Your mental health can be like a fortress. When it’s high, it’s an impenetrable fortress that no one can defeat. However, many people’s fortresses have fallen. What should one do? One solution is to speak to a counselor based in Fort Lauderdale. They can help you with your mental state and make sure your mental fortress is up to snuff. 

After all, Fort Lauderdale is known for its fortresses, and if you want them to stand strong, talking to a counselor here can make sure you're always improving, and arming, the fortress in your mind, no matter what danger is at hand. 

This is Dr. Leah Walker's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Leah Walker

Offering therapy in FL
License: PhD,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
24 years of experience

I am a marriage and family therapist with over 20 years of experience. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including: anxiety, depression, relationship issues, life changes, relationships issues, career challenges, and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral therapy and family of origin work. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to step forward and try to change your life. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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Elisa Snyder

Offering therapy in FL
License: LMHC
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesAnger managementDepression
13 years of experience

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, licensed in Florida, with over 12 years experience. I have worked with a variety of individuals with their concerns ranging from depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction, behavior management, anger management, forensic populations, and relationship challenges, to name a few. My background also includes working as a Behavior Analyst in NH for many years, as well as group counseling. My approach to therapy is engaging, client focused, with a commitment to helping the people I work with a focus on solution focused approaches. Empowering individuals to recognize their strengths is very important when helping others work through their challenges. Via an eclectic approach, integrating a variety of theories, we will work together to address your specific needs, challenges, and situations. The treatment will also be person specific, and an evolving plan as the needs arise. Thank you for reaching out and seeking support during this time. I look forward to hearing from you!

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Jessica Herz

Offering therapy in FL
License: M.Ed.,LMHC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
9 years of experience

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the state of Florida. I specialize in depression, anxiety, self esteem and relationship issues. I have experience working with a wide range of mental health issues and individuals. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, mood disorders, personality disorders, addiction, relationship issues, life change transitions, career challenges, and more. I conduct individual, couples, and family therapy. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, empathy and as equals. My approach is eclectic and my counseling combines Cognitive-behavioral therapy, Dialectical behavior therapy, Solution-focused therapy, psychodynamic and rational-emotive behavior 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 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!

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Dr. Hattie Hagans

Offering therapy in FL
License: PhD,ACSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefAnger managementDepression
42 years of experience

I am a Board Certified (ACSW) and Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Florida with over (40) years of experience in Mental Health Counseling. I am also a Licensed Ordained Pastor with a Ph.D in Theology with (12) years experience in Pastoral Services. I have worked with clients with a variety of mental health disorders and relationship issues including depression, anger management, stress and anxiety, grief and lost, marital, family and parenting difficulties. I have also helped many people who have experienced a variety of abuse beginning in their early life including physical, neglect, sexual, emotional and abandonment difficulties. My counseling style is warm, interactive, nonjudgmental and compassionate. My desire is to help clients develop positive coping skills, recover from problematic situations and the freedom to grow towards achieving the quality of life that will give them balance and happiness. My approach incorporates client-centered therapy combined with cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, solution focus, motivational interviewing and spiritual development are designed to promote change and transformation. My clients have reported feeling respected, nonjudgmental and easy to establish rapport. This takes courage and learning to trust another person to help you work through areas of difficulties that will bring on increased happiness and contentment in life. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to take on the challenge and take that step with you. I look forward to working with you.

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Catherine Wilson

Offering therapy in FL
License: LMHC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
22 years of experience

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with 20 years of experience working with clients in Florida. I have a wide range of experience working with clients who may struggle with depression, anxiety, stress, relationship conflict, parenting, trauma and addiction issues. I feel a therapist and client must be able to build a strong rapport which will include a foundation built on trust. My style of therapy is a blending or integration of different modalities that will fit the client and issue. These modalities could include Cognitive-Behavioral, Solution-Focused, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma Focused and Client Centered Therapies. My approach is warm and supportive, I want my clients to feel at ease to discuss whatever they are struggling with at the time. My experience and knowledge in the field of psychology has given me a perspective which I feel will benefit a wide variety of clients. My goal is for therapy to not only help the client but also be a great experience. I look forward to working with you!

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Deborah Smith

Offering therapy in FL
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
24 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker in Florida with over 20 years of experience. I have worked with clients with a variety of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, ineffective communication skills, grief, stages of life issues and career challenges. My therapy style is relaxed, patient and supportive. I collaborate with clients to determine the goals of treatment and the best approach for each individual. I incorporate client’s strengths as well as the areas of concern. My approach is a combination of cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, dialectical behavioral and solution focused therapy. It takes self-awareness and courage to identify barriers to the positive life you want and to make the decision to work toward making those changes. I’m pleased to partner with you on this journey. I’m looking forward to meeting you and to starting the journey!

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Denise Cummings-Fagan

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
31 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 31 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbt-related issues, relationship issues, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Rachelle Anderson

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
22 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, parenting issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence to name a few. 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.

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Geralynn Barney

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyLGBTDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
22 years of experience

Hello, I am Geralynn Barney. I have been a licensed mental health therapist for 24 years. I am licensed in Utah and Florida. I received my bachelor's degree from Utah State University and my master's degree from the University of Las Vegas Nevada. Life can be difficult to navigate, and we can all use help sometimes. Working with an experienced, licensed therapist can help. I have experience working with individuals who have anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, self-esteem issues, women's issues, physical health issues, and victims of interpersonal violence. I am an LGBTQ+ affirming therapist and have experience working with PFLAG. I work to build relationships with clients to provide them with a safe and non-judgmental space to talk and to work on what may be holding them back from having a healthy, balanced life. I use evidenced based modalities and practices including Cognitive Behavioral and Solution Focused therapies. I look forward to working with you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you and empower you in that process.

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Dr. Stephanie Sarkodie

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

How to find counseling in Fort Lauderdale

Finding the best therapist close by in Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale. 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 Fort Lauderdale, 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 Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale, elsewhere in Broward, 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 Fort Lauderdale area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale, 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 Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale 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 33301 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 Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale, 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.

Fort Lauderdale 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 Fort Lauderdale.

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

33301, 33302, 33303, 33304, 33305, 33306, 33307, 33308, 33309, 33310, 33311, 33312, 33315, 33316, 33318, 33320, 33329, 33334, 33335, 33336, 33337, 33338, 33339, 33340, 33345, 33346, 33348, 33349, 33355, 33359, 33388, 33394

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