William Besterman IV
I am a social worker in Florida with 6 years experience. I have worked with crisis and suicide prevention for many years. My specialties include substance abuse counseling, and grief and loss counseling. I find that I am able to understand my clients in ways that others cannot. With a technique that incorporates finding one's own Inner Strength and uncovering things that they do not know about themselves. It is important to realize the positive qualities of not only yourself but your life in general and use that as the basis to better yourself. It is time to make the decision to be better.
Joshua Plantz
My name is Josh and I am a licensed mental health counselor practicing in Florida for over the past 21 years. I earned my undergraduate degree in psychology from Clemson University. I earned my graduate degree in mental health counseling from Nova Southeastern University. I have extensive experience working with addictions and recovery with adults, as well as working with adults with mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder and adjustment disorder. I also have experience working with adults suffering from a history of abusive relationships (physical, mental and sexual), as well as PTSD that results from these abusive histories. I prefer using a collaborative, solution-oriented approach, as well as using cognitive behavioral therapy techniques to help my patients work through their problems in an effective, time-efficient manner.
Cheryl Scott
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, relationship struggles, or the effects of past hurts that keep showing up in your life, you’re not alone. Many people reach out because they’re tired of the same patterns and want real tools to move forward. I’m a Florida-licensed LMHC with more than 25 years of experience. I work in a direct but respectful way — I don’t sugarcoat things, but I don’t believe in tearing people down. My approach combines honest self-examination with practical strategies to help you change unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns so you can function better in your daily life and relationships. As a practicing Christian, I’m comfortable incorporating biblical principles and scripture if that’s something you want. If faith isn’t part of what you’re looking for, we’ll focus on straightforward, evidence-based methods that fit your needs. If you’re looking for honest, practical support focused on real and lasting change, send me a message.
Susan Bramer
I am licensed in Florida with over 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, coping with grief and loss, & career difficulties. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Scott Wetherhold
As a licensed therapist in Florida,Georgia, Colorado and Virginia, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My approach centers on helping clients develop resilience, self-understanding, and meaningful personal growth. I have extensive experience addressing challenges like depression, anxiety, trauma, and life transitions, with a particular focus on men's mental health and spiritual well-being. My therapeutic practice is grounded in compassionate, evidence-based strategies that honor each individual's unique journey. I work collaboratively with clients to explore underlying patterns, build healthy coping mechanisms, and reconnect with personal strengths. Whether you're struggling with social anxiety, processing past experiences, or seeking greater life purpose, I'm committed to creating a supportive, non-judgmental space for healing and transformation. Drawing from a Christian-informed perspective, I aim to integrate spiritual insights with professional clinical approaches. My goal is to help you develop deeper self-love, improve communication skills, and move through challenging life phases with greater confidence and clarity.
Ladonna Williams
I have 20 years experience as a licensed mental health counselor in the state of FL. I received my degree at Rollins College. It's counseling program was ranked #1 in the Southeast when I was enrolled. I have provided therapy to adults from all walks of life, i.e. first responders, law enforcement officers, veterans, college students, parents, teachers, and retired. My counseling approach is cognitive behavioral, solution focused, and humanistic. My counseling style is warm, interactive, respectful and compassionate . I commend and praise you for seeking to learn healthy strategies so you can thrive.
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.
Elizabeth Carter
I am Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida with 32 years of professional work experience. I'm also a certified addiction counselor (MAC). I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, & depression. 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.
George Deegan
I have worked with many types of people in my career, but a favorite is helping those struggling with grief. People have come to me after losing a child, a friend, or a parent and even a close long-term romantic partner. Being overwhelmed with conflicting and confusing emotions is common and often they just need to be heard. Your process is unique to you and the last thing you need to hear is, "It's time to move on, stop crying." The goal is to take ownership of your grief, and all that comes with it. Sometimes permission is all that you need to allow whatever happens to happen. You are the director of how you choose to grieve. I specialize in addiction, intersex birth differences, grief, anxiety and trauma. Initially, my style is to work towards building a therapeutic relationship with you, always developing trust in its own time until you are comfortable revealing deeper vulnerability. I believe together, with minds combined, we find better solutions to what seems insurmountable. Since high school many have shared private information with me. I suspect they know just how much I can relate to their experiences. As a flawed human, with much life experience, my strength lies in compassionate understanding. I continue to receive letters of gratitude from decades old clients. I humbly respond, "I lit the candle you did all the work!"
Paul Zukas
I am licensed in Florida with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Tracy Mark
Reaching out for support can feel like a big step, and you don’t have to do it alone. I strive to create a warm, supportive space where children, teens, adults, and families can feel safe exploring challenges, gaining insight, and moving toward meaningful change. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida who works with individuals and families navigating concerns such as anxiety, trauma, parenting challenges, behavioral difficulties, emotional overwhelm, and life transitions. My approach integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), attachment-based therapy, and solution-focused strategies while also honoring the powerful connection between the mind and body. I believe healing happens when we consider the whole person- thoughts, emotions, relationships, and physical well-being. My style is warm, nurturing, and collaborative. I aim to meet each client where they are and tailor therapy to their unique needs and goals. Whether helping a child build emotional regulation skills, supporting teens through life’s pressures, or helping adults better understand patterns in their relationships and emotional responses, our work together focuses on developing insight, resilience, and practical tools for lasting change. I also bring extensive experience working with foster and adoptive families. This background has given me a deep appreciation for how our earliest relationships and childhood experiences shape our sense of safety, connection, and well-being throughout life. In therapy, we often explore how these early foundations influence present challenges while building healthier patterns moving forward. Therapy isn’t about “fixing” you, it's about helping you better understand yourself, strengthen your inner resources, and move toward the life you want. If you’re ready to take that step, I would be honored to walk alongside you.
Dr. Arlene Brett Gordon
Hi. My name is Arlene Brett Gordon, Ph.D., and I am licensed in Florida with 25 years of professional work experience as a couple and family therapist. After a career as an early childhood schoolteacher, I became the director of Nova Southeastern University's Brief Therapy Clinic for 16 years and the university’s Medical Family Therapy Clinic as well. I retired from teaching therapy to work directly with individual, couples, and families using the strength-based, solution-focused approach to engage clients as collaborators in exploring positive changes possible in their problem saturated stories. I have expertise in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, parenting issues, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. I also work with coping facing major life changes. I help my clients work in an open and safe environment where they can explore their strengths and abilities, often ones they have not previously recognized. Deciding to sign up for therapy is one of the first steps towards positive change. Congratulations on engaging us to join you on this journey.
Adrienn Nagy
I am licensed in Florida with 15 + years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, motivation, self esteem, confidence, bipolar disorder, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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!
Joy Townsend
I am licensed in Florida and AL with 5 years of providing therapy services on an individual and group basis. I have over 24 years experience as a social worker. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey with kindness and compassion. I am an empathetic listener who is happy to help.
*BetterHelp insurance availability, coverage, and cost may vary by state, plan, provider network, therapist availability, and deductible status.
Find a therapist near you in South Venice, Florida
Finding a therapist near you in South Venice, 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 South Venice.
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 South Venice, Florida
Ready to begin? BetterHelp can match you with a licensed therapist serving South Venice and the surrounding FL area. When you are ready to take the next step, get started.