talk.
Waynette Speakman
Hello, My name is Waynette Speakman. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the state of Florida and I am also a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and a Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC) through the National Board of Certified Counselors. I am also a Board Certified -TeleMental Health Provider (BC-THP). I graduated from the University of South Florida in 2007 with a Master's in Counseling. I primarily work from an Adlerian counseling perspective as it utilizes psychodynamic, cognitive, and behavioral techniques. I incorporate cognitive and behavioral strategies into counseling to facilitate goal-directed positive behaviors, while also taking into account past history, birth order and family dynamics. Adlerian therapy is goal directed and future focused, therefore we will not spend too much time on past history, rather add it to the other pieces to create the best possible picture. I will integrate solution-focused strategies and motivational interviewing techniques to encourage problem solving from a positive goal oriented perspective. I am really excited to meet you and start working with you.
Dr. Carol Parham
As a licensed therapist in Florida, I bring over 15 years of dedicated experience supporting individuals through life's complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on helping clients navigate challenging transitions, heal from past traumas, and rediscover their inner strength. I specialize in supporting older adults, addressing issues like aging, attachment, and life purpose with compassionate, evidence-based approaches. My therapeutic work focuses on helping individuals overcome communication barriers, process posttraumatic experiences, and rebuild self-esteem. I understand that each person's journey is unique, and I strive to create a supportive, non-judgmental environment where clients can explore their challenges and develop meaningful coping strategies. Whether you're experiencing stress, anxiety, or working through significant life changes, I'm committed to walking alongside you with empathy, respect, and professional expertise. My goal is to empower you to create positive, sustainable transformations in your life.
Kimberley Rodriguez-Lepp
As a licensed therapist in Florida, I bring 25 years of dedicated experience supporting individuals through complex life challenges. My approach centers on understanding each person's unique journey, with specialized expertise in addressing stress, anxiety, relationship dynamics, self-esteem, and addiction recovery. I am committed to creating a compassionate, inclusive therapeutic space that honors diverse experiences and backgrounds. My practice focuses on helping clients navigate intricate emotional landscapes, including social anxiety, trauma recovery, life transitions, and personal growth. My professional approach integrates evidence-based techniques with deep empathy, supporting clients in developing stronger communication skills, building self-love, and addressing underlying emotional patterns. Whether you're confronting workplace challenges, relationship issues, or seeking personal transformation, I'm dedicated to walking alongside you with respect and genuine care. I welcome individuals from all walks of life and am passionate about supporting holistic healing across various life stages and experiences. My goal is to empower you to discover your inner strength and create meaningful, sustainable change.
Sandra Sunter
As a licensed therapist in Florida with nearly four decades of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals through life's complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on helping clients navigate challenging transitions, heal from grief, and rebuild self-esteem. I have extensive expertise in supporting women, caregivers, young adults, and older individuals facing significant life changes. My therapeutic approach is deeply compassionate and tailored to each person's unique journey. I focus on addressing issues like isolation, communication challenges, workplace stress, and personal growth. Whether you're struggling with life transitions, chronic health conditions, or seeking deeper self-understanding, I provide a supportive, non-judgmental space for healing and transformation. I am committed to helping clients rediscover their inner strength, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and create meaningful paths forward. My work emphasizes self-love, forgiveness, and empowerment, guiding individuals toward more fulfilling and authentic lives.
Crystal Rischer
Welcome, I’m truly honored to support you in creating your best life. We all have something we’re working on or working through, and it’s my goal to help guide you through that journey. I believe we each possess unique strengths—sometimes hidden—that, once recognized, can transform the way we approach life’s challenges. As a divorced single mother, I’ve experienced the many facets of life—the beauty, the hardship, and everything in between. It’s this combination of personal experience and professional training that allows me to connect with and support my clients in a deep and meaningful way. I use a variety of therapeutic modalities, tailoring your experience to you—because no two people are the same, and therapy should reflect that. I specialize in areas such as divorce, separation, anxiety, trauma, and depression. I genuinely look forward to meeting you and working together to help you move closer to the goals you have for yourself. Once we schedule your first session, I’ll ask you to complete two brief forms: a HIPAA form and an intake questionnaire. This intake allows me to gain a holistic understanding of who you are so that we can begin our work together with clarity and intention right from the start. Warmly, Crystal Rischer MSW, LCSW
Carolyn Hallinan
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina with over 12 years of experience working as a therapist/counselor. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, anger issues, relationship issues, aging and geriatric problems, and isolation/loneliness problems. I also helped many people who have experienced life purpose problems, emptiness, and self-love. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, client-centered and solution focused. 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!
Katherine Howes
Hi I’m Kate! I am a licensed clinical social worker in Florida with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & anger management. My main goal when working with clients is to meet them where they are at and help them find confidence in moving forward. Every person is unique and their treatment should be the same. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I have worked within the juvenile justice and school systems for most of my professional career and find this helps me interact well with people from all different walks of life. I want to help you find the strengths within yourself and build upon them to find success in whatever your goal is in counseling. 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 and strength. Let's work together to keep this momentum moving forward toward a positive future.
Jennifer Cruz
I am licensed in Florida with 3 years of professional work experience in inpatient and outpatient settings- helping clients with needs that range from help dealing with day to day stressors to help with symptom management for acute and/or chronic mental health needs. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Margo Sunday
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Florida. I have over 25 years working as a Social Worker in multiple environments including rehabilitation centers, hospitals and now in private practice as a psychotherapist. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions and getting into and moving forward in recovery, coping with grief and loss, anxiety and depression. Helping people cope with life's changes and challenges is my passion. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
Dr. Theodosia Paclawskyj
As a licensed therapist in Florida, I bring 19 years of dedicated experience supporting individuals through complex emotional landscapes. My clinical background centers on anxiety, trauma, and working with neurodivergent populations, with specialized expertise in supporting individuals on the autism spectrum and those navigating intellectual disabilities. I look forward to working with you to find a path in which you can achieve your personal goals for peace and well-being. My approach is deeply compassionate and tailored to each client's unique needs. I have extensive training in addressing depression, anxiety, stress management, and trauma recovery. I'm particularly committed to creating affirming therapeutic spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals and older adults seeking understanding and meaningful support. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I strive to help clients develop resilience, self-understanding, and effective coping strategies. My multicultural background and fluency in Ukrainian allow me to connect with diverse populations and provide nuanced, culturally sensitive care. I believe in empowering clients to discover their inherent strengths and navigate life's challenges with confidence and hope. Every individual's journey is unique, and I'm honored to walk alongside you as you pursue personal growth and healing.
Carolyn Smith
Our work together starts with the premise that you are enough. My goal is to create genuine, safe, and playful space where you can explore and grow. We will focus on what feels most significant to you as we discuss your experiences. As we progress in our work together, so can your potential for confidence and self-compassion. You may also find yourself deepening your relationships through becoming more comfortable with expressing your thoughts and feelings. My goal is to facilitate your ability to be your most authentic self.
Crystal Kelly
As a licensed therapist in Florida, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My approach centers on empowering clients through compassionate, culturally-informed counseling that honors each person's unique journey. I have extensive experience addressing challenges like depression, relationship dynamics, trauma recovery, and self-esteem development. My therapeutic practice focuses on creating a warm, affirming space where clients can explore personal growth, heal from past experiences, and develop meaningful strategies for emotional wellness. I am particularly passionate about supporting young adults, women, and individuals working through social anxiety, attachment issues, and life transitions. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I help clients build resilience, improve communication, and cultivate self-love. My work is grounded in understanding the intersections of personal experience, cultural identity, and emotional healing. I am committed to walking alongside my clients with genuine empathy, respect, and professional guidance.
Natalia Coss
I am a mental health counselor licensed in Florida with 4 years of experience working in clinical practice. I work with clients who experience a wide range of symptoms and concerns, including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD, ADHD, stress, coping with life changes and anger management. I have also worked with many people who have experienced trauma and emotional abuse. My therapy style is warm 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, humanistic, psychodynamic, TIR and EFT. 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!
Find a Therapist Near You in Lely , 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 Lely.
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.