Panama City Beach is a well-known destination for Spring Break for college students from  around the country. Resident businesses enjoy the boom in commerce from these week long parties. But life cannot always be a party. In fact, even in the midst of a party life can seem desolate and unmoving. When you feel that you can no longer take joy in the little things, it may be time to ask for help. Counselors in the Panama City Beach area are available to offer this type of assistance. The therapists can examine why you are unable to feel the joy you once did, and help you get that joy back into your life. Contact a counselor today.

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Ruth Burgher-Gibore

Clinical therapist offering therapy in FL, Panama City Beach
Counselor License Type(s): MA, LMFT
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
23 years of experience

I am a qualified, California and Florida State Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 23 years experience in providing effective mental health services to diverse populations of individuals, couples, and families. My services have included therapy and counseling, case management, career counseling, crisis intervention, grief and loss counseling, and successful management of large community based mental health programs and clinics. Utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, and Family Systems Therapy related approaches, I am able to provide effective intervention for all types of presenting problems from individual issues, like management of depression and anxiety to relational issues such as concerns with communication between partners or family members. I enjoy working with diverse groups and have counseled every one from young babies with their parents to children, adolescents, adults, seniors, disabled individuals, members of the LGTBQ community, other professionals, and veterans. I have also worked extensively with individuals coping with trauma; trained in TF-CBT and other models of trauma informed care. I enjoy helping others and my solution focused approach yields results.

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Amy Iannitelli

Clinical therapist offering therapy in FL, Panama City Beach
Counselor License Type(s): MA,LMHC,RPT
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesADHD
23 years of experience

I am a licensed mental health counselor in Florida with over 19 years of experience. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD and traumatic stress. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion.. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, person-centered and solution focused. 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. I look forward to working with you!

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Sherida Newmister

Clinical therapist offering therapy in FL, Panama City Beach
Counselor License Type(s): MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoaching
25 years of experience

In my 20 years of experience as a psychotherapist, I've found that when people seek help they're often at their most frustrated, sad, angry, or confused. We can feel lost, alone, and believe others can never really understand how tiring it is to act okay & always be strong when there is only pain & chaos going on inside of us. Maybe you are to the point where you just don't have the energy to do the things you want to do or even used to enjoy doing. You may be struggling with deep emotions or conflicts in your family, and no one else understands. Maybe the confusion and stress is so great that you don’t even know how to put it into words. Therapy is a safe place where you can learn more about who you are, and learn the skills to get you where you want to be in life. I have experience working with adults, adolescents, children, couples, and families struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, or significant life changes. My approach in therapy is meeting you where you are emotionally, and assisting you in setting & achieving your goals. We will work as a team, and use your strengths to develop more constructive thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. My treatment approach combines cognitive-behavioral, rational emotive, and motivational interviewing techniques, all geared toward assisting you in becoming the person you want to be. It takes courage to seek out help and work towards making changes. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you to make the changes you desire.

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Robert Shackelford

Clinical therapist offering therapy in FL, Panama City Beach
Family conflictsTrauma and abuseAnger managementCoaching
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & anger management. I also have experience working with executive and professional coaching. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Dr. Latori Griffin

Clinical therapist offering therapy in FL, Panama City Beach
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & intimacy related issues. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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Jocelyn Sterling

Clinical therapist offering therapy in FL, Panama City Beach
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
25 years of experience

Hello! I am a Master's level virtual therapist, licensed in Florida in good standing, with over 25 years of professional mental health treatment provision. I have successfully helped thousands of child, teen, and adult Floridians cope with many presenting issues. I have a wealth of experience in helping my clients deal with stress and anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma, socialization, gender, parenting issues, & motivation, self-esteem, confidence, & existential concerns. I believe that you are the specialist of your story, and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you now. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling, happier life and to take the first steps towards positive change. I applaud you, and am dedicated to support & to empower you as your devoted guide in that personal journey. Please join me on Better Help, & welcome to your exciting path of self-discovery!

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Anieka Dicker

Clinical therapist offering therapy in FL, Panama City Beach
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, parenting issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I am a parent educator trained in both Circle of Security and Nurturing Parenting. I also focus on the emotional and psychological harm caused by racism for BIPOC and work to support by validating lived experiences. 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!

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Francesca Corea

Clinical therapist offering therapy in FL, Panama City Beach
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

Hey! I’m a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, National Certified Counselor, Certified DBT therapist with a Master's Degree focused in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Florida International University. I’m a dedicated and compassionate counselor with seven years of professional experience counseling individuals and groups. Expertise in working with individuals suffering from mental health conditions, including anxiety, stress management, adjustment disorders, low self-confidence, life transitions, and depression. I am a strong communicator with keen perceptivity that allows me to develop possible solutions and suggestions to help clients gain practical insight into their situations. I have a passion for helping others return to their personal centers, to regain emotional balance, and to reach a state of calmness where communication can take place and healing may begin. 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. As a therapist, I believe collaborative work is truly important and you can expect tasks to focus on between sessions. I aim to make the therapeutic process feel accepting, genuine, positive, interactive, and trusting. I utilize a variety of therapeutic approaches that include CBT, DBT, incorporation of meditation, mindfulness, assertiveness training, and mood management, as well as providing active listening, empathy and support throughout their healing journey.

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Tre King

Clinical therapist offering therapy in FL, Panama City Beach
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) in Florida, Indiana, and Virginia with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, anger management, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I work with clients creating an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared and heard without fear or 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. I would love to be apart of your journey of healing.

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Amanda Smith

Clinical therapist offering therapy in FL, Panama City Beach
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
5 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, anger management, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I use an eclectic approach to therapy and tailor our sessions to meet your 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.

How to find a therapist for counseling in Panama City Beach

Finding the best therapist close by in Panama City Beach can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area, you can find a therapist in your city that is accepting new clients and fits your goals. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage, family issues, or other emotional challenges, feel proud that you have begun your search to find the mental health care services with therapists in Panama City Beach that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing with a therapist.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Panama City Beach. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of support of this kind with BetterHelp therapists can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Panama City Beach, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.

It is also important to understand that mental health professionals in the United States are accredited to provide care, helping individuals and couples, with a variety of licenses for therapists. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinical psychologist or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained able to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy in the Panama City Beach region and in the state of Florida. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

A mental health counselor working through their own in-person therapy practice in Panama City Beach or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples counseling, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family therapy, or change in negative thinking patterns. A Panama City Beach therapist may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. Verified providers and therapists can provide licensed marriage and couples therapy, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.

There are all kinds of therapists working with clients today across the United States and in the greater Panama City Beach area offering:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search keep in mind what support you'd like your provider to be most experienced with and choose an experienced provider with a practice located near you in the city of Panama City Beach, elsewhere in Bay, 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 Panama City Beach area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling with a therapist compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Panama City Beach therapist?

The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US with most therapists is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Panama City Beach due to a higher cost of living, and a limited number of therapists taking new clients. The price also depends on the type of provider you are looking for. See the following average prices for various mental health providers without insurance:

  • Counseling with a psychiatrist: $150-$500
  • Counseling with therapists: $100-300
  • Therapy with a psychologist: $100

While many psychologists in Panama City Beach may not take health insurance, some in the state of Florida may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With a BetterHelp therapist throughout the state of Florida you can expect significantly more affordable options, with therapists sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks). 

How is a licensed therapist on this Panama City Beach online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Panama City Beach, Florida working on BetterHelp are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited as a doctor of psychology (PhD / PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW / LICSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). All of these psychology clinicians have a Masters Degree or a Doctorate Degree in their field of psychology sciences, and follow the APA Code of Ethics. Therapists have been qualified and certified by their state's professional board after successfully completing the necessary education, exams, training and practice with a patient, and extensive experience in a healthcare clinic or treatment centers, in order to become a mental health provider. While their lived experience, expertise, careers, and background vary, therapists here all possess at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience with adult and sometimes teen patients, and have the necessary therapist credentials to provide a safe space for long lasting emotional healing in therapy. 

Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from Panama City Beach psychiatrists to prescribe a drug or medication as treatment, or perform psychological assessments and other psychiatric services.

How does working with a professional counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?

BetterHelp clinicians and therapists treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Panama City Beach above, can work with young adults, children, adolescents, and adults virtually as an accredited licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). You do not have to commute to a an office as a psychotherapy client.

Through BetterHelp therapy, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, use the in app journaling feature, and receive worksheets. You'll also find support groups or group therapy helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. Get matched today.

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address with the help of psychologists?

BetterHelp's verified therapists specialize and have clinical experience in a wide range of mental health issues and modalities, helping clients to feel better and improve their lives every day. See below for examples.

Our therapists specialties on BetterHelp include:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy - This is provided by professional counselors, helping clients identify and change negative thought patterns through structured sessions.
  • Behavior therapy - Behavior therapy techniques are used to help clients modify harmful behaviors and develop healthier habits, often through the guidance of a professional counselor.
  • EMDR therapy - EMDR therapists assist clients in processing traumatic memories to alleviate emotional distress and improve overall well-being, utilizing the expertise of a professional counselor.
  • Talk therapy - Clients explore their feelings and develop strategies for dealing with various mental health issues, often guided by a professional counselor.
  • Depression - This counseling is designed to help individuals manage symptoms of depression and improve their mood and functioning, often working closely with a professional counselor.
  • Anxiety disorders - Sessions for anxiety disorders, offer strategies to manage and reduce anxiety symptoms effectively, often through counseling sessions with a professional counselor.
  • Stress - Tools and techniques to help clients cope with stress and improve their mental resilience, frequently under the supervision of a professional counselor.
  • Eating disorders - Professionals experienced in eating disorders offer specialized counseling to address unhealthy eating patterns and body image issues, with the support of a professional counselor.
  • Grief - Support and guidance are offered to clients experiencing grief, helping them navigate the stages of loss, often in collaboration with a counselor.
  • Attachment therapy - Therapists use this to help clients understand and improve their emotional bonds and relationships, often with the assistance of a counselor.
  • Relationships - Therapists work with clients to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their connections with others, often using the skills of a counselor.
  • Children, adolescents, and teens - Therapists specializing in youth therapy address the unique mental health needs of children, adolescents, and teens, often involving a counselor in the process.
  • Addiction (substance abuse) - Therapists offer counseling for addiction, helping clients overcome substance abuse and maintain long-term recovery, often under the guidance of a counselor.
  • Divorce - Therapists support individuals through the emotional and practical challenges of ending a marriage, often working with a psychologist to provide comprehensive care.
  • Trauma or PTSD - Therapists specializing in trauma and PTSD help clients process traumatic experiences and reduce their symptoms, frequently collaborating with a psychologist.
  • Bipolar disorder - Therapists provide counseling to manage the mood swings and challenges associated with bipolar disorder, often in consultation with a psychologist.
  • Psychodynamic treatment - Therapists use psychodynamic treatment to explore unconscious processes and how they affect current behavior, often guided by psychologists.
  • Career counseling - Therapists assist clients in making informed decisions about their professional paths and resolving work-related issues, often with the help of psychologists.
  • Alcohol use disorders - Therapists offer specialized counseling to help clients manage and overcome alcohol use disorders, frequently under the supervision of psychologists.
  • OCD - Therapists provide strategies and support to manage obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms, often via psychotherapy.
  • ADHD - Therapists offer counseling to help clients with ADHD improve focus, organization, and overall functioning, often via psychotherapy.
  • Mood disorders - Therapists work with clients to stabilize and improve mood through various therapeutic approaches, frequently in psychotherapy.
  • Sex addiction
  • Complex trauma
  • Life transitions

You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy or with a sex therapist. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists or licensed marriage family therapists (LMFT) who work with clients in relationships. You can also try a Panama City Beach provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide with licensed therapists. 

How do I know if online counseling is right for my family in Panama City Beach?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Panama City Beach therapist is the validation and active listening they can provide. Your friends and loved ones may also be available to listen, but you may feel that they may lack the skills to provide objective guidance. Counselors and therapists are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

Therapists in your city can support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health, life concerns, or healing needs. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another good benefit of Panama City Beach therapy is having an understanding, safe space with a non-judgmental party who can support you through challenging experiences.

Many people have sensitive topics that they may feel ashamed to discuss with their friends or partner. A Panama City Beach therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, such as art therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words with a psychotherapist.

With a lot of people in FL, therapists may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles or therapists above and others within BetterHelp's team, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching to find a a nearby psychotherapist close to 32407 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 Panama City Beach counselor?

Before seeing your Panama City Beach therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist, any emotional pain you may feel, and the ways in which you hope to improve. When you attend your session, you can let our therapists know if you have any concerns or feel unsure about what to talk about. Panama City Beach therapists here may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions while offering mental health services. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy.

Should I find a therapist or psychologist for therapy if I feel fine? 

Some simply don't feel the need to see a psychologist. However, some people may avoid attending therapy due to stigma or preconceived notions of what it might entail. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or specific condition. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback. A Panama City Beach licensed clinical social worker may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.

Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find with a Panama City Beach counselor can be dependent on your process.

People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles that a counselor can help with.

Is mental health care and therapy with a therapist worth it?

Therapy with a licensed counselor is effective and has the power to change individuals' lives. Each client is at a different stage of their emotional healing journey in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, skills, and goals. A psychologist can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities to help you feel your best and put you on the path to healing. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, a mental health therapist has an understanding of various disorders like ADHD and depression with many hours of experience in treating adults in their practice. For this reason, seeing an evidence based psychologist in Panama City Beach, Florida can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy services each year, showing it's a popular option and is proven to be effective.

Panama City Beach has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online sessions to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions during telehealth appointments?

The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.

Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform for Panama City Beach, Florida

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on PinterestLinkedInInstagramTwitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time today to learn more about the team of Panama City Beach therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out to customer service through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of Panama City Beach.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Panama City Beach:

32407, 32413

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