You can plan and plan, and sometimes things still go wrong. For most of us that's a fact of life we can move past. The people of the planned community of Lake Mary know this well. But still, some of its residents still have a harder time overcoming the pitfalls life brings despite ample planning.
If you are struggling with your mental health due to a disorder like depression or anxiety, or you've experienced overwhelming loss or trauma, a Lake Mary-area therapist or counselor can help. A qualified mental health professional can provide the support you need to get back on track to a well planned life.
Christina Taylor
Ever since I was young, I knew I wanted to get into a career path that would make a difference in people’s lives. This interest led me to study psychology, Marriage and Family in particular, and eventually led to a full-time career. As a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the Tampa Bay area, I am committed to the well-being of all my clients and go above and beyond to cater to their needs. This has led me to becoming Adoption Competency Certified, a Nurturing Parenting Facilitator, Trauma-Informed, and introduced to Infant Mental Health! I truly care for all my clients and work diligently to help find them the answers they seek. Since 2016, I have worked with a variety of clients dealing with circumstances that are unique to their lives and continue to serve those in the community while continuing to remain knowledgeable of new approaches and tools that could be implemented for success!
David Potts
Hi! my name is David Potts and I am an LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker). I have been working as a mental health therapist licensed on the Gulf Coast of Southwest Florida for 14 years. I have been with Better Help now for almost 4 years. I love what the online platform offers to the clients as well as the many options and resources as well here with Better Help! I have been working as a psychotherapist/clinical social worker with individuals, teens, young adults and adults of all ages. I have also worked with the family dynamic for most of my career. I also work with couples to seek skills in couples resolving through conflict resolution. Since working with Better Help, I have found that working outside my community and on this platform has extended my practice to many parts of the world! My area of expertise has been working with depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting dilemmas, stress in school or work, grief-loss, motivation, other life stressors. Other areas include working with Bi-Polar Disorders and ADHD/ADD. I have also worked with adults who experienced severe and persistent mental health issues that included schizophrenia, personality disorders, and alcohol/substance addiction and abuse. I have worked in many clinical settings including working in outpatient and residential settings. I have specialized working with teens who have experienced abandonment, loss of family, parents and/or home. Some of these teens also had a history of physical trauma, sexual or emotional abuse, and alcohol/substance addiction. My counseling style is open and engaging, and I approach all my clients with commitment and compassion. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral therapy, existential, psychodynamic, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused therapies. I will adjust my approaches and treatment plan to follow your individual needs and to meet your goals. I like to seek root causes of the issues that may be interfering with life that can sometimes become very overwhelming and frustrating that can interrupt with striving to have a better quality of life. I like to look at the cause and affect approach with the hope is that you can make the small changes necessary to find happiness. Progress not perfection is what I like to say. I am glad that you are taking this first step in seeking positive change. I am here to encourage and support you in your therapeutic journey! If is a new therapy experience, then I hope to be able to take you to your next step in finding what you are looking for. I look forward to meeting you and working with you!
Dr. Cheryl Affrunti
Greetings and welcome! My name is Cheryl Lee Affrunti (I go by “Lee”), and I am a Florida-based clinical psychologist with more than 13 years of experience assisting clients of all ages. I have been privileged to work with clients struggling with a wide range of challenges including anxiety, depression, stressful life transitions, bipolar disorder, ASD, PTSD, OCD, ADHD, schizoaffective disorder, learning disabilities, parenting problems, and relationship concerns. I am especially honored to have helped veterans, first responders, and others experiencing the harmful effects of physical and emotional trauma. As a person-centered therapist, I believe you deserve to be treated with empathy, respect, dignity, and compassion. I offer a judgment-free zone where you can count on my commitment to provide a safe and welcoming environment during our time together. I don’t profess to have the specific answers you seek, but I fervently believe you have those answers within you, and I will focus our time together by listening to you and helping you discover your richest and most meaningful path forward. My theoretical orientation is based primarily on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and includes cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, mindfulness-based, and solution-oriented approaches depending on your unique challenges, preferences, and situation. I appreciate the courage it took for you to reach out to someone to improve the quality of your life. Yes, you absolutely can live your most meaningful and fulfilling life, and I offer to you my services as your guide who will strive to enlighten, empower, and support you on your journey. I hope we can travel this part of your journey together!
Jeanne Peel
Hello! My name is Jeanne Peel, and I am a Marriage and Family Therapist with over 20 years of experience. I am licensed in Florida, and both North and South Carolina, and have worked with children, teens, and adults in individual, family, couple’s, and group settings. I have worked in community mental health, residential treatment, and private practice doing online therapy, as well as working for an insurance company call center doing mental health assessments to help connect people to therapy. I have helped clients in a wide range of areas including anger management, anxiety, communication issues, depression, grief/loss, low self-esteem, mindfulness, parenting problems, relationship issues, and work/life balance. I have also helped many people who have experienced trauma or various types of abuse. My formal journey to become a therapist started when I was 40, but I think I've been in training my whole life. This isn't just something I DO, it's part of who I AM. I wear lots of hats and am grateful for each of them. I am a veteran myself and have 15 years under my belt as a military spouse, so military folks have an automatic special place in my heart. I have been married and divorced, I have 5 adult kids and 7 grandkids, and I helped my mom care for my dad with Alzheimer's until he died early in October 2021. I am very spiritual and believe we come into each other’s lives for a reason because we all have lessons to learn from one another. I work at staying fit and practicing good self-care by enjoying good nutrition, running, walking, biking, kayaking, yoga, and meditation. My therapeutic approach is eclectic as I pull from different theoretical backgrounds and my own experience to find what is going to be exactly right for you. My style is warm, interactive, and collaborative. I will treat you with respect, sensitivity, and compassion as we work together, and I will do my utmost to “meet you where you are” as I believe you are the expert on living your own life. I believe you already have your own answers deep inside and just need some guidance at times to find them. My approach is person-centered and combines elements of solution-focused, cognitive-behavioral, existential, psychodynamic and mindfulness therapies. I feel the two biggest indicators of success in therapy are for the client to be engaged and willing to learn to let go of old self-limiting beliefs and to have a strong rapport in the client-therapist relationship. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps toward change. It also takes courage to look closely at oneself and one’s relationships and to own one’s “stuff”. If you are ready to take that step, then I am here to support and empower you on your journey as we work together and learn from each other. I look forward to working with you!
Kristin Rinehart
Hello my name is Kristin Rinehart. I am excited to offer counseling through BetterHelp because it gives access to counseling in different ways that traditional counseling does not. Reaching out for help for your health and wellness is so important and can be difficult to do for the first time. Good job for considering putting time into your self. Just a little about me: I obtained my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Otterbein College and Master of Social Work degree from The University of Pittsburgh. I have been a licensed independent social worker for 30 years. I am licensed in the state of Florida, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. I am passionate about treating clients of all ages struggling with trauma, anxiety, depression, stress management and life transitions. I find helping others achieve peace and happiness to be the most rewarding part of the social work profession. I have worked in settings such as community mental health, crisis residential treatment, crisis intervention, school based counseling and integrated behavioral health in a Federally Qualified Health Center. My therapy style includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Time Line Therapy, Strength and Faith based approaches. I believe the most important aspect of a therapeutic relationship is for my clients to know they have someone on their team encouraging them to move beyond the past, live in the present while working toward reaching goals for the future. I am available for messaging, live chat and phone appointments at this time. I prefer to schedule directly with my clients so they get the appointment day and time that works best for their schedule. Video is provided as requested.
Nora Jennings
I am licensed in California and Florida with 23 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with depression, grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. 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.
Thomas Mitchell
I am licensed in Florida with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & anger management. 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.
Sean Kweskin
I am licensed in California with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & intimacy related issues. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Denetress Hinton
I am licensed in Florida with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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!
Christina Cassidy
I am licensed in Florida with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with grief, coping with loss, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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.
How to find a therapist for counseling in Lake Mary
Finding the best therapist close by in Lake Mary 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 Lake Mary 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 Lake Mary. 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 Lake Mary, 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 Lake Mary 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 Lake Mary 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 Lake Mary 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 Lake Mary 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 Lake Mary, elsewhere in Seminole, 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 Lake Mary 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 Lake Mary 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 Lake Mary 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 Lake Mary 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 Lake Mary online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in Lake Mary, 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 Lake Mary 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 Lake Mary 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 Lake Mary 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 Lake Mary?
One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Lake Mary 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 Lake Mary 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 Lake Mary 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 32746 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 Lake Mary counselor?
Before seeing your Lake Mary 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. Lake Mary 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 Lake Mary 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 Lake Mary 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 Lake Mary, 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.
Lake Mary 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 Lake Mary, 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 Lake Mary 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 Lake Mary:
32746, 32795, 32799