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.
Kristhel Vallejo
Hello and welcome! My name is Kristhel Vallejo and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida. First and foremost, I want to commend you for taking the first steps towards seeking therapeutic services. I understand that therapy can be a difficult process, however, I am confident that I will be able to provide you with the necessary tools, support and guidance. I am a strong believer that each person has the power within them to reach a sense of mental and emotional well-being. I view each individual as unique and therefore tailor my therapeutic approach to the needs of each person. I pride myself in being an empathetic, warm, caring and non-judgemental therapist. It is my hope that you will allow me to work with you during this process.
David Potts
Hi! my name is David Potts and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have been working as a licensed mental health therapist on the Gulf Coast of Southwest Florida for 14 years. I have been with Better Help now for almost 5 years. I love what the online platform of Better Help offers to the clients with many options that are offered. I have been working as a psychotherapist/clinical social worker with individuals, teens, young adults and adults of all ages. I have also worked with the family dynamic for most of my career. Since working with Better Help, I have found that working outside my community and on this platform has extended my practice to many parts of the world! My area of expertise has been working with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting dilemmas, stress in school or work, grief-loss, motivation, other life stressors. Other areas include working with Bi-Polar Disorders and ADHD/ADD. I have also worked with adults who experienced severe and persistent mental health issues that included schizophrenia, personality disorders, and alcohol/substance addiction and abuse. I have worked in many clinical settings including working in outpatient and residential settings. I have specialized working with teens who have experienced abandonment, loss of family, parents and/or home. Some of these teens also had a history of physical trauma, sexual or emotional abuse, and alcohol/substance addiction. My counseling style is open and engaging, and I approach all my clients with commitment and compassion. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral therapy, existential, psychodynamic, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused therapies. I will adjust my approaches and treatment plan to follow your individual needs and to meet your goals. I like to seek root causes of the issues that may be interfering with life that can sometimes become very overwhelming and frustrating that can interrupt with striving to have a better quality of life. I like to look at the cause and affect approach with the hope is that you can make the small changes necessary to find happiness. Progress not perfection is what I like to say. I am glad that you are taking this first step in seeking positive change. I am here to encourage and support you in your therapeutic journey! If is a new therapy experience, then I hope to be able to take you to your next step in finding what you are looking for. I look forward to meeting you and working with you!
Sunny Philip
As a licensed therapist with more than two decades of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals through complex life challenges. My practice focuses on addressing depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, and self-esteem concerns with compassionate, personalized care. I have extensive expertise in helping clients navigate self-image, communication problems, social anxiety, relationship dynamics, and personal growth. My approach is holistic and adaptive, drawing from evidence-based practices to meet each client's unique needs. Whether you're struggling with life transitions, family dynamics, or personal healing, I provide a supportive environment that honors your individual journey. I'm committed to helping you develop meaningful strategies for emotional wellness and personal transformation. With professional proficiency in English, Hindi, and Malayalam, I offer culturally sensitive therapeutic support that respects diverse backgrounds and experiences. My goal is to create a collaborative, affirming space where you can explore your challenges and discover your inner strengths.
April Lewis
I am a licensed Clinician and Certified Tele-mental therapist with over 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients various issues including stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship and family issues, & coping with grief and loss. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
Jerrold Jacobson
My ideal client might be any individual in need of assistance to help themselves feel better, more capable-confident and able to resolve whatever 'problems in living' have interrupted their lives. There are times we may need the support of another caring person, perhaps not directly involved with our lives, to listen, reflect, help us consider alternative approaches. This perspective remains central to my intervention techniques, delivered with sensitivity to individual needs. My specialty is born of the blending of two bodies of knowledge, one focused on interpreting everything as behavior through the lens of learning theory and the other chemical dependency/abuse of substances (CAP). The intersection of these areas can be fruitful, giving rise to creative counseling applications & excellent outcomes. In addition, my practice evolved to include knowledge gained from groups, Anger Management, Batterers' Intervention Program, and Substance Abuse. As a seasoned professional counselor I've had the opportunity to work in a variety of settings, typically full-time employment supplemented by a private practice. Having been employed by an Area Agency on Aging in PA, since relocating to the State of Florida my most recent experience was with the Department of Juvenile Justice. Private practice has ranged from court-ordered (Anger Management, Batterers' Intervention Program, Substance Abuse) to EAP to self-referrals. It would be my distinct pleasure to assist you in addressing & resolving any identified issues contrributing to disturbance of your emotional balance. Please contact me at your earliest convenience; I look forward to meeting and working with you!
Ebony McCray-Holmes
As a licensed therapist in Florida, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex life transitions, relationship dynamics, and personal growth. My practice centers on empowering clients to develop deeper self-understanding, heal from past experiences, and cultivate meaningful connections. With extensive experience in trauma-informed care, I help clients address challenges related to self-esteem, family dynamics, workplace stress, and young adult transitions. My approach is compassionate and collaborative, focusing on communication skills, emotional resilience, and personal empowerment. I am particularly passionate about supporting women through transformative life stages, helping individuals overcome feelings of isolation, shame, and abandonment. By creating a safe, affirming space, I guide clients toward self-love, purpose, and healing from past wounds. My therapeutic work honors each person's unique journey, recognizing the strength and wisdom inherent in every individual's story. Together, we'll explore your experiences, build coping strategies, and create pathways toward meaningful, sustainable personal growth.
Lawrence "Anton" Feriozzi
I have a passionate commitment to provide each client with the approach and strategies that will best ensure they acquire their desired goals, prioritizing expeditious relief from unwanted symptoms. A major reason psychological pain is prolonged is because its causes remain elusive to the sufferer. Relief occurs as we discover and address their causes. Often, this only occurs in a special relationship where we feel comfortable discussing sensitive, confusing and painful issues. If efforts toward relief fail without this special relationship, as they typically do, each disappointment expands a threatening belief that we are beyond help. I lived with this threatening belief into midlife, until finding my special relationship with an extraordinary therapist. This experience played a critical role in my becoming a therapist to discover my vocational passion. In my years as a therapist, I have been honored to partner with a wide diversity of clients, facilitate their progress and witness so many of their life-affirming changes. I listen with compassion and a professional curiosity to sympathetically understand from the client's perspective. I place the highest importance on maintaining privacy and being free of moral judgment. I nourish hope, facilitate the client's discovering their unique path out of pain and into greater wholeness, for control over symptoms and toward the life they most authentically want. While having a psychodynamic orientation, I utilize many cognitive-behavioral strategies within a person-centered framework that prioritizes the client-therapist relationship. I have specific knowledge, experience and developed skills working with men, adolescents males, recent mothers, mother's with adolescent boys, gender specific issues, mature/older men and women, gay and lesbian issues, and with transgendered clients. While successful in treating a wide range of mental health problems in adults and adolescents, I have specialized training and experience treating individuals with trauma, depression, mood, personality, substance-abuse, co-occurring disorders and with men's issues.
Dr. Sarita Schapiro
Are you having trouble coping with everyday problems? Do you feel overwhelmed in trying to deal with a close personal relationship? Is your child or teen struggling or making poor choices, or are the challenges of parenting too much to handle? Are you going through a difficult life transition? Life situations can be stressful and can lead us to question our judgment and fill us with self-doubt. You try to address the issue, even with the support of family and friends, but this often does not lead to effective solutions. You may become depressed, frustrated, angry or anxious, or have difficulty managing your daily responsibilities. I am a Florida licensed Psychologist with over 30 years experience working in private practice and a variety of public settings, including clinics, hospitals, universities and correctional facilities. I served as expert witness in forensic cases involving trauma, head injury and custody. I am a bi-lingual (Spanish/English) therapist working with individuals, families and couples from different backgrounds. I develop a solution-focused dialogue to identify the problems that bring you in and re-frame them into realistic, workable goals. My aim is for you to leave each session feeling that you have learned a new way to approach your specific situation with strategies to try until our next appointment. My objective is to make every session productive. I combine cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and rational-emotive therapeutic approaches in therapy. My goal is to help you build resilience in dealing with life’s stresses. I focus on life skills coaching, parent guidance, problem solving, cognitive restructuring, and remediation using behavioral and practical strategies.
Karen Cino
I am licensed in Florida with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
Ashley Gersh
I am licensed in Florida with professional work experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Mary Pirant
I am licensed in Florida with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I am a strong believer that nothing happens until you start the process. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process of identifying your "why," I believe when seeking answers you must be ready to do the work associated with desired change.
Colleen Walker
With over 20 years of experience, I am passionate about helping individuals navigate life’s challenges and discover their inner strength. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, I have worked with children, adolescents, and adults, supporting them through stress, anxiety, depression, trauma, abuse, parenting concerns, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence building. I believe that you are the expert in your own life, and my role is to provide guidance, support, and encouragement as you work toward healing and personal growth. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and tailored to your unique needs. Whether you're facing difficult emotions, life transitions, or simply seeking self-improvement, I am here to walk alongside you. Taking the first step toward therapy can be empowering, and I am honored to be part of your journey. Together, we can work toward healing, resilience, and positive change.
Julian Laverde
I am licensed in Florida with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & despression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
Julian Echeverry
As a licensed therapist with two decades of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My practice focuses on helping clients address challenges like depression, anxiety, relationship dynamics, and trauma with compassionate, personalized care. I bring deep expertise in supporting individuals struggling with self-esteem, social anxiety, and life transitions. My bilingual background in English and Spanish allows me to connect with diverse communities, creating inclusive and understanding therapeutic spaces. My approach centers on empowering clients to develop self-love, improve communication, and rediscover their sense of purpose. Whether you're dealing with workplace stress, relationship difficulties, or working through past experiences, I'm committed to walking alongside you with empathy and professional guidance. I believe in a collaborative therapeutic journey that honors your unique experiences and strengths. Together, we can explore healing strategies that help you build resilience, find meaning, and create positive change in your life.
Find a Therapist Near You in Live Oak , 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 Live Oak.
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.