When seeking mental health counseling in Dunedin, FL, individuals have access to a variety of services designed to address diverse needs. Local therapists, many of whom are graduates of Florida International University, often employ a holistic approach to therapy, integrating techniques like art therapy to help clients manage and overcome the impact of significant life events.
Therapists in Dunedin, located near Bay Dr and the surrounding areas such as Safety Harbor and Palm Harbor, provide a supportive environment where clients can explore their inner strength. The goal is to help clients reach their full potential and achieve overall wellness.
Finding the right therapist can be crucial in navigating life's challenges. These professionals are committed to helping clients through clinical social work, offering tailored support to meet individual needs. Whether dealing with personal issues or seeking growth, the therapists in Dunedin can assist clients in achieving their goals.
Please see the therapist profiles below for more information on the different therapists available online.
Katherine Gomatos
Hello, My name is Kathy Gomatos and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of Florida. You've taken the hardest step which is reaching for help. I'd like to share about my experience to help you learn more about me in order to see if I'm the therapist that will best meet your needs. My passion is to support and guide those who are currently needing someone who can listen and understand their challenges. My goal is help you navigate your current stressors and provide you with the tools and coping mechanisms needed for current or future obstacles. My respectful and non-judgemental approach allows you to share your journey to better understand your priorities and help reach your destination. I have 8 years of clinical experience in working with individuals, couples, and families. I've worked in several settings including community agencies, in-home, school, outpatient, and hospital. I've worked with children and adults related to hospice care, grief, cancer, weight-loss surgery, trauma, foster care, and mental health such as depression, anxiety, & trauma. I have a Bachelors and Masters degree in social work from the University of Central Florida. I'm a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP), Oncology Social Work Certified (OSW-C), and Adoption Competent Therapist (ACT).
Melissa Sonthonax
My name is Melissa Sonthonax and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the state of Florida. I graduated with a Masters in Psychology in 2014 and began working with clients whom suffer from various mental health issues. I have six years of experience in the mental health field. I also have experience working with individuals who specifically struggle with general anxiety, social anxiety, depression, low self esteem, friendship issues, life transitions and other everyday issues. My approach towards therapy is to work with each individual to develop a sense of strength to work through their individual issues and see that they can develop a sense of happiness. I also work with individuals to create healthy goals in order to best help each person adapt to daily life. My passion is to help clients work on outer behaviors that help build confidence within themselves. I understand that each person has their own unique situations, therefore each person will be provided with individual plans of action to help you get back to the place that you desire to be. Each individual can expect to be provided with a comfortable environment where they can share their thoughts/views about their circumstances and be guided, with the help of myself, to work through their circumstances.
Karja Cope
I am a licensed clinical social worker based in Florida with over 15 years of professional experience. My primary area of specialty include individual therapy ( young to mature adults), relationship/couples therapy, parenting and career issues, adjustment and coping skills, and ADHD and executive functioning concerns. YOU are the expert of your story and I am happy to help facilitate your process of growth, self-discovery and self-determination. You will find that my therapeutic approach varies based on what is needed during our sessions, however, I am consistently client centered, direct and supportive. I do not have your answer, ...you do, and I would love to walk with you as you discover and apply them to your life. Taking the first step to seek therapy takes courage, and I am proud of you for getting started!
Sunshine Wilder
Hello, my name is Sunshine Wilder and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Florida. In 2004, I graduated with a Master’s degree in Social Work and have been working for the past 19 years with children, teens, and adults in various settings such as child welfare, specialized therapeutic foster care, and outpatient therapy. I have experience working with individuals with a wide range of needs such as stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, anger management, depression, ADHD, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), attachment issues, and Bipolar Disorder. I consider my treatment approach to be one of an eclectic nature with modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Behavioral Modification, Solution Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Coping Skills Development. 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 towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
Christine Block
I am licensed in Florida with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & 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!
Brian Cooper
Are you sick and tired of feeling sick and tired? Do you feel like there are issues seemingly out of your control that are holding you back from living the life you want to live? If you answered yes to either of these questions, I want you to know that help is available! My name is Brian Cooper, and I am one of your local licensed clinical social workers. I come to you with over 24 years’ experience and have worked with individuals, couples and groups in a variety of settings. I am currently not working with couples but more than happy to work with individuals struggling within a relationship. I am well versed in assisting clients with issues surrounding, depression, anxiety, grief, adjustments disorders, mood disorders, family and marital conflicts, chronic illness, career counseling and male issues just to name a few. I understand on a personal level how internal and external struggles impact our lives and the lives of those around us. I have had the opportunity to help many over the years to realize their full potential and see the beauty in the world around them again. I come from a holistic perspective and understand the mind and body connection. I truly believe everyone deserves help if they are struggling and I want to help you on your journey to wellness.
Nandi Dillard
Hey there! I'm Nandi, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in South Florida. I'm all about making life better for teens and young adults through empathetic and culturally relevant mental health care. With a career spanning 6 years in the field of mental health I began as an intake specialist, where I first recognized the immense need for personalized, empathetic support in this critical phase of life. Over the years, I've evolved from case management to life coaching, and now I primarily focus on clinical work, providing therapeutic interventions to empower young minds. My goal? To make sure that mental health care is not just easy to get but also speaks to everyone’s unique experiences and background. I believe that tailored support is the key to lasting growth. Let's work together to create a brighter, mentally healthier future for the next generation. You're not alone on this journey!
Kysa Baltimore
I am licensed in Florida with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with trauma, depression, stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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 towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
Hailey Beard
I am a licensed therapist in Florida working as a mental health professional since 2020. I specialize in helping clients manage stress and anxiety, navigate relationship challenges, heal from trauma and abuse, and work on issues related to motivation, self-esteem, and confidence, among other concerns. I believe you are the expert of your own story, and your strengths will guide you in overcoming the challenges you face. My therapy style is warm, interactive, and grounded in respect, sensitivity, and compassion, without the use of stigmatizing labels. I utilize a trauma-informed, client-centered approach, tailoring our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your unique needs. Taking the first step toward a more fulfilling, happier life requires courage, and I’m here to support you on that journey.
Dr. Maria Humphrey
I am licensed in Florida with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, coping with life changes, & compassion fatigue. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey. Saludos. Soy Maria Elena Humphrey, psicoterapeuta registrada en Florida, LMFT 2278. Me encantará atenderles por este medio. Les animo a suscribirse y a dejarme que les ayude en el camino al bienestar emocional.
How to find a therapist for counseling in Dunedin
Finding the best therapist close by in Dunedin 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 Dunedin 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 Dunedin. 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 Dunedin, 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 Dunedin 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 Dunedin 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 Dunedin 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 Dunedin 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 Dunedin, 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 Dunedin 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 Dunedin 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 Dunedin 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 Dunedin 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 Dunedin online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in Dunedin, 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 Dunedin 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 Dunedin 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 Dunedin 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 Dunedin?
One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Dunedin 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 Dunedin 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 Dunedin 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 34697 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 Dunedin counselor?
Before seeing your Dunedin 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. Dunedin 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 Dunedin 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 Dunedin 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 Dunedin, 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.
Dunedin 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 Dunedin, 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 Dunedin 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 Dunedin:
34697, 34698