If you’re looking for a therapist in Gainesville, FL, you can find many independent practices that offer in-person treatment or use an online therapy platform like BetterHelp. Although BetterHelp does not offer play therapy or other services for children, the providers on the platform provide exceptional counseling for adults of all ages.
A professional in the mental health field can guide you through the therapeutic process to help you navigate life's challenges and achieve personal growth. You can get support for the symptoms of a mental health condition like depression or anxiety or to work through challenging life experiences like domestic violence, low self-esteem, sexual assault, or sexuality issues.
Work with a counselor who cares deeply and can offer new perspectives for self-discovery. Get started with a Gainesville-based therapist below.
Dr. Dana Scoville
I am a licensed mental health professional in Florida, with 20+ years of experience. My approach to therapy focuses on a positive and empowering approach, encompassing a range of techniques from different theories. I will assist you in focusing on your strengths and how you can increase your own resilience and adaptability to help you through difficult times versus focusing trying to change things beyond your control. I believe that mental health is a lifestyle, just as we need to maintain our physical health, mental health requires work and attention too. Mental health is not a 2-sided concept--it is not that you are or you are not mentally healthy, think of it as more of a continuum or spectrum with optimal functioning on end and least optimal functioning on the other end. Where is your health on the spectrum and how can we help you move more into the optimal direction? There are no quick fixes or magic cures for all that troubles you, but with some lifestyle adjustments you can improve your overall well-being. I would like to help you examine your life and create lifestyle improvements that are unique to your needs and abilities.
Nancy Valdes
Hello, My name is Nancy and I am a bilingual Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I obtained my Master in Social Work from the State University of New York at Albany and I have over 10 years of experience working as a therapist with adults on different settings such as home based, outpatient mental health clinics, crisis units and correctional facilities. I utilize different therapeutic modalities including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) to help my clients work through depression, anxiety, life changes, relationship issues, self esteem and trauma. I enjoy working in partnership with my clients to determine which therapeutic approach and techniques will support best their journey and healing. It is important that you feel connected to your therapist in order to reach the transparency needed to achieve your goals. Outside of work, I practice meditation, enjoy reading, cooking, journaling, trying different cuisines, traveling and most recently gardening. I do not have any pets due to my work schedule but I love animals and nature. One of my personal goals this year is learning to play the guitar. Thank you for taking the time to read my profile and I look forward to working together.
Janice Carr
ABOUT ME: Hello! So glad you’re here! My career path has not been traditional. It took many different twists and turns in the corporate and commercial world before I found my place as a counselor and therapist. My professional life experiences have expanded the knowledge and understanding I’m able to incorporate into helping you recognize, address, resolve, or just alleviate your life problems along with your wants, needs, or concerns. And, sometimes, it’s just a matter of having someone to talk to that will listen. That’s ok too! I am licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist (MT2839) in the State of Florida, a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (8160) in North Carolina, a Licensed Professional Counselor In Colorado (LPC.0019501), a National Certified Counselor (NCC), and have been Certified in Telehealth, Grief Counseling, and Trauma. I earned my master’s degree in counseling from California State University and my undergraduate degree from the University of Colorado in Interpersonal Communication with an emphasis in Psychology. My work has included a broad spectrum of culturally diverse populations that include adults, adolescents, children, and families. The venues have included military installations (worldwide), homeless shelters for women and teens, community mental health centers, private practice, family services, along with a mental health crisis center. Within these settings I have worked with the kind of personal problems and challenges that so many of us face daily -- that are at once shared as part of our common humanity and yet are uniquely and individually our own. I’m here to help you resolve the issues and concerns that are impacting your life, your goals, your relationships. Let me help. SPECIALTIES: Relationship Issues, Trauma, Self esteem, Grief, Coping with life changes. Also experienced in: Addictions, physical and/or sexual abuse, personality disorders, depression, stress, and anxiety. Clinical Approaches: My base approach to individual therapy is client centered. However, depending on the needs of the individual client therapy may integrate solution focused, cognitive behavioral (CBT), motivational interviewing and/or other theoretical practices depending on what best serves you as my client. In family counseling my preference is a systems approach. Years of Experience: 16 + years
Karen Walker
Hello! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 10 years of experience working as therapist and life coach. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems. I have worked with many couples for relationship repair, communication skills, and pre-marital counseling. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, without judgment. My approach combines person centered, solution focused counseling styles. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!
Catalina Ortiz
Hi my name is Catalina, I am a mental health counselor, marriage and family therapist licensed in Florida with over 7 years of experience. I have worked in mental health clinics and private practice providing counseling, psychotherapy and psycho-education for adolescents, adults and elders with culturally diverse clients in Miami and Qatar. I believe encountering emotional obstacles in life is not only what makes us human, but also what allows us to transform and grow into wiser individuals. As humans, we know emotions by contrast; we can only know what it is to be happy if we have ever experienced sadness. Therefore, if you are going through a difficult situation, remember you are in a moment of growth and you have in your power the opportunity of being enlightened. Let me accompany and guide you in the search for your inner strength and help you discover that the control of your life and emotions lays within you. You are the expert in your life, hence my role as your therapist is to support and encourage you from a non-judgmental perspective. I will also help you discover useful resources that you can put into practice immediately to overcome what is affecting you. Each and every one of us is unique, therefore therapy should also be a completely individual experience. There is no universal solution for every problem, so my priority is to discover what works for you and together find the right answers to achieve your goals. Some of the interventions I use are: Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, Narrative Therapy and Psychological Astrology. I am here for you!
Jimmy Broderick
My name is Jimmy Broderick, I go by Jim. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with over 5 years of experience, serving the needs of many various people with a large range of issues that they are dealing with. I graduated from Troy University in 2015 (2nd in my class). My experience includes, but is not limited to, ADHD related behaviors, Major Depression, Anxieties, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Aging, Bipolar Disorders, Psychosis, Autism and cognitive functioning problems. I have worked in Christian counseling, helping families, couples and individuals regain peace in their lives by learning coping skills, role playing and education. I have also worked extensively in the prison system in Florida, specializing in Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective, Bipolar, Anxiety and Depressive Disorders. I have worked with different populations from many different countries, LGBTQ community with OK2BME. I also continue to strive to learn more about diversity and differences in order to continually have new growth and better help my clients. I strive to understand each persons concerns and assist my clients journey towards better mental and emotional health. Some of my therapeutic approaches use Cognitive Behavioral Therapies (CBT), Existential Therapy, Person Centered Therapy, Behavioral Therapy, Reality Therapy, Supportive Therapies, and Problem Solving Strategies. They focus on encouragement, perseverance, being flexible and having a greater worth of themselves.
Edmound Davis
I am licensed in Florida with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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. I thank you for contacting me and I look forward to going on this journey with you through the uncertainty that we call life.
Daniel Clare
Hi! My name is Daniel, I am licensed in Florida with three years of professional work experience. It takes a lot to get to this point of trying to connect with a therapist; especially if this is your very first time. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, parenting issues, anger management, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. If you connect with these, then I would be honored to partner with you on your journey. Life can be challenging at times, or disappointing, or a whole lot of other complicated things. My hope is that I can help with figuring some of those things out with you and providing some guidance with how to continue with your personal life story beyond this moment you find yourself in. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. That part is really important; feeling safe is the key step to finding the place you want to be for yourself. One of the approaches I take involves getting to know your body's nervous system and how to help it feel more regulated to help you be where you want to be. Our nervous system plays such an intrinsic role in how we function each and every day. While I cannot guarantee any specific outcome of what may come from your journey with therapy, taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage, and I am would be happy to partner with you to help find some steps to get where you do want to be.
April Riley
I am a social worker licensed in Florida with 28 years of professional work experience. I have worked with clients coping with a variety of issues, including stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, major illness, addictions, and grief and loss. I worked extensively with veterans and am familiar with the unique challenges they face. Depending on the needs and concerns of the client, I utilize various approaches to treatment, including motivational, solution-focused, rational emotive behavioral (REBT), cognitive behavioral (CBT), and neuro-linguistic changework (NLP). 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 change. I am here to support and empower you in your journey.
Andrea Baker
I am licensed in Florida with 24 years of counseling children and adults. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, career difficulties, & depression. I am passionate supporting women during pregnancy and postnatally. 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 Gainesville
Finding the best therapist close by in Gainesville 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 Gainesville 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 Gainesville. 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 Gainesville, 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 Gainesville 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 Gainesville 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 Gainesville 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 Gainesville 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 Gainesville, elsewhere in Alachua, 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 Gainesville 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 Gainesville 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 Gainesville 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 Gainesville 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 Gainesville online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in Gainesville, 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 Gainesville 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 Gainesville 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 Gainesville 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 Gainesville?
One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Gainesville 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 Gainesville 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 Gainesville 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 32627 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 Gainesville counselor?
Before seeing your Gainesville 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. Gainesville 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 Gainesville 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 Gainesville 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 Gainesville, 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.
Gainesville 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 Gainesville, 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 Gainesville 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 Gainesville:
32601, 32602, 32603, 32604, 32605, 32607, 32608, 32609, 32610, 32611, 32612, 32614, 32627, 32635, 32653