Hi, and welcome to BetterHelp. My name is Lowell, and I am glad you found me. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker here in Florida, and I have over 20 years of experience in working in Community Behavioral Health settings, Correctional settings, Sexual Perpetrator settings, Geriatric settings, and in Private Practice. Insofar as my strengths are concerned, it is difficult to categorize, since I prefer to utilize a combination of various therapies in what I term, "Common Sense Therapy". if you are looking for someone who is down-to-earth, yet professional; open-minded, yet principled; compassionate/empathic, yet, direct; and someone with many life experiences, yet with a deep spiritual belief, then I just may be the therapist you are looking for. My education consists of a Bachelors Degree in Education from Illinois State University, and a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Illinois, Champaign/Urbana. My primary therapeutic interests lie in the areas of Couple Counseling, Relationship Conflicts, Transitions in Life, Sexual Abuse/Trauma, Gender Dysphoria, Anger Management, and Dissociation. It is a privilege to serve you in the hopes of assisting you in more fully enjoying the rest of your life on this planet. Feel free to contact me at your convenience, and I will always attempt to get back to you as soon as I can. Thank you for choosing BetterHelp.

My specialty & love are helping individuals at transition points of their lives, with a focus from Adolescence to Mid-life and beyond. These are times of dealing with many changes in one's life. These changes may include family, friends, and your role in community. This is also a time when we are surrounded with "Transition Myths" i.e.; How we SHOULD be feeling, acting and thinking. Some of these are Memory Loss, Depression, Anxiety, Physical Fitness, Sexuality, and being Neurodivergent! My goals are to educate and separate myth from fact while helping YOU ease life's transitions so YOU can continue YOUR life with new hopes and dreams, respect and dignity. Each person is UNIQUE! Issues are NOT AGE SPECIFIC and can impact ANYONE at ANY age! With advanced education & experience, I offer Memory Loss & Cognitive functioning assessments. Not all memory loss is permanent. Let me help you down this journey. And I promise, while some professionals may hand you a diagnosis and walk away, I will provide you with all the research and resources I have to offer and will help you look for more answers. People should never have to go through life and hardships alone. One of my newer areas of focus, which was a great unmet need, has been providing counseling for those who have lost a "4-legged" family member. This is an area that I receive referrals not only from veterinarians but also family doctors and OB/GYNs, "I am referring Mrs. Smith as she recently lost her only child...her child was her 20 year old cat, Roxie..." I offer counseling for Pet Grief & Loss. Some individuals have family members with 4 legs vs 2. Those losses are devastating as well and rarely understood by the general public. I have been providing counseling to individuals, couples and families from many races, religions, socioeconomic and educational backgrounds for over 30 years. I work with preteens to those over 100 years young. I have provided therapy in my office, in individual homes, in schools and in retirement communities, nursing homes and hospitals. I have provided instructional in-services on cultural awareness and aging issues. I have set up memory clinics and performed routine depression and anxiety assessments. For me, helping people live better lives has always been what I am about. It is a gift I share every moment of every day. As an older, more "SEASONED" therapist, I have been where many of you are and survived. It has not been easy. I can tell you that with each action comes not one but many reactions and in many areas. My father was the highlight of not only my life but all the lives he interacted with. He was a teacher and elementary school principal. He saw everyone with the same lens and stuck up for the kids picked on. After school, he would give no charge swim lessons to neighborhood kids who were in need. He had cancer in his 30's and only had a 5% chance of beating it, back then, but he did. He lived till age 45 and died suddenly during a vacation with my mother and my little 7 year old brother. I was 25. Even though it was summer break and most teachers and principals were on vacation, the mortuary was standing room only, inside and out. I have a little brother born when I was a senior in High School. Another highlight of my life. He was always athletic, going to the Hood River in Oregon, when he was a young teen, to compete in the Junior Windsurfing Olympics. He is now a full professor at a state college. He does research in cardiac and ultramarathons. My sister, 18 months younger than I was born blue and had seizures all her life. She died suddenly of seizure and heart attack before the age of 50. My mother was a highly educated strong woman who would never give up the fight. However after watching 2 husbands die, one suddenly in front of her, her youngest daughter die suddenly before she was 50 and then one by one, all of her other family members at home, Great Pyrenees and New Foundlands, died. After that, mom gave up the will to live and died within a few years of a broken heart (even though she would never admit it). I divorced my husband after 50 years, I experienced many areas of stigma, prejudice, shame, loss of friends and family and many other areas of life we often take for granted. Being married to 1 person for 50 years was not always easy, but we made it, just not to 51, good and not so good. I developed tools along the way to cope for me and us. Tools you may also need to develop for you and yours. It was a journey that has been heart wrenching but I can guarantee you that this event(the divorce) like the other traumatic events in my life and other successes in life, they have been identified, dealt with. The constant, "ON THE JOB TRAINING" allows me to offer a more empathetic and knowledgeable therapist for my clients. Not all relationships can be saved in the way we wish. Some need to be reevaluated and redefined. I am here to assist you in whatever way YOU CHOSE and support YOU IN YOUR DECISION. And yes, I have gone to therapy to have a neutral third party to help me navigate my future courses. True, I have the formal education and life experiences as well as a "Dr's Bag" full of information and skills, but sometimes all of us need someone on the outside to truly listen, validate and help us navigate through the storms. Take care and Keep in touch. Dr Michaela Hammer

As a licensed therapist serving clients in Florida, I bring a decade of compassionate, culturally-responsive mental health support. My practice centers on empowering individuals through transformative healing, with specialized expertise in managing stress, navigating relationship dynamics, and building robust self-esteem. I am particularly passionate about supporting women through complex life transitions, including workplace challenges, relationship changes, and personal growth journeys. My approach honors each client's unique experience, with a deep commitment to understanding individual needs across diverse backgrounds and life stages. My therapeutic work focuses on critical areas such as communication skills, self-love, life purpose exploration, and addressing isolation. I create a supportive, affirming space where clients can courageously examine their experiences, develop resilience, and cultivate meaningful personal transformation. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I aim to walk alongside clients as they navigate challenges related to body image, caregiver stress, aging, and significant life transitions like divorce or separation. My goal is to provide thoughtful, compassionate guidance that respects each person's inherent strengths and potential for growth.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and have been licensed since 2009. I have worked primarily in the field of child welfare and currently work with the adoption population. My focus over the last 12 years has been working with children who have been abused and neglected. I have also worked with the elderly population in their home setting. My counseling style is warm and engaging. I treat the people I work with respectfully and compassionately without judgment. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral and narrative therapies. I believe in starting where the client is and will tailor my approach to best meet your needs. If you are ready for positive changes in your life, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

Dr. Kidd Colt, Ed.D; LCPC , LMHC is a licensed clinical professional counselor in Maryland. He provides psychotherapy to individuals and couples. Dr. Colt earned his (Ed.,D) degree in counseling psychology from Argosy University. He earned his masters degree in counseling psychology (MA) from Towson University. He also earned a bachelors degree (BA) in communication studies from Towson University. Prior to private practice Dr Colt worked at the Family Emergency Treatment Center in Sarasota, Fl. Dr. Colt loves to help kids, teens, and adults who are struggling to fit in. Life in itself can bring challenges. When Dr. Colt works together with his clients, he provides a warm, empathetic presence. Often clients are looking for brief solution oriented therapy which he is able to provide in a comfortable environment. Dr. Colt worked for over 17 years of service in the Sarasota community and specialized in treating clients with mood disorders; ADD/ADHD, substance use/abuse challenges, stress management, life changes, marital/couple difficulties, and grief and chronic mental illnesses. Dr. Colt has flexible office hours and looks forward to meeting with you.

A part of each person already knows the solution to t issues that arise. Often that part has gone into hiding because of previous trauma. It takes courage and sometimes a trusting relationship to allow that part to share. My name is Helen Cook. I'm a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida and a Licensed Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania. I have worked with adolescents, couples and adults during my 19 years as a counselor. My training as a nurse with 21 years in the Army, a biology teacher for 11 years and a WW (Weight Watchers) coach for 25 years has also impacted my counseling skills. Working with couples using Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT), training in EMDR, Brainspotting, tapping, Ericksonian hypnotherapy. and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) have given me many tools to help others. Mind-Body connection is also very important and I strive to identify and work this connection as often as necessary to help people heal.

Greeting ! I look forward to supporting and aiding in recovery from your current challenges . I hold my professional license in Licensed Clinical Social Work . I have worked with adults, children, seniors, adolescents and families with a range of challenges including depression, anxiety, family discord, mood regulation, attention and focus, and anger. I have worked with individuals and families that have been impacted by their current and past traumatic experiences. I try to focus a person’s strengths and provide a client centered approach. I understand how difficult this process can be and know it takes courage to seek help, explore and finally make the decision to seek help, thus focusing on the whole person and defuse self and social stigmas . Although everyone is unique I utilize a cognitive-behavioral and humanistic approach and supplement with skills from Dialectical Behavioral Therapy . I look forward to meeting you and honored to be chosen to work with you!

As a licensed therapist with two decades of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals through life's complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on helping clients navigate challenges like depression, anxiety, relationship dynamics, and significant life transitions. I have deep expertise working with diverse populations, including young adults, military veterans, first responders, and individuals experiencing major life changes. My approach is compassionate and tailored, focusing on understanding each person's unique journey. I'm particularly skilled in addressing sensitive issues such as postpartum experiences, blended family dynamics, and end-of-life counseling. I create a supportive environment that honors individual experiences and promotes healing, personal growth, and emotional resilience. Drawing from extensive clinical experience, I help clients develop robust coping strategies, rebuild self-esteem, and move toward more fulfilling lives. My therapeutic style emphasizes empowerment, respect, and collaborative healing, ensuring that every individual feels heard, validated, and supported throughout their therapeutic journey.

I am licensed in Florida with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & anger management. 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 takes courage and I will do my best to build upon that effort.

Jonathan Pintaluga, MS, LMHC began to study Psychology in 2001, at the University Of Central Florida. He has worked with adults in a variety of environments, ranging from local agencies, private practice, as well as colleges. Working with adults in different settings, led to his practice expanding to include working with children, families and couples. He works with a wide range of mental and behavioral issues including anxiety, depression, attention problems, substance abuse, anger and trauma. The life issues people face are also an important part of his practice: adolescence, death and dying, divorce, relocation immigration, addiction, assessment for surgery, social and diversity issues. Jonathan creates rapport with his patients by spending the time needed to build a supportive and comfortable therapeutic relationship. He is eclectic in his approach to psychotherapy in order to create the right treatment plan for his patients’ needs. The modalities he utilizes range from cognitive behavioral, client focused and supportive therapy. Jonathan is a member of The American Psychological Association. He is a graduate of Albizu University, class of 2003. Jonathan interned at Goodman Psychological Services Center (GPSC or Goodman Center) is an outpatient treatment facility for mental health and speech and language services, providing mental health services to over 15,000 members of the South Florida community, including children, adolescents, and adults. Jonathan employs a combination of cognitive behavioral, client focused and supportive therapy in the process of therapeutic change.

I am licensed in Florida with 10+ years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, 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.

I am licensed in Florida with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & anger management. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

I am licensed in Florida with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

As a licensed therapist in Florida, I specialize in supporting individuals through life's complex emotional landscapes. My professional approach centers on helping clients navigate challenging experiences, including depression, anxiety, grief, and significant life transitions. I have extensive experience working with diverse populations, from children to young adults to older individuals facing midlife challenges. My therapeutic practice focuses on addressing communication difficulties, feelings of isolation, and struggles with purpose and identity. I am particularly passionate about supporting women through various life stages, including pregnancy, postpartum experiences, and workplace dynamics. My work also encompasses helping individuals heal from trauma, manage relationship challenges, and develop healthy coping strategies. I believe in creating a compassionate, collaborative space where clients can explore their emotions, develop resilience, and cultivate meaningful personal growth. My goal is to empower individuals to understand themselves more deeply and build stronger, more fulfilling connections in their personal and professional lives.