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.
Amy Matthews
I have been doing counseling for over 35 years. When I lived in Pennsylvania, I worked as a school counselor in a high school for 28 years and also maintained a private practice. Since moving to Florida, I worked in a private practice in which I specialized in both adolescents and adults. I also work with families and couples. I worked at Better Help before and formed many successful relationships with clients. I consider myself to be an eclectic counselor who is genuine, supportive, and empathetic. I have been in therapy many times and definitely understand how helpful it can be to have someone who is in your corner, advocating and believing solely in you. I consider myself liberal and non-judgmental and I would be surprised if there was something you could tell me that I have not heard before, I also have a strong sense of humor and know that humor has saved me many times from my own issues. I received my Master's degree in 1980 in Marriage, family, and Child Counseling, but I consider that my life experience just as important in having added to my counseling skills. Many counselors can learn from books, but I incorporate all I have learned in my own life experience into the work I do with clients. Let's talk.
Patricia Montanari
Mrs. Trish Montanari, LMHC, CTP holds a Master of Arts in Counseling and Guidance from New Mexico Highlands University. Her BA is in Criminal Justice. She has studied mental health therapy from a range of perspectives, combining a pragmatic, problem-solving approach with the understanding that some problems are not easily resolved. She has experience as a therapist and an assessor working with children, families, and individuals in the private sector as well as home therapy, groups, and community mental health agencies. While she was completing her undergraduate studies, she counseled youths with behavioral challenges in both delinquent and residential settings. She worked with preadolescent children of sexual abuse and behavioral concerns as well as the family entity. Ms. Montanari has extensive experience in treating personality disorders, paraphilic and other co-occurring disorders such as substance abuse and disruptive, impulse-control and conduct disorder. She has worked in diverse population’s enhancing her sensitivity and understanding to help individuals struggling with parents, children, and partners of another culture. Some of the treatment approaches CBT, Reflective Listening, Solution Focused Brief (SFBT), Play Therapy and Stages of Change. Specific Issues: · Parenting challenges · Personality disorders · Addictive Behaviors · Mood disorders Licensure and/or Certifications: Mental Health Therapy · Anger Management · Crisis Intervention · Motivational Interviewing Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her husband, family, friends, and dogs along with activities to ease the mind and body such as traveling, swimming, music, and reading. Her mission is to “provide a safe, relaxed and supportive atmosphere for increasing resolutions to life’s challenges.” Therapy Provided: Individual, Group, Families, Couples Ages Seen: Young children (0-4), Children, Adolescents, Young adults, Adults, Seniors Specializes In: ADHD, Adjustment, Anxiety, Mood disorder, Parenting, Personality disorders, Psychotic disorders, Relational conflicts, Substance Abuse, Trauma disorders. PTSD Crisis, DBT, Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Serial Sexual Offenders Credentials: MA - Highlands University
Dr. Patricia Bell
Hello! We all have moments and experiences when we seek support and advise from those who have been there, and done that and perhaps more. We seek support from those who are considered experts regarding our needs. Well let me say, you have come to the right site and you, now have an opportunity to work with one of the most highly trained psychotherapist in the field of psychology. My name is Dr. Patricia Bell, LMHC (License Mental health Counselor). I have a PsyD. in Counseling from a well respected and accredited university. And I have more than fifteen years experience in the field of Counseling and Psychotherapy. I’m confident that together we can work to help equip you with the necessary tools to help you whether you’re struggling with Relationships, Depression, Anger Management, Substance-related Issues, Anxiety, or Low Self-Esteem Issues, it is important that you know you don’t have to be alone in this journey. I have the experience to help you achieve your goals, overcome these struggles, and live a more fulfilling and meaningful life. During my work process, I often incorporate techniques and ideas from other counseling modalities. However, my foundational reference of training comes from Cognitive therapy. Cognitive Therapy is a modality (therapy) which seeks to challenge and to address negative self-thoughts and behaviors. All in an effort to dismantle and/or alter unwanted behaviors or mood patterns such as depression. My working experiences has included the very young to the most matured with age. I enjoy working with people. And I believe that you too are ready to began your journey of change, as evident by you reaching out. This one act along is a giant positive step in the right direction. I am looking forward to meeting you! Dr. Patricia Bell, LMHC
Dr. Mario Weber
Thank you for visiting my BetterHelp profile! I am a mental health counselor and school psychologist licensed in Florida with over 23 years of experience. I have worked as a school psychologist with students from all age groups in the school setting. In my private practice, I have helped clients dealing with a wide range of issues including anxiety, depression, parenting problems, life changes, and grief and loss. My counseling style is compassionate and interactive. I believe that a counselor should focus on listening to their client, in order to comprehend and help them with the challenges they are facing. My approach combines humanistic, cognitive-behavioral, and existential counseling but is geared to fulfill your specific needs. If you feel the need to change and are ready to work toward this goal, I look forward to working with you!
Victoria Naginsky
Welcome ! Something in your life has initiated this search for support and you have come to the right place. I applaud you. My name is Victoria, and I am both a licensed professional therapist and a Nationally Certified Counselor in the state of Florida. I have worked with individuals experiencing a variety of issues including substance abuse, depression and anxiety, family conflict, trauma, stress-related issues, communication challenges, self-esteem, and many more. I have extensive experience working with Trauma and am trained in providing Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. My choice to work in this field comes from the belief that everyone deserves to be understood, heard, and supported while working towards becoming their best selves. I would describe myself as being someone who is compassionate and open-minded. My belief is that everyone has needs that should be met in order to be their best. I also come from the view that our thoughts shape our way of being in the world and affect our patterns of behavior. It would be my privilege to become a partner in your journey while helping you figure out and achieve your mental health goals. I will provide not only support and understanding but a clear direction, and both solution-focused and CBT strategies to get you to the place you deserve and want to be. Whether you are seeking change for a healthier happier life, or just need a non-judgmental ear to listen, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!
Francisco Almagro
I have been a mental health counselor for almost 30 years, in Cuba, my country and in the USA. As a psychiatrist, I specialized in medication management, and individual, group, family and couples counseling. I've published articles and books on family and couples therapy. I have been working in a crisis intervention service for several years. After that, I worked at a community mental health service. My therapeutic style is eclectic. I use various techniques that fit with the case and the current problem. I often practice cognitive behavioral, narrative, conflict resolution and client-center techniques. To treat families and couples I usually proceed with the systemic-constructivist model. For individual cases and couples and families I establish the necessary rapport. In a few sessions, customers often make great progress. Empathy, unconditional acceptance and humor are important issues in my work. Having studied and worked counseling in various cultural environments allows me to better understand the dynamics of customers. After I approved credentials in the USA, I have worked in individual counseling with children and adults for over 12 years. I have been professor of clinical psychology in Cuba and in USA. I currently deliver a behavioral analysis as lead analyst for children and young people with autism and other disabling mental conditions. Welcome to the online counseling room, which will be our private and secure place to communicate. You can enter this room from any Internet-connected device wherever you are. To help us get started, can you please tell me what brought you here? Just write a few short sentences about the challenges you're experiencing or what you would like to talk about and we will go from there. Looking forward to working with you, Francisco Almagro (MD, (Cuba), Psychiatric, Specialist, (Cuba), MHC, (EUA))
Kimberly Farrish
I am licensed in Florida with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with motivation, self esteem, and confidence & coping with life changes. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. 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.
John Checkett
Prof John Checkett (pronounced as in, Check it Out!) is a highly skilled, highly educated therapist holding degrees in several of the social sciences. He's the first man in history to earn a master's degree in Women's Studies in Florida, an academic discipline which he also taught on a university level. He also holds university degrees in communication arts and social work, as well as being an LCSW. He's worked in emergency screening, providing spot analysis for emergency mental health cases with no advance notice. He also worked for years in the prison system, with inmates experiencing mental health difficulties. John'san excellent listener and communicator, and he specializes in problems related to gender, problems between couples -- which are usually matters of communication -- and social justice. He employs an integrative approach, drawing especially upon cognitive behavioral therapy, Jungian and narrative therapy, addressing such matters as self-care, empowerment, self-image, self-esteem and conflict resolution.
Carolyn Hallinan
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina with over 12 years of experience working as a therapist/counselor. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, anger issues, relationship issues, aging and geriatric problems, and isolation/loneliness problems. I also helped many people who have experienced life purpose problems, emptiness, and self-love. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, client-centered and solution focused. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!
Allison Jones
I am licensed in Florida with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, anger management, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Nixalys Vega
I am a licensed mental health counselor in Florida with 24 years of professional work experience in the human service field. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & depression. I am fully bilingual. I’m fluent in English and Spanish, and I value, respect and enjoy cultural diversity. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming challenges that you may face in life. 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. *** Hablo y comprendo el idioma español con fluidez. Para mi es un verdadero placer ayudar a personas de habla hispana en relación a fortalecer su salud mental y mejorar su calidad de vida.
Stephen McCrary
Nice to see you here! As a licensed therapist in Florida, I bring 11 years of dedicated experience supporting individuals through complex life challenges. My practice centers on creating a compassionate, affirming space for clients navigating stress, anxiety, mood instability, grief, and significant life transitions. I specialize in addressing a wide range of diagnoses. I am very interested in those with anxiety, mood instability, depression, psychoses, and healing from past traumas. My approach is psychodynamic and tailored to each individual's unique experience. I tend to focus on supporting adults seeking a progressive, therapeutic environment. My therapy is not faith-based, but I am Christian in upbringing. I am glad you are here! I'm committed to helping clients develop resilience, understand themselves more deeply, and create meaningful pathways toward emotional wellness and personal empowerment.
Andrece Coley
I am licensed in Florida with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, parenting issues, anger management, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with despression. 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.
Adekunle "Ade" Ojelade
Hope Navigator: A value options, whole centered care catalyst. I am a licensed Clinical social worker/LCSW and licensed Substance Abuse Counselor with Substance Abuse Professional certification /SAP-DOT -Department of Transportation and Certified Addictions Professional Counselor at Masters level/CAP and Alcohol and Drug Counselor ICRC-ADC in Florida. I have more than 30 years experience in professional social work and counseling therapy background in Europe and USA. I focus on Hope and resilience with individuals, groups and families through collaboration in interventions to promote positive life transitions in order to overcome adversity in life which causes mental health and substance addiction issues!
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.
With a population of Florida_POPULATION, 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_COUNTIES, 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 Florida_COUNTIES.
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.