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.
Melissa Pesce
Meaningful change happens when you feel both supported and challenged. My approach is direct, supportive and compassionate. Creating a space where you can feel safe to explore your experiences while being encouraged to move toward your goals. I am passionate about empowering individuals to recognize their strengths, deepen their self-awareness, and develop the insight needed to create lasting change. Together, we will work to bring greater clarity, direction, and purpose to your life while fostering accountability, growth, and personal evolution. I strive to create an open-minded, nonjudgmental environment that promotes healing, resilience, and transformation. Whether you are navigating relationship challenges, life transitions, anxiety, or personal growth, I will meet you where you are while helping you move toward where you want to be. My integrative therapeutic approach combines trauma-focused, cognitive behavioral, and mindfulness-based interventions tailored to your unique needs and goals. I also incorporate evidence-based techniques including strengths-based, solution-focused, family systems, holistic, client-centered, and culturally sensitive approaches. By drawing from a variety of therapeutic modalities, I am able to provide individualized care that supports healing, fosters self-discovery, and empowers you to create meaningful and sustainable change. Please feel free to reach out about my office hours. I offer 30 minute video or phone sessions. I look forward to helping you grow and move you forward into the next chapter in your life. Let’s get started!
Margaret Johnston
I am a LMHC therapist, public speaker community organizer, social and environmental activist and have been listening for decades. I received my formal education at University of North Florida as Master of Clinical Psychotherapy, 2013. I also took a 9-month internship under Ed Wilder, in Clinical Pastoral Education, in deep listening. I worked in the Talk program at Wounded Warrior for 8 months- the warriors talked; I listened. Did you go through trauma? Are you, right now, in a high stress situation? Do you keep losing your patience or your professionalism at the wrong moment and you don’t know why? Do you keep getting in your own way? I use Trauma Supportive Therapy to safely address, as slowly as need be, the pain of the past that keeps coming to trip your defenses at all the wrong moments, in your present. I can be that supporting presence who will help sort it out by listening- really hearing you. Reflect your depth of feelings back to you. Validate what are your unmet emotional needs. I practice the therapy of defining personal meaning, so, together we will facilitate your thinking of your options, planning, purpose, and goals for living a meaningful life without being afraid of tripping over your past or yourself. I practice person centered therapy by meeting you where you are. I strive to be culturally sensitive, non-prejudicial and use strength-based therapy as a jump point, truly believing I am the guide for you, but you are the treasure/wisdom keeper. Of all the reasons people come to therapy: anger, guilt, anxiety, changes, transitions, depression, trauma, jealousy, and “it is just not working anymore”, the extra burden of race and racism is more than just a nuance to be nodded at in therapy. I will view race as central to all the other pieces, when it is central to you. I am inclusive, secular, competent, affirming and non-judgmental. I have worked with people in transition, people who are very much defined, “but things got complicated”, people in the communities of LGBTQA, Polyamory, Kink, non-gendered. Each are safe and welcome here.
Wayne Rowan
I am a licensed therapist (LCSW) in both Florida and New York. I am a Master's Level Certified Addiction Professional (MCAP) in Florida and a Certified Addiction & Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) in New York. I bring over eighteen (18) years of dedicated experience in supporting individuals through complex life challenges. The last four (4) of those years were with Betterhelp. My professional approach is based on a Strengths Perspective. It centers on helping clients achieve emotional wellness, with specialized expertise in addressing depression, anxiety, relationship dynamics, and especially, addiction recovery. I focus on empowering individuals to develop deeper self-understandings of themselves, to improve their communication skills, and to overcome the personal barriers in their way. My practice is particularly attuned to supporting older adults and individuals experiencing workplace challenges, isolation in general, and stressful life transitions. My therapeutic style emphasizes a compassionate, goal-oriented path through collaborative work and guided discovery. The aims of therapy are to explore personal growth, to heal from past experiences, and to develop meaningful strategies that help generate more fulfilling lives. Whether you're struggling with emotional pain, seeking purpose in life, and/or working through interpersonal challenges, we'll put our heads together and work to resolve those issues. I provide supportive, non-judgmental care in relationships that are neither normal-abnormal, ordinate-subordinate, nor superior-inferior.
Richard Whitton
I am licensed in Florida with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, & bipolar disorder. I also have experience working with 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Iren Royter
I am licensed in Florida with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients coping with family conflicts, addiction, motivation, self-esteem, confidence, and 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.
Althea Fraser
I am licensed in Florida with 8 years of professional work experience. 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. I use an Integrative Counseling approach, with an emphasis on Cognitive Behavioral and Solution Focused Therapy. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Dr. Damaris Davila Negron
I am a fully bilingual in English and Spanish licensed in Florida with 21 years of professional work experience. I have 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!
Vivian Pazos
I am licensed in Florida with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients facing crisis situations, I can help clients with stress and anxiety to learn grounded and breathing techniques and also identify the triggers for their anxiety, developing with then correspondent cope mechanism. If you or a loved one is dealing with relationship issues, family conflicts I can helped then to reach their goals and learn peaceful resolution of conflicts and basic techniques for assertive communication. Are you dealing with lack of motivation, poor self esteem, and confidence. ? I 'm here to serve you to reach your potentials. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared meeting the standards of privacy and confidentiality ,without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
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.
Yvette Sabater-Lenk
I provide compassionate, individualized therapy for children, teens, and adults, helping clients navigate behavioral challenges, developmental disabilities, and emotional difficulties. My work focuses on supporting individuals with anxiety, depression, and complex personality concerns, including borderline personality traits. I have specialized training in evidence-based approaches tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. This includes strategies for emotion regulation, coping skills development, and behavioral interventions designed to improve daily functioning and relationships. My experience encompasses working with a diverse population, including clients with developmental disabilities, behavioral disorders, and mood or personality challenges. My goal is to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to make meaningful changes in their lives. I collaborate closely with families, caregivers, and support systems when appropriate, ensuring a holistic approach to mental health and personal growth. Ofrezco terapia compasiva e individualizada para niños, adolescentes y adultos, apoyando a los clientes en el manejo de desafíos conductuales, discapacidades del desarrollo y dificultades emocionales. Mi práctica se centra en ayudar a las personas a manejar la ansiedad, la depresión y preocupaciones complejas de personalidad, incluyendo rasgos de personalidad límite. Con formación especializada en enfoques basados en la evidencia, adapto la terapia a las necesidades únicas de cada cliente. Mi trabajo incluye enseñar regulación emocional, desarrollar habilidades de afrontamiento e implementar estrategias conductuales que mejoren el funcionamiento diario y fortalezcan las relaciones. Tengo experiencia trabajando con una población diversa, incluyendo personas con discapacidades del desarrollo, trastornos de conducta y desafíos emocionales o de personalidad. Mi objetivo es crear un espacio seguro y sin juicios, donde los clientes se sientan escuchados, comprendidos y empoderados para lograr cambios significativos en sus vidas. Colaboro estrechamente con familias, cuidadores y sistemas de apoyo cuando es apropiado, asegurando un enfoque integral y de acompañamiento en la salud mental y el crecimiento personal.
Christy Evans
As a licensed therapist in Florida, I specialize in supporting individuals through life's complex emotional landscapes. My professional approach centers on helping clients navigate challenging experiences, including depression, anxiety, grief, and significant life transitions. I have extensive experience working with diverse populations, from children to young adults to older individuals facing midlife challenges. My therapeutic practice focuses on addressing communication difficulties, feelings of isolation, and struggles with purpose and identity. I am particularly passionate about supporting women through various life stages, including pregnancy, postpartum experiences, and workplace dynamics. My work also encompasses helping individuals heal from trauma, manage relationship challenges, and develop healthy coping strategies. I believe in creating a compassionate, collaborative space where clients can explore their emotions, develop resilience, and cultivate meaningful personal growth. My goal is to empower individuals to understand themselves more deeply and build stronger, more fulfilling connections in their personal and professional lives.
Marisol Scarpati
As a licensed therapist with two decades of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on helping clients address depression, anxiety, trauma, and challenges with self-esteem through a compassionate, culturally responsive lens. I bring bilingual expertise in English and Spanish, allowing me to connect deeply with diverse communities. My approach is rooted in understanding each person's unique journey, with a focus on healing from isolation, social anxiety, and interpersonal struggles. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I create a supportive environment where clients can explore self-love, improve communication, and work through feelings of guilt and shame. My goal is to empower individuals to develop healthier coping strategies and build resilience. I am committed to providing affirming, personalized care that honors each client's individual experiences and cultural background. Together, we can work towards meaningful personal growth and emotional well-being.
Heather Richards
I'm a therapist with extensive experience supporting individuals through life's most meaningful challenges. My work centers on helping clients navigate stress, anxiety, relationship dynamics, and intimacy concerns with compassion and authenticity. I specialize in working with LGBTQ+ clients, older adults, and individuals exploring diverse relationship structures. I'm particularly skilled at addressing self-esteem, communication patterns, and the deeper emotional work around guilt, shame, and forgiveness. I also support clients navigating life transitions—including midlife shifts, divorce, career concerns, and aging—as well as trauma recovery, body image, and sexuality. My approach honors the full complexity of your identity and experience. I create a space where you can explore questions of life purpose, family patterns, and personal values without judgment. Whether you're working through attachment wounds, caregiver stress, or questions about commitment and desire, I'm here to help you build greater self-love and authenticity. I draw on evidence-based therapeutic practices to support insight and sustainable change at your own pace. My goal is to walk alongside you with genuine care, curiosity, and respect as you move toward greater wholeness and connection. I can help you learn to communicate better in all of your relationships, feel more connected to the important people in your life, create a sense of hope & direction in your life, relieve feelings of frustration, depression, or anxiety & enhance all relationships, sexual or other. We can help give you the tools to change your thinking, behavior, & feelings to create positive outcomes forever.
Jerline Baltimore
I’m Jerline, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over a decade of experience helping individuals and families navigate life’s challenges. I specialize in supporting clients experiencing anxiety, stress, career difficulties, life transitions, sleep concerns, depression, ADHD, and the emotional impact of chronic illness or other medical challenges. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by work, adjusting to a medical diagnosis, struggling with anxiety or insomnia, or looking for greater balance and purpose, I provide a warm, supportive, and nonjudgmental space where you can feel heard and understood. Together, we’ll build practical coping skills, strengthen resilience, and create meaningful, lasting change. I also offer parenting coaching for caregivers raising children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, behavioral concerns, and other psychiatric or developmental conditions. I help parents improve communication, manage challenging behaviors, navigate school and community resources, reduce caregiver stress, and feel more confident in supporting their child’s emotional and developmental needs. My therapeutic approach is collaborative, strengths-based, and tailored to your unique goals. I integrate evidence-based techniques, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, mindfulness, and trauma-informed care, to help you overcome obstacles, improve emotional well-being, and build a life that aligns with your values.
*BetterHelp insurance availability, coverage, and cost may vary by state, plan, provider network, therapist availability, and deductible status.
Find a therapist near you in Live Oak, Florida
Finding a therapist near you in Live Oak, Florida starts with matching to a licensed professional who fits your needs, schedule, and goals. Florida is home to people with diverse mental health needs across urban, suburban, and rural communities, which can make it challenging to find care. BetterHelp connects you with a licensed therapist through tailored matching, so you can begin care from home or wherever works for you.
The network includes over 30,000 licensed therapists globally, and over 4 million people have used BetterHelp to find support through online therapy. During matching, 93% of user preferences are met, which helps you connect with a therapist suited to what you are looking for. Whether you are searching for help with anxiety, trauma, affordable or insurance covered therapy, weekend or flexible scheduling, or virtual sessions, you can find a therapist and get started when you are ready.
Why work with a licensed therapist near you?
Working with a licensed therapist near you gives you access to professional mental health support from someone trained to help you understand and manage what you are going through. A licensed therapist can offer evidence-based approaches, a steady space to talk, and guidance tailored to your situation. In Florida, online therapy can make that care more accessible, since sessions happen from home or wherever you are, without the need to travel to an office. This can help if your schedule is full, if travel is difficult, or if you simply prefer a more discreet setting. You can learn more about what a therapist does on the therapist role page.
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 can help with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety and stress, depression, trauma and PTSD, self-esteem and identity, people-pleasing and fear of rejection, insomnia and racing thoughts, workplace stress and burnout, substance use, parenting and co-parenting stress, grief and loss, and relationship and family challenges. Therapists on BetterHelp may draw on approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), depending on your needs and goals. You can explore support for specific concerns on pages such as generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and eating disorders.
Please note that therapists on BetterHelp do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses.
Online therapy vs. in-person therapy in Florida
Online therapy and in-person therapy both connect you with a licensed professional, and the main difference is how you meet. In Florida, online therapy through BetterHelp lets you have sessions by phone, video, or in-app messaging, so you can meet from home or on a schedule that fits your life. In-person therapy takes place at an office and may involve travel and set appointment windows. Online therapy may be more accessible for people with busy schedules, limited transportation, or a preference for a more discreet setting. Both formats can support meaningful progress, so the right choice often comes down to what fits your life.
Finding a therapist that accepts insurance in Florida
BetterHelp accepts insurance through many major insurance plans. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability, and deductible status. Eligible members' average copay is $23 per session.
You can check your in-network status on the BetterHelp site through the sign up flow. If you prefer to pay without insurance, BetterHelp subscriptions range from $70 to $100 per week, billed as an alternative way to access the same care, and you can use HSA and FSA funds toward the cost. For a full breakdown of how BetterHelp works with insurance plans, see BetterHelp insurance coverage.
How BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in Florida
BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in Florida through personalized matching that considers your needs, preferences, and goals. After you answer a few questions during the sign up flow, you can be matched with a licensed therapist from a network of over 30,000 professionals, and 93% of user preferences are met during matching. The search and location matching cover common near-me needs, including anxiety, trauma, affordable or sliding-scale support, weekend or flexible scheduling, and virtual sessions. If your first match is not the right fit, you can switch therapists at no extra cost. When you are ready, you can get started and begin the process.
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 near you can vary by provider, format, and payment method. With BetterHelp, subscriptions range from $70 to $100 per week, and you can use HSA and FSA funds toward the cost. BetterHelp also accepts insurance through many major insurance plans, and eligible members' average copay is $23 per session. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability, and deductible status.
Does BetterHelp accept insurance?
Yes. BetterHelp accepts insurance through many major insurance plans. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability. Eligible members' average copay is $23 per session. Check your in-network status on the BetterHelp site through the sign up flow. For a full breakdown of how BetterHelp works with insurance plans, see BetterHelp insurance coverage.
Is online therapy effective?
Online therapy can be an effective way to receive licensed mental health care for many common concerns. Research suggests that online therapy may support progress in ways comparable to in-person care for concerns such as anxiety and depression. On BetterHelp, you connect with a licensed therapist who can use evidence-based approaches such as CBT and DBT, and you can meet by phone, video, or in-app messaging.
Do I need a diagnosis to see a therapist?
No, you do not need a diagnosis to see a therapist. Many people begin therapy to work through stress, life changes, relationships, or personal growth without any diagnosis. Please note that therapists on BetterHelp do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses. If you are looking for a starting point, personalized matching can connect you with a licensed therapist suited to your goals.
How quickly can I start therapy?
You can often start therapy within 24 to 48 hours of signing up with BetterHelp. After you answer a few questions during the sign up flow, personalized matching connects you with a licensed therapist, and you can schedule your first session once you are matched. This process is designed to help you begin care at your own pace, without a long wait.
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 discreet?
Online therapy with BetterHelp offers a discreet setting where you can connect with a licensed therapist from the comfort of your home. Sessions take place by phone, video, or in-app messaging, so you can meet without going into an office. Your account and sessions are protected with strong safeguards, and you choose how and where you attend. This can make therapy feel more comfortable for people who prefer a discreet way to get support.
Find a Therapist in Live Oak, Florida
Ready to begin? BetterHelp can match you with a licensed therapist serving Live Oak and the surrounding FL area. When you are ready to take the next step, get started.