As a close suburb of Jacksonville, Atlantic Beach relies heavily on its larger city connections. Just as the town relies on others through independence, so do the people of the city have to rely on others from time to time. There is no shame in seeking help if you are struggling mentally or emotionally.

If you are facing hardship in your life, you can turn to confidential Atlantic Beach-area counselors. These therapists are trained and licensed to help you with all areas of your personal life. Contact a therapist to get started.

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Diane Poehlman

Offering therapy in FL
License: LMHC
AddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
30 years of experience

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and have more than 30 years of experience. I was born and raised in upstate New York but have traveled and lived in many areas of the United States which has allowed me to learn about different cultures, world views and belief systems. I love working with people and supporting and assisting folks to create and live the life they choose. I have worked in inpatient and outpatient settings, group homes, foster care, juvenile justice clients, dual diagnoses and mental health clients. I believe that everyone deserves to live a life of contentment and self acceptance. To that end, therapy can be very helpful in removing roadblocks and resolving issues that keep us from moving ahead in our lives. I have experience with addressing addictions, LGBT issues, depression, Bi-polar Disorder, anger, self esteem, anxiety, grief and loss, family and relationship issues. It is helpful to identify issues from the past that may effect how we function in the present, let go and/or create a way of being and looking at the world so that it supports our life journey. I utilize cognitive behavior as well as reality therapy, teach the tools needed to reach goals, look for solutions and stay focused on the positive.

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James Gilligan

Offering therapy in FL
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteem
20 years of experience

I earned my Master's degree in social work from Florida International University in 1998. I became licensed in 2000 from Florida. I worked with children in the school system in Miami-Dade county for several years. Providing individual, group and family therapy. I worked with severally mentally ill clients dealing with people who have issues with Bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and major depression. Since 2007 I worked with active duty military. I focused on marital issues, individual therapy for people struggling with anxiety, depression, worries, and PTSD. I also worked with soldiers who had issues with domestic violence. I have skill sets with dealing with people who come from dysfunctional family systems and they carry this type of trauma into their adult life and families. I also have a skill set of working with addictions and eating disorders. I have also provided marital counseling and have been trained in Gottman Marriage Counseling. I have experience using multiple treatment approaches to therapy including CBT, DBT, ACT, EMDR, and motivational interviewing skills. I have a strength in helping clients to make changes in their life that they would like to make.

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Wendy Sloan

Offering therapy in FL
License: MS,LMHC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteem
20 years of experience

Congratulations on taking the first steps to a healthier you. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor based in Florida with over 20 years of experience. I believe the relationship with a client should be one that is filled with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. I utilize methods such as person -centered and Solution-Focused Therapy styles along with motivational interviewing. This approach allows for clients to be empowered to solve their own problems using their own abilities. This is a goal oriented approach to problem solving that often allows clients to see the change they are looking for sooner. I also utilize cognitive behavioral therapy with clients in which this technique may be useful. I enjoy working with adults, adolescents, families and couples. I am glad you have taken the first steps towards making a change in your life and I hope I can help you in your path towards a happier, healthier, you. When you are ready, I am here to support you.

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Dushun Beckford-Torres

Offering therapy in FL
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsAnger management
4 years of experience

" Fall Seven Times, Stand up Eight". These are the words I encourage my clients to reflect upon. My name is Dushun Beckford-Torres and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years experience in the field of social work and four years of counseling experience with a focus on substance abuse, recovery and mental health. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns, within all age groups providing individual and group therapy. I have a passion for social justice issues and advocacy and truly believe that one of our best tools is developing the skills for self advocacy. I believe it's important to gain a better understanding of, and address with caution, our traumas in order to begin the journey toward personal healing. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral therapy, solution focused, client centered, exploration of coping skills and relationships as well as a humanistic approach. Individualism is important, therefore each treatment plan would be tailored directly to your specific and unique needs. It takes courage to reach out for support and to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life. Change can be challenging, and you have taken the first huge step toward facing that challenge. If you are ready to continue on your path of healing, I am here to provide support and encouragement. I look forward seeing you grow through your journey!

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Marilyn Allen

Offering therapy in FL
License: LMHC,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefAnger management
30 years of experience

My name is Marilyn Allen and I have been a Licensed Mental Health and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Florida for over 30 years. The best therapy happens where there is a high level of trust between you and the counselor, so it's important to find a therapist who will be a good fit for you and the type of concerns you have. I have been providing therapy in community mental health centers and other settings including private practice and have worked with people who come in with concerns like stress, anxiety, depression, relationships problems, life changes, and parenting issues. I would describe my approach to therapy as eclectic, drawing on a variety of modalities to best serve a client’s individualized needs and goals. Primarily the therapy I provide is based in solution oriented and integrates other approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing. I look for the strengths in your life that we can harness and apply to your current concerns. Finally, I view the therapeutic alliance as a partnership requiring mutual trust, respect, honesty, communication, and commitment to do the work. I am easy to talk to, compassionate, empathetic, and nonjudgmental. My overall intention is to help you find the best way to live a life with meaning, joy and satisfaction. Hopefully, what I have shared here will help you select the best fit for a therapist. Should you select me, I look forward to our journey together.

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Brittany McBryde Williams

Offering therapy in FL
License: LMHC
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesAnger managementADHD
5 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, anxiety, depression, trauma based issues, mood instabilities, parenting issues, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Kimberly Baptiste

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

I am licensed in Florida with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. 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.

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Amanda Smith

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
5 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, anger management, & 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. I use an eclectic approach to therapy and tailor our sessions to meet your 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.

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Rachell Bates

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
5 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida and Texas with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, anger management, & 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!

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Lisette Fundora

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemBipolar disorderDepressionADHD
11 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida and Virginia with 11 years of professional work experience in outpatient and inpatient therapy, psychiatric hospitals, and halfway houses. I am a Navy Veteran therefore take pride in being able to understand and help regarding the challenges of a military lifestyle. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, confidence, bipolar disorder, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

How to find counseling in Atlantic Beach

Finding the best therapist close by in Atlantic Beach 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 Atlantic Beach. 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 Atlantic Beach, 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 Atlantic Beach 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 Atlantic Beach 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 Atlantic Beach, elsewhere in Duval, 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 Atlantic Beach area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Atlantic Beach 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 Atlantic Beach 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 Atlantic Beach 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 Atlantic Beach, 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 Atlantic Beach 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 Atlantic Beach 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 Atlantic Beach 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 Atlantic Beach 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 Atlantic Beach 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 32233 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 Atlantic Beach 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 Atlantic Beach 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 Atlantic Beach, 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.

Atlantic Beach 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 Atlantic Beach.

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

32233

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