When searching for mental health support in Estero, FL, you'll find a range of services provided by local mental health therapists. These professionals offer mental health counseling to help individuals navigate various life challenges. At Ellie Mental Health, clients receive comprehensive and compassionate care tailored to their unique needs.
Therapists in Estero often use dialectical behavioral therapy and other evidence-based approaches to provide effective treatment. They conduct thorough mental health assessments to develop customized counseling services for each client. Whether you are dealing with treatment barriers or simply seeking to improve your mental health, a dedicated and experienced therapist can offer the support you need.
Therapy should be a judgment free zone where clients feel safe and supported. Virtual therapy include licensed clinical psychologists who are skilled in addressing a wide range of mental health issues. This environment fosters healing and growth, making it a good choice for individuals seeking support.
For those looking for effective mental health care in Estero, these therapists are committed to helping you overcome obstacles and achieve better mental health. Please see the therapist profiles below for more information on the different therapists available online.
Sonya Belletti
I am a seasoned therapist licensed in Florida with over 20 years of experience working with clients from a diverse background and age groups. I earned my Bachelors degree from Syracuse University in Psychology as well as a minor in Child and Family Studies. I attended San Jose State University for my Masters in Social work with a clinical focus on child and family issues. I have worked with clients in private practice as well as community and school based settings. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including ADHD, parenting, relationship struggles, pre-marital counseling, life challenges, depression, and anxiety, to name a few. I am trained in providing trauma-informed care as well as working with clients facing perinatal loss and postpartum concerns. I am passionate about the work I do and empowering my clients. I am a culturally competent clinician who believes in treating everyone with dignity, respect, and empathy. As such, I tailor our conversations to meet each person’s specific and unique needs. I believe in empowering clients to find their voices to speak positivity and truth to their lives. While I primarily take a client-centered and solution-focused approach in treatment I employ a variety of treatment modalities that include, but is not limited to, psychodynamic, psychoanalysis, cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness, and interpersonal. You have taken the first step in being here to seek support for your journey. Let me walk along with you and help you find the tools to empower yourself to achieve the change you seek. I look forward to working with you!
Dr. Robin Avery
A mixture of hope and skepticism often accompanies seeing a new therapist. You wonder if this therapist can help bring an end to your suffering and confusion. You ask yourself if you will get the clarity you are searching for, closure to the grief you are experiencing, or find purpose and meaning in the life you are living. I bring to your sessions a blending of training in evidenced-based psychotherapy with over 30 Years of combined professional and personal experience to help you through your journey of self-discovery and healing. I provide the emotional support needed as you walk through the barriers of fear that prevent you from exploring your inner world and living a more liberated, balanced life. I walk alongside you in a caring, empathic therapist, as you uncover your seeds of suffering. I teach you skills to help you cope with what cannot be changed, and offer new ways to perceive and experience yourself and your reality that can be a wellspring of growth, positivity, and personal life enhancement. Treating the whole person, I place value on the lessons learned from all of life’s experiences. In addition to psychology, my wisdom draws from the gifts of the natural world, the cultural and performing arts, mindfulness, and my belief in empowering people to find their own unique gifts, talents, and wisdom to create more meaningful connections and purposeful living. I specialize in individual psychotherapy working with adults across the adult lifespan. Whether you are struggling with stress-related issues at home, work, or with relationships in general, feelings of loss and grief, caregiver fatigue, or feelings related to change and life-transitions, I utilize evidenced based approaches including CBT, ACT, mindfulness, and insight-oriented psychotherapies to help you increase self awareness, experience your own inner wisdom and clarity, and create a foundation for successful coping and handling life's uncertainties, healing, and greater life satisfaction.
Christen Thompson
Christen Thompson, LMHC, has spent over 20 years striving to grow, evolve, and understand how her past experience affects her ability to experience each current moment as it actually is. Every day she learns something new that helps her to value herself, and feel grateful for all the blessings in her life. In her past, she had struggled with addiction to cocaine; and began her long road to recovery in 1996. Inspired by many different experiences in her own therapeutic journey, Christen decided that becoming a therapist was a natural way to continue her own journey, and help others find the same joy and freedom she had experienced in her life. Christen began working in the Addictions field in 2004, as a Behavioral Health Technician, completed her Bachelor’s degree; and worked as a graduate assistant at Lynn University while completing her Master’s degree in Counseling. Christen had worked in several facilities in south Florida as a primary therapist; utilizing a Humanistic approach, and as many Creative-Arts therapeutic modalities as possible. She has since become an LMHC, NCC, and has certification in EMDR, Psychodrama, and Transpersonal counseling. One of Christen's career achievements that she is most proud of was the engineering and implementation of a clinical curriculum for First Responders. Through this experience Christen had gained valuable insight into the administrative and supervisory roles necessary to be successful as a clinical director. Christen has developed a passion, and love for working with addicts and alcoholics. She remains committed to continuing to grow in her own self-awareness, and help guide others on their journeys towards self-awareness and actualization. At the Center of Revitalizing Psychiatry, Christen Thompson leads the Substance Abuse Intensive Outpatient Program, as well as works with individual clients.
Elisabeth Spear
I am a licensed clinician with over 20 years of experience working with multiple treatment modalities to assist both people in crisis and people seeking to improve self esteem, evaluate all types of relationships and life goals or make major life changes. I am very practical in terms of helping you to make changes and transitions in your life. My viewpoint is one of working with a person and also what surrounds that person - family, community, workplace and social life. I am also caring, warm, and open professionally to spiritual and alternative methods such as mindfulness and meditation. I am open to both video and phone sessions but not to chat or text sessions as I believe it is easy to misinterpret emotions and levels of concerns you may express via text and chat. Finding a therapist that you trust and connect with is a challenging task, it is important to me to offer the best of myself when we are working together. Over the past twenty years I have worked with people experiencing chronic and terminal illness, mental heath crisis, homelessness, PTSD, consequences of aging, and disability. I have also worked with people wanting to improve self esteem, work through family and relationship issues, and also the many internal conflicts experienced throughout the stages of life as beliefs, needs and goals change over time. I am comfortable working with LGBTQ clients and also with clients in alternative lifestyles such as polyamory, swinging and BDSM. My goal is for each client to have a space to discuss choices and needs openly in a caring and professional relationship. For all the clients who have posted reviews - I am so grateful you are a part of my life, and thank you so much for your kindness!
Kenneth Michaels
I am licensed in Florida with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, depression, LGBT issues, and life crises. 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!
Wanda Barnes
I am licensed in Florida and Maine with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, bipolar disorder, depression, ADHD both adult and child, ODD, parenting, co-parenting couples and families. I help individuals deal with trauma including trauma from domestic violence situations. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Dana Cila
I am licensed in Florida with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Gerald Syrkett
I am licensed in Florida with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, parenting issues, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
juline allen
I am licensed in Florida with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, anger management, career difficulties, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Alana Woods
My name is Alana Woods. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Florida. I received my MSW from the University of West Florida. I have a passion for strength-based, client-centered work that aims to make sure that you are heard, supported, and valued throughout the treatment process. I believe that every individual has the skills and strength within them to overcome any difficulty they face. It is my goal to help you recognize the resiliency within yourself to increase your ability to achieve your best potential. I believe in transparency, collaboration, advocacy, and the importance of our therapeutic relationship in helping you to heal. My prior work experience includes working as a clinician with individuals, children, adults, families, and couples. I have additional experience working in community mental health, substance use, and child welfare. I am trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Functional Family Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Trust-Based Relational Intervention. I also utilize techniques from play therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and dialectical behavioral therapy. I am skilled at working with individuals struggling with trauma, depression, anxiety, substance use, behavioral disturbances, interpersonal and familial conflicts, and personality traits. 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.
How to find a therapist for counseling in Estero
Finding the best therapist close by in Estero 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 Estero 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 Estero. 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 Estero, 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 Estero 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 Estero 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 Estero 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 Estero 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 Estero, elsewhere in Lee, 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 Estero 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 Estero 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 Estero 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 Estero 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 Estero online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in Estero, 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 Estero 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 Estero 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 Estero 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 Estero?
One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Estero 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 Estero 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 Estero 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 34135 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 Estero counselor?
Before seeing your Estero 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. Estero 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 Estero 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 Estero 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 Estero, 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.
Estero 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 Estero, 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 Estero 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 Estero:
33928, 33929, 33967, 34135