A therapist in Clearwater, FL, can help you work through a number of life’s challenges. Pinellas County residents have options when looking for mental health services. You can work with a local provider for in-person treatment or use an online therapy platform like BetterHelp.
With BetterHelp, you can attend therapy from the comfort of your home at a time that fits your schedule. This flexibility can make therapy more accessible, whether you’re a busy working parent, a family therapy intern completing your bachelor's degree, or a graduate-level student intern at Florida State University. More than 30,000 therapists are on the platform; each has a minimum of a master’s degree and meets all qualifications for state licensure.
Therapists can support you through a variety of mental health challenges, from overcoming past trauma to coping with the psychological effects of family conflict. Throughout the healing process, you can experience the personal growth that will lead to a more fulfilled life.
Work with a therapist who firmly believes people possess the capacity to grow by connecting with one of the Clearwater-based providers below and take the first steps toward a more fulfilling life.
Arielle Simpson
I'm a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor. For the last 8 years I've been working as a mental health therapist with individuals and families in their home and school settings. I've been able to help individuals with varying needs at a wide range of life stages who experience anxiety, depression, ADHD, grief, early symptoms of eating disordered behaviors, and other difficulties related to life stress. I currently have certifications and specialized training in addressing distress and traumatic events across the lifespan. My counseling style is empathic, supportive and motivational. I'm eclectic in my use of treatment modalities, however I most often utilize cognitive-behavioral, humanistic and person-centered techniques. I believe it is essential for me to make adjustments to my style if it better enables you to reach your personal goals. I understand it probably has been difficult to make the decision to seek out help in facing whatever is causing you any level of unhappiness. Since you're here I believe that means you're ready to make the transformation you envision. I'm ready to help you work on establishing fertile ground for limitless personal growth.
Diane Poehlman
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.
Samantha Toney
Hi there! Thanks for taking the time to check out my profile. You have a lot of options and finding the right fit is so important. I am a Marriage and Family Therapist, Licensed in Florida, with over 10 years of experience. You don't have to be coupled or dealing with family issues for me to work with you, it simply means I have a unique perspective when it comes to my clients and what brought them to reach out to me. I have worked with people who have a variety of reasons why they are seeking help, from growing pains, and relationship problems to substance use issues. My primary work has been with individuals and their families as they navigate the challenges of mental health issues (depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder) and substance use issues. My passion is assisting people to minimize the effects of these issues through learning coping strategies and then focus on building a balanced life that protects them from future crises. I believe that each client I work with has their own strengths, ones that in the face of their problems have been overshadowed or buried. My role is to help you rediscover those and build up previously undiscovered strengths so that you can move forward into the life you dream.
Eileen O'Toole Kunmann
Eileen is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who believes that to have a successful outcome in therapy, the client and therapist must first build a strong rapport. Once that foundation is laid, Eileen will use one of several therapeutic modalities, depending on the issue at hand. These modalities may include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Mindfulness-Based Therapy, and Psychotherapy. An Integrated approach can be utilized as well. Eileen is known for being a good listener, caring, sensitive, and energetic. Not only does she have the necessary credentials, experience, and hours to be licensed, but she also has a lifetime of experience and wisdom to draw from, which is invaluable! Eileen has wanted to be a therapist for as long as she can remember, and is so happy to have the privilege to do so. :) I look forward to working with you!
Carol Watler
Carol Watler has lived in the Orlando area for over 20 years. She has been a mental health therapist for approximately 17 years total (including training) and also served as a hospital Chaplain for 7 years. She is Board Eligible for Certification with the Association of Professional Chaplains and a member of the American Association of Christian Counselors with a Certification in Critical Incident Stress Management. She obtained her Master of Arts in Professional Counseling from Liberty University and her Masters of Divinity from Regent University. She is licensed by the State of Florida as a Mental Health Counselor and is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst Candidate. Ms. Watler provided spiritual and emotional care for patients, families and staff at Orlando Health Systems from 2003 to 2009. As the Manager of the Chaplaincy Department at South Seminole Hospital, she ministered to patients and families at various levels of the grief process. She also ministered to hospital staff to assist them in coping with the day-to-day stressors often seen in emergency room personnel. Ms. Watler began her career as a therapist in 2003 with Lakeside Alternatives while completing her Master of Arts in Professional Counseling. She meshed her skills as a chaplain and her training as a therapist to enhance the service she provided to her clients. In 2009, Ms. Watler made the decision to embrace her calling and her career as a mental health counselor. She obtained her license from the State of Florida and returned to Lakeside Alternatives from 2009 to 2010 as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor wherein she found herself providing counseling, therapy and psychotherapy to juvenile clients and their families. In November 2010, Ms. Watler opened another chapter in her life in furtherance of her mission statement which is based on Isaiah 61:1-3. Ms. Watler became Founder and CEO of Hope For Tomorrow Mental Health Services, LLC which provides individual and group counseling and psychotherapy to adults and juvenile clients and their families. Ms. Watler is the proud mother of three young adult professional women and the grandmother of three. She volunteers her services within her local community by conducting workshops that assist attendees with managing certain life issues such as stress, grief and other coping skills. She also provides assistance with referrals, as needed, to various advocate groups, churches and parish nurses to name a few. Ms. Watler is truly able to provide her clients with “HOPE FOR TOMORROW” by ensuring that each client receives effective psychiatric treatment strengthened by faith, encouraged by hope and inspired by love. Carol provides clients with straight-forward counseling services that produce results through the use of the following components: Comprehensive: treatment focuses on all aspects of the individual’s life to achieve the stated goals. Counselors take a holistic approach and create treatment plans that address the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual well-being of an individual. Effective: results in months not years. While every client cannot be “cured” instantly, therapy will produce tangible results. Clients are motivated to continue to better themselves when they can see tangible evidence of progress. Being able to obtain that progress in a shorter time than most of the competition positions Hope for Tomorrow in a position for success.
Janell Stallworth
Greetings!! I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 10 years of experience working as a Psychotherapist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, and communication issues. I also helped many people who have experienced emotional abuse. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, narrative, solution-focused, psychodynamic, and emotionally-focused 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 change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you! Janell Stallworth, LMHC
James Sanniola
I am a licensed clinical social worker in Florida with over 20 years of professional social work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, to overcome or reduce anxiety, to overcome or reduce depressive feelings, to enhance coping with grief and loss, to improve sleep patterns and quality, to increase levels of motivation, and to improve upon 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 situations and events that challenge you. My role is to listen, gain an understanding of you, provide feedback, and collaborate with you on your journey in enhancing your overall well-being. My therapeutic approaches include cognitive-behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, solution focused therapy, and client-centered therapy. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! I look forward to assisting you.
Dr. Theresa Lewis
I am licensed in Florida with over 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! Now let's continue the journey to healing and wholeness.
Jennifer Ouellet
I am licensed in Florida with over 10 years of professional work experience. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialogue 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.
Polly Vaughn
I am someone who takes pride in helping my clients. I use a variety of techniques to help with the change process. I have been a therapist in my own practice for 4 year. I work with any population that I can assist. I have treated mood disorders as well as relationship concerns. I am a very caring person and I believe that change is possible as long as someone has a dream.
How to find a therapist for counseling in Clearwater
Finding the best therapist close by in Clearwater 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 with therapists in Clearwater that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing with a therapist.
Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Clearwater. 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 or are new to counseling in Clearwater, 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 for therapists. 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 able to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy in the Clearwater 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 counselor working through their own in-person therapy practice in Clearwater or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples counseling, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family therapy, or change in negative thinking patterns. A Clearwater therapist may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. Verified providers and therapists 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 Clearwater area offering:
- CBT
- DBT
- Substance use therapy
- Couples therapy
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 Clearwater, 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 therapists and mental health services
Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Clearwater area can be found below:
How does the cost of in-person counseling with a therapist compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Clearwater therapist?
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 Clearwater 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:
- Counseling with a psychiatrist: $150-$500
- Counseling with therapists: $100-300
- Therapy with a psychologist: $100
While many psychologists in Clearwater 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 therapists sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).
How is a licensed therapist on this Clearwater online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in Clearwater, 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 in therapy.
Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from Clearwater psychiatrists to prescribe a drug or medication as treatment, or perform psychological assessments and other psychiatric services.
How does working with a professional counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?
BetterHelp clinicians and therapists 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 Clearwater 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 helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. Get matched today.
What mental health issues can psychotherapy address with the help of psychologists?
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. See below for examples.
Our therapists specialties on BetterHelp include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy - This is provided by professional counselors, helping clients identify and change negative thought patterns through structured sessions.
- Behavior therapy - Behavior therapy techniques are used to help clients modify harmful behaviors and develop healthier habits, often through the guidance of a professional counselor.
- EMDR therapy - EMDR therapists assist clients in processing traumatic memories to alleviate emotional distress and improve overall well-being, utilizing the expertise of a professional counselor.
- Talk therapy - Clients explore their feelings and develop strategies for dealing with various mental health issues, often guided by a professional counselor.
- Depression - This counseling is designed to help individuals manage symptoms of depression and improve their mood and functioning, often working closely with a professional counselor.
- Anxiety disorders - Sessions for anxiety disorders, offer strategies to manage and reduce anxiety symptoms effectively, often through counseling sessions with a professional counselor.
- Stress - Tools and techniques to help clients cope with stress and improve their mental resilience, frequently under the supervision of a professional counselor.
- Eating disorders - Professionals experienced in eating disorders offer specialized counseling to address unhealthy eating patterns and body image issues, with the support of a professional counselor.
- Grief - Support and guidance are offered to clients experiencing grief, helping them navigate the stages of loss, often in collaboration with a counselor.
- Attachment therapy - Therapists use this to help clients understand and improve their emotional bonds and relationships, often with the assistance of a counselor.
- Relationships - Therapists work with clients to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their connections with others, often using the skills of a counselor.
- Children, adolescents, and teens - Therapists specializing in youth therapy address the unique mental health needs of children, adolescents, and teens, often involving a counselor in the process.
- Addiction (substance abuse) - Therapists offer counseling for addiction, helping clients overcome substance abuse and maintain long-term recovery, often under the guidance of a counselor.
- Divorce - Therapists support individuals through the emotional and practical challenges of ending a marriage, often working with a psychologist to provide comprehensive care.
- Trauma or PTSD - Therapists specializing in trauma and PTSD help clients process traumatic experiences and reduce their symptoms, frequently collaborating with a psychologist.
- Bipolar disorder - Therapists provide counseling to manage the mood swings and challenges associated with bipolar disorder, often in consultation with a psychologist.
- Psychodynamic treatment - Therapists use psychodynamic treatment to explore unconscious processes and how they affect current behavior, often guided by psychologists.
- Career counseling - Therapists assist clients in making informed decisions about their professional paths and resolving work-related issues, often with the help of psychologists.
- Alcohol use disorders - Therapists offer specialized counseling to help clients manage and overcome alcohol use disorders, frequently under the supervision of psychologists.
- OCD - Therapists provide strategies and support to manage obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms, often via psychotherapy.
- ADHD - Therapists offer counseling to help clients with ADHD improve focus, organization, and overall functioning, often via psychotherapy.
- Mood disorders - Therapists work with clients to stabilize and improve mood through various therapeutic approaches, frequently in psychotherapy.
- Sex addiction
- Complex trauma
- Life transitions
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 Clearwater provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide with licensed therapists.
How do I know if online counseling is right for my family in Clearwater?
One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Clearwater 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 and therapists 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 Clearwater 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 Clearwater 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 psychotherapist.
With a lot of people in FL, therapists may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles or therapists 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 33765 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 in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.
How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Clearwater counselor?
Before seeing your Clearwater therapist, 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. Clearwater therapists here 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 why you're attending therapy.
Should I find a 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 Clearwater 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 Clearwater 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.
Is mental health care and therapy with a therapist 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. 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 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 psychologist in Clearwater, 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.
Clearwater 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 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 during telehealth appointments?
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 for Clearwater, 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 Clearwater 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 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.
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:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- 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.
- Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- National Eating Disorder Association Helpline:1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST)
- Child Help Hotline: Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature
- National Anti-Hazing Hotline for young adults, adolescents, and adults: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physician Crisis Support Line: Contact 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-19
- Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Clearwater:
33755, 33756, 33757, 33758, 33759, 33761, 33763, 33764, 33765, 33766, 33767, 33769