Gulfport has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online sessions to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into trying it online, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change 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 treatment.
The beauty of the world is all around you, but you may not be able to see it as clearly as you would like. When depression and anxiety have their grips on your life, it can be very tough to focus on much else. Problems like this impact many people and you should not feel ashamed of what you are going through. Help is available and you can reclaim your happiness with the help of others who care.
Taking the time to speak to a counselor in Gulfport will allow you to make progress. A counselor from the Gulfport area that truly understands what you are going through will prove to be a great ally. The beauty of the world around you will appear vibrant once again and you will be able to look at the world with new eyes.
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Jennifer Cohen
I am a Florida-based Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of experience working with youth, adults, and families. I have worked with clients regarding a wide range of topics including anxiety, depression, parenting strategies, anger management, family conflicts, and school-related issues. Additionally, I have experience with youth and families in public schools, foster care, and adoption agencies. I specialize in providing supportive counseling tailored to your individual needs. Whether you're navigating personal challenges, seeking to improve relationships, or striving for personal growth, I am here to assist you every step of the way. My goal is to provide a safe space for you to explore, heal, and thrive. It takes a lot of courage to make the first step and reach out for support. I look forward to working with you and helping you on your journey!
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Paige Bond
My name is Paige Bond. I go by She/Her pronouns and am a white cisgender neurodivergent woman. I want to use this page to tell you a little bit more about me so that you are sure I am the right fit counselor for you! *My regular working hours are Monday-Thursday 9:00am- 4:00pm EST. Available for Live Chat sessions LATER than posted availability. I do my best to respond to messages 1x per day.* I help folx experiencing relationship anxiety and who are in or navigating sexually alternative lifestyles get the DREAM relationship they want but just need a lil guidance. That’s where I come in! I help my clients find balance, playfulness, and fulfillment in their relationships by teaching them practical tools to use in everyday interactions so they can bridge the gap with the ones they love most. When people start coming into therapy hashing out a new problem every week, it can seemingly take forever for resolutions to unfold. It's not exactly the express lane to problem-solving if you catch my drift. You need something more so you can take action. I take a different approach by offering ACCELERATED RESOLUTION THERAPY along with giving practical tools and exercises for you to use before, during, and after our sessions. First, we’ll assess the cracks in your foundation and get a sense of what your DREAM relationship looks like so we have some direction of where to go. Then, we’ll work on making repairs for built up disconnections from unresolved conflict. After working together, you’ll have the skills to handle real conflicts with a partner when insecurity shows up so you can reconnect with intention and be authentically you. I’m a sex-positive therapist here to let your unique expression of living relationally SHINE. I tend to work with folx who might identify as kinky, polyamorous, non-monogamous, be a sex worker, or part of the LGBTQIA+ community. My training in the Gottman Method, Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy, Relational Life Therapy, and the Institute for Relational Intimacy gives away my obsession for learning how to create long lasting and healthy relationships. My training in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) can help you get relief from stress and painful experiences that are impacting you today. Why might an Accelerated Resolution Therapy be helpful? I’m a big believer in regular online talk therapy as much as the next therapist, but that can be proven tough to be efficient for some situations, specifically with stressful events or trauma. When starting traditional therapy, you can spend the first 4-6 sessions just getting to know each other, the situation, and forming goals for treatment. Some people drop out of traditional talk therapy early on because they feel like it isn’t working and progress is too slow. With ART, you can see results as soon as the first session. I love to offer short term-solution focused therapy and have a schedule that fluctuates in availability every couple months to honor flexibility for me and my clients.
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Melissa Smith
Hi, my name is Melissa and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have been a clinical counselor for over 14 years with my undergrad and graduate degrees in social work. My calling has always been in mental health; however I have also worked in domestic violence, child welfare, substance abuse, school social work and working with our men and women in the military and their dependents. My approach to therapy is a simple one...to meet my clients where they are. Life can be difficult, I want to provide a safe, confidential space to help you work through whatever challenges you may be experiencing. I am experienced in working with depression, anxiety, stress, self esteem, grief/loss, domestic violence, substance abuse and many other mental health disorders and life challenges. I feel with my whole heart that we all benefit by having someone outside of our personal circle to process our thoughts and emotions with. Therapy looks different for everyone. In therapy I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness and many times an Eclectic approach to meet the individual needs of my clients. Whether this is your first time (kudos to you for taking this step) or if you are looking for a new therapist to help you address your concerns and goals, I look forward to working through life’s challenges with you.
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Deborah Hilyard
Hi. I am Deborah K. Hilyard and have been a licensed mental health counselor for over 30 years in Florida. While I have worked in different venues during that period of time and have seen a diverse group of people from all aspects of life, we all share basic wants and needs. I completed my graduate degree in counseling at the University of Memphis in 1988 and worked in the campus career counseling office during graduate school years. I later worked for the U. S. Air Force and U. S. Navy in their family centers setting up a new transitional program for service members leaving the service and then later mental health counseling for the service members and their families. Service members and their families are under some of the greatest stress with the uncertainties in their lives, along with clinical depression when feeling as if they have no control of their lives. As might be expected there are many relationship issues with the separations that families often go through. I have worked with clients through their relationship issues, anger, anxiety and depression frequently. I have also worked with many clients with parenting issues, career challenges and work discord. I have also worked in the foster care system doing comprehensive assessments on the children, their previous and current environment and their parent(s) or guardians. My experience includes working with victims and their significant others in regards to emotional, physical and sexual abuse. The past two years I have been at Betterhelp working with issues of every kind. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity and compassion and I do not believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines client centered, cognitively-behavioral, solution focused and rational-emotive counseling, although I will tailor the dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out 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! Specialties * Stress and Anxiety * Relationship Issues * Trauma and Abuse * Depression * Grief, loss * PTSD * Aging & Caregiving Issues
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Kimberly Dubner
Hi! My name is Kim. I’m happy you’re here and reading this page, it means you’re ready to make a change. Taking that first step and asking for help can be really hard, but you made it to this point and you’re headed in the right direction. Remember, ANYONE can benefit from therapy...you’re not alone. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida. I have a background in child development and education; followed by a graduate degree in Community Counseling. I have over 20 years in the counseling field including work in school environments, crisis units, inpatient and outpatient mental health facilities, and private practice with children, teens, and adults. I have a special interest in working with anxiety, depression, grief & loss, codependency, chronic pain, and parenting issues. I believe in a person-centered counseling approach, free of judgement, and empathetic to ALL life experiences. I am here to provide a safe space for you to share your thoughts, work towards goals together, and be the happiest version of yourself. I utilize cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), rational emotive behavioral therapy (REBT), and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). It takes courage to change. When you are ready to move forward, please do not hesitate to contact me. I am here to help.
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Cynthia Wolfe
If you are here, I want to praise you for taking the first step. I know meeting life's difficulties alone can be very overwhelming. If you are tired of feeling hopeless and stuck, I would love to help you navigate through your life challenges to help you find a new place of understanding, perspective, inspiration, purpose and hope! I am a licensed mental health counselor in the State of Florida and have been providing mental health services for over 10 years. I obtained my Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Slippery Rock University and my Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling from the University of Miami. My goal is to provide compassionate and supportive counseling services in order to help you meet your identified life goals and assist you with your personal growth and healing. I look forward to working with you!
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Annaliese Foster
Dedicated and empathetic Licensed Mental Health Counselor with 5 years of experience providing individual and family therapy services. Skilled in creating a safe and supportive environment for clients to explore their emotions, enhance self-awareness, and develop coping strategies. Equipped with exceptional interpersonal skills to cultivate strong therapeutic alliances built on trust, respect, and confidentiality. Committed to ongoing professional development, and best practices within the mental health field.
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Dr. Brian Bakalar
I am licensed in Florida with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, depression, & coping with life changes. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
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Jordan Joachim
I am licensed in Florida with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Gerald Hoyt
I am licensed in the State of Florida with 24 years of professional work experience. I believe that you are the main character, and expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. However, within that story we may benefit from the eyes of a non-involved reviewer. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! As the poet Robert wrote: "Two roads diverged in a woo and I, I took the one less travelled by, that has made all the difference." Let's start your journey.
How to find a licensed therapist serving clients in Gulfport, Florida
Finding the best therapist close by in Gulfport can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area. You can get connected with a clinician 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 with therapists 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. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of support of this kind with BetterHelp therapists can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.
Licensed therapists & mental health professionals available through BetterHelp
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 for therapists. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinician or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained able to treat individuals and couples, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy in the Gulfport region and in the state of Florida. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.
A mental health professional working through their own in-person therapy practice in Gulfport or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples challenges, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family life, or change in negative thinking patterns. A may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. 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 Gulfport area offering therapy for:
- CBT
- DBT
- Substance use
- Couples
When you're ready to start your search keep in mind what support 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 Gulfport, elsewhere in Pinellas, or in the greater state of Florida. Get matched with one of the therapists working on the BetterHelp platform today.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about licensed therapists and mental health services
Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Gulfport area can be found below:
How does the cost of an in-person therapist compare to BetterHelp?
The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US with most therapists is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Gulfport due to a higher cost of living, and a limited number of therapists taking new clients. 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:
- With a psychiatrist: $150-$500
- With therapists: $100-300
- With a clinician: $100
While many psychologists in Gulfport 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 a BetterHelp therapist 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).
Read more about this cost related question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
How are therapists on a Gulfport online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in 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. Therapists 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, therapists here 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.
Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from Gulfport psychiatrists to prescribe a drug or medication as treatment, or perform psychological assessments and other psychiatric services.
Read more about this license question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
How does BetterHelp online therapy work?
BetterHelp clinicians treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Gulfport 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 for in person sessions.
Through BetterHelp, 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 helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, marriage, and more. Get matched today.
Read more about this question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
What mental health issues can a therapist address?
BetterHelp's verified 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.
Gulfport therapists' specialties available through the BetterHelp platform
- Cognitive behavioral
- Behavior
- EMDR
- Talk therapy
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders counselor
- Stress
- Eating disorders
- Grief
- Attachment
- Relationships
- Children, adolescents, and teens
- Addiction (substance abuse)
- Divorce
- Trauma or PTSD
- Bipolar disorder
- Psychodynamic treatment with a counselor
- Career
- Alcohol use disorders
- OCD counselor
- ADHD
- Mood disorders
- Sex addiction
- Complex trauma
- Life transition
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 provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain.us, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide with licensed therapists.
Read more about this psychotherapist question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
Is BetterHelp right for me?
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.
Therapists 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 in Gulfport 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 therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words with a psychotherapist.
With a lot of people in FL, therapists 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 33707 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site where you can schedule a session based on your and the therapist's schedule. No matter if you are seeking help from therapists around or in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.
Read more about this family question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Gulfport therapist?
Before seeing your therapist near you, prep for your session by reading to understand the 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, you can let our therapists know if you have any concerns or feel unsure about what to talk about. therapists near you may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions while offering mental health services. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn how to best help and support you.
Read more about this first session question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
Should I find a Gulfport therapist or psychologist for therapy 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 it might entail. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or specific condition. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback. A Gulfport 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 with a counselor 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 that a counselor can help with.
Read more about this question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
Is therapy worth it?
Therapy with a licensed counselor 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. An experienced clinician 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 therapist 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 licensed clinician in Gulfport, 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.
Counseling with an online Gulfport provider
Do therapists judge you in therapy?
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 BetterHelp, the leading therapist platform serving the population of Florida
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 BetterHelp or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out to customer service 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.
- Thehotline.org - National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- Suicidepreventionlifeline.org - National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisistextline.org - Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- Veteranscrisisline.net - Veterans Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
- Thetrevorproject.org - Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- Samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline - SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- Nationaleatingdisorders.org/help-support/contact-helpline - National Eating Disorder Association Helpline :1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST)
- Childhelphotline.org/resources-for-teens/ - Child Help Hotline: Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature
- Fraternallaw.com/help-us-stop-hazing - National Anti-Hazing Hotline for young adults, adolescents, and adults: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physiciansupportline.com - Physician Crisis Support Line: Contact 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-19
- Rainn.org - Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
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