J. Phyllis Brannen
I am a Florida Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Addictions Professional with 22 years experience in Private Practice, a Community Mental Health Center and an Alzheimer’s Foundation. I have worked with mental health issues and addictions; caregivers and care-receivers; as well as clients dealing with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, abuse, ADHD and numerous other concerns. My counseling style is interactive and responsive. Together, we will explore your challenges, build your coping skills and find solutions that work. My approach is eclectic, combining many aspects, including empowerment, cognitive and behavioral elements. Your counseling will respond to your unique individual needs. Your interest in counseling implies that you have the courage to change and grow. That is all you need to seek a happier, more fulfilling future. I am here to support and encourage you on this exciting journey!
Amy Schneider
I am a licensed therapist with fifteen years of experience working with individuals, couples, and families, from those going through significant life changes to those healing from traumatic experiences. I graduated from UW-Milwaukee in 2009 with Bachelor's degrees in Sociology and Psychology and an honors in Liberal Arts. I continued there and graduated in 2011 with a Master's degree in Educational Psychology, with a specialty in Community Counseling. In 2018, I graduated from UW-Madison with an additional capstone degree in Infant, Early Childhood, and Family Mental Health. For the first ten years of my career I worked primarily with families through in-home therapy in Milwaukee, the City of Neighborhoods! I then joined the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin as a Child and Family Therapist and Agent for the Bureau of Child Welfare as an advocate and therapist for families in the Healthy Infant Court program at the Vel R. Phillips Juvenile Justice Center. I have worked as an independently contracted therapist through the Betterhelp site since 2020 and enjoy navigating the very new field of telehealth and online therapy. I obtained licenses from Texas and Florida in 2024. The first few times we meet, the focus will be on your life and how you have been impacted by what has happened to you. We will work together to figure out how you can get to where you’d like to be. I’m happy to answer any questions you might have about my approach, or the counseling process in general! Send me a message :) Harassment has no place in the workplace - know your rights :) I have additional education and experience in the following: Identity and Parts Work Personality and Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Nutrition for Mental Health and Disordered Eating Attachment Theory and Assessment/ Developmental Psychology Cognitive Behavioral Therapy And Short-Term Behavioral Health Jungian Therapy Career Development, Work Environments, and Group Dynamics Intimacy, Sensate-Focus, and Couples Counseling Polyamorous, Open, and Alternative Relationship Structures & Dynamics Psychodynamic Therapy Healing from Break-ups and Relationship Grief Imago Relationship Therapy Dream Analysis Child Development and Child-Parent Psychotherapy Adoption Competency Foster-Care/Adoption, Separation/Divorce, and Family Legal Processes Perinatal Mental Health and Post-Partum Depression Intergenerational Mental Health Impact and Collective Consciousness Multicultural Counseling, Role of Culture in Health Practices LGBTQA+ Affirmative Practices Spirituality & Faith Experiences of Death, Dying, Grief, and the After-life Reflective Practices and Supervision Creative Therapies: Art, Writing, and Music Applied Behavior Analysis Meditation and Mindfulness Yoga (Registered Teacher at 200-Hour Level from 2023-2026) and Somatic Experiencing Due to HIPAA law and ethics within the therapy field, all information shared during therapy is kept on the site. I do not save, print, or store any information shared in sessions off of the site in a physical location. I am unable to respond to emails from clients because of the inability to identify the sender of the email. In order to ensure information is kept secure, all requests for information or documentation of therapy must come through the secured portal of your client account. Sessions may not be recorded, although live chat (synchronous messaging) sessions may be saved in the client's online journal for continued reference. Psychology Today profile: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/amy-schneider-milwaukee-wi/808808
Dr. Carol Parham
As a licensed therapist in Florida, I bring over 15 years of dedicated experience supporting individuals through life's complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on helping clients navigate challenging transitions, heal from past traumas, and rediscover their inner strength. I specialize in supporting older adults, addressing issues like aging, attachment, and life purpose with compassionate, evidence-based approaches. My therapeutic work focuses on helping individuals overcome communication barriers, process posttraumatic experiences, and rebuild self-esteem. I understand that each person's journey is unique, and I strive to create a supportive, non-judgmental environment where clients can explore their challenges and develop meaningful coping strategies. Whether you're experiencing stress, anxiety, or working through significant life changes, I'm committed to walking alongside you with empathy, respect, and professional expertise. My goal is to empower you to create positive, sustainable transformations in your life.
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.
Susan Huerta
As a licensed therapist in Florida with 15 years of clinical experience, I specialize in supporting individuals through complex life transitions and emotional challenges. My practice focuses on helping clients navigate depression, anxiety, grief, and addiction while addressing critical areas like self-love, communication difficulties, and social isolation. I am deeply committed to working with diverse populations, including older adults, young professionals, and individuals experiencing significant life changes. My approach centers on empowering clients to develop resilience, rebuild self-worth, and create meaningful connections. Drawing from extensive experience in addressing workplace stress, relationship dynamics, and personal growth, I provide compassionate guidance for those struggling with panic attacks, trauma recovery, caregiver burnout, and interpersonal challenges. My therapeutic style emphasizes understanding, respect, and collaborative healing. I believe every individual has inherent strength and the capacity to transform their emotional landscape. Together, we can explore your unique journey, develop effective coping strategies, and cultivate a more fulfilling life path.
Sarah Cooper
As a licensed therapist in Florida, I bring over a decade of compassionate clinical experience supporting individuals through life's complex challenges. My practice centers on helping clients navigate a wide range of emotional experiences, including depression, anxiety, relationship dynamics, and personal growth. I specialize in addressing issues like social anxiety, workplace stress, trauma recovery, and interpersonal communication. My approach is deeply empathetic and tailored to each individual's unique journey. I'm particularly passionate about supporting women, young adults, and those experiencing significant life transitions. My therapeutic style integrates evidence-based practices with a holistic understanding of personal healing. I aim to create a supportive, non-judgmental space where clients can explore their experiences, develop resilience, and cultivate meaningful personal transformation. Whether you're struggling with self-esteem, relationship challenges, or seeking greater life purpose, I'm committed to walking alongside you with genuine care and professional expertise.
Gerald Syrkett
I am licensed in Florida with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, parenting issues, & 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!
Ebony Benjamin
Seeking therapy is not a sign of weakness; nor is it a sign of failure. It is actually a signal of strength...Empowerment! Therapy is a personalized tool tailored to your specific needs with the purpose of helping you navigate through life struggles. Caregiving, struggling relationships, job stress, parenting, chronic physical and mental illness, and societal pressures can impact our lives in ways that overwhelms our ability to function day to day. I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for over 25 years. I have worked primarily with Adults living with mental illness and substance abuse, families and Caregivers, and those seeking support for stressors that have become to difficult to manage independently. My goal as a Therapist is to partner with you and strategize ways to live through personal struggles while protecting your physical and mental health. I believe that Therapy should not be as stressful process, but rather a safe space for you to be your authentic self, free from judgment and reproach. As a single parent of a very active 9 year old daughter and 2 year old Shih Tzu I have learned the importance of SELF care. It took a while for me to learn what self care "looks like" for me. Sometimes it's playing Crossword Master or Playdoku on my phone. Sometimes it's watching True Crime documentaries. Sometimes it's taking a solo drive and listening to my favorite tunes. And at times, it has been Therapy. I look forward to the opportunity to partner with you on your journey to wholeness/wellness, and relief from whatever life circumstance has you stuck.
Penelope Surber
I have been licensed in Florida for less than one year but have 6 years of experience working as an adult trauma therapist at a recovery center. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, career challenges, mid-life crises, stress, low self-esteem, abandonment issues, empty nesters, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, motivation, grief, good girl trauma, self-esteem, codependence, and confidence. I have also helped many women who have struggled with childhood trauma to include all forms of abuse. My therapy style is warm, person-centered, and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, empathy, and compassion, and I don’t believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, dialectical behavioral, psychodynamic, gestalt, solution-focused, and rational-emotive therapy. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to be willing to ask for help and take the first steps towards change. To seek a more fulfilling and happier life through transformation and growth. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!
Althea Fraser
I am licensed in Florida with 8 years of professional work experience. 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. I use an Integrative Counseling approach, with an emphasis on Cognitive Behavioral and Solution Focused Therapy. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Patricia Roebuck
I am licensed in Florida with over 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, domestic violence, setting boundaries, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression, mood disorders and substance use. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our sessions 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.
Christina Javete
I am a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) and a National Certified Counselor (NCC) in sunny Florida with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients and couples with stress and anxiety, managing depression, coping with trauma and addictions, self esteem and confidence. I currently work with veterans and love teaching skills and promoting healing through psychotherapy. 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 using evidence based counseling theory. 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, process, & empower you in that journey.
Austine Nwaobi
I am licensed in Florida with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, anger management, motivation, self-esteem, confidence, & bipolar disorder. I also have experience working with 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.
Gaileanne 'Alianna' Timmins
As a licensed therapist in Florida, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex life challenges. My professional approach centers on helping clients address depression, anxiety, relationship dynamics, and career transitions with compassionate, personalized care. I offer a supportive therapeutic environment that honors each person's unique journey, with particular expertise in women's issues, life purpose exploration, and managing significant life changes. My practice welcomes diverse clients, including those seeking faith-informed perspectives or secular support. My clinical focus spans a wide range of concerns, from workplace stress and family dynamics to chronic health challenges and personal growth. I'm committed to helping individuals develop resilient coping strategies, process difficult emotions, and create meaningful paths forward. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I provide a warm, collaborative approach that empowers clients to discover their inner strengths and navigate life's complexities with greater confidence and clarity.
*BetterHelp insurance availability, coverage, and cost may vary by state, plan, provider network, therapist availability, and deductible status.
Find a therapist near you in The Villages, Florida
Finding a therapist near you in The Villages, 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 The Villages.
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 The Villages, Florida
Ready to begin? BetterHelp can match you with a licensed therapist serving The Villages and the surrounding FL area. When you are ready to take the next step, get started.