Sanibel is an island city in Lee County, Florida and has about 7300 residents living there. Incorporated in 1974, it is a relatively young city and half of it is a group of wildlife refuges that draw tourists from all over. Living on a gorgeous island can be a blessing but may also be a curse when the traffic piles up during tourist season.

Whether you are stressed out due to traffic or have been having signs of another mental illness such as depression or anything else, the Sanibel area counselors are there to help you. In fact, in and around Sanibel, you can find many mental health care experts who are able to help with any mental health concern.

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Cristina Lopez-Mera

Clinical therapist offering therapy in FL, Sanibel
Counselor License Type(s): LMHC,MS
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesCareer difficultiesDepression
18 years of experience

My name is Cristina and I have been a mental health counselor for over 18 years. I have worked with clients ages 3 to 81. My specialties are personality disorders, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, trauma and abuse, adjustment disorder and sex therapy. I utilize mindfulness techniques with clients that are interested in learning relaxation skills. I am a certified yoga instructor as well. I’m pleased to help you accomplish your short term goals and long term goals, and to assist you to heal through the utilization of holistic healing approaches to become the best version of yourself.

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Kimberly Lincoln

Clinical therapist offering therapy in FL, Sanibel
Counselor License Type(s): LMHC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
11 years of experience

I graduated with my Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Palm Beach Atlantic University in 2010 and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in both Florida and North Carolina. I have spent a lot of time working with children and youth in the child welfare system as well as with families and helping to bring healing to the family unit while stabilizing whatever crisis the family is currently facing. I have also worked extensively with women who are survivors of childhood sexual trauma, individuals in the LGBTQ community, couples, and men with codependency and addictions. I am trained in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, MATCH (Modular Approach to Treating Children with Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, and Conduct), Multi-Systemic Therapy and Motivational Interviewing. My therapeutic style is focused on the individual client and what your needs may be at any given moment. I feel that, while we may be working towards long-term goals, there are times when other stressors may come up in your day-to-day life that need to be immediately addressed in order to refocus back on previous goals. My main goal as a therapist is to help you to feel better in whatever areas of life brought you in to seek therapy. Seeking out therapy is a brave decision to make for anyone, and I am happy that you are here to pursue healing in your life. My hope is that I will be able to assist you in helping you journey through your current life situation. Kimberly’s focus and specialties include: Depression Anxiety Self-Esteem Anger Management LGBTQ+ Oppositional Defiant Disorder Adoption/Foster Care Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Communication Skills

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Mary Grimmer

Clinical therapist offering therapy in FL, Sanibel
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
23 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 21 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, 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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Kelly Boyle

Clinical therapist offering therapy in FL, Sanibel
Counselor License Type(s): LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
9 years of experience

Hello lovely souls! Ready to remove barriers and shine your light or at least find inner peace during these times? Trained and experienced in treating trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, and other life stressors in multiple ways to support your empowerment. Therapy is customized for your personal style. Welcome all spiritual beliefs and cultures. Sessions are a virtual safe space. I teach how to express and communicate in healthy ways. I enjoy helping parents understand their kids/teens better and assisting people in empowering themselves. Clients say my down-to-earth nature helps them relax into therapy and that they can tell me anything and not feel judged. Need support on your journey? My clients get customized tutorial videos, for example deep breathing, boundaries & break up hacks, podcasts on how to be yourself, how to use music and art to express yourself and more. Looking forward to working with you. Schedule in EDT/EST (New York time) Monday- Thursday 9 am to 4 pm (Friday and weekends off) I respond to messages within 24 hours if not on the same day unless around days off. Occasional early evening sessions Monday & Wednesday.

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Melida Berroa

Clinical therapist offering therapy in FL, Sanibel
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
9 years of experience

We all have challenges in life and regardless of them, I will assist you in identifying strengths, overcoming adversity, and discovering new ways to express themselves. My goal is to work safely, thoughtfully, and collaboratively with you to help you meet the goals that bring you to counseling. Please reach out to me if you are struggling. There is nothing better than knowing you are not alone. Tu terapista!

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Celena Benjamin

Clinical therapist offering therapy in FL, Sanibel
Counselor License Type(s): LMHC, BCBA, NCC
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
27 years of experience

I am a licensed mental health counselor in the state of Florida. I have worked with clients over the 24 years helping them to process and work through individual challenges. Some of those included, ADHD, OCD, Depression, Anxiety, changes in life, parenting problems, relationship issues, career challenges and self-injurious behavior. I am very interactive. Much of therapy begins with understanding your own coping styles, strengths, skills and boundaries. I will work with you on strengthening different skills in order for you to make changes in your environment and life. My style includes a lot of listening and questioning to help keep you focused on your treatment goals and developing different action plans. It is necessary to make changes in the environment to make improvements in relationships, heal from trauma, grow and become empowered. I will tailor our sessions and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I look forward to working with you!

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Cecilia Bezi

Clinical therapist offering therapy in FL, Sanibel
Counselor License Type(s): LMHC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
15 years of experience

My name is Cecilia Bezi. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with an exceptional ability to listen. I am very empathetic, enthusiastic, and I can motivate you to produce the needed changes to grow. Life is dynamic, and sometimes crises are challenges to produce those changes in ourselves and in our environment. I will be active with you in your journey. I have plenty experience, more than 15 years, working with Behavioral and Cognitive therapies. I work with EMDR to elaborate past events and traumas, so the present can be lived fully.

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David Weiss

Clinical therapist offering therapy in FL, Sanibel
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemBipolar disorder
12 years of experience

Hello, it's a pleasure to introduce myself! I have 10 years experience in the field of Mental Health and have been licensed since February of 2019. I have worked in the spectrum of addiction as well as Child and Family services. I specialize in concerns pertaining to anger management, anxiety, self-esteem, social skills building and depression. The therapeutic modalities I tend to implement in my counseling include Cognitive-Behavioral, Solution-focused, Client-centered and general psycho-education. The fundamental basis of my counseling orientation identifies on focusing on yourself as the foundation in your life. In other words, if you want to lead a better life, everything doesn't start and end with you but it does start with you! Beyond my education in the field of therapy services, a personal quality I possess that has elevated my services is that I am a highly compassionate individual. Therapy is a journey---sometimes short and sometimes long. I cannot guarantee it will always be easy or the solutions will come quick. What I can guarantee is you will never feel alone.

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Alfred James

Clinical therapist offering therapy in FL, Sanibel
AddictionsRelationship issuesCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions & relationship issues. 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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Jaye Anderson

Clinical therapist offering therapy in FL, Sanibel
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, bipolar disorder, & depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

How to find a therapist for counseling in Sanibel

Finding the best therapist close by in Sanibel 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 Sanibel 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 Sanibel. 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 Sanibel, 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 Sanibel 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 Sanibel 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 Sanibel 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 Sanibel 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 Sanibel, elsewhere in Lee, 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 Sanibel 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 Sanibel 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 Sanibel 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 Sanibel 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 Sanibel online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Sanibel, 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 Sanibel 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 Sanibel 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 Sanibel 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 Sanibel?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Sanibel 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 Sanibel 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 Sanibel 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 33957 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 Sanibel counselor?

Before seeing your Sanibel 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. Sanibel 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 Sanibel 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 Sanibel 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 Sanibel, 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.

Sanibel 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 Sanibel, 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 Sanibel 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 Sanibel.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Sanibel:

33957

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