While people hope counseling services will help them work through their challenges and achieve emotional wellness, they may find it challenging to find a counseling center or independent practice that provides the supportive environment they need. You have a few options when looking for mental health counseling in Lakeland. There are independent practices and community resources to consider, or you can work with a mental health professional online through a platform like BetterHelp.
Online therapy can be a flexible, accessible option that can help you overcome some of the barriers to mental health treatment. With a platform like BetterHelp, you can attend sessions from the comfort of your home at a time that works for your schedule. Plus, with more than 30,000 providers on the platform, it can be easier to find someone who is the right fit.
While BetterHelp does not offer psychological testing or family counseling, providers on the platform can provide individual psychotherapy services and solution-focused therapy that can help you with a range of life stressors and mental health concerns. You can work with a certified marriage and family therapist, psychologist, or other mental health professional who can help you identify your unique challenges and the approach to treatment that may work best for you.
If you’re looking for a therapist in Lakeland, FL, connect with one of the providers below to learn more.
Kyrie Salters
My name is Kyrie Salters and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker providing therapy in Florida. I am passionate about working with individuals who may be struggling with mental health and/or behavioral difficulties. I have experience working with clients across all age groups addressing matters such as anxiety, depression, family dynamics, inattention, parenting, hyperactivity and defiance. Throughout my career I have aided in empowering and motivating clients to reach their potential. I currently offer individual counseling and family counseling. My therapeutic approaches include Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, psychoeducation and focusing on the here and now. Client’s therapeutic approach is tailor to their individual need. I focus on working with client to achieve their individualized goals.
Darlene Mayers
Welcome! Chances are if you're reading this profile you are looking for help. I believe life can be hard, but solutions don't have to be! Sometimes we just need help navigating through difficulties. My name is Darlene Mayers and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Florida with over 25 years of experience in the mental health field. I have extensive experience working with individuals experiencing anxiety, panic attacks, depression, grief, mood disorders, personality disorders, substance abuse disorders and other addictions. I also have a great deal of experience working with individuals with trauma and abuse backgrounds. I also provide life coaching services. I completed my undergraduate studies at Palm Beach Atlantic University where I earned a B.S. degree in Psychology. I completed my graduate studies at Nova Southeastern University where I earned a M.S. degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. My therapeutic approach is compassionate, sensitive, sincere, respectful and interactive. I utilize a mix of many therapeutic modalities in order to develop the best treatment plan for your success. If you are ready to find solutions, I am here to help.
Heather Page
Welcome! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker that is dually licensed in Florida and Arizona and am originally from California where I obtained my Bachelor's in Psychology. My background in social work, along with my counseling experience gives me a better understanding of all of the external factors that can contribute to an individual's mental health. I have been working in the mental health field for the past nine years with children, adolescents, and families in an outpatient setting. My experience has consisted of treating childhood disorders, improving family relationships, parenting techniques, psycho-education regarding mental illness, perinatal depression and anxiety, postpartum depression, couples counseling, adolescent changes, and stress management. I utilize a strengths based, solutions focused treatment to therapy, incorporating cognitive behavioral therapy as well. I have found that our thoughts are what tend to cause us the most distress, and if we are able to recognize and change those thoughts, we can have an improved quality of life. My goals as a therapist are to make you feel safe, validated, and empowered. I approach therapy as a collaborative process, with the client setting their goals and priorities for treatment. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, and reading a good book. I look forward to working with you!
Laura Arnold
Welcome to Better Help! By reading this you have taken a step toward healing. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the state of Florida, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the states of South Carolina and Arizona, and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in the state of Nevada with over 7 years of experience as a psychotherapist. I have also completed additional training in the areas of Depression and Anxiety at the Beck Institute for Cognitive Behavior Therapy in Philadelphia, PA. I believe in an individual’s emotional and behavioral health. I have helped clients in private-practice settings, as well as substance abuse inpatient, partial hospitalization, outpatient facilities, and correctional facilities. My clients have come to me with a wide range of concerns including anxiety, depression, and stress-related issues. Additionally, I have worked with individuals challenged by substance abuse, behavioral and personality disorders, and human sexuality. I bring compassion and empathy to my work as a therapist. I maintain unconditional positive regard in creating a warm and open therapeutic environment of acceptance. My counseling style is conversational and interactive. I utilize multiple models of psychotherapy including cognitive-behavioral, client-centered, and dialectical behavior therapy. Establishing a therapeutic relationship is a vital step and trust is key. The relationship that you have with your therapist, according to research, will provide the most healing over time than any technique or theory. I am here to meet your needs, support, encourage, and empower you as you work on making positive changes and improvements in your life. If you are ready to move in a new direction in your life or want guidance through a life challenge, let’s start your journey. “Loving ourselves through the process of owning our story is the bravest thing we will ever do.” Brené Brown.
Courtney Fixelle
I am licensed in Florida with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship issues, & family conflicts. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. Therapy is all about helping clients in a way that makes sense for them. Life is full of transitions that challenge us in unique ways. I think people come to therapy with a purpose, to make changes in their life. My goal is to help you feel empowered to live the life you have always imagined for yourself. 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.
Cub Larkin
I am licensed in Florida with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, lgbt-related issues, & trauma and abuse. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
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.
Amy Gardiner
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Florida with 20 years of experience helping individuals to cope with anxiety, depression, grief and loss, relationship struggles, addiction, low self-esteem, chronic illness, and parenting problems. Looking for a way to navigate the challenges life throws our way? I am here to walk beside you because no one should have to do it alone. Through our sessions I can help you to refocus, gain self-confidence, and begin to feel empowered to address life’s struggles in a productive and meaningful way. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My therapeutic approach combines cognitive behavioral, solution-focused, and mindfulness and I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. Let’s work together to find the best path to take on this journey called life!
Cindy Pineyro
I am licensed in Florida with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, 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.
Porcher Jackson
I am licensed in Florida and Virginia with 13 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, coping with 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
How to find a therapist for counseling in Lakeland
Finding the best therapist close by in Lakeland 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 Lakeland 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 Lakeland. 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 Lakeland, 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 Lakeland 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 Lakeland 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 Lakeland 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 Lakeland 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 Lakeland, elsewhere in Polk, 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 Lakeland 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 Lakeland 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 Lakeland 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 Lakeland 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 Lakeland online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in Lakeland, 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 Lakeland 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 Lakeland 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 Lakeland 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 Lakeland?
One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Lakeland 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 Lakeland 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 Lakeland 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 33806 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 Lakeland counselor?
Before seeing your Lakeland 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. Lakeland 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 Lakeland 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 Lakeland 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 Lakeland, 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.
Lakeland 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 Lakeland, 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 Lakeland 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 Lakeland:
33801, 33802, 33803, 33804, 33805, 33806, 33807, 33811, 33813, 33815