Talking to a therapist in Saint Petersburg, FL, can help you navigate life's challenges.
If you’re looking for individual counseling, Pinellas County has plenty of options. But finding the right therapist can be challenging, especially if you don’t feel like commuting to the Tampa Bay area or have time for an in-person appointment. Working with an online platform like BetterHelp can make finding a therapist more convenient and make it easier to find something that fits into your schedule.
With online therapy, you still get the same person-centered approach and a personalized plan for the treatment of mental health challenges like depression, anxiety, and mood disorders. Starting therapy can also help if you are feeling stuck or are trying to overcome low self-esteem or challenges in your past. If you’re ready to see what therapy can do for you, connect with a Saint Petersburg-based therapist below.
Faith Sanders
My name is Faith Sanders. I am a licensed mental health counselor with over 10 years of experience in the field of psychology and mental health. I started my career as an addictions researcher at the University at Buffalo. After about 4 years, I decided I was destined to connect to people through clinical practice. I have specialties in Mindfulness, Trauma-informed care, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I provide a space free of judgment and I hope to lead you to a healthier connection with yourself. My approach is very goal-directed, but also gentle in being present with and working through difficult emotions that prohibit personal growth.
Jehan Knight
Hello there and welcome to taking the first step as it relates to living a happier and more fulfilling life, My name Jehan Knight and I am a Mental Health Counselor licensed in the state of Florida. I have eleven years experience in working with children, adolescents, adults, and their families with various mental health disorders such as Anxiety, Depression, Trauma- related, Disruptive, Impulse Control and Conduct -related issues; and substance abuse disorders. My approach is focused around the Client-Centered, Cognitive- Behavioral, and Solution-Focused therapeutic standpoints; and I would describe my counseling style as warm, empathetic, and interactive . I believe in showing everyone I work with respect, and compassion by being non-judgmental, kind and providing a safe space which will allow us to not only build on our therapeutic relationship but to work on the goals and objectives of your treatment plan. Looking forward to working with you one step at a time.
Wanda Kramer
Since 2013, I’ve been successfully counseling individuals, children and families and facilitating their self-growth.I earned my BS in Gerontology, the study of aging, which has provided me with vast theoretical knowledge and insights into ages and stages of the lifespan, as well as hands on experience as a caregiver and protective case manager. I understand the value of extended families from birth forward. I can help you put things in perspective. I received my masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and have worked hard to attain licensure. I have found my greatest success in working with women of all ages, from girls to grandmoms. I also see male clients and am especially good with adolescents and teens. I use an eclectic blend of therapeutic frameworks including cognitive, client centered, and psychotherapeutic approached amongst others. I am creative and spend time considering the needs of cients as individuals.
Michelle Skoien
Resiliency means “bouncing back” from difficult experiences. I believe everyone is resilient. My passion is to help others learn to deal with difficult experiences and ‘bounce back’. My goal is to help you to have balance in your life (physically/intellectually/emotionally/spiritually) through skills, which you will learn about during our sessions, in a comfortable welcoming environment. Dealing with difficult experiences are what led me in the direction of becoming a helper for others. I am grateful to have learned about, and been able to help, individuals for the past twenty five years who have battled many types of experiences. I can help you learn skills to help with feelings associated with grief and loss, whether due to a trauma or the loss of a loved one. I also teach skills to help children learn to cope in the classroom environment. As you learn and practice these skills, you can expect to gain a sense of calmness and confidence. My belief is that “…suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” Romans 5: 3-4. My goal is to try instill the belief in you, that there is always hope.
Brittany Trenker
The only person that can instigate change, is you. I have experience working with adolescents, adults and active duty service members, veterans and their families. I use a style that allows the client to determine the direction of their session, incorporating aspects of cognitive behavioral therapy and rational emotive behavior therapy to produce change. "We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them." Albert Einstein
Michael Northsea
Hello, my name is Michael. I have been a License Mental Health Counselor in Florida since 2009 and have been in the mental health field since 2006. I have worked with a wide range of clientele from individuals with several and chronic mental illness to suicidal adolescents to inmates facing life sentences. I wanted to tell you a little story about myself. In 2015, I was diagnosed with Testicular Cancer and treated it with chemotherapy. In 2017, I was diagnosed with Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia which I learned was a side effect of this initial chemotherapy. I spent a month in the hospital, only growing worse and nearly meeting my demise. I knew I needed a new approach. I began my journey into naturalistic healing with food, herbs, and life-style changes. I was able to heal myself. This experience changed my life and way I counsel. I now believe that the use of food, herbs, and lifestyle changes help your mood, mind, everything! So, I have been thinking a lot about my counseling style. To be honest, I really don’t have one in particular. I use a collective approach. I use a little CBT, DBT, Motivational Interview, Person First, and even Emotion Code. However, I don’t believe just talk therapy makes someone 'happy'. It is a holistic approach. I encourage clients to mediate, exercise, eat whole food.
Denise Mollo
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.
Francis Prunier
Thank you for considering BetterHelp and thank you for considering me as your counselor. I am a therapist with many years of experience and I am a Massachusetts Licensed Clinical Social Worker.. I use a strength based approach, encouraging people to build on past positive attributes and past strengths and coping skills. I have a history of working with people having a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, and relationship issues. I have worked with people experiencing loss and despair. I have also helped people struggling with alcohol and drugs. I am supportive and aware of putting my clients first. I view life optimistically. You have potential for change by entering into counseling and taking some corrective actions. Changes regarding expectations and approach can make a difference. My role is to understand you, listen to you and to provide helpful suggestions. You will find that my style is to use empathy and warmth. My belief is that you have the ability to find solutions. I am trained in psychodynamic insight oriented therapy. I have experience in CBT and mindfulness meditation. Establishing a positive, supportive relationship is key to my counseling method. My goal is for you to improve coping and to make changes now and for the future. A better life is a realistic goal. I look forward to working with you. Make a choice to improve your life, you are worth it. I look forward to working with you!
Sherree Turcott
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Florida and North Carolina, with additional education in maternal and child health, lactation counseling, and childhood education. I have a special passion for supporting families as they navigate parenting, fertility challenges, adoption or fostering, pregnancy, and postpartum experiences. I believe you are the expert of your own story, and within you are many strengths that can help you overcome the challenges you face. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling, happier life, and I am here to empower and support you as you take those first steps toward positive change. My therapeutic approach centers on collaboration, compassion, and empowerment. I specialize in helping parents build healthy, strong connections with their children while learning to manage parenting triggers. I also enjoy working with individuals just beginning their therapy journey—those who are eager to develop new skills, explore personal growth, and embrace change. In addition to my professional life, I am a mother and wife, homeschooling my daughter in the mountains of Western North Carolina. Fun facts about me: I have ADHD, I’m obsessed with true crime, I love the feeling of sticking my bare hands into beehives, and caramel iced lattes are my go-to source of energy! I look forward to walking alongside you on your journey toward healing and self-discovery.
Joivonna Thompson
Great to meet you! I am a licensed therapist in Florida with 16 years of professional experience and training. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence, depression, & coping with life changes. I also have experience and specialize in working with soldiers and veterans with military related stressors. I am certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Trauma Informed Care. I provide solution focused therapy to help you achieve your identified goals by focusing on your strengths and abilities. I create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgement. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilled and happier life, takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
How to find a therapist for counseling in Saint Petersburg
Finding the best therapist close by in Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg. 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 Saint Petersburg, 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 Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg, elsewhere in Pinellas, 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 Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in Saint Petersburg, 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 Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg?
One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg 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 33736 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 Saint Petersburg counselor?
Before seeing your Saint Petersburg 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. Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg, 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.
Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg, 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 Saint Petersburg 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 Saint Petersburg:
33701, 33702, 33703, 33704, 33705, 33707, 33710, 33711, 33712, 33713, 33714, 33715, 33716, 33729, 33730, 33731, 33732, 33733, 33734, 33736, 33737, 33738, 33740, 33741, 33742, 33743, 33747, 33762, 33784