When it comes to finding a therapist, Orlando FL may seem like the place to be due to its higher population. But it’s not always easy to find the therapist that is right for you, even in more populated areas. For one thing, there are a number of therapeutic treatments available that are evidence-based and effective, but not all work equally well for different challenges. The therapy that you need may not be available in your area. In addition, it can be essential to have complete trust in your therapist and to feel comfortable sharing with them for therapy to be successful.
Online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp allows you to find the perfect therapist match. BetterHelp offers over 30,000 mental health care professionals who have experience in a variety of specialties such as treating anxiety or obsessive compulsive disorder, facilitating personal growth, working with teens, managing attention deficit disorder, and much more.
If you’re looking for someone to walk alongside you and help you to face life’s challenges, or to help you achieve personal growth, by filling out an online questionnaire at BetterHelp you will be matched with a therapist who meets your individual needs. And because the therapeutic relationship is so important, if for any reason you feel you need to change therapists, you can do so at no additional cost.
Self-doubt can sometimes get in the way of taking that first step toward improving mental health and wellbeing. If you’ve been thinking about trying therapy for stress management, or to focus on any other aspect of your wellness journey, then BetterHelp can offer you a way to find the right therapist to partner with you in facilitating positive change.
Phyllis Babrove
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Florida. I attended school later in life and I have worked in different areas of social work. The areas include working with children and families that are involved in abuse situations; crisis counseling; working with adolescents in a diversion program; family counseling; and as a school social worker. I also worked with children who had emotional and behavioral problems, and substance abuse issues. I co-facilitated parenting groups that taught parents how to communicate with their adolescent children. I am compassionate, empathetic, and I care deeply about people being happy. I am easy to talk to and nonjudgmental. I believe that everyone is equal and deserves to be treated with respect. My goal as a therapist is for people to reach their full potential and be satisfied with where they are in life. My approaches include Solution Focused Therapy, Systems Focused Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Writing Therapy. I work with individuals and couples. Entering into therapy is the first step towards making positive changes and I want to be a part of your journey. My hours are flexible and include evening and weekend availability.
J. Phyllis Brannen
I am a Florida Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Addictions Professional with 22 years experience in Private Practice, a Community Mental Health Center and an Alzheimer’s Foundation. I have worked with mental health issues and addictions; caregivers and care-receivers; as well as clients dealing with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, abuse, ADHD and numerous other concerns. My counseling style is interactive and responsive. Together, we will explore your challenges, build your coping skills and find solutions that work. My approach is eclectic, combining many aspects, including empowerment, cognitive and behavioral elements. Your counseling will respond to your unique individual needs. Your interest in counseling implies that you have the courage to change and grow. That is all you need to seek a happier, more fulfilling future. I am here to support and encourage you on this exciting journey!
Penny Howland
Penny has always practiced in a blend of medical and mental health settings in various venues and with many different populations, including dialysis, the terminally ill, grieving, substance abuse, adjustment disorders of all kinds. Penny uses whatever treatment modality is best to meet patients' goals . She believes strongly in the mind-body connection and has great respect for the resilience of the human being and the ability to adapt to life with balance and comfort. Penny received her BA and MSW from Wayne State University in Detroit, MI. She is a member of ACSW and NASW. Also CAP for all addictions.
Dr. Michaela Hammer
My specialty & love are helping individuals at transition points of their lives, with a focus from Adolescence to Mid-life and beyond. These are times of dealing with many changes in one's life. These changes may include family, friends, and your role in community. This is also a time when we are surrounded with "Transition Myths" i.e.; How we SHOULD be feeling, acting and thinking. Some of these are Memory Loss, Depression, Anxiety, Physical Fitness, Sexuality, and being Neurodivergent! My goals are to educate and separate myth from fact while helping YOU ease life's transitions so YOU can continue YOUR life with new hopes and dreams, respect and dignity. Each person is UNIQUE! Issues are NOT AGE SPECIFIC and can impact ANYONE at ANY age! With advanced education & experience, I offer Memory Loss & Cognitive functioning assessments. Not all memory loss is permanent. Let me help you down this journey. And I promise, while some professionals may hand you a diagnosis and walk away, I will provide you with all the research and resources I have to offer and will help you look for more answers. People should never have to go through life and hardships alone. One of my newer areas of focus, which was a great unmet need, has been providing counseling for those who have lost a "4-legged" family member. This is an area that I receive referrals not only from veterinarians but also family doctors and OB/GYNs, "I am referring Mrs. Smith as she recently lost her only child...her child was her 20 year old cat, Roxie..." I offer counseling for Pet Grief & Loss. Some individuals have family members with 4 legs vs 2. Those losses are devastating as well and rarely understood by the general public. I have been providing counseling to individuals, couples and families from many races, religions, socioeconomic and educational backgrounds for over 30 years. I work with preteens to those over 100 years young. I have provided therapy in my office, in individual homes, in schools and in retirement communities, nursing homes and hospitals. I have provided instructional in-services on cultural awareness and aging issues. I have set up memory clinics and performed routine depression and anxiety assessments. For me, helping people live better lives has always been what I am about. It is a gift I share every moment of every day. As an older, more "SEASONED" therapist, I have been where many of you are and survived. It has not been easy. I can tell you that with each action comes not one but many reactions and in many areas. My father was the highlight of not only my life but all the lives he interacted with. He was a teacher and elementary school principal. He saw everyone with the same lens and stuck up for the kids picked on. After school, he would give no charge swim lessons to neighborhood kids who were in need. He had cancer in his 30's and only had a 5% chance of beating it, back then, but he did. He lived till age 45 and died suddenly during a vacation with my mother and my little 7 year old brother. I was 25. Even though it was summer break and most teachers and principals were on vacation, the mortuary was standing room only, inside and out. I have a little brother born when I was a senior in High School. Another highlight of my life. He was always athletic, going to the Hood River in Oregon, when he was a young teen, to compete in the Junior Windsurfing Olympics. He is now a full professor at a state college. He does research in cardiac and ultramarathons. My sister, 18 months younger than I was born blue and had seizures all her life. She died suddenly of seizure and heart attack before the age of 50. My mother was a highly educated strong woman who would never give up the fight. However after watching 2 husbands die, one suddenly in front of her, her youngest daughter die suddenly before she was 50 and then one by one, all of her other family members at home, Great Pyrenees and New Foundlands, died. After that, mom gave up the will to live and died within a few years of a broken heart (even though she would never admit it). I divorced my husband after 50 years, I experienced many areas of stigma, prejudice, shame, loss of friends and family and many other areas of life we often take for granted. Being married to 1 person for 50 years was not always easy, but we made it, just not to 51, good and not so good. I developed tools along the way to cope for me and us. Tools you may also need to develop for you and yours. It was a journey that has been heart wrenching but I can guarantee you that this event(the divorce) like the other traumatic events in my life and other successes in life, they have been identified, dealt with. The constant, "ON THE JOB TRAINING" allows me to offer a more empathetic and knowledgeable therapist for my clients. Not all relationships can be saved in the way we wish. Some need to be reevaluated and redefined. I am here to assist you in whatever way YOU CHOSE and support YOU IN YOUR DECISION. And yes, I have gone to therapy to have a neutral third party to help me navigate my future courses. True, I have the formal education and life experiences as well as a "Dr's Bag" full of information and skills, but sometimes all of us need someone on the outside to truly listen, validate and help us navigate through the storms. Take care and Keep in touch. Dr Michaela Hammer
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.
Susan Bramer
I am licensed in Florida with over 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, coping with grief and loss, & career difficulties. 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.
Cassandra Sams
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 20 years of experience working with children, adolescents, young adults and their families. I spent 2 years of my career working at a Children's Advocacy Center, 7 years working in an Adolescent treatment facility, 6 years in private practice, and 2 years in a family counseling center. I have helped others with a wide range of challenges such as anxiety and depression, self-injurious behaviors, low self-esteem, co-dependency concerns, sexual trauma, as well as relationship concerns amongst couples and amongst family members. I have a Specialist in Education degree from Georgia State University and I am Licensed to practice in both Georgia and Florida. When working with clients I use a blend of cognitive-behavioral approaches as well as reality therapy and humanistic approaches. You will find that I enjoy the creative processes as well and may encourage clients to engage in art therapy techniques in order to stimulate a different way of thinking about life's challenges. My goal for clients is for them to feel safe and to feel heard when they meet with me. Clients are the experts on their life obstacles and I view myself as merely a witness to the client's strength and resourcefulness as they overcome these obstacles. It is my sincerest desire to simply be a guide on the route to wholeness.
Shirley Colee
I am licensed in Florida with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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!
Judy Couwels
I am licensed in Florida with 35 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
Carolyn Drakas
I am licensed in Florida with 22 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & parenting 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Gary Jacobs
I am licensed in Florida with 25 years of professional work experience primarily with crisis management. I have been employed in emergency rooms, jail-prison, substance abuse-rehab, nursing homes and have facilitated care to every age group including couples and family issues. I also have a master's degree in marriage and family therapy. I have encountered every aspect of mental health including but not limited to depression, anxiety, adhd, ptsd. bipolar, schizoaffective, relationship discord, coping with grief, coping with loss, intimacy related issues, anger, motivation, & self-esteem. I also have experience working with confidence. 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 am simply a tool helping you transition or seek a more fulfilling and happier lifestyle. With your courage, I am here to support you in that process.
Rene Garcell
I am licensed in Florida with over 20 years of professional work experience in end of life, hospice care, as well as working with teens and young adults at the start of life. 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. I am client centered and that means you decide what we need to talk about in therapy. My goal is to cater this room to your needs and preferences.
Gabrielle Gough
Hello! I am an experienced licensed clinical social worker, excited to be able to support you on your therapy journey! My name is Gabrielle Gough, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Jacksonville, FL. I am passionate about helping individuals navigate life's most challenging moments. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Social Work from Central Connecticut State University and a Master's degree in Social Work from Florida State University. Throughout my career, I've honed my expertise in individual therapy, specializing in areas such as depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders, end-of-life care, palliative and grief support, advance care planning, and case management. My journey into social work was inspired by my own experiences with loss, which fueled my deep commitment to offering compassionate guidance, advocacy, and support to others facing their own difficult times. I believe in the power of empathy and connection and am dedicated to walking alongside clients as they work through their struggles, empowering them to find strength and healing along the way.
Shayla Ranger
I have over 20 years of combined experience working with children, teens, and adults across special education, school counseling, and mental health settings. I also foster a therapeutic environment that encourages open expression, while promoting the development of practical coping strategies for daily functioning.
Find a Therapist Near You in Orlando , 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 Orlando.
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.