Have you been feeling sad lately? Maybe you are having crying jags out of the blue for no obvious reason. Is it hard for you to concentrate or make decisions? These are all symptoms of depression, which is one of the most common mental illnesses in the United States. There are many devoted therapists in Fort Walton Beach who can help. 

Fort Walton Beach is also known as The Emerald Coast because of the emerald green water of the Gulf Coast and is a popular tourist hotspot. But, if you have depression you are not going to feel like enjoying the beach or anything else for that matter. Speak to a Fort Walton Beach therapist right now so you can start feeling better.

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Berline Lapomarede

Clinical therapist offering therapy in FL, Fort Walton Beach
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseDepressionADHD
8 years of experience

Welcome! My name is Berline Lapomarede and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Florida. I graduated with my Masters of Social Work from Florida Atlantic University. Since then, I have wholeheartedly provided psychotherapy for a wide range of population including children, adolescents, adults and elderly. While providing services in residential, outpatient and detention settings, I have worked with clients with wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, trauma, parenting, grief, communication, relationships, and so much more. It has been nothing but of great honor being able to utilize my clinical knowledge, skills, experience and passion to provide my clients the essential tools, knowledge and/or skills they need to address their presenting problems, concerns or needs. My counseling style is warm and interactive and I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. It takes great courage and initiative to seek professional care and support to promote your overall health. As a clinician, I am more than willing to provide you the support and empowerment you need. I look forward to working with you!

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Rowna Showghi

Clinical therapist offering therapy in FL, Fort Walton Beach
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefDepression
17 years of experience

Hello! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker providing Psychotherapy & Coaching Services. I have worked as a Mental Health Professional for the past 18 years. I have experience supporting others while working in Child Welfare, Psychiatric Research, Crisis Intervention/Counseling, Active Duty Military, In/Outpatient Therapy, & Hospice. I am delighted to work with those seeking TeleHealth Services & feel so thankful this outlet exists, especially in this uncertain time of an International Pandemic. I specialize in Client-Centered & Solution-Focused Therapies while striving to help achieve a sense of Empowerment for my clients. My practice is based on the premise that all human systems are interconnected. An example would be a person's chronic pain exacerbating their level of anxiousness. Often the anxiety we experience also agitates our pain level. It proves challenging to discern which came first when both are heightened. The more we learn & know about ourselves, the easier it is to know "what to do". My goal is to aid in that process & then work towards what works best to put into routine in effort to have a fulfilling, & high, overall quality of life. I am very much looking forward to working with you & am hopeful we can work together to achieve your goals!

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Sharta Willis

Clinical therapist offering therapy in FL, Fort Walton Beach
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteem
6 years of experience

Hello, My name is Sharta and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Florida. More importantly I have over 3 years experience listening to clients and giving resources and tools to help cope with life stressors. I work mainly with adults dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship issues while using motivational interviewing, Client Centered therapy and Solution focused therapy. Changing my therapeutic style to meet client needs is a necessary must to deliver quality care and a priority for each client. Thank you for seeking counseling services in this judgement free zone, you are taking a big step for change and I am here to assist you while making that journey.

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Deanna Williams

Clinical therapist offering therapy in FL, Fort Walton Beach
Counselor License Type(s): LICSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefDepression
5 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 25 years of experience as a social worker and 5 years of experience in counseling. My focus has been working with clients dealing with depression, anxiety, and stress related issues. I also have a strong background working with clients with substance use disorders and/or their caregivers/families as well as working with the elderly dealing with change of life issues, health issues, death, dying and grief and caregivers of the elderly. My focus of practice is building a strong rapport and foundation with my client to enable a trust and respect for each other. I believe in a client directed approach allowing my client to focus on what they feel they need to work on in their life. My goal is to be a guide for you to effectively learn needed coping skills utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing. I look forward to building a therapeutic relationship with you working towards a healthier mental health state.

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Lori Johnson

Clinical therapist offering therapy in FL, Fort Walton Beach
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepression
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & bipolar disorder. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. 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.

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Sean Malott

Clinical therapist offering therapy in FL, Fort Walton Beach
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemDepression
7 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with 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!

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Samuel Louissaint

Clinical therapist offering therapy in FL, Fort Walton Beach
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with over half a decade of experience in the mental health field. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, anger management, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. 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!

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Rashawnda Carey

Clinical therapist offering therapy in FL, Fort Walton Beach
Counselor License Type(s): BA, MSW, LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
11 years of experience

My name is Rashawnda Carey. I received my Bachelor's Degree in Sociology at the University of Virginia and Master's in Social Work at Barry University. I am a licensed clinical social worker. I have over 11 years of therapy and social work experience. I have pursued different training to hone my skills by becoming trained and specialized in the following treatment approaches: EMDR, Trauma-Focused, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Structural Family Therapy, and Narrative Therapy. Throughout the years, I have had the pleasure of working with teens, adults, families, and couples. I am well-versed in treating clients that suffer from depression, anxiety, grief and loss, anger management, mood disorders, and trauma-related events. My philosophy is that therapy is most successful when there is a trusting and mutual relationship between the therapist and the individual. My goal is to create a safe place where you can feel free to share any issues you are struggling with, knowing that you will never be judged. Furthermore, I want you to have an environment where you can learn about yourself through processing and coping techniques to help you overcome life's obstacles and achieve your goals. I am happy that you are taking the first step toward living life on your terms. I look forward to accompanying you on this journey.

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Phoebe Maisto

Clinical therapist offering therapy in FL, Fort Walton Beach
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsEating disordersDepressionCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, & eating disorders. I also have experience working with 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Akira Taylor

Clinical therapist offering therapy in FL, Fort Walton Beach
AddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemCoping with life changesCoaching
20 years of experience

I firmly believe that connecting with clients on a deep level and truly understanding their perspective is the cornerstone of effective support. My passion lies in illuminating the path for others along their personal journey, empowering them to heal and thrive. My professional background encompasses a diverse range of settings, including addiction treatment centers, in-patient psychiatric care, medical social work, crisis intervention, hospice care, and business, personal, and life coaching. Recognizing the pervasive role of trauma in many of these challenges, I have completed specialized training. This includes a comprehensive year-long course in Compassionate Inquiry led by Dr. Gabor Maté and an Internal Family Systems Course by Dr. Richard Schwartz. I am also a Certified Associate Coach in the International Coaching Federation. My approach is centered around assisting clients in shedding their old narratives and reframing what may initially appear as hardships into newfound sources of strength. This reflects my commitment to a client-centric and holistic approach to fostering personal growth and healing.

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How to find a therapist for counseling in Fort Walton Beach

Finding the best therapist close by in Fort Walton Beach can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area, you can find a therapist in your city that is accepting new clients and fits your goals. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage, family issues, or other emotional challenges, feel proud that you have begun your search to find the mental health care services with therapists in Fort Walton Beach 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 Fort Walton Beach. 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 Fort Walton Beach, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.

It is also important to understand that mental health professionals in the United States are accredited to provide care, helping individuals and couples, with a variety of licenses 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 Fort Walton Beach 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 Fort Walton Beach 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 Fort Walton Beach 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 Fort Walton Beach 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 Fort Walton Beach, elsewhere in Okaloosa, 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 Fort Walton Beach 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 Fort Walton Beach 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 Fort Walton Beach 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 Fort Walton Beach may not take health insurance, some in the state of Florida may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With 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 Fort Walton Beach online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Fort Walton Beach, Florida working on BetterHelp are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited as a doctor of psychology (PhD / PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW / LICSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). All of these psychology clinicians have a Masters Degree or a Doctorate Degree in their field of psychology sciences, and follow the APA Code of Ethics. 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 Fort Walton Beach 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 Fort Walton Beach above, can work with young adults, children, adolescents, and adults virtually as an accredited licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). You do not have to commute to a an office as a psychotherapy client.

Through BetterHelp therapy, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, use the in app journaling feature, and receive worksheets. You'll also find support groups or group therapy 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 Fort Walton Beach 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 Fort Walton Beach?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Fort Walton Beach 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 Fort Walton Beach 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 Fort Walton Beach therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, such as art therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words with a 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 32548 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 Fort Walton Beach counselor?

Before seeing your Fort Walton Beach 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. Fort Walton Beach 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 Fort Walton Beach licensed clinical social worker may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.

Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find with a Fort Walton Beach 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 Fort Walton Beach, Florida can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy services each year, showing it's a popular option and is proven to be effective.

Fort Walton Beach 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 Fort Walton Beach, 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 Fort Walton Beach 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:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of Fort Walton Beach.

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

32547, 32548, 32549

Popular cities near Fort Walton Beach, FL

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