Cristina Lopez-Mera
My name is Cristina and I have been a mental health counselor for over 20 years. I have worked with clients ages 3 to 81. My specialties are personality disorders, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma and abuse, adjustment disorder and sex therapy. I utilize mindfulness techniques with clients that are interested in learning relaxation skills. I am a certified yoga instructor as well. I’m pleased to help you accomplish your short term goals and long term goals, and to assist you to heal through the utilization of holistic healing approaches to become the best version of yourself.
Mercy Estevez
I am a licensed clinical social worker in the state of Florida , with over 12 years of experience providing motivational counseling to individuals with depression, grief and loss , substance abuse and other life related circumstances My counseling style is supportive and client centered thus allowing my client to navigate thru his/her life experiences, draw from them and develop goals centered in change and positive growth . My style is motivational and judgement free ,thus allowing for personal growth and change. I join my clients in their journey allowing them to have control over their issues and solutions to their problems while feeling supportive thru it.
Francesca Thomas
I am licensed in Florida with more than 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, anger management, domestic violence, criminal justice issues, relationship issues, & parenting issues. 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!
Jennifer Gardner
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Florida. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Florida in 1996, my Master’s degree in Social Work from Florida International University in 2002, and obtained my LCSW (SW 16005) in 2019. I have experience working with adults of all ages, children, and families over the past 20 years in a number of different settings. I offer clients compassion, understanding, and patience in order to explore feelings, emotions, and patterns that may be getting in the way of living a happier and more fulfilling life. I take a person-centered approach in which clients are able to take more of a lead in therapy in order to discover their own solutions. I encourage, support, and guide the therapeutic process without interrupting or interfering with the client’s process of self-discovery. I believe in providing a safe, supportive, and caring environment for clients to be able to open up and freely express themselves. Clients are able to be vulnerable and share their fears, struggles, and emotions that they do not feel comfortable sharing with their friends or family.
Rosemary Holderman
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of Florida with additional past practice in Ohio. I have over 40 years’ experience, providing mental health therapy in a variety of settings with various populations. My experience with adolescents and their families, and adults. I have provided treatment in a variety of settings, juvenile corrections in a group home setting, including individual counseling, group counseling and family counseling, public mental health involving individual female and male clients and group work, in home counseling for families and children, individual and group work, and with the Department of Children and Families in the State of Florida I have extensive experience with mental health issues, anxiety, depression, anger management, trauma, grief and loss, domestic violence, victims of violence, adolescent and teen issues, family group work life coaching, and transitional lifestyles. I believe each individual has the desire to reach their highest potential and the capacity to achieve their goals. The journey to find the potential can be a challenge. It is important for the client to have an open honest relationship with the therapist as concerns, life experiences and/or relationships are explored. I will be a guide through challenges and successes as the goals are achieved. My approach is client centered; the client is the leader; I am a guide. As your therapist, my role is to guide you through your journey with caring, empathy and understanding. I will listen.
Mary (Gina) Arnold
I am licensed in Florida with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, & relationship issues. I also have experience working with 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. 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.
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.
Cathiana Philippe
I am licensed in Florida with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & 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.
Mark S. Macko
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida with over 36 years of professional work experience helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, bipolar disorder & depression, to name a few. I have worked inpatient, outpatient, residential, partial hospital programs and online. The most extensive was 19 years with the VA. My degrees are in Psychology and Mental Health. While I do not aspire to any particular theoretical approach, I am most closely aligned with Christian based , cognitive behavioral and solution driven therapies. The most important components of helping are communication, expressing emotions and having hope that change can occur.
Dr. Dr.Claribel Perez
Hello and Welcome! You are here for a reason and your intuition may be pressing upon you to reach out for help, guidance, insights, and healing. I understand how life circumstances, traumas, hurt, and emotional instability can make you feel. If you are experiencing a situation that is challenging your wellness and stability, possibly disrupting optimal living, I am here to help! I commend you for taking the first step to reach out. My name is Dr. Claribel Perez; and many address me as Dr. Claire. I’m a Licensed Mental Health Counselor since 2005 and a Certified Clinical Sex Therapist in Florida, since 2015. Also, I am a retired English Teacher since 1989, with over 30 years of experience and a retired UCF Adjunct Professor. My counseling tone envelops a communication style characterized by a warmth, caring, resourceful, supportive, and an empathic genuine demeanor, fostering a safe, non-judgmental space. Accordingly, my clinical approach unfolds from getting to know you first followed by building trust; focusing on your presenting concerns, your presenting problem and your overall goals. Afterwards, contingent on your needs, I interweave clinical approaches encouraging a mutual collaborative effort to work on treatment interventions, implementing and adapting therapeutic strategies and tools towards the accomplishment of your goals. In your best interest, I provide you treatment intervention options to "adapt and adopt", a healthy sense of “self”, empowering you towards a positive self-actualization and self-fulfillment (based on The Self Theory by one of my favorite classical Philosophers: Carl Rogers and Albert Bandura). I implement collaborative, evidence-based treatment interventions to address each person’s unique objectives and needs via Teletherapy. Clinical counseling approaches that I implement include: Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (MBCBT) combined with a Psycho-educational Approach, Sex Therapy (specifically the Psychological Barriers Type for women undergoing biological or traumatic issues), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Reality Therapy, and Psycho-dynamic Therapy, tailored to help each individual address their unique wellness goals. A Collaborative Approach entails mutual, interactive, communicative and intentional working together through a formative process, which is essential to your progress. Whether you intend your sessions to strictly involve my listening skills and reflective insights, or whether you wish to establish detailed-specific goals to address specific issues, I will provide a structured framework tailored to provide you the therapeutic strategies, tools, and techniques. Embarking on the first steps towards your therapy journey requires courage and you already deserve a pat on your back for getting started! You are not alone on your journey towards empowerment, healing, and learning. At best, I am committed to provide insights and instrumental tools that will support your needs and goals. Overall, my utmost approach is to provide you a safe therapeutic experience embracing emotional support, reflective insights, well-being, healing, and empowerment. I look forward to working with you. Stay well! ~ Dr. Claire
Scott Paul
I am licensed in Florida with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, 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 believe is a positive investment in self improvement.
Michelle Edmond
I am licensed in Florida with 13 years of professional work experience & 5 years primarily focusing therapy. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, parenting issues, anger management, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Heidi Collins
I am a mental health and addictions counselor, licensed in Florida as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and Certified Addiction Professional (CAP) with over 12 years of experience working in clinical practice. I work with clients who experience a wide range of symptoms and concerns, including addictions, eating disorders, depression, anxiety, family conflicts, anger management, motivation, self-esteem, relationship issues, ADHD and more. My therapy style is warm, caring and interactive. My Christian worldview forms the lens through which I view clients. I believe that every person has dignity since they were made in the image of God. I also believe that everyone has depravity due to sin. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and will never shame you for anything you share with me. It takes a lot of courage to share the painful and shameful parts of yourself, and I will always hold your heart gently during those times of sharing. I want to know the whole you and will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and emotion focused therapy. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!
Wendy Dunn
As a licensed therapist in Florida, I bring over two decades of compassionate mental health experience supporting individuals through life's complex challenges. My professional journey has been dedicated to helping clients navigate emotional wellness, with specialized expertise in addressing depression, anxiety, trauma, and life transitions. I am deeply committed to creating a supportive, empathetic therapeutic environment where individuals can explore their inner experiences and develop meaningful strategies for personal growth. My approach centers on understanding each client's unique story, strengths, and potential for healing. My clinical work focuses on supporting teens and adults through various emotional and psychological challenges. I draw from evidence-based practices to provide thoughtful, personalized care that honors each individual's journey toward emotional resilience and well-being. Through collaborative and compassionate counseling, I aim to help clients build self-understanding, develop effective coping skills, and create positive pathways toward emotional health and personal transformation.
*BetterHelp insurance availability, coverage, and cost may vary by state, plan, provider network, therapist availability, and deductible status.
Find a therapist near you in Venice, Florida
Finding a therapist near you in 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 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 Venice, Florida
Ready to begin? BetterHelp can match you with a licensed therapist serving Venice and the surrounding FL area. When you are ready to take the next step, get started.