This is Jo Ann Simmons's avatar and link to their profile

Jo Ann Simmons

Offering therapy in FL
License: MA,LMHC,RCC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

The ability to understand yourself is within reach. Your quality of life improves dramatically as you take care of your emotional, physical, social, occupational, spiritual and intellectual wellness. My name is Jo Ann Simmons, a caring and compassionate Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified Coach with over 25 years of counseling experience. For many years I have enjoyed working with clients addressing a wide range of concerns that affect different ages of women and men. My approach is Holistic/Integrative while I offer tools and suggestions aimed at living a well-rounded satisfying life. My advanced training includes Gestalt Therapy, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), Military Family Life Consulting, Life Coaching, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). I have worked in private practice and in residential treatment programs for clients who experienced trauma. Developing a trusting relationship and forming a therapeutic alliance with my clients is very important to establish in our first few sessions together. We work together as a team by treating each other with kindness and respect in a non-judgmental way. I will always hold you in a light of honor and dignity as you reveal your inner life to me. I know how much courage it takes to seek help and I will tailor my therapy to meet your personal needs for healing. If for some reason your situation is out of my scope I will provide you with referrals to services that can better meet your needs. Some of the following topics that I address are: singles issues, aging, and divorce at different stages, dating, life-transition, career loss/change, mild depression, relationship issues, phobias, trauma, low self-esteem, stress reduction, grief/loss, and P.T.S.D.

This is Heidi Brescher's avatar and link to their profile

Heidi Brescher

Offering therapy in FL
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietySelf esteem
3 years of experience

In the beginning of my career, I worked primarily at inpatient crisis psychiatric facilities. Besides providing a comprehensive education about many psychological conditions, I enjoyed seeing clients make great progress when they gained the tools they needed. Later I transitioned to forensic social work and most of my clients were returning citizens (individuals who had been formerly incarcerated). During that work I decided to go back to school and for my MSW with the intention of getting my license. I got my MSW in 2017 and am still working with forensic clients. A lot of my therapist colleagues had great things to say about BetterHelp so I decided try it. As a clinician, I want to be a partner, not an expert. You are the expert on you. I hope to join with you to seek and apply tools that can create the change you are looking for. My training is primarily in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which is evidence based. I've also worked with motivational interviewing and solution-focused brief therapy. The focus of my clinical work has been predominantly with anxiety and depression. There are many interventions that can bring relief for these symptoms and I find it very hopeful to see clients be able to reduce their suffering. Online therapy doesn’t necessarily take the same form as in-person therapy. I’m very open to alternatives to video sessions, such as live chat or messaging. Some clients find it useful to use the messaging feature in the same way as they might a journal. We can communicate in that way if it feels like a good fit for you. I’m very mindful that not everyone is comfortable with video or phone sessions.

This is Vanessa Hinklein's avatar and link to their profile

Vanessa Hinklein

Offering therapy in FL
License: MA, LMHC, MCAP
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
20 years of experience

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the State of Florida and also hold an MCAP (Masters Level Certified Addictions Professional) with a specialization in anxiety, panic, depression, hopelessness, marriage and family issues, dysfunctional families, substance abuse, chronic relapse, PTSD and trauma. I am also a CRPS (Certified Recovery Peer Specialist) with 14 years in substance recovery myself. I hold a Masters in Arts degree from Liberty University in Professional Christian Counseling & Marriage and Families. I am formally trained in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and ART (Accelerated Resolution Therapy) to treat trauma and PTSD. I have an extensive history working with individuals who suffer from PTSD, trauma, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, borderline personality and daily stressors. I also have experience working with those who suffer from substance and process addictions. I work with LGBTQ+ individuals and continue to train and educate myself on LGBTQ+ growth and changes. I have experience working with LGBTQ+ individuals that suffer from trauma and PTSD. Welcome to the first day of your new life. I look forward to working with you progress through your daily struggles and help you grow as an individual. I have a passion to help others heal and look forward to working with you through his new chapter in your life.

This is Dr. Kenneth Mckellar's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Kenneth Mckellar

Offering therapy in FL
License: PhD,LPC-S,NCC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesGriefIntimacy-related issues
22 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 20 years of experience working as a psychotherapist and life coach. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, addictions, and Sexual Identity and Sexual Lifestyle choices, including consensual non monogamy . I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. I have also worked with Veterans, Active Duty and Retired Military Members and their Families. My counseling style is non-directive and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and rational-emotive counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

This is Elizabeth Aly's avatar and link to their profile

Elizabeth Aly

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
11 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with anxiety, stress, coping with addictions, PTSD, Abuse, Depression, Motivation, Self Esteem, and Confidence. 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!

This is Dr. Peter Sutphen's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Peter Sutphen

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepression
33 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 33 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, 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. 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.

This is Alicia Sullivan-Smith's avatar and link to their profile

Alicia Sullivan-Smith

Offering therapy in FL
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
3 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, parenting issues, & motivation, self esteem, and 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 a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

This is Callie Buchanan's avatar and link to their profile

Callie Buchanan

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
5 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping teen and adult clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. I believe my role as your therapist is to help you shift your patterns of thinking and doing as you cultivate deeper self-awareness. You are the expert of your story, and 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!

This is Jessica Wilson's avatar and link to their profile

Jessica Wilson

Offering therapy in FL
LGBTTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesADHD
4 years of experience

I am a licensed therapist in Florida with 4 years of clinical experience, and a decade of volunteer counseling experience prior to that. I have experience in helping clients with LGBTQ+ related issues, trauma and abuse, intimacy and relationship struggles, & parenting challenges. I enjoy working with children, adolescents, and adults. Neurobehavioral disorders (FASD, ADHD, and more) are also a specialty for me. I strive 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 acknowledge that. I am happy to be here to support your journey.

This is Pamela Johnson's avatar and link to their profile

Pamela Johnson

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping with life changes
21 years of experience

I am licensed Clinical Social Worker with 21 years of professional work experience with a focus on Substance Disorders and Women's issues. I have experience in helping people cope with stress and anxiety; working to increase motivation, and self-esteem. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

How to find counseling in Welaka

Finding the best therapist close by in Welaka can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area, you can find a therapist in your city that is accepting new clients and fits your goals. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage, family issues, or other emotional challenges, feel proud that you have begun your search to find the mental health care services that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Welaka. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of therapy can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Welaka, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.

It is also important to understand that mental health professionals in the United States are accredited to provide care, helping individuals and couples, with a variety of licenses. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinical psychologist or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

Mental health professionals working through their own in- person therapy practice in Welaka or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, or change in negative thinking patterns. They may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain. Verified providers can provide licensed marriage and couples therapy, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.

There are all kinds of therapists working with clients today across the United States and in the greater Welaka area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find therapists, have in mind what type of therapy you'd like your provider to be most experienced with and choose an experienced provider with a practice located near you in the city of Welaka, elsewhere in Putnam, or in the greater state of Florida.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Welaka area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Welaka therapist?

The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Welaka due to a higher cost of living. The price also depends on the type of provider you are looking for. See the following average prices for various mental health providers without insurance:

  • Counseling with a psychiatrist: $150-$500
  • Counseling with therapists: $100-300
  • Therapy with a psychologist: $100

While many psychologists in Welaka may not take health insurance, some in the state of Florida may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With BetterHelp or clinicians throughout the state of Florida you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).

How is a licensed therapist on this online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Welaka, Florida working on BetterHelp are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited as a doctor of psychology (PhD / PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW / LICSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). All of these psychology clinicians have a Masters Degree or a Doctorate Degree in their field of psychology sciences, and follow the APA Code of Ethics. They have been qualified and certified by their state's professional board after successfully completing the necessary education, exams, training and practice with a patient, and extensive experience in a healthcare clinic or treatment centers, in order to become a mental health provider. While their lived experience, expertise, careers, and background vary, they all possess at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience with adult and sometimes teen patients, and have the necessary therapist credentials to provide a safe space for long lasting emotional healing in therapy. 

Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from psychiatrists to prescribe a drug as treatment, or perform psychological assessments.

How does working with a counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?

BetterHelp clinicians treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Welaka above, can work with young adults, children, adolescents, and adults virtually as an accredited licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). You do not have to commute to a an office as a psychotherapy client.

Through BetterHelp therapy, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, use the in app journaling feature, and receive worksheets. You'll also find support groups or group therapy lead by a therapist in Welaka helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety or depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address?

BetterHelp's verified Welaka therapists specialize and have clinical experience in a wide range of mental health issues and modalities, helping clients to feel better and improve their lives every day. See below for examples.

Specialties on BetterHelp include:

You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy or with a sex therapist. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists or licensed marriage family therapists (LMFT) who work with clients in relationships. You can also try a Welaka therapy provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide. 

How do I know if online counseling is right for my family?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a therapist is the validation and active listening they can provide. Your friends and loved ones may also be available to listen, but you may feel that they may lack the skills to provide objective guidance. Counselors are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

A psychologist in your city can support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health, life concerns, or healing needs. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another good benefit of therapy is having an understanding, safe space with a non-judgmental party who can support you through challenging experiences.

Many people have sensitive topics that they may feel ashamed to discuss with their friends or partner. A Welaka therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, such as art therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words.

With a lot of people in FL, providers may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles above and others within BetterHelp's team, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching to find a a nearby psychotherapist close to 32193 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Welaka counselor?

Before seeing your therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the therapy process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist, any emotional pain you may feel, and the ways in which you hope to improve. When you attend your session, let them know if you have any concerns about therapy or feel unsure about what to talk about. They may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy.

Should I find a therapist or psychologist if I feel fine? 

Some simply don't feel the need to see a psychologist. However, some people may avoid attending therapy due to stigma or preconceived notions of what therapy entails. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback and advice. A Welaka licensed clinical social worker may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.

Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find through therapy can be dependent on your process.

People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles.

Is mental health care and therapy worth it? 

Therapy is effective and has the power to change individuals' lives. Each client is at a different stage of their emotional healing journey in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, skills, and goals. A psychologist can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities to help you feel your best and put you on the path to healing. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, a mental health professional has an understanding of various disorders like ADHD and depression with many hours of experience in treating adults in their practice. For this reason, seeing an evidence based psychologist in Welaka, Florida can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy services each year, showing it's a popular option and is proven to be effective.

Welaka has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions?

The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.

Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on PinterestLinkedInInstagramTwitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time today to learn more about the team of therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of Welaka.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Welaka:

32189, 32193

Find the right therapist for your needs
Match with a qualified therapist