Feeling the breeze on your skin is supposed to be relaxing and peaceful. When you have problems with anxiety, it can make every gust of wind feel like an ill omen. You will find that it is tough to live normally when anxiety becomes a severe problem. It makes you feel nervous about everything and you will have trouble focusing on the positive things in life.
This situation is not one that you should ever face alone. Gulf Breeze-area counselors will assist you so that you can get through anxiety symptoms. If you want to get over these feelings of anxiety, then dedicated online counselors will be able to offer you important advice. Their counsel and compassion will see you through tough times and you will come out of the counseling sessions feeling much better.
Jamie Matthews
My name is Jamie Matthews and I have been working as a counselor since 2007, and really enjoy helping people reach their treatment goals. I believe that counseling is about change, and believe people can change any behavior not working in their life. I started my career working in community mental health where I worked with individuals with severe and persistent mental illness, and gained a great deal of experience helping individuals manage symptoms of hallucinations, delusions, severe depression symptoms, and severe anxiety symptoms. From 2007-2015 I did mainly group counseling sessions, and some individual counseling sessions using evidence based practices. From 2015-2021, I have worked as an Outpatient Therapist where I have worked with children, adults, and families in a community mental health setting. Currently, I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to assist people in staying present focused and learning the role thoughts, feelings, and behaviors play in the development and maintenance of family health, relationships and mental health problems. I do believe that it is important to learn to live your day-to-day life before discussing past experiences that may be holding people back. I am a strong believer in being solution focused, and learning ways to focus on current issues. When working with me I will not try to push you to share past experiences, but only work on current behaviors that are not working for you in your life. I also will not try to stop you from sharing things from your past that have been bothering you because I understand the value of having someone to hear and really listen to your needs. I look forward to working with you.
Erica Racinowski
My name is Erica (she/her) and I have always loved the idea of therapy and getting to be an individual who has the privilege of hearing and helping someone in a vulnerable position. Seeking out therapy can be one of the biggest challenges we face due to this vulnerability. Especially when we are trying to find someone we “click” with. Our goal will be to build our therapeutic relationship to the best of our abilities in order to facilitate the kinds of changes you want to see in your life. We can make it happen, with the right connection and the right amount of energy and effort put in, you totally and completely have the ability. You’ve already stepped at least once in the right direction by ending up here! My approach is based in cognitive and behavioral processes with the person-centered atmosphere. You direct where you want us to go and I happily listen, assist, interpret, and suggest. I really enjoy looking at our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors as parts of us that run the here and now; our automatic responses, the not-so-automatic responses, the sudden overwhelm of a feeling we can’t identify, the actions we take that we cannot break the habit of. I also love identifying what is actually working for us in a healthy way and giving ourselves a pat on the back for it! I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and have over 6 years of experience working with individuals as well as group therapy. I have experience working for non-profit agencies who bring in people from all walks of life with issues ranging from daily stressors to chronic disorders. I have worked with many individuals with mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, mood disorders, trauma, schizophrenia, as well as substance use issues. My goal for you is to be functioning at your best capacity, whatever that means for you. We can figure it out together! We can explore your current lifestyle and stressors and see how we can adjust. We can also go back and discuss the past and how it may have affected you. Overall, we will set the most realistic goals we can and determine the best ways to get there. I can’t wait to help support you on your journey!
Aaron Landry
My name is Aaron Landry, I am an experienced Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I have been practicing for over 15 years and I am currently licensed in both Maine and Florida. I have worked with the entire spectrum of the population from children to the older adults. I have experience working with and helping people recover from depression, anxiety, stress related disorders, bi-polar disorder, divorce and custody issues. It is my firm belief that everyone feels overwhelmed from time to time and could benefit from having a neutral person to talk to without judgement. I also believe that everyone is capable of recovery and should be afforded the opportunity to lead their best life. I practice cognitive behavioral therapy and solution focused therapy. My goal is to build a professional relationship with my clients with the sole purpose of working together to solve what it is that they feel is a problem in their life, or simply to listen if someone needs to process out loud while they organize their life or work through a transition. My emphasis is starting and adapting where you feel most comfortable. Need help? Let's talk.
Michelle Boyles
I have worked as a mental health and substance abuse counselor for over 25 years. I've been a master's level licensed therapist since 2001 and have held my LCSW in Florida since 2012. I graduated from Penn State University with a Bachelors degree in psychology and from Georgia State University with a Master of Social Work degree. I've worked with a wide range of diverse populations including children, teens, adults, and geriatrics in inpatient crisis stabilization, residential, and outpatient therapy settings. I've worked with individuals, couples and families. My core experience is in treating abuse/ trauma issues, mood disorders, personality disorders, substance abuse, family conflict, and life transitions. My primary focus is on helping my clients gain insight, education, and coping strategies to overcome the challenges they are facing in their lives.
Ricki Shain
Hello and welcome to my page! My name is Ricki Shain and I have a Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling from St. Thomas University. I’ve been a Licensed Mental Health Counselor for over 28 years in a variety of settings including private practice, residential treatment centers, partial hospitalization programs, inpatient psychiatric units, and non-profit agencies. I have also worked as a Behavioral Coach helping people with chronic medical issues make the behavioral changes necessary to improve their health. My clients were from a variety of ages and backgrounds; some were struggling with challenges and some were just looking to make a positive change in their lives. The individuals with whom I worked have found me to be empathetic, nonjudgmental, and direct. I am task oriented and take a practical, no-nonsense approach to tackling life's challenges. Clients respond well to my positive attitude, knowledge and humor, and it would be my honor to share that with you. Congratulations on taking the first step towards a more fulfilling life. I understand it can be difficult to ask for help and begin to take steps toward change. My role is to guide and support you in building the skills and confidence necessary to live your best life. Your goals are the foundation of the work we do together. If you are not sure what they are, we can figure that out together. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, motivational interviewing, client centered and strengths based therapeutic styles. As every client is unique, using multiple styles offers me the opportunity to tailor your sessions to your needs. Whether you are seeking to address challenges such as depression, anxiety, grief, medical problems, career choices or relationship issues, or are just feeling stuck and want to change your life in a meaningful way, I would love to support you as you move forward. You are welcome to message me anytime through BetterHelp. Unlike traditional outpatient counseling, this site offers you frequent access to a counselor to work through your emotions and for problem solving. I usually check messages several times per day, 7 days per week. I offer messaging, live chat, phone sessions and occasional video sessions. If my calendar does not show availability please message me so that we can find a time that works for you. I am here to motivate, support, and empower you. I look forward to working with you!
Alesha Smith
I am Alesha Smith, LCSW licensed in the sate of Florida with 27 years of experience as a clinical therapist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting, anger management, grief and loss, and cargiving. My clinical style is personable, engaging and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, dignity and compassion, and without judgement. My clinical approach combines cognitive-behavioral, dialectical behavioral, solution-focused, and client-centered therapies. Our sessions and treatment plan will be tailored to meet your unique and specific needs with emphasis on beginning where you are and working toward where you are most comfortable. I commend you for having the courage to seek a more fulfilling life and for taking the first steps towards a change to something new and different. I am here to support and empower you. Lets work together!
Stephen Herz
My name is Stephen Herz. I have a Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University in Miami, Fl. With over 10 years of helping people overcome or better understand life’s challenges. Using a variety of counseling styles to fit the individual needs of my clients, we together, work to alleviate and better understand the issues affecting their lives. Specializing in working with people suffering from addictions, anxiety and stress, low self-esteem, irrational beliefs, and a history of trauma.
Karen Marconi
I am licensed in Florida with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, lgbt-related issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Helen Apostolatos
I am licensed in Florida and South Dakota with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. 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.
Natalie Reeder
I am licensed in Florida and Montana with 8 years of professional work experience. 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.
How to find a therapist for counseling in Gulf Breeze
Finding the best therapist close by in Gulf Breeze 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 Gulf Breeze 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 Gulf Breeze. 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 Gulf Breeze, 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 Gulf Breeze 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 Gulf Breeze 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 Gulf Breeze 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 Gulf Breeze 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 Gulf Breeze, elsewhere in Santa Rosa, 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 Gulf Breeze 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 Gulf Breeze 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 Gulf Breeze 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 Gulf Breeze 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 Gulf Breeze online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in Gulf Breeze, 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 Gulf Breeze 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 Gulf Breeze 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 Gulf Breeze 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 Gulf Breeze?
One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Gulf Breeze 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 Gulf Breeze 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 Gulf Breeze 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 32562 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 Gulf Breeze counselor?
Before seeing your Gulf Breeze 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. Gulf Breeze 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 Gulf Breeze 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 Gulf Breeze 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 Gulf Breeze, 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.
Gulf Breeze 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 Gulf Breeze, 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 Gulf Breeze 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 Gulf Breeze:
32561, 32562