Dr. Rebecca McDonough
I am licensed in Florida with 32 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with lgbtq+ related issues, grief and loss issues, improving self esteem and self confidence, and coping with life changes. I also have experience working with professional and executive coaching, and am a Qualified Supervisor for LMHC Interns. I support my clients by creating 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 change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
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.
Kimberly Smith
As a licensed therapist in Florida and Michigan, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My approach centers on understanding each person's unique journey, with particular expertise in addressing depression, trauma, LGBTQ+ experiences, and addiction challenges. I am deeply committed to creating a compassionate, affirming space where clients can explore their most profound personal struggles. My therapeutic work focuses on helping individuals develop self-love, improve communication, overcome social anxiety, and heal from past experiences of discrimination, violence, and systemic challenges. My practice embraces a holistic perspective that honors diverse identities and experiences. I work collaboratively with clients to develop personalized strategies for healing, growth, and empowerment. Whether you're confronting workplace stress, relationship dynamics, or personal transformation, I'm dedicated to supporting your path toward emotional wellness and authentic living.
Bonnie Christensen
Have you been the one everyone relies on for so long that you barely remember what it feels like to have someone there for you? Many people spend years taking care of responsibilities, supporting others, and pushing through challenges without stopping to notice how much they’re carrying. From the outside, they appear capable and strong. Inside, though, they may feel worn down, overwhelmed, or unsure how things became so heavy. If this resonates with you, please know you’re not the only one who feels this way—and you don’t have to keep handling it all on your own. My name is Bonnie Christensen, and I’m a licensed therapist with over two decades of experience helping people through difficult and uncertain times in their lives. My path into this work was shaped not only by professional training, but also by personal experiences that taught me how easy it is to take on too much for too long. I understand how stress, responsibility, and life changes can slowly build until you begin to feel emotionally drained or disconnected from yourself. Many of the individuals I meet with in therapy are intelligent, thoughtful people who have spent much of their lives being the dependable one. They’re the person others count on, the one who keeps things running smoothly, the one who tries to hold everything together. But after years of putting others first, it’s common to reach a point where you feel exhausted, discouraged, or uncertain about who you are anymore. In my practice, I support adults who are navigating challenges such as: • Persistent worry or anxiety • Feeling emotionally depleted or burned out • Depression or loss of motivation • Grief and major life changes • Difficult relationship patterns • Struggles with confidence or self-worth • The strain of caring for others while neglecting your own needs People often begin therapy feeling stuck or unsure how to move forward. Together, we work on creating a clearer understanding of what you’re experiencing and finding practical ways to help you feel steadier, stronger, and more connected to your life again. My approach combines well-established therapeutic methods such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based practices. Just as importantly, I believe therapy should feel supportive, respectful, and tailored to who you are as a person. This is your time and your space. You don’t have to hide your feelings, explain them perfectly, or pretend everything is fine. Therapy offers an opportunity to slow down, talk openly, and begin untangling the things that have been weighing on you. Some people seek therapy because they’ve lost someone important. Others feel like they’ve lost the version of life they once imagined. And many simply feel tired of facing everything alone. No matter where you are right now, your experiences matter, and you deserve support. Taking the first step toward therapy can feel uncertain, but it’s also a powerful act of caring for yourself. If we work together, we’ll move forward at a pace that feels comfortable, focusing on what helps you regain a sense of stability, clarity, and hope. I’m glad you found your way here, and it would be a privilege to support you as you begin reconnecting with yourself and the life you want to build.
Margaret Johnston
I am a LMHC therapist, public speaker community organizer, social and environmental activist and have been listening for decades. I received my formal education at University of North Florida as Master of Clinical Psychotherapy, 2013. I also took a 9-month internship under Ed Wilder, in Clinical Pastoral Education, in deep listening. I worked in the Talk program at Wounded Warrior for 8 months- the warriors talked; I listened. Did you go through trauma? Are you, right now, in a high stress situation? Do you keep losing your patience or your professionalism at the wrong moment and you don’t know why? Do you keep getting in your own way? I use Trauma Supportive Therapy to safely address, as slowly as need be, the pain of the past that keeps coming to trip your defenses at all the wrong moments, in your present. I can be that supporting presence who will help sort it out by listening- really hearing you. Reflect your depth of feelings back to you. Validate what are your unmet emotional needs. I practice the therapy of defining personal meaning, so, together we will facilitate your thinking of your options, planning, purpose, and goals for living a meaningful life without being afraid of tripping over your past or yourself. I practice person centered therapy by meeting you where you are. I strive to be culturally sensitive, non-prejudicial and use strength-based therapy as a jump point, truly believing I am the guide for you, but you are the treasure/wisdom keeper. Of all the reasons people come to therapy: anger, guilt, anxiety, changes, transitions, depression, trauma, jealousy, and “it is just not working anymore”, the extra burden of race and racism is more than just a nuance to be nodded at in therapy. I will view race as central to all the other pieces, when it is central to you. I am inclusive, secular, competent, affirming and non-judgmental. I have worked with people in transition, people who are very much defined, “but things got complicated”, people in the communities of LGBTQA, Polyamory, Kink, non-gendered. Each are safe and welcome here.
Dr. Mary Torok
Hi! My name is Mary Torok. I am an accomplished and Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida. I have over fifteen years of experience supporting adults, children, adolescents, and families through counseling, psychoeducation, directive, and non-directive instruction. I have provided support and direction for clients remotely and in the clinical, classroom, residential, outpatient, and in-home settings. Overall, I am passionate about motivating, empowering, and helping people manage situations and overcome obstacles. My specialties include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Family Systems Therapy, Client and Person-Centered Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Mindfulness and Relaxation, EMDR, Motivational Interviewing, Strengths-Based Therapy, and other modalities. I have had success working with various populations, including clients diagnosed with anxiety and depressive disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Adjustment Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive, and other personality disorders. I have assisted clients by providing critical resources to help with employment, education, and community referrals. Furthermore, I have helped clients improve self-esteem and overcome situations related to bullying, discrimination, and abuse. I also specialize in improving communication and applying conflict resolution skills to manage family and relationship issues. Overall, I believe that education is the key to change. Therefore, my priority is to provide a trusting therapeutic relationship for teaching client’s the skills they need to improve any situation and ultimately transform!
Suzan White-House
I am licensed in Florida with 35 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, depression, coping with life changes, concentration, & memory. I also have experience working with focus. 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. Spending many years directing and believing in the Montessori method of education I understand children and TEENAGERS from a hands on perspective. As a MFLC, working with all military services, their families, through tough deployments has given me a deep understand of sacrifice and hard times that some of us face. Being a therapist at a battered womens shelter for years gave me a real world perspective that sum of we women have endured to survive. Homeless shelters provided me strength, nonjudgmental, grateful, compassionate values that I carry with me and always will. I can talk abouy anthing and listern to everything. I promise I will always care and be honest .
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.
Susan Ramsey-French
As a licensed therapist in Florida, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My approach centers on understanding each person's unique journey, with a deep commitment to addressing challenges like depression, anxiety, trauma, and life transitions. I offer compassionate, evidence-based support for those struggling with trauma, PTSD, anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and personal growth. My therapeutic practice is particularly attuned to helping older adults, veterans, first responders and young professionals work through difficult emotional experiences. Drawing from extensive clinical trauma training, I create a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their deepest challenges. Whether you're dealing with panic or anxiety attacks, dysregulation, depression or anxiety I'm dedicated to walking alongside you with empathy and professional expertise. My goal is to help you develop resilient coping strategies, heal your past trauma so that we can rebuild self-confidence, and create meaningful pathways toward emotional wellness and personal transformation. By bridging the past and present we can work together for your empowered future.
Andra Blackheart
My ideal client is either someone that has been having difficulty connecting to themselves with knowing who they are or what they want after a life-transition, a traumatic event, an Autism or CPTSD diagnosis, or maybe for the first time ever. Or someone trying to connect better to the people around them in building their friend group, their sense of community, their bond with their children, or their intimacy with their romantic partner. My specialty is helping neurodivergent adults feel connected to themselves and others and build intimate and sustainable lives. I offer therapy using primarily TF-CBT, Satir growth model, MI, and SFBT to help clients utilize their strengths, accommodations, and social support network well enough to fire me! If you're feeling disconnected from what's most important to you, want to build on the skills you already have, and are ready to move towards your goals, please reach out to me so we can create change together!
Katharine Alfs
As a licensed therapist with over four decades of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating life's complex challenges. My practice focuses on wellness and healing and helping individuals develop new skill sets to improve coping. Drawing from years of clinical experience, I offer a very nuanced empathetic approach that honors each client's journey and cultural background. My goal is to provide thoughtful and personalized support that empowers clients to navigate challenges with resilience and hope.
Ketluimar Vallecillo-Samot
As a licensed therapist in Florida, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating life's complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on helping clients develop self-love, improve communication, and discover deeper personal meaning. With expertise in managing stress, anxiety, relationship dynamics, and life transitions, I offer compassionate guidance rooted in understanding and respect. I'm particularly passionate about supporting clients through challenges related to self-esteem, parenting, and personal growth. My approach is collaborative and affirming, creating a safe space where individuals can explore their experiences, heal from past wounds, and build resilience. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I work alongside clients to develop practical strategies for emotional well-being, helping them move toward more authentic and fulfilling lives. Whether you're struggling with personal transitions, relationship challenges, or seeking greater self-understanding, I'm committed to walking with you on your healing journey.
Lisa Maulding Anthony
As a licensed therapist in Florida, I bring over two decades of compassionate mental health experience to my practice. My professional journey has been dedicated to supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes, with specialized expertise in clinical hypnotherapy, depression, anxiety, trauma recovery, grief counseling, and self-esteem development. I approach therapy as a collaborative partnership, creating a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their challenges, develop meaningful insights, and cultivate personal growth. My therapeutic style is rooted in empathy, respect, and a deep commitment to understanding each individual's unique experiences and strengths. Through evidence-based practices and a person-centered approach, I work alongside clients to help them build resilience, develop effective coping strategies, and move toward healing. I believe that every person has the inner resources to transform their life, and my role is to provide guidance, support, and professional insight throughout their journey.
Dedra McIntosh
As a licensed therapist in Florida, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on helping clients heal from trauma, manage anxiety and depression, and develop stronger interpersonal relationships. With a deep commitment to culturally responsive care, I create a compassionate space where we can together explore your unique experiences and challenges. My therapeutic approach focuses on building self-love, addressing communication barriers, and working through feelings of guilt and shame. I understand the profound impact of attachment issues and caregiver stress, and I'm dedicated to guiding clients toward emotional resilience and personal growth. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I aim to empower individuals to reconnect with their inner strength, heal from past wounds, and cultivate healthier, more fulfilling life patterns. Every client's journey is sacred, and I'm honored to walk alongside them with empathy, respect, and genuine care.
*BetterHelp insurance availability, coverage, and cost may vary by state, plan, provider network, therapist availability, and deductible status.
Find a therapist near you in Sarasota, Florida
Finding a therapist near you in Sarasota, 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' copay is as low as $15, some pay $0.
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 Sarasota.
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' copay is as low as $15 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' copay is as low as $15 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 Sarasota, Florida
Ready to begin? BetterHelp can match you with a licensed therapist serving Sarasota and the surrounding FL area. When you are ready to take the next step, get started.