Valparaiso, Florida is known as a city which has a variety of great things and experiences to offer. From beaches to parks to boat riding, there is nothing that you can’t do in Valparaiso. If you enjoy warm weather and sunshine, both of which are very healthy to soak up, then this city is a great place for you to be.
In addition to the recreational perks of Valparaiso are the available mental health services. Meeting with a counselor in the Valparaiso area who specializes in helping people overcome past issues and make the most of their lives can work wonders.
Renée Thompson
Hello and welcome. I know it's frightening to start therapy and share your private thoughts and emotions with a stranger, but this is the first step to change and healing, so congratulations on this brave move! My name is Renée and I am here to help you be your best self. I believe strongly in the power to change. This means practicing being the person you WANT to be, every day. We are all struggling with the rise of inflation and making ends meet, but I pride myself in getting to the root of your issues, and helping you get back to living a better life, quickly! Whatever your struggles or concerns are, I feel confident that we can identify and overcome them together. My therapy approach focuses on your strengths and resiliency. It recognizes YOU as the expert of your own life. I will support you while we explore and practice making positive changes in your life. With my education, clinical training and experience, I can help you increase self-awareness, tap into your internal strengths and resiliency, learn how to let go of uncomfortable thoughts and feelings, consider new perspectives, and find new ways to cope. I am open-minded, empathetic and non-judgmental. I provide a safe and accepting environment for honest exploration of your areas of personal difficulty. I've provided therapy to end-of-life patients, college students, children, couples and families for a long time, so don't worry, there isn't anything that shocks me. I will give you my professional perspective, encouragement and offer potential solutions to help you navigate through this difficult time. My goal is to help you live your life to its fullest potential! I aim to help you find meaning, purpose, love and peace in your life and to do this within a short period of time. I am ready to do the work for you, are you ready to do the work and make positive changes? About me: I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Florida since 2009. I graduated magna cum laude in graduate school. I have over 20 years of counseling experience with various populations. I have been working for BetterHelp since May 2020 and find this platform user-friendly and extremely successful in helping clients reach their highest potential. I am an expert in grief counseling, and loss to suicide. I am the co-founder of the Tampa Bay Chapter for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). This non-profit organization is very close to my heart due to my own loss of a loved one to suicide. I have 10 years of experience counseling hospice and palliative care patients and their families and have been working with children since 2002. It would be a privilege to walk with you through your journey. You are not alone. I look forward to meeting you.
Kay Carsto
I am licensed in Florida with 26 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with addictions, lgbtq+ related issues, & intimacy related issues. I also have experience working with depression. 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.
Nancy Vaughn
I am licensed in Florida with over 15 years of professional experience. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I have worked in inpatient and outpatient settings helping clients with varied issues such as stress and anxiety, motivation, self-esteem and confidence, depression, and coping with life changes. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My therapeutic approach draws from cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness informed practices and person in environment perspectives. I believe we all have inner strengths, but sometimes the stresses of our day-to-day lives have gotten in the way of accessing those strengths and remembering the things that are important- like connection, meaning, purpose and contentment. Often the impediment is our fear of change- holding on to our preconceived ideas or habits can get in the way of our growth and our freedom. Our work together will help us develop a treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first steps to seek a more fulfilling and happy life takes courage and I am here to support you in that process.
Michelle Lesesne-De Santis
I am licensed in Florida with 24 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, coping with life changes, & executive and professional coaching. 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.
Dr. Rochelle Dorney
I am licensed in Florida with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & anger management. 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.
Dr. Mindy Miller McGuire
Thank you for reaching out! I am a general psychologist and licensed clinical therapist with over 25 years of experience and four years on BetterHelp. I was born and raised in Central New Jersey, enjoying the seasons, playing tennis, and vacationing in Florida. Friends asking for advice led to a career in psychology/social work, which was a good fit. After college and graduate school, I moved to Chicago and, ironically, to South Florida! I am Jewish, married for 31 years, and have three children, ages 26, 23, and 20. My lived experiences in a variety of circumstances allow me to be a very empathetic therapist: Relationships, friendships, spectrum issues, loss, illness, motivation, relational bullying, sociopathy, self-esteem, empowerment/self-strengthening, family issues, career concerns, and sports psychology. At 23, I traded in my tennis racket for figure skates: I have been skating ever since, at the Silver Ladies Freestyle Level, and have tested in Silver Ice Dance and Bronze Pairs. My approach combines guidance and support, motivating others to make life changes as they explore the inner self. Life is full of hills and valleys, and sometimes a steep climb. I provide a different vantage point and insight to begin the journey of change. Each of us is unique, and our therapeutic pathway reflects that individuality. I enjoy helping clients become motivated to make life changes while exploring their inner selves. I have extensive experience supporting individuals with relationship difficulties, parenting, self-esteem and self-empowerment struggles, goal management, career goals/issues, familial concerns, grief and loss, psychopathy, and manipulative tactics within relationships. I take an eclectic approach and enjoy integrating different treatment modalities into sessions to adhere to the individual needs of the client: Psychodynamic, EMDR (I am EMDR trained), Couples therapy (Gottman Level 1); Systemic, Insight-Oriented, Solution-based, Narrative, Rogerian-Strength-based, Emotion Focused Couples Therapy, Vulnerability Cycle Approach, Emotion Focused and Client Focused Therapies, and Cognitive-Behavioral. My specialty is relationships, boundaries, change, organization, and self-control. By helping individuals learn how to respond to others and daily stresses healthily, I help them live happier, more fulfilling lives. I take a client-centered approach to assisting clients to gain clarity, perspective, and self-esteem so they can be their best versions. I particularly enjoy working with couples, helping them communicate and reflect on themselves, each other, and their relationship. Men and women often have very different perceptual styles. Understanding these differences and how to approach and embrace these unique aspects helps couples become stronger and more unified. If you do not see a time on the scheduler that accommodates you, it does not mean that I cannot do a specific time for you. I often schedule "by appointment" significantly earlier in the day and on weekends. I also utilize a sincere approach, so if you desire to be lulled into a false sense of security, I am not the therapist for you. Quotes: "Who is afraid of the wolf does not go into the forest." Aljona Savchenko "If you live long enough, you experience everything." Scott Hamilton "If you have the choice to be kind or right, be kind and you will always be right." Anonymous "Thinking is difficult, that's why most people judge." Carl Jung "In the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It is the life in your years." Abraham Lincoln "If you don't have a miracle, you can create one." Nic Vujicic "When people show you who they are, believe them the first time."-Maya Angelou "Your relationship with your therapist will not be perfect." Sue Jacobson. LMHC "If someone isn't nice, be nice anyway." Mother Teresa "Challenges make life interesting," Anonymous "The comeback is better than the setback." Anonymous
Margaret Doman
Hi. I’m Margaret Doman. I am a licensed clinical social worker. My professional training was with an emphasis in clinical social work with individuals and families, with the utilization of psychodynamic processing and therapeutic counseling models including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Rational Emotional Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy among others. From my professional experience, I bring over 34 years of experience working with people in the helping professions, including over 17 years as a clinical social worker. I have worked directly with clients of all ages, children through adolescents and adults, in a variety of settings. I have worked with clients with a variety of presenting issues and dilemmas, including depression, anxiety and stress, anger management, grief and loss, marital and relationship discord, family and parenting difficulties, trauma and emotional abuse, and mental health disorders. I have worked indirectly as a Clinical Supervisor over children's mental health programs which provided therapeutic and case management services to children who suffered displacement, separation, trauma neglect and abuse and accompanying behavioral and mental health issues. I have worked as a Program Director of an outpatient substance abuse treatment program. I have worked as a program supervisor over an adolescent respite and treatment program providing shelter, behavior modification, and individual and family counseling for troubled teens. From my personal experience I bring decades of experience, including living and working within a variety of cultures, and religious and ethnic communities, making me aware and sensitive to the nuances of individuals’ diversity and challenges. As a social worker I recognize that life, with all its possible joys and wonderment, presents us with many varied challenges and barriers to being and feeling fulfilled, happy, content, satisfied, or good and at peace with our lives and the relationships that we desire, seek, and pursue. For the most part we cope and manage to come out on top; however, life can also overwhelm us and we might find ourselves in an ever-increasing downward spiral of unhappiness, low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, problems with life and relationships, and maybe a general sense of futility and hopelessness. I believe in a holistic approach to mental health therapy, taking into consideration all aspects of being a person in their particular unique environment and circumstance. My therapeutic approach is strength-based, using eclectic therapeutic techniques, providing a supportive counseling relationship, whereby you can explore and gain understanding and insights to drive your resolve, action plan, change, and growth towards that stronger, happier, functional, fulfilled you!
Arielle Blumenthal
Life is full of ups and downs, triumphs and challenges. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker it is my privilege to help people navigate through it all. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, and life transitions including family changes, caregiving for a loved one, becoming a parent, aging, and beyond. I work with adolescents, adults, and seniors. I attended the University of Florida where I earned my Bachelor’s in Sociology then attended the University of Pennsylvania where I earned my Master of Social Work degree. While earning my MSW, I specialized in working with Older Adults and earned the Anne Nolan Reese Penn Aging Certificate. I served at the Penn Memory Center working with caregivers of patients with dementia providing emotional support and caregiving resources. Following my graduate work, I have helped families and people of all ages. Since becoming a mother myself, I have a passion for helping new mothers navigate motherhood. Along with my experience, I exude kindness, warmth, and compassion. I listen without judgment, to create a space where people feel understood and safe so they can heal and grow.
Valerie Carr
I am licensed in Florida with 35 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & coping with grief and loss. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialogue 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!
Judy Couwels
I am licensed in Florida with 35 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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.
Lillian Cunningham
If you're seeking therapy to overcome trauma, PTSD, and dissociative disorders, I'm here to help you. My approach involves identifying your goals and creating a customized plan tailored to your specific needs. My goal is to provide a safe, compassionate environment where you feel heard and understood. I pride myself on my ability to connect with clients and use a variety of techniques such as CBT, mindfulness, psychoanalysis, Brainspotting, and Gestalt to address core issues. Together, we can work towards helping you create a happier, more fulfilling life. As a highly experienced professor of psychology and psychotherapist, I offer personalized and holistic psychotherapy services in Miami. With over 30 years of experience, I am committed to helping individuals achieve a sense of balance and well-being in their lives. As a therapist, my priority is to ensure that my clients feel safe, comfortable and heard during our sessions. I take pride in my ability to create a safe and non-judgmental environment that allows my clients to open up and share their thoughts, feelings and experiences. I believe that a strong therapeutic alliance is essential for successful therapy.
Michael Schwing
I am licensed in Florida with 22 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Telisa Hayden
Telisa Hayden is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with a Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling from South University. She specializes in working with individuals, couples, and families, helping them navigate life’s challenges and build resilience through a supportive, non-judgmental, and compassionate therapeutic relationship. Known for her active listening and insightful approach, Telisa helps clients uncover their strengths and create personalized paths toward emotional wellness and meaningful change. She works with diverse populations and is experienced in treating a range of mental health and co-occurring conditions. Passionate about ongoing learning, Telisa stays current with evidence-based practices to offer the best care possible.
Cheryl Breining
I am licensed in Florida with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, parenting issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & coping with life changes. 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.
Find a Therapist Near You in Valparaiso , 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.
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, 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 Valparaiso.
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.