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Genna Lo Presti

Clinical therapist offering therapy in FL, Ponce de Leon
Counselor License Type(s): MSW,LCSW,SAP
AddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesDepression
18 years of experience

“During these times, it may be hard for you to see all the little things we do to avoid intimacy. Instead of clinginess, try support. Instead of agonizing, try releasing. Self-pity is just sadness in the pejorative.”- Renata Adler. As an experienced clinician with almost twenty years of promoting “the bigger picture,” I understand the inevitable strains of societal pressures and mounting anxieties that precipitate today’s emotional supply and demand. And moreover, how our immediate environments (both personal and professional), less than secure attachments, and unresolved traumas tend to strip us of our inherent worth and propagate low self-esteem. Our pasts can slowly rob us from our intrinsic worth and freedoms if we aren’t careful. Let’s remain vigilant to our reactionary minds that sometimes cause us to flail in unnecessary despair. I have applied psychodynamic, existential, humanistic, CBT, strength-based, inner child workings, and trauma focused therapies within acute psychiatric and multiple behavioral health settings for most of all my career. Since graduating with my Bachelors Degree in 2006, then Masters Degree in 2010 and eventually gaining licensure as a Clinical Social Worker in 2014, I also have learned and grown from the beautifully destructive cycles of life. I respect the individual in relation to their environment and offer my utmost sincerity and earnest attempts at a full understanding of the person as a whole being, from start to never finish. I utilize humor and satire as a form of stress relief. I can comfortably guide you to embrace the normality of your dysfunctions while highlighting the uniqueness of life, and begin to feel a little less consumed. I am an attentive listener with a tender spot for all of humankind. I truly hope I am granted the privilege of working with you.

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Kevin Bowman

Clinical therapist offering therapy in FL, Ponce de Leon
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

Please be advised that I am a licensed Clinical Social Worker the State of Michigan with over 29 years of experience working in different capacities in Mental Health. It has been my privilege to work with clients experiencing a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD and ADHD. Also, have helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My counseling style is warm and interactive. Personally, I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and most importantly I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and rational-emotive counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage and fortitude to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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Victoria Freeman

Clinical therapist offering therapy in FL, Ponce de Leon
Counselor License Type(s): LMHC,NCC,CCMHC
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
6 years of experience

Hi! I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor licensed in Florida and received my Master's degree in Counseling and Psychology from Troy University in 2015. I have experience working with adolescents, teens, adults, and families. I have been able to support clients dealing with an array of concerns including anxiety, depression, confidence/self-esteem, and grief/loss. I have also helped clients walk through their healing from physical, emotional, and sexual trauma. I sculpt my counseling style to the needs of my clients by using cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based stress reduction, with client-centered and compassionate care. Every person deserves to be treated with respect, dignity, and unconditional positive regard. I look forward to taking this journey with you!

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Saila Akhtar

Clinical therapist offering therapy in FL, Ponce de Leon
Counselor License Type(s): LMHC,MS
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseSelf esteem
8 years of experience

I am a licensed mental health counselor from New York. I have over 10 years of experience working with at risk children and their families. I have worked directly with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD, ADHD, substance use concerns and family conflicts. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My counseling style is interactive. I believe in building good rapport with my clients and providing a safe space to have open dialogues about their concerns. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, motivational interviewing, psychodynamic, and person-centered. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to be aware of your needs and to seek out support to change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to partner with you and work towards the change you crave. I look forward to working with you!

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Karyn Lockerman-Elliott

Clinical therapist offering therapy in FL, Ponce de Leon
Counselor License Type(s): BSW, MS, MA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
25 years of experience

It takes a great deal of courage to admit that you feel different, that you are experiencing feelings of depression or anxiety, or you just feel off and would like to talk to someone who is trained and licensed to help you. College, family, relationships, and life and career goals are difficult no matter what stage of life you are in and sometimes it helps to talk to a professional who can teach you skills to manage your emotions or can listen to you without judgment. I am a licensed therapist who has been practicing for more than 15 years. I work with individuals, families, and couples. I have 57 hours post masters in gender studies and think that everyone has the right to live a life that they love and to be successful in their goals while navigating life in this chaotic world we live in. I am licensed to practice in Florida, Illinois, and Iowa. I have 15 + years of experience in issues from depression, anxiety, gender identity, same-sex relationships, alternative relationships, trauma and abuse, and family issues. I have 57+ hours post-masters in Gender Studies and believe all peoples should live their lives fully and understand how to make their unique style and relationships work for them.

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Denise Mollo

Clinical therapist offering therapy in FL, Ponce de Leon
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
4 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida and Massachusetts with many years of professional counseling experience. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy -- harnessing the power of the brain to reframe harmful thoughts that influence feelings and behaviors. I also utilize strength's perspective, solution focused, and positive psychology approaches. When clinically appropriate for self-care, I use guided imagery/visualization and meditation. I have helped clients with overcoming stress and anxiety and depression. I've worked with clients to increase motivation, self esteem, and confidence in addition to guiding clients in coping with life changes. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared and embraced without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to explore the challenges of your life and seeking a more fulfilling and happier life experience takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Francesca Corea

Clinical therapist offering therapy in FL, Ponce de Leon
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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Alyssa Hardesty

Clinical therapist offering therapy in FL, Ponce de Leon
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
4 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 4 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. 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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Carlos Sierra

Clinical therapist offering therapy in FL, Ponce de Leon
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
32 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 32 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, anger management, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Julie Dobson

Clinical therapist offering therapy in FL, Ponce de Leon
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
30 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, 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. 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 Ponce de Leon

Finding the best therapist close by in Ponce de Leon 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 Ponce de Leon 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 Ponce de Leon. 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 Ponce de Leon, 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 Ponce de Leon 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 Ponce de Leon 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 Ponce de Leon 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 Ponce de Leon 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 Ponce de Leon, elsewhere in Holmes, 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 Ponce de Leon 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 Ponce de Leon 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 Ponce de Leon 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 Ponce de Leon 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 Ponce de Leon online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Ponce de Leon, 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 Ponce de Leon 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 Ponce de Leon 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 Ponce de Leon 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 Ponce de Leon?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Ponce de Leon 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 Ponce de Leon 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 Ponce de Leon 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 32455 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 Ponce de Leon counselor?

Before seeing your Ponce de Leon 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. Ponce de Leon 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 Ponce de Leon 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 Ponce de Leon 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 Ponce de Leon, 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.

Ponce de Leon 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 Ponce de Leon, 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 Ponce de Leon 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 Ponce de Leon.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Ponce de Leon:

32455

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