The City of Okeechobee is the county seat of Okeechobee County, Florida and has a population of approximately 5691 individuals. It is located on the banks of Lake Okeechobee, which is the largest freshwater lake in Florida and the 8th largest natural freshwater lake in the United States. It is also the site of the first recorded category five hurricanes in the North Atlantic in 1928.

Disasters such as the 1928 hurricane can cause post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and other mental health concerns. If you have any signs or symptoms of any mental illness or just have questions or concerns, talk to one of the many Okeechobee area therapists for help.

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Courtney Coggan

Offering therapy in FL
License: M.S.,LMHC,NCC
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
5 years of experience

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Nationally Certified Counselor, and Board Certified Telehealth Professional with over 10 years of experience in the mental health field. With a Master’s Degree in Counseling and Psychology, I have worked with individuals presenting with a wide range of concerns including anxiety, depression, and the symptoms of stress. I have experience with those dealing with transitions in life such as relationship issues/divorce, returning to work/career change, experiencing a personal loss/familial conflict, etc. I help people struggling with self-esteem, confidence, and self-worth, and those who identify in the LGBTQ+ community. Additionally, I have worked in the education field and have helped many students overcome the personal obstacles getting in the way of them being successful in school. I have a deep respect for those who reach out for help because I know how difficult that can be. For counseling, I utilize a strength based and person centered approach that is humanistic and values the therapeutic relationship. I believe it’s important to use evidence based practices that have been proven through research to show the best results possible. My techniques include motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, and brief solution focused intervention. Every person is different in their needs and I think it’s important to meet clients where they are. I help create a safe space where you know there is no judgment and what is said is confidential. I have dedicated my time to connecting with people and helping them develop a plan to not only overcome the tough times, but also grow in their ability to deal with whatever life hands us next. Counseling has the ability to enhance your life for the better, and I’d love to take that journey with you.

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Sara Dabney

Offering therapy in FL
License: LCSW,LMT,YTT
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
5 years of experience

A little about my educational background and experience: I began as a Yoga Teacher while I obtained my License in Massage Therapy in 2014. I obtained my Masters in Social Work from The University of South Florida, where I also received Title IV funding for an emphasis in Child Maltreatment as well as participated in graduate research no HIV & PTSD Symptomatology. A little about my practice- I utilize CBT- Mindfulness Techniques, Motivational Interviewing and client centered care. I welcome all faiths, genders/nonconforming, sexual orientations and walks of life. Remember, changing the things you think about might just change the way you think about things. *Currently off Sun & Mon , available Sat*

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Stalburn VanSluytman

Offering therapy in FL
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsAnger managementDepression
40 years of experience

My interest in individual and social psychology developed when I was an undergraduate at Howard University in the latter part of the 1960s. While working my way through school I somehow also found time to provide volunteer services at various non-profit agencies in around the Washington DC area. After graduating with a degree in Sociology I worked at Federal Government clerical jobs crunching numbers but I really wanted to work with "real" people. I soon started working in case management and substance abuse counseling in New York City. I was recommended to enter a special accelerated graduate program in Clinical Social Work at Adelphi University by the director at one of the agencies. The Clinical degree launched my entry into a more research-based and specialized area of the field which had grown with the myriad social changes that were taking place in the country (substance abuse; HIV epidemic; two paycheck households; etc.). I moved to Florida in the 1990s I had to make adjustments to a culture that I was unfamiliar with but quickly assimilated to. I had the good fortune of working for some of the best agencies as well as having a successful run as an independent practitioner. I eventually spent my last ten years of employment as a mental health therapist for the Florida Department of Corrections before retiring in 2014. Over the years I have worked with individuals and groups from all walks of life and with a wide variety of concerns. I have also done presentations at schools and churches on the issue of emotional disorders and ways of identifying some of the symptoms in students. My training in Clinical Social Work would be categorized as a psychodynamic approach however, I have been trained in Cognitive Behavioral Approach and have been a certified trainer and Supervisor of Masters level therapists in the use of that method. Since retirement I have done some part-time quality-control work for a Community Mental Health Center and have been active in doing volunteer work with Big Brothers/Big Sisters, a local Hospice Center, and the American Cancer Society, however, these have been put on hold since the emergence of the COVID pandemic.

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Edgar Pena

Offering therapy in FL
AddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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.

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Genevieve Introcaso

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyGriefCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
8 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker in Florida with 8 years of professional experience. I utilize a strengths-based perspective to help clients better cope with stress and anxiety, but also have a passion for working with clients navigating chronic illness, grief, loss, relationship challenges and 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I applaud you for getting started!

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Felipe Regueira

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsDepressionCoping with life changes
4 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 4 years of professional work experience. My counseling style is easy going and introspective, while always helping clients learn to manage their stressful emotions in a healthy manner. I hope to provide objectivity in assessing a client’s life patterns so they can be seen in a more positive light and transgressed if a client sees it as appropriate. My goal is also to teach you tools to address your concerns on your own so that your time with me will pay dividends once our time together is over.

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Dr. Katina Hill-Thompson

Offering therapy in FL
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesDepression
19 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 19 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with depression, relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & intimacy related issues. 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!

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Jesse Taylor

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
17 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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!

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Ester Vinnik

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCompassion fatigue
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 grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, LGBTQ+ related concerns, confidence, & 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.

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Simone Escalante

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changesCoaching
3 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, depression, & coping with life changes. 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!

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How to find counseling in Okeechobee

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Okeechobee 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 Okeechobee 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 Okeechobee 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 Okeechobee, 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 Okeechobee 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 Okeechobee 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 Okeechobee 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 Okeechobee 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 Okeechobee 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 34973 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 Okeechobee 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 Okeechobee 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 Okeechobee, 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.

Okeechobee 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 Okeechobee.

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

34972, 34973, 34974

Popular cities near Okeechobee, FL

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