Fernandina Beach has a long history of battles and occupations from early colonial times, but has settled into a nice quiet suburb of Jacksonville. Life too can sometimes be filled with small battles and changes in allegiance. When life seems uncertain and you are not sure how to get to the other side, it helps to have someone impartial to talk to.

Counselors in the Fernandina Beach area are available to offer that guidance. These licensed therapists are able to give you a fresh perspective and discover your own allegiances and goals. If you are finding yourself caught in an internal battle, contact a counselor today.

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.

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Judith (Judy) Durdan

Offering therapy in FL
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
22 years of experience

Hi! My name is Judy Durdan and I am a Clinical Social Worker licensed in both Florida and Connecticut. I graduated with a Master's Degree in Social Work from Fordham University in 2001. I have extensive experience working with a variety of people in both inpatient and outpatient settings. I've worked with people who are diagnosed with severe and persistent mental illness, forensics, homelessness, and veterans, as well as people who just want an ear to hear them and help guide them through the steps to feeling whole. My goal is to help adults in difficult times figure out how to address those issue through thoughtfulness and mindfulness, utilizing their own strengths and experiences, as well as, a few skills I have to offer. The treatment is an agreed upon approach created through support and understanding, and my approach being adjusted to your needs. Please contact me so that, together, we can find the most convenient and beneficial time that we can meet to tackle those issues. Enjoy your day!

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This is Nicole Cheleotis's avatar and link to their profile

Nicole Cheleotis

Offering therapy in FL
License: LPC,LMHC
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteemDepression
7 years of experience

I work with adults who are having a difficult time dealing with anxiety, depression, grief, and major transitions within their day to day lives. Knowing how life is constantly throwing us curve balls, I look towards each issue with an evidence-based approach, and do my best to view it from all perspectives. My primary goal is to work with adults within the community to accompany them on their path of growth to better themselves and their skills. I know the importance of creating a safe and accepting place for someone to come and express their thoughts, as well as emotions. Developing strong trust, and working together as a team is my philosophy in order to truly gain the skills we need to get passed difficult times. I take a holistic approach to therapy, using strategies such as cognitive behavioral therapy, play therapy, art therapy, as well as mindfulness.

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Christine EDWARDS

Offering therapy in FL
License: LMHC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepression
8 years of experience

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who provides services to individual and families. I help individuals explore, understand, and overcome personal, social, and/or behavioral problems. I provide services for Anxiety Disorders, Depression, Attention Deficit Disorders, Codependency Issues, Domestic Violence, Mood Disorders, Personality Disorders, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Stress Management, Women's Issues, Co-morbidity, and Substance Abuse. My counseling style is genuine and humanistic. I believe in treating anyone with respect, compassion, and without judgement. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral therapy, client-centered, psychodynamic and motivational interviewing counseling. I will modify our sessions and treatment plan to meet your specific needs. It is difficult to understand and adapt to new situation. Understanding and adapting to situations is often what hold individual's back from living a more fulfilling, enjoyable and productive life. If you are ready for a change and want a more fulfilling and happier life I am here to support and walk along side of you during your journey. I look forward to working with you!

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Patricia Adams

Offering therapy in FL
License: LMHC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefAnger managementDepression
8 years of experience

Hello! Thank you for reading my profile. I graduated from USF in 2002 with my masters in counseling and have been licensed as a LMHC in Florida since 2005. I have experience working with children and families in a variety of settings including non-profits, schools and private practice. I have helped in a wide range of areas including trauma, self-esteem, grief and loss, anxiety, life changes, parent-child relationships and more. Some of the modalities I use are cognitive behavioral therapy, client-centered, solution-focused, and rational emotive behavior therapy. It takes courage to seek help and you are taking the steps to be your best self. If you are ready, I am here to help you on your journey. I look forward to working with you.

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Dr. Arthur Betancourt

Offering therapy in FL
License: Psy.D.
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
30 years of experience

Hello, my name is Dr. Arthur Betancourt and I am a clinical psychologist in Miami, Florida. For the past twenty-five years I was on the faculty at the University Of Miami, Miller School Of Medicine. At UM I was able to work with a wide variety of different patient populations. Many of these patients presented with complaints of anxiety and depression secondary to different types of stressors in their lives. My clinical work with these patients was focused on helping them to cope more effectively with the stressors in their lives. This was done by firstly, helping these individuals to examine their thoughts and behaviors and how these contributed to their emotional and behavioral difficulties. Then, secondly, helping them to explore and learn/adopt new and more effective thoughts and behaviors. This process can help individuals to function /cope better. Thank you for your attention, and I look forward to working with you.

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

Vanessa Sanchez

Offering therapy in FL
License: MS,LMHC,LPC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
23 years of experience

I am a mental health therapist licensed in Florida with over 20 years of experience working as a clinician, diagnostic assessor, and life coach. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, depression, anxiety, bipolar, schizophrenia, ADHD, substance use and more. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. I have worked inpatient, outpatient, group, couples and individual therapy. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, motivational interviewing, solution focused, client-centered, internal family systems, psychodynamic and rational-emotive therapy. 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 growth. 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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This is Gilbertte Berthier's avatar and link to their profile

Gilbertte Berthier

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
7 years of experience

I am a clinical social worker licensed in Florida with almost 7 years of experience working as a mental health therapist and a school social worker. My pronouns are she/her/hers. I have worked with individuals, couples, and families with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, trauma, abuse, low self-esteem, anger control problems, ADHD/ADD, financial stress, and interpersonal relationship issues. You will be provided with a space that is warm, safe and non-judgmental. A space where you can express yourself, and a therapist who is ready to provide the support you need. I believe that we are human first before anything else, and if we can start there then we are off to a great start. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and dialectical behavioral therapy. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Sometimes it is hard to see the path ahead when you can barely see your next step. Let that be the step we take on your new journey to healing. Whatever challenges you’re experiencing may have knocked you down, but it will not knock you out. There is no such thing as the perfect person, just a better version of who you were yesterday, today. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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This is Sue Herring's avatar and link to their profile

Sue Herring

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefCoping with life changes
25 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida and South Carolina with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, and with illness, grief, and loss. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps toward change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey. I originally studied in the Fine Arts prior to going into business in the restaurant industry. Seeking a more meaningful career, I returned to college in my forties. I received a BA in Psychology from Florida State University and an MA in Counseling Psychology from Troy University. I am well-trained in numerous modalities including but not limited to CBT, EMDR, EFT with Matrix Reimprinting, Rapid Resolution Therapy, NET, and Neurofeedback. I do not believe in cookie-cutter therapy, as I prefer to accept and respect the varying needs of each individual.

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This is Chrissie Beharry Sperling's avatar and link to their profile

Chrissie Beharry Sperling

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
9 years of experience

Hello! I'm Chrissie. The very first thing I want you to know about me is that I am a helper. From the moment I knew myself I always wanted to find a way to help people. I added that to my love of mental health and breaking the stigma of getting mental health treatment and here I am. Just like our physical health we need to take care of our mental health and I am happy to join you in your journey. A little about me- I'm from the island of Trinidad, living in Florida since 2008. Trinidad is a very diverse country and I enjoy working with people from all backgrounds and cultures. I do love food and travel. I also love reading, baking and podcasts. I am a lifelong learner and if there is something I have not been exposed to then I do the research. There is so much to learn. I am licensed in Florida with over 9 years of professional work experience. My approach to therapy is person centered. I am not perfect and I don't expect you to be either. We are all works in progress. I enjoy my work as a therapist and your gains are my gains. When you are hurt or struggling I feel that for you too. I keep a very small caseload but the work I do here is some of my most fulfilling. 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. LIVE SESSION AVAILABILITY: My office hours for live sessions are Monday-Friday between 6PM-9:00PM EST but there may times I can be more flexible. If my schedule does not work for you then please do request to be aligned to a different therapist.

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How to find counseling in Fernandina Beach

Finding the best therapist close by in Fernandina 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 Fernandina 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 Fernandina 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 Fernandina 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 Fernandina 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 Fernandina Beach, elsewhere in Nassau, 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 Fernandina Beach area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Fernandina 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 Fernandina 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 Fernandina 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 Fernandina 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 Fernandina 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 Fernandina 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 Fernandina 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 Fernandina 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 Fernandina 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 32034 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 Fernandina 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 Fernandina 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 Fernandina 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.

Fernandina 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 Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, 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 Fernandina Beach.

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

32034, 32035

Popular cities near Fernandina Beach, FL

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