Is life like a quiet relaxing stroll along the river walk? Or do you feel like you're trudging down a busy city street? If you're having more daily trudges instead of relaxing strolls because of personal hardships, a qualified counselor or therapist may be able to help.

Consider reaching out to a mental health professional today if you're suffering from mental illness, struggling to cope with trauma or loss, or just need someone to talk to about relationship or family difficulties. A wealth of Live Oak-area therapists are available to provide you with the support you need to enjoy more strolls than trudges.

This is Diane Poehlman's avatar and link to their profile

Diane Poehlman

Offering therapy in FL
License: LMHC
AddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
30 years of experience

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and have more than 30 years of experience. I was born and raised in upstate New York but have traveled and lived in many areas of the United States which has allowed me to learn about different cultures, world views and belief systems. I love working with people and supporting and assisting folks to create and live the life they choose. I have worked in inpatient and outpatient settings, group homes, foster care, juvenile justice clients, dual diagnoses and mental health clients. I believe that everyone deserves to live a life of contentment and self acceptance. To that end, therapy can be very helpful in removing roadblocks and resolving issues that keep us from moving ahead in our lives. I have experience with addressing addictions, LGBT issues, depression, Bi-polar Disorder, anger, self esteem, anxiety, grief and loss, family and relationship issues. It is helpful to identify issues from the past that may effect how we function in the present, let go and/or create a way of being and looking at the world so that it supports our life journey. I utilize cognitive behavior as well as reality therapy, teach the tools needed to reach goals, look for solutions and stay focused on the positive.

Get started View profile
This is Heidi Brescher's avatar and link to their profile

Heidi Brescher

Offering therapy in FL
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietySelf esteem
3 years of experience

In the beginning of my career, I worked primarily at inpatient crisis psychiatric facilities. Besides providing a comprehensive education about many psychological conditions, I enjoyed seeing clients make great progress when they gained the tools they needed. Later I transitioned to forensic social work and most of my clients were returning citizens (individuals who had been formerly incarcerated). During that work I decided to go back to school and for my MSW with the intention of getting my license. I got my MSW in 2017 and am still working with forensic clients. A lot of my therapist colleagues had great things to say about BetterHelp so I decided try it. As a clinician, I want to be a partner, not an expert. You are the expert on you. I hope to join with you to seek and apply tools that can create the change you are looking for. My training is primarily in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is evidence based. I've also worked with motivational interviewing and solution-focused brief therapy. The focus of my clinical work has been predominantly with anxiety and depression. There are many interventions that can bring relief for these symptoms and I find it very hopeful to see clients be able to reduce their suffering. Online therapy doesn’t necessarily take the same form as in-person therapy. I’m very open to alternatives to video sessions, such as live chat or messaging. Some clients find it useful to use the messaging feature in the same way as they might a journal. We can communicate in that way if it feels like a good fit for you. I’m very mindful that not everyone is comfortable with video or phone sessions.

Get started View profile
This is Ann Voorhees 's avatar and link to their profile

Ann Voorhees

Offering therapy in FL
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
38 years of experience

I recently decided to return to my passion for directly supporting others through psychotherapy after working many, many years as a psychiatric and human services administrator. I completed my graduate degree in 1986 and began my clinical career assessing and treating children who were suspected of being sexually abused; I went on to treat adult survivors of abuse and adolescent sex offenders. Since then, my practice has expanded to adults and mature adults experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression - whose work and life are impacted by feelings of sadness, low self-worth, emotional and physical fatigue and anger. My counseling 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, psychodynamic and rational-emotive counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek 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 look forward to working with you!

Get started View profile
This is Molly Giannotta's avatar and link to their profile

Molly Giannotta

Offering therapy in FL
License: MS,LMHC,RPT
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteemADHD
7 years of experience

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida. I am also a Nationally Certified Counselor and a Registered Play Therapist. I have been working with adults, children, adolescents and families for about 5 years now. I have additional trainings in areas such as infant mental health, sand tray therapy, nurturing parent training and child parent relationship therapy. I practice from a client focused way of being. and a cognitive therapy way of intervening. In addition, when possible I like to provide alternative ways of processing such as expressive arts. In conjunction to providing therapy, I have been teaching courses to college students such as Child Psychology and Psychology of Personality. I believe this experience adds to my abilities as a counselor. My focus has been in trauma since graduate school, primarily abuse, but my experiences cover an array of other difficulties. I am passionate about helping others and strive to be a support system for those working through difficult times. I hope you choose me to be there with you through this journey.

Get started View profile
This is Rose Marie Amico's avatar and link to their profile

Rose Marie Amico

Offering therapy in FL
License: LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepression
32 years of experience

Welcome. My name is Rose Marie Amico. I am a Florida Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist with over 30 years’ experience providing psychotherapy to children, adolescents, adults, families, couples, and groups. I received my Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from The College for Developmental Studies in Los Angeles, California. I have extensive experience with trauma (including past and present sexual abuse), stress, developmental immaturity, addiction/compulsive behaviors, mood and anxiety disorders, relationship issues, family dynamics, unresolved grief and loss issues, and personal growth challenges. My experience has taught me to adapt to the needs of my clients, their comfort level, their readiness for change, safety, communication style and form of processing. My approach is interactive, using a variety of treatment modalities.

Get started View profile
This is michelle mcnealy's avatar and link to their profile

michelle mcnealy

Offering therapy in FL
License: LMHC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
20 years of experience

Hello my name is Michelle McNealy. I have extensive experience in the path of changing lives. I am a graduate from Capella University in Counseling Studies with my M.S. degree. I am currently license in the sate of Florida as a License Mental Health Counselor. After many years of helping others, I have found that today’s society there is a need for a more Holistic(Mind, Body and Spirit) approach to Mental Health counseling. Without the labels of contemporary diagnosis that tend to marginalize individuals within workforce as well as the personal realm. However for those individuals that need proper clinical assessments as well as diagnosing and treatment , During this journey I have crossed the paths of individuals from all socioeconomic status from clients in the prison system, to adults living the more affluential areas of Florida., as well as with the elderly while allowing each them to change their own reality of existence. I also posses proficiency in the skills of diagnosing and treating clients with such disorders as; Trauma, Anxiety, Depression Mood Disorders PTSD Human Traffick Servivors and many more.. Overall I have found that this Person-Centered Holistic approach disallows limitation of just treating the mind/mental but incorporates health and spirit. Through such techniques as meditations, relaxation, CBT, FFT, anxiety, depression, LGBTT and SFT TF-CBT, diet and exercise .

Get started View profile
This is John Rubinov's avatar and link to their profile

John Rubinov

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTSelf esteemADHD
5 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, lgbt-related issues, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. 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.

Get started View profile
This is Gilbertte Berthier's avatar and link to their profile

Gilbertte Berthier

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
7 years of experience

I am a clinical social worker licensed in Florida with almost 7 years of experience working as a mental health therapist and a school social worker. My pronouns are she/her/hers. I have worked with individuals, couples, and families with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, trauma, abuse, low self-esteem, anger control problems, ADHD/ADD, financial stress, and interpersonal relationship issues. You will be provided with a space that is warm, safe and non-judgmental. A space where you can express yourself, and a therapist who is ready to provide the support you need. I believe that we are human first before anything else, and if we can start there then we are off to a great start. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and dialectical behavioral therapy. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Sometimes it is hard to see the path ahead when you can barely see your next step. Let that be the step we take on your new journey to healing. Whatever challenges you’re experiencing may have knocked you down, but it will not knock you out. There is no such thing as the perfect person, just a better version of who you were yesterday, today. 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!

Get started View profile
This is Jessica Kemp's avatar and link to their profile

Jessica Kemp

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
22 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 22 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. I also have experience working with depression. I 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.

Get started View profile
This is Dr. James Young's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. James Young

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemADHD
9 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma experiences, motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with concentration, memory and focus (adhd) for school aged clients and adults. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. The LGBTQIA community is one that is an area that I have specific expertise to assist individual clients and families to navigate with support and sincerity. I believe that taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process today and moving forward.

Get started View profile

How to find counseling in Live Oak

Finding the best therapist close by in Live Oak 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 Live Oak. 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 Live Oak, 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 Live Oak 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 Live Oak 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 Live Oak, elsewhere in Suwannee, 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 Live Oak area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Live Oak 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 Live Oak 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 Live Oak 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 Live Oak, 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 Live Oak 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 Live Oak 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 Live Oak 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 Live Oak 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 Live Oak 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 32064 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 Live Oak 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 Live Oak 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 Live Oak, 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.

Live Oak 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 Live Oak.

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

32064

Popular cities near Live Oak, FL

Find the right therapist for your needs
Match with a qualified therapist