Palatka celebrates the season when azaleas bloom with its Florida Azalea Festival. Extreme sadness and stress wilt the beautiful blossoms of life. Your mental health weakens, and your ability to hold up to daily pressures diminishes. If a crisis happens, you lack the mental strength to manage it well.
You tell yourself things would be better if life was just easier. Yet, you know you’ve lived through harder things in the past. You need to improve your mental wellbeing to thrive in whatever situations you face. Talk to a counselor in the Palatka area to bloom into better mental health.
Sarah Spiro
Reaching out for help takes a lot of courage and I applaud you for taking the first step. I enjoy working with my clients is a private non-judgmental setting and encouraging them to be their best selves. I have worked with a range of different clients and through hard work and patience they have made progress in their personal lives. There is no better feeling in the world than seeing your client make meaningful progress and make positive changes in their lives. I like to describe my style as solution focused while taking the time to understand your emotions and feelings throughout this process. Each person is unique and I like to spend time getting to know you as an individual as we work together. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have been work volunteering and working as a social worker for over 10 years. I completed my Bachelors degree at Florida State University and completed my Masters degree at Barry University in Miami, majoring in Social Work for both. Currently I live in South Florida with my two large dogs and enjoy the beautiful warm weather. I look forward to getting to know you and being by your side through this process.
Judith (Judy) Durdan
Hi! My name is Judy Durdan and I am a Clinical Social Worker licensed in both Florida and Connecticut. I graduated with a Master's Degree in Social Work from Fordham University in 2001. I have extensive experience working with a variety of people in both inpatient and outpatient settings. I've worked with people who are diagnosed with severe and persistent mental illness, forensics, homelessness, and veterans, as well as people who just want an ear to hear them and help guide them through the steps to feeling whole. My goal is to help adults in difficult times figure out how to address those issue through thoughtfulness and mindfulness, utilizing their own strengths and experiences, as well as, a few skills I have to offer. The treatment is an agreed upon approach created through support and understanding, and my approach being adjusted to your needs. Please contact me so that, together, we can find the most convenient and beneficial time that we can meet to tackle those issues. Enjoy your day!
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.
Lisa Westcoat
Hello! I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and a National Certified Counselor (NCC) working in Florida with 14 years of experience working full-time in the mental health field and in addiction treatment. I strive to create a counseling relationship that is safe and accepting. I have been told I am genuine, encouraging, and direct at times. I have a passion for helping others with a wide range of concerns, including low self-esteem, stress, anxiety, communication problems, relationship issues, depression, trauma, and abuse, as well as coping with life changes. With vast knowledge and experience in working with drug, alcohol, and process/cross addictions, family conflicts, guilt and shame, as well as co-dependency and the integration of the twelve-step approach, I hope to assist you in overcoming your struggles. In addition, I also assisted others who have barriers with anger management, control issues, domestic violence, commitment struggles, and aim to help reverse a cycle of thoughts and behaviors that are destructive to self and within relationships through challenging irrational beliefs. My therapy style is warm and empathic, combining experience and a sense of humor with a down-to-earth, realistic approach to the therapeutic process. I believe in treating everyone with respect and compassion. I utilize different therapeutic techniques, and I will tailor our sessions to meet your unique and specific needs, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Client Centered Therapy, as well as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. It takes strength and courage to seek assistance and ask for help. I am here to support and empower you on your journey of making positive changes to achieve a more fulfilling and happier life! How can I help you? **Please note: I provide individual therapy only and do not offer couples, marriage, or family therapy through BetterHelp.**
Pattra Dodd
As a licensed therapist with two decades of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals through complex emotional landscapes. My practice focuses on helping clients navigate challenges such as depression, anxiety, trauma, and life transitions, with a particular emphasis on supporting older adults, veterans, and young professionals. I bring a compassionate and nuanced approach to therapy, drawing from extensive clinical expertise in addressing communication difficulties, social anxiety, isolation, and self-esteem concerns. My work is deeply rooted in understanding each individual's unique journey and helping them develop meaningful strategies for personal growth and emotional well-being. My therapeutic approach is collaborative and person-centered, designed to create a supportive environment where clients can explore their experiences, develop resilience, and rediscover their inner strengths. I am committed to walking alongside my clients as they work towards healing, self-understanding, and positive life changes.
Dr. Sarita Schapiro
Are you having trouble coping with everyday problems? Do you feel overwhelmed in trying to deal with a close personal relationship? Is your child or teen struggling or making poor choices, or are the challenges of parenting too much to handle? Are you going through a difficult life transition? Life situations can be stressful and can lead us to question our judgment and fill us with self-doubt. You try to address the issue, even with the support of family and friends, but this often does not lead to effective solutions. You may become depressed, frustrated, angry or anxious, or have difficulty managing your daily responsibilities. I am a Florida licensed Psychologist with over 30 years experience working in private practice and a variety of public settings, including clinics, hospitals, universities and correctional facilities. I served as expert witness in forensic cases involving trauma, head injury and custody. I am a bi-lingual (Spanish/English) therapist working with individuals, families and couples from different backgrounds. I develop a solution-focused dialogue to identify the problems that bring you in and re-frame them into realistic, workable goals. My aim is for you to leave each session feeling that you have learned a new way to approach your specific situation with strategies to try until our next appointment. My objective is to make every session productive. I combine cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and rational-emotive therapeutic approaches in therapy. My goal is to help you build resilience in dealing with life’s stresses. I focus on life skills coaching, parent guidance, problem solving, cognitive restructuring, and remediation using behavioral and practical strategies.
Karyn Lockerman-Elliott
As a licensed therapist in Florida, Iowa and Illinois with over two decades of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals through complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on helping clients navigate challenging life transitions, relationship dynamics, and personal growth. I offer compassionate, affirming care for diverse populations, with particular expertise in addressing trauma, mood disorders, and interpersonal challenges. My therapeutic approach is deeply rooted in understanding each person's unique journey. I create a supportive environment that honors individual experiences, focusing on areas like self-love, communication, healing from past wounds, and developing meaningful life strategies. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, relationship issues, or seeking personal transformation, I'm committed to walking alongside you with empathy and professional guidance. I welcome individuals from all backgrounds, with a special commitment to creating a safe, inclusive space for LGBTQ+ clients, those experiencing life transitions, and individuals seeking understanding and healing across various personal challenges.
Debra Thomas
I am licensed in Florida with 18 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 work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy takes courage and I am privileged to be a part of your support system.
Donna Maso
I am a dedicated and experienced licensed clinical social worker, with over 30 years of professional counseling experience and educational training. I've worked with many different age groups, from young children to the elderly - and assisted clients with a wide range of issues. My experience includes: working in outpatient, transitional, inpatient and crisis services - and with a wide range of populations including the specialization of children diagnosed with AD/HD, abuse & trauma victims of all ages (including shelter, hotline and court services), children's counselor/ child crisis/ protection/ parenting centers, couples, families/ family counselor agencies, military families (family of many veterans), mandatory work referrals, adjudicated adolescents (was executive director of treatment programs), school systems (taught regular and alternative education), offenders (worked in correctional system/ prisons), individuals needing long-term placement, developed programs for the disabled, and those with chronic or terminal conditions (worked as LMSW for hospice - settings included hospitals, nursing homes, ALFs, Memory Care, etc. ) Therapy and counseling can provide relief and personal growth for people seeking positive changes in their lives. It is helpful, especially during difficult times, to have an objective, compassionate professional who will focus on your strengths and abilities, in a confidential and non-judgmental environment. I look forward to meeting with you to begin a journey toward workable solutions and great possibilities on your path in life. Let's begin today. Please note: As a policy, I ask for your agreement to not electronically record telehealth sessions without prior consent. Laws that protect HIPAA confidentiality in the office - also applies to telehealth sessions - including mandatory and permissive exceptions to confidentiality. Thank you.
Ana Budeguer
I am licensed in the state of Florida, with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse as well as coping with grief and loss. I was born and raised in Argentina, and I've lived in the US for over 20 years. I have extensive experience also working with immigrant populations and I truly understand the difficulties immigrants endure while adjusting to the new challenge of living abroad. 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 the first steps towards a change can be the hardest. I am here to support & empower you along that journey.
Alana Corradi
Hello and welcome! My name is Alana Corradi and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Florida with 5 years of therapeutic experience. I have helped folks manage their stress, anxiety, depression, parenting issues, anger, motivation, self-esteem, adjustment struggles and much more. I enjoy using therapeutic approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, Solution Focused, Gestalt, and more. I believe you are the expert of your story. You have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming challenges. Taking the first step and signing up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! ** Please note I am currently offering live chat (text) sessions only at this time. ** I look forward to working with you! Thank you!
Patrickk McDonald
I am licensed in Florida with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, eating disorders, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Megan Karn
Hi, I’m Megan, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) providing therapy to help children (ages 10+) and adults navigate life’s challenges with compassion, empathy, and practical tools for growth and healing. I believe that therapy is a collaborative process where clients thrive when they feel truly seen, supported, and accepted. My goal is to provide a safe, nonjudgmental space where you can explore your story, gain new insights, and develop skills to move forward with resilience and balance. I welcome clients of any faith or belief system to my practice, however, I offer only secular, non faith-based therapy to my clients. Outside of my work as a therapist, I’m an animal lover, avid reader, wife, mom, and passionate Florida gardener with a love for native plants and sustainable gardening. I believe that nurturing both our inner and outer environments helps create a sense of harmony and connection.
Gilberto Bustamante-Ramirez
I'm a therapist dedicated to supporting individuals through life's most pressing challenges. I work with clients navigating stress, anxiety, relationship difficulties, parenting concerns, and self-esteem issues. I'm also experienced in helping people cope with major life transitions and build resilience during times of change. My approach centers on open communication, meaningful connection, and practical support. I specialize in addressing isolation and loneliness, attachment patterns, and life purpose exploration. I'm particularly passionate about working with young adults, men's issues, and supporting individuals impacted by difficult relationships, major life stressors, and challenging transitions. I believe in meeting you where you are and collaborating with you to identify what matters most. Whether you're working through relationship patterns, building self-love, or navigating complex life circumstances, I'm here to provide compassionate, nonjudgmental support. Taking the step to seek therapy shows real courage, and I'm honored to walk alongside you on your journey toward healing and growth.
*BetterHelp insurance availability, coverage, and cost may vary by state, plan, provider network, therapist availability, and deductible status.
Find a therapist near you in Palatka, Florida
Finding a therapist near you in Palatka, 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 Palatka.
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 Palatka, Florida
Ready to begin? BetterHelp can match you with a licensed therapist serving Palatka and the surrounding FL area. When you are ready to take the next step, get started.