Talking to a therapist in Saint Petersburg, FL, can help you navigate life's challenges.
If you’re looking for individual counseling, Pinellas County has plenty of options. But finding the right therapist can be challenging, especially if you don’t feel like commuting to the Tampa Bay area or have time for an in-person appointment. Working with an online platform like BetterHelp can make finding a therapist more convenient and make it easier to find something that fits into your schedule.
With online therapy, you still get the same person-centered approach and a personalized plan for the treatment of mental health challenges like depression, anxiety, and mood disorders. Starting therapy can also help if you are feeling stuck or are trying to overcome low self-esteem or challenges in your past. If you’re ready to see what therapy can do for you, connect with a Saint Petersburg-based therapist below.
Amber Carreau Davidson
I am a mental health counselor licensed in Florida with over 10 years of experience working as a therapist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including anger management, anxiety, domestic violence, PTSD, sexual abuse, panic attacks, and career challenges. I also helped many people who have experienced psychiatric hospitalization. My counseling style is empathetic and engaging. I believe in the healing power of humor as well when appropriate. I prefer for us both to be active collaborators to develop your treatment plan. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral (CBT), solution focused, and trauma based. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. My Educational Credentials Include: - Masters of Arts in Mental Health Counseling and Family and Marriage Counseling from Barry University. - Licensed by State of Florida for Mental Health Counseling. - Nationally Board Certified Counselor. - Certified Clinical Trauma Professional through the International Association of Trauma Professionals. For my professional growth, I continuously read related literature, keep myself up to date with the ethical and legal guidelines in the field, and the latest research, and attend conferences and training. Additionally, I and open to educational resources that you my client might think would help me to better understand you. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support, guide and empower you. I look forward to working with you!
Pamela Detlefsen
A warm hello and congratulations on taking this important step in improving your well-being and enhancing your future. Life's circumstances, our ongoing internal struggles, or both, can result in situations where we are compelled to reach out for help. This is a natural part of the human experience, especially today, in complicated times. I have 17 years of experience providing clients with compassionate guidance to identify realistic solutions for the challenges that face us all. I use varying approaches to build and enhance the therapeutic relationship. I am consistently mindful about a person's capacity and readiness to explore growth. Therapy can be invigorating and lead a person to emerge from frustrating, and, at times, demoralizing ruts. Chronic anxiety, depression, anger, drug and alcohol abuse, process addictions (shopping, food, TV are examples) are distressing and rob us of enjoying what life has to offer. There are proven pathways to well-being. In some cases, despite great effort, we are not able to see the way through a difficult situation by ourselves. This is the moment for professional intervention. By the time people seek therapy typically they have been struggling with their issues for a long while and have not been able to attain meaningful resolution. My breadth of knowledge and experience will permit us to begin working right away. I can help you get on your way to a fuller, happier life. My approach is primarily Existential Therapy, which means discussion about what is meaningful for you in the present. This involves understanding relevant parts of the past, with a view towards the future. I am well-versed in Psychodynamic and Attachment theories, which help pinpoint places in our history where false narratives about the self and the world may have taken root, leading to problems in the present. Finally, Client-Centered Theory is always part of the therapeutic environment, meaning that I will consistently monitor your timing for change and provide non-judgmental feedback and support as we go. I am a Master's graduate of a private, well-respected and accredited university where I was trained in both mental health and marital, couple, and family therapy. I also hold a certification in Addiction Counseling from another major private institution. Addictions can be more than drugs and alcohol, which means they can be overlooked or underestimated in their harmful effects. I continually read and become educated in my field to add to my fund of knowledge to serve my clients better. Let's get started finding real solutions now.
Nancy Vaughn
I am licensed in Florida with over 15 years of professional experience. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I have worked in inpatient and outpatient settings helping clients with varied issues such as stress and anxiety, motivation, self-esteem and confidence, depression, and coping with life changes. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My therapeutic approach draws from cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness informed practices and person in environment perspectives. I believe we all have inner strengths, but sometimes the stresses of our day-to-day lives have gotten in the way of accessing those strengths and remembering the things that are important- like connection, meaning, purpose and contentment. Often the impediment is our fear of change- holding on to our preconceived ideas or habits can get in the way of our growth and our freedom. Our work together will help us develop a treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first steps to seek a more fulfilling and happy life takes courage and I am here to support you in that process.
Virginia Hagen
I am licensed in Florida with 35 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with Depression Stress and Anxiety, family conflicts, coping with grief and loss, & eating disorders. Also, I am a Registered Nurse for 50 years, now retired, and worked in a wide range of Mental Health Facilities, including In-Patient, Out Patient, had a private practice in Crystal River, Florida for 10 years, and worked extensively with families and children with Special Needs and ADHD and also worked extensively with custody issues, often testifying in court on behalf of children. In addition, I also provide Christian Counseling. At age 60, I returned to school to attend Asbury Theological Seminary, and graduated in 2019 with a Certificate in Christian Studies, 30 Credits. I was ordained by the Federation of Christian Ministers in 2019 and also served as a Hospital Chaplain Intern for one Semester of CPE Clinical Pastoral Education, at UF Health Shands Hospital in Gainesville, Florida. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I incorporate many resources to empower you to be able to use the skills for the rest of your life. In October of 2025, I had the wonderful opportunity to attend a retreat in Asissi, Italy, to walk in the footsteps of St. Francis of Asissi, the Patron Saint of Animals and also known for his ministries to the poor and underserved. Being there, where he lived and died, was so inspirational. In 2026, it will be 800 years since his death.Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Dr. Shannon Holliker
Hello and Welcome! It is great to see that you have decided to take this step into further self-discovery, self-growth, and reflection. Therapy is a process, but doesn't necessarily require you to know exactly what type of support you might need. Actually, many people enter therapy to discover they have other things they also want to address. Sometimes, it's about the rewarding process to self-discovery that can be the motivation. Regardless of how you got here, my goal is to provide you with unconditional support. My approach is about honest dialogue. Too often there is a belief that saying 'certain things' in therapy is not acceptable. The reality is that it is the best place to have such discussions about feelings, thoughts, and approaches to challenges. It is also equally important to celebrate what may even feel like small victories. As we reach adulthood, we can tend to think that celebration is less important when it is super important. I hold a PhD in Public Affairs (Social Work Focus). This credential has provided me the opportunity to continue teaching college and doing research in critical areas of mental health. I have two Masters' degrees, in Social Work and Child Development and Education. I went back to pursue my second Master's in Early Childhood because one of my specialties is parenting and providing counseling support to very young children, supporting families affected by trauma or stress due to issues with their young child, and trauma response. I am passionate about helping parents with their own anxiety and depression (or other challenges), providing support to families affected by medical stress (a child with a chronic illness or in the NICU or a parent with medical concerns), assisting with support for intervention of developmental or behavioral concerns, fertility, and/or any concerns related to your family dynamics. My experience has also been in providing different therapy interventions to young children (0-5 years) with their family. I have assisted many families in identifying and addressing family challenges that could contribute to their young child's emotional or behavioral concern. Through this platform, our focus would be on your concerns or challenges in parenting and/or mental health or other areas, and we would work together for an end goal. I am also passionate about providing individual therapy to support anxiety, problem-focused depression, burnout, and effects of trauma. These challenges can present differently for different people and no feelings are 'wrong.' Our world is filled with a variety of unique cumulative stressors and this can make it sometimes difficult to identify the cause. Things such as, burnout, from the daily challenges can create more complex feelings of loss, confusion, and depression because they are often minimized by our own beliefs. I want to conclude by sharing that not everyone requires walking through their past to understand their current circumstances. There are lots of approaches to therapy as it is just a form of support. The duration of therapy also depends on many factors, but I believe that you and I should always form goals we can track progress. I'm happy you decided to stop by and that you are considering the process of therapy. I look forward to working with you!
Jessica Bowers
I am licensed in Florida with more than 35 years of professional work experience as a therapist for adults, adolescents, and children. I currently specialize in work with women of all ages. I have experience in helping clients with anxiety and stress, trauma and abuse, self esteem and confidence, depression, loss, coping with changes, and navigating relationships in your life. The most important relationship is your relationship with yourself- learning to know yourself, past influences, and identifying what you need to optimize your happiness and sense of peace. Across ages, clients continually point out that "you really listen," "you're real and put me at ease," and "you really care." I am honored by their trust. Helping one to feel safe and supported is my top priority, so sharing thoughts and feelings are free from fear of judgement. A little sprinkle of humor along the way helps too. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and faith, and I applaud you for getting started! (Please know I only do video sessions.)
Valerie Carr
I am licensed in Florida with 35 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & coping with grief and loss. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialogue 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!
Lacey Buxton
I am licensed in Florida with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. I also have experience working with depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Tracy Zuber
I am licensed in Florida with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, 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. 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.
Debra Matthews-Robinson
As a licensed therapist in Florida, I bring over two decades of compassionate clinical experience supporting individuals through life's most challenging transitions. My approach is deeply rooted in understanding each person's unique journey, with specialized expertise in addressing depression, anxiety, grief, and addiction. I offer a supportive, non-judgmental space where clients can explore personal growth, heal from past experiences, and develop stronger coping strategies. My therapeutic style integrates evidence-based practices with genuine empathy, helping individuals navigate complex emotional landscapes. My professional focus centers on supporting clients through self-love exploration, communication challenges, managing guilt and shame, processing life changes, and addressing mood disorders. Whether you're struggling with panic attacks, caregiver stress, or seeking personal transformation, I'm committed to walking alongside you with understanding and professional guidance. I welcome individuals from all backgrounds and belief systems, creating an inclusive environment that honors your individual experience and supports your path toward healing and personal empowerment.
Natasha Nalls
I am licensed in Florida with 23 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & 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!
Dr. David Ferrin
I am licensed in New York and Florida and have been a psychologist for 40 years. I have experience in helping patients with stress and anxiety, LGBTQ+ related issues, coping with grief, loss, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. It takes courage to begin therapy in order to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps toward change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey. I am to provide each patient with a safe and nonjudgmental place to explore their issues, change their perceptions and create a repertoire of healthy and productive behaviors.
Samuel Moses
I am licensed in Florida with 25 years of professional work experience (LCSW, MCAP, NBCCH, CEAP), soon to be S.A.P./EAP Certified, also working towards Certification in NBHWC/IFC Health & Wellness Coaching specialties, CISM specialty certifications, Certified Mediator Certifications, Parenting Coordinator Specialty Certification and RRT Specialist Certification Designations. I have experience in helping clients with persons experiencing stress, anxiety, panic, trauma, abuse, anger management, & bipolar disorder, ADHD and neurodivergent thoughts/feelings, issues & behaviors. I also have experience working with persons experiencing depression, heartbreak, heartache, grief, sadness. I work with individual's (adults, parents/co-parents, young adults, teens) & couple's clients to create an environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Take the first step and sign up for therapy!
Dr. Tiffany Vastardis
Hi, I’m Dr. V.! As a nationally board-certified and licensed therapist in Florida, I bring 19 years of dedicated experience supporting individuals through complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers around creating flexible, compassionate, and affirming spaces for clients navigating diverse challenges—from various mental health disorders to harm reduction and interpersonal healing. Through a client-centered lens, I specialize in addressing a wide range of experiences, with particular expertise in trauma recovery, complicated relationship dynamics, substance misuse, and life transitions. I’m committed to supporting adolescents and adults with personalized treatment plans infusing evidence-based techniques, such as DBT, ACT, CBT, and Mindfulness-Based Therapy with expressive and integrative approaches, including Narrative and Existential Therapies. My therapeutic work embraces multicultural perspectives and creates inclusive environments for those exploring aspects of sexual well-being and confronting unique identity challenges. By creating a non-judgmental and empathetic therapeutic relationship, I strive to help clients develop meaningful strategies for self-understanding, emotional resilience, and positive change. I believe in empowering clients to discover their inherent strengths, process difficult emotions, and cultivate authentic connections—both with themselves and others. Together, we'll explore your experiences with curiosity and care—and hopefully share a laugh or two along the way!
Find a Therapist Near You in Saint Petersburg , 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 Saint Petersburg.
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.