Samala Wallack
Caring for you in a safe, therapeutic online environment while promoting healing is my specialty. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) for 10+ years, who provides therapeutic services for young adults, adults, and families from diverse backgrounds. I work with individuals who may experience symptoms related to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Anxiety, Depression, Adjustment Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, and Gender Dysphoria,. My treatment approaches include utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, and artistic modalities to address a variety of challenges including but not limited to trauma, suicidality, self-esteem, academic performance, defiance, anger, depression, anxiety, parenting, and relationship issues. I also customize therapy to your personal situation and goals for treatment. I completed my Educational Specialist degree in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Missouri, Kansas City, and have a Master of Science in Counseling from Wright State University. I have a Bachelor of Science Degree in Counseling Psychology with a minor in Correctional Science from Oakwood University. My experience includes working with the child welfare system, public vocational rehabilitation system, in-home based therapy, residential treatment care, and outpatient therapy. Let’s partner together to promote healing one therapy session at a time!
Abraham Knowles
Hello! My name is Abraham Knowles and am a licensed clinical social worker with over 25 years of experience in Florida. I earned my Master’s degrees in Social Work and Public Health from the University of South Florida in 1995. I have since worked as a school social worker and also have worked in a variety of other fields including community mental health, substance abuse, and home health. I have worked with clients in a variety of modalities including individual, group, and family counseling as well as case management. I draw from a variety of counseling approaches but mostly cognitive behavioral and humanistic/ client centered therapies. I have helped clients with many presenting problems, especially depression, anxiety, and trauma. Outside of my work as a therapist/ social worker, I enjoy reading, movies, and theater as well as spending time with my wife (married 31 years) son (25), daughter (21), and grandson (4) at their various activities. I have been a volunteer with my church’s youth group for over 20 years. It takes courage to seek support to work through difficult issues and I’m proud of you for taking that first, very important step. I love listening to and supporting people through difficult circumstances and working with them to develop and implement a plan for improvement. I would love to work with you to provide support and assistance as you work toward symptom reduction, confidence, improved relationships, life purpose, and positive change.
Valerie Yost
Valerie Yost, MSW, LCSW I'm so glad that you are looking at therapist profiles to find someone that is right for you. That first step of establishing relationship is very important. I am a seasoned therapist with more than 15 years in private practice and a reputation for establishing good rapport with a wide variety of clients. It is a privilege to share your story and join you in your journey to greater health and peace. My training and experience have prepared me to work with those who are depressed, anxious, in troublesome relationships, experiencing medical illnesses, or wanting to understand themselves better. My approach is cognitive-behavioral with influence and interventions from problem-solving approaches, insight oriented therapy, emotional regulation strategies, and Christian therapy. I look forward to working with you as you invest your time and energy in bettering yourself.
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.
Stuart Marcus
I am licensed in Florida and Illinois with 35 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationships, family conflicts, trauma and abuse. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Jodi Jordan
I am licensed in Florida with 29 years of professional social work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, & anger management. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Francis Lopez
I am licensed in Florida with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Telisa Hayden
Telisa Hayden is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with a Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling from South University. She specializes in working with individuals, couples, and families, helping them navigate life’s challenges and build resilience through a supportive, non-judgmental, and compassionate therapeutic relationship. Known for her active listening and insightful approach, Telisa helps clients uncover their strengths and create personalized paths toward emotional wellness and meaningful change. She works with diverse populations and is experienced in treating a range of mental health and co-occurring conditions. Passionate about ongoing learning, Telisa stays current with evidence-based practices to offer the best care possible.
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!
Sheila Bellamy
I am licensed in Florida with 23 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Wendy Dunn
As a licensed therapist in Florida, I bring over two decades of compassionate mental health experience supporting individuals through life's complex challenges. My professional journey has been dedicated to helping clients navigate emotional wellness, with specialized expertise in addressing depression, anxiety, trauma, and life transitions. I am deeply committed to creating a supportive, empathetic therapeutic environment where individuals can explore their inner experiences and develop meaningful strategies for personal growth. My approach centers on understanding each client's unique story, strengths, and potential for healing. My clinical work focuses on supporting teens and adults through various emotional and psychological challenges. I draw from evidence-based practices to provide thoughtful, personalized care that honors each individual's journey toward emotional resilience and well-being. Through collaborative and compassionate counseling, I aim to help clients build self-understanding, develop effective coping skills, and create positive pathways toward emotional health and personal transformation.
Shaneiria Crews
As a licensed therapist in Florida, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on helping clients develop deeper self-understanding, overcome social anxiety, and build meaningful connections. I'm passionate about addressing challenges like isolation, communication difficulties, and personal growth. My therapeutic approach focuses on empowering individuals to cultivate self-love, explore life purpose, and work through feelings of guilt and shame. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I create a compassionate space where clients can develop healthier coping strategies and interpersonal skills. With expertise in addiction support and a commitment to understanding each person's unique journey, I strive to help clients break through barriers, develop greater self-awareness, and create more fulfilling lives. My work is grounded in respect, cultural sensitivity, and a belief in each person's inherent capacity for healing and transformation.
Michelle Agrela
As a licensed therapist in Florida, I bring over two decades of compassionate clinical experience supporting individuals through complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on helping clients navigate challenging life experiences, with specialized expertise in addressing depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, and self-esteem concerns. I approach therapy as a collaborative journey, creating a supportive and non-judgmental space where individuals can explore their deepest challenges. My work focuses on understanding communication dynamics, processing feelings of guilt and shame, and empowering clients to develop healthier emotional patterns. My therapeutic approach is grounded in evidence-based practices that honor each person's unique story and inherent strengths. I believe in meeting clients exactly where they are, offering gentle guidance and practical strategies to support meaningful personal transformation and emotional healing. Through years of dedicated clinical work, I've developed a profound commitment to supporting individuals as they rediscover their resilience, rebuild their sense of self, and create more fulfilling lives. I'm passionate about walking alongside my clients with empathy, respect, and genuine care.
Morgan Assidy
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Florida specializing in working with children, adolescents, adults, and families navigating high-stress and complex situations. With a professional background in juvenile justice, community mental health, and family services, I bring a deep understanding of the systems that impact my clients’ lives—including schools, courts, and child welfare. I have extensive experience supporting at-risk youth and adults, behavioral challenges, family conflict, and court-involved cases. I help clients manage issues such as anger, defiance, anxiety, trauma, and major life transitions, while also guiding parents in building structure, communication, and effective discipline strategies. My approach is direct, supportive, and solutions-focused. I use evidence-based practices such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and trauma-informed care to help clients develop practical skills, improve emotional regulation, and create lasting change. I believe therapy should not only provide insight, but also real tools that can be applied in everyday life. Having worked closely with probation, diversion programs, and community agencies, I am comfortable navigating complex systems and advocating for my clients when needed. I understand how overwhelming these processes can feel, and I work to make them more manageable and less intimidating for families. I am committed to creating a space where clients feel respected, understood, and empowered. Whether you are seeking support for your child, your family, or yourself, my goal is to help you move forward with clarity, confidence, and stability.
Find a Therapist Near You in Merritt Island , 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 Merritt Island.
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.