Melissa Pesce
Meaningful change happens when you feel both supported and challenged. My approach is direct, supportive and compassionate. Creating a space where you can feel safe to explore your experiences while being encouraged to move toward your goals. I am passionate about empowering individuals to recognize their strengths, deepen their self-awareness, and develop the insight needed to create lasting change. Together, we will work to bring greater clarity, direction, and purpose to your life while fostering accountability, growth, and personal evolution. I strive to create an open-minded, nonjudgmental environment that promotes healing, resilience, and transformation. Whether you are navigating relationship challenges, life transitions, anxiety, or personal growth, I will meet you where you are while helping you move toward where you want to be. My integrative therapeutic approach combines trauma-focused, cognitive behavioral, and mindfulness-based interventions tailored to your unique needs and goals. I also incorporate evidence-based techniques including strengths-based, solution-focused, family systems, holistic, client-centered, and culturally sensitive approaches. By drawing from a variety of therapeutic modalities, I am able to provide individualized care that supports healing, fosters self-discovery, and empowers you to create meaningful and sustainable change. Please feel free to reach out about my office hours. I offer 30 minute video or phone sessions. I look forward to helping you grow and move you forward into the next chapter in your life. Let’s get started!
Dr. Jesse Collins
As a licensed therapist in Florida, I bring over two decades of compassionate counseling experience to supporting individuals through life's most challenging moments. My practice specializes in addressing complex emotional landscapes, including depression, anxiety, relationship dynamics, and trauma recovery. I offer a faith-centered, conservative approach that honors Christian values while providing professional therapeutic support. My expertise spans diverse areas such as self-love, life purpose, healing from shame, and navigating significant life transitions like divorce, workplace challenges, and caregiver stress. With a deep understanding of unique personal journeys, I'm particularly committed to supporting veterans, first responders, young adults, and individuals processing complex emotional experiences. My approach is grounded in empathy, respect, and a genuine desire to help clients discover inner strength and meaningful healing. I believe every person has the capacity for growth, resilience, and transformation. Together, we can explore your challenges, develop effective coping strategies, and move toward a more fulfilling life path.
Genee Tinsley
I am a licensed mental health therapist with over 8 years of experience working as a psychotherapist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, mood disorders, OCD and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse and substance addictions. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I do not believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and Jungian therapy. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek for 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 on your journey. I look forward to working with you!
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!
David Shirly
I am a licensed therapist in Florida dedicated to supporting individuals through complex emotional landscapes. My professional approach centers on helping clients navigate challenges like depression, anxiety, relationship dynamics, and personal growth. I specialize in addressing issues such as social anxiety, workplace stress, life transitions, and interpersonal communication. My therapeutic practice is deeply compassionate and tailored to each individual's unique experiences. I focus on empowering clients to develop self-love, overcome isolation, and rediscover their sense of purpose. Whether you're struggling with mood disorders, relationship difficulties, or seeking personal transformation, I provide a supportive environment for meaningful healing and growth. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I work collaboratively with clients to develop practical strategies for managing stress, building resilience, and creating positive life changes. My goal is to help you understand yourself more deeply, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and move towards a more fulfilling life.
Cassandra Sams
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 20 years of experience working with children, adolescents, young adults and their families. I spent 2 years of my career working at a Children's Advocacy Center, 7 years working in an Adolescent treatment facility, 6 years in private practice, and 2 years in a family counseling center. I have helped others with a wide range of challenges such as anxiety and depression, self-injurious behaviors, low self-esteem, co-dependency concerns, sexual trauma, as well as relationship concerns amongst couples and amongst family members. I have a Specialist in Education degree from Georgia State University and I am Licensed to practice in both Georgia and Florida. When working with clients I use a blend of cognitive-behavioral approaches as well as reality therapy and humanistic approaches. You will find that I enjoy the creative processes as well and may encourage clients to engage in art therapy techniques in order to stimulate a different way of thinking about life's challenges. My goal for clients is for them to feel safe and to feel heard when they meet with me. Clients are the experts on their life obstacles and I view myself as merely a witness to the client's strength and resourcefulness as they overcome these obstacles. It is my sincerest desire to simply be a guide on the route to wholeness.
Dr. Anthony Schefstad
I am licensed in Florida with 39 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, grief and loss, phobias, pre and post incarceration and anti-social personality disorder. I am a practitioner of Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP) and Ericksonian Hypnosis. 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.
Diane Petersen
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida. I have been providing counselling services in an inpatient and outpatient setting for over 20 years. My therapeutic approach is simple. I actively listen without judgment so I can provide the best quality care for all my clients. I have extensive experience helping clients manage stress and anxiety, cope with addictions, and recover from trauma, abuse, grief and loss. 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.
Richard Williams
I am a 32 year Air Force veteran. I served on active duty for 24 years retired and went back to work two weeks later at my same Air Force job as a GS-11 Civilian employee. I have experience treating trauma with military veterans and first responders. 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, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and self confidence. 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 change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey. Let’s get you on the road to living the life that you deserve! The power is within you.
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.
Anthia Casanova
I am licensed in Florida with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, LGBTQ-related issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story, and you have many strengths that will help with 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 your journey.
Joivonna Thompson
Welcome! I’m glad you are here. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Florida with 18 years of professional experience supporting individuals through life’s challenges, transitions, and periods of personal growth. My areas of focus include stress and anxiety, depression, self-esteem and confidence, motivation, coping with life changes, and military-related stressors. I have extensive experience working with service members and Veterans and understand the unique challenges that can accompany military service, transitioning to civilian life, and navigating major life changes. My therapeutic approach is compassionate, collaborative, and solution-focused. I believe therapy should not only provide a safe space to process your experiences, but also help you recognize your strengths, develop practical coping strategies, and move toward meaningful, achievable goals. I incorporate evidence-informed approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Trauma-Informed Care, tailoring treatment to meet your individual needs. I strive to create a welcoming, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where you can feel comfortable expressing your thoughts, emotions, and concerns openly. Together, we will build upon your strengths, explore solutions, and identify strategies that support your overall well-being and personal growth. Taking the first step toward change can require courage, but you do not have to navigate the process alone. Whether you are experiencing a difficult transition, feeling overwhelmed, working to rebuild your confidence, or simply seeking greater balance and fulfillment, I am here to support you as you move toward the life you envision.
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.
James Hoy
I am licensed in Florida, Oklahoma and Oregon with 10 years of professional work experience. My certifications include Master Certified Addiction Counselor, Internationally Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, National Certified Counselor and Licensed Practitioner of the Healing Arts. I have experience in helping clients with addictions, relationship issues, career difficulties, coping with life changes, executive coaching, spiritual issues, aging, bereavement/hospice/death, anxiety, depression, loneliness, socialization, holistic mental health solutions and professional coaching. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and 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, and will share my mental and spiritual health knowledge and tools to help remind you of the truths you have within yourself.
*BetterHelp insurance availability, coverage, and cost may vary by state, plan, provider network, therapist availability, and deductible status.
Find a therapist near you in Walton, Florida
Finding a therapist near you in Walton, 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 Walton.
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 Walton, Florida
Ready to begin? BetterHelp can match you with a licensed therapist serving Walton and the surrounding FL area. When you are ready to take the next step, get started.