Tampa is the largest part of the Tampa Bay area, which is connected to the gulf of Mexico. It invites adventure as one wishes to sail across the sea. In life, it can be hard to brave the murky waters of life, especially if you don’t have a good guide.
A counselor can be the guide you’re looking for, and they can give you the ability to brave the waters even if there is a storm coming. Speak to a Tampa-based counselor today and see what they can do for you.

Shlomo Lawrence
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the State of Florida and Texas. I graduated from Nova Southeastern University in Davie, Fl in 2007 and since then have been working in the counseling field. I have over 14 years experience working in the mental health field. I have worked in a variety of settings including community based treatment, addiction treatment that include co-occurring disorders and have years of experience working in the trauma setting to support client's experiencing trauma. I have extensive training in EMDR and have experienced tremendous outcomes with this modality. I have had experience working with a broad range and severity of clinical issues. I have experience working with substance abuse sufferers, trauma victims, those families or couples struggling with relationship/ marriage and family issues and inter-familial conflict. Clinically, I also have years of experience working with individuals struggling with depression, spectrum disorders, obsessive behaviors, struggling with anxiety and depression. Finally, I have experience working with second and third generation survivors of trauma. I am compassionate, caring and an active listener. I believe that our society depends on how we treat ourselves and others and believe one's mental health process is the foundation for harmony, peace and spiritual process. I was born to first generation survivors of Nazi Germany and experienced the difficulties with living those memories. My conviction to the spiritual process and my belief that there is a greater purpose then the self has encouraged me to continue to provide fellowship, support and volunteering where it's best suited within the community. I know that having mental health issues and life's challenges can be difficult. There is still so much stigma around having mental health issues, the process for getting help can be overwhelming, and it can feel so frustrating when you seek out help and it seems so challenging. I foster the approach of being compassionate and a person that's easy to speak to help support the joining trust that I develop with my client's. I have experience utilizing many approaches of therapies; however, these are the therapy modalities I tend to use in treatment: CBT, Solution Focus Modalities, Narrative and Structural therapy, integrative couples therapy, EMDR.

SHARON ZIGMAN
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and a Master's level Certified Addiction Professional (MCAP) in the State of Florida. I have been working in the field for 25 years, and have experience with clients who suffer from depression, anxiety, addiction, grief and loss, change of life challenges, family and relationship issues. I offer a safe, respectful, nonjudgmental environment to help you explore the issues that brought you to counseling at this time. By creating an open, trusting and collaborative partnership, and utilizing evidence-based practices, I can help you to make conscious choices and practical behavioral changes. I utilize multiple therapeutic modalities while emphasizing self-care and mindfulness practices.

Moriah McCarthy
Hi! My name is Moriah E. McCarthy. I am a licensed mental health counselor that believes in a holistic and blended approach with respect for the mind-body-spirit connection. Mental health is a pivotal component of all wellness. Treatment with me blends the exploration of the past and the deepening of insight with more concrete interventions and a forward-focused momentum. I use psycho-education and skills-building to empower clients to support themselves after counseling. Strengths and weaknesses are brought forward to integrate thoughts, feelings and actions into the whole self. I believe in collaborating with clients throughout the process. Clients feel supported and also challenged to take responsibility for their own success. When you work with me, I hope that we partner in your treatment. I value your feedback, appreciate you opening to possibilities, and taking action for greater stability. My approach is best described as client-centered and creative. Thank you so much. Let’s get started, M.E.

Peggy Ann "Serena" Hemmer
Change your Life! Your life can evolve and change so that you may find freedom and peace! My mission is to assist you to explore and discover your own answers from within, and to remember, recover and honor your true, authentic self so you can live life with greater ease and abundant joy. Let me guide you to transform your-Self and your life. Hello, I am Peggy Ann Serena Hemmer. I prefer to go by Serena. I have been providing clinically sound, creative, holistic counseling for children ages 3 and up, adults, couples and families since 2004. Prior to my clinical work, I spent 10 years at the county and state departments of mental health and substance abuse. Having studied and practiced many holistic approaches to health and well-being, as well as a variety of life philosophies, my approach to therapy is from a holistic perspective, taking into consideration the relationship between mind, body, and spirit. Knowing youth express themselves through art, and play, I weave Expressive Arts modalities into sessions with youth and their families. I was provided an opportunity to establish an Expressive Arts Clinical Program at a behavioral health residential center for youth. Certified in Rational Hypnotherapy, I am able to guide clients to relief from anxiety, phobias, and addictions. I graduated Summa cum Laude from Capital University with a Bachelor of Social Work degree and received a Master of Social Work degree, from The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. In Florida, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with Certifications in Rational Hypnotherapy, Gottman Couple's Counseling, and Spiritual Life Coaching. As an ordained metaphysical, New Thought minister and certified Spiritual Life Coach I assist clients, who are seeking, to explore and expand their values, spirituality, and faith. I bring my education, experience, and intuition to my practice and particularly my creativity in my work with adolescents and adults. Having provided counseling for people of all ages, from all backgrounds and socio-economic levels in residential treatment centers and private practice, I have acquired a broad awareness of the variety of challenges many people face and have witnessed the intrinsic ability we each have to overcome those challenges and to thrive. Originally, I founded my private practice in 2006 in Worthington, Ohio, and later moved it to Westerville, Ohio. Because I incorporate my background and experience in dance, Tai Chi and Qi Gong, drama, visual arts, and pottery, I was sought after to provide therapy for children as well as adults and couples. Along with my formal education and experience, I am certified in many holistic approaches. I am a Reiki Master Teacher, an Advanced Theta Healing practitioner, an Access Bars Practitioner and taught Qi Gong and Tai Chi for the State of Ohio Employees. Currently, my practice is located in sunny Saint Petersburg, Florida. During my career, I have developed and presented a variety of workshops for families and providers. Including: Ohio Department of Health - Birth to Three Conference -“Maternal Depression and Effects on Infants”- Co-Presenter Ohio Department of Aging Governor’s Conference on Aging - “Advantages of Tai Chi”, Presenter Ohio Department of Mental Health Millennium Conference - “Moving through Recovery”- Presenter “Use of Expressive Arts and Play in Counseling Adolescent Youth in a Children’s Residential Center”- Presenter “Bullies, Bullied, Bully Victims”- Presenter “Separation, Attachment, and Placement”- Foster and Adopted Children Presenter Cancer Support Community Leadership Conference, Washington, D.C-Co-Presenter -“Distress Screening” My publications include: I Am Me, I Am, A Pearl's Wisdom Book. Hemmer, P. A. Serena(2020). https://www.amazon.com/Am-Me-Pearls-Wisdom-Books/dp/B08JJLMSB7. I Don't Need Counseling. https://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/i-don-t-need-counseling. Is My Child Too Young for Counseling. https://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/is-my-child-too-young-for-counseling. The Empowerment of Homeless Women: Implications for Future Advocacy Issues Seventh Annual Symposium on Undergraduate Scholarship. College of Arts and Sciences. Capital University. Herndon, P. (former name) and Scherocman, J. (2002) Depression: Developmental Considerations from Birth to Eighteen Sixth Annual Symposium on Undergraduate Scholarship. College of Arts and Sciences. Capital University. Herndon, P. (former name) Stattmiller, L., and Wernicke, C., (2001)

Katherine "Katie" Amit
I am a mental health counselor licensed in Florida with over 8 years of experience working with families and individuals of all ages. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, family issues, OCD and ADHD. My counseling style is empathetic and non-judgmental. I believe in treating everyone with compassion and sensitivity toward their experience. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused, and mindfulness counseling. I will tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek for 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!

Jasmine Foster
My name is Jasmine Foster, and I would like to commend you for reaching out to BetterHelp to embark on a journey of self-exploration, healing and recovery to cultivate a enriching and fulfilling life for yourself. The foundation of therapy encompasses the following tenets : safety, collaboration, authenticity, vulnerability, and willingness. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Florida, I have collaborated to assist many individuals to meet their personal goals and address their concerns that are hindering them from living their most healthy and optimum lives. I am trained in ART (Accelerated Resolution Therapy) and am passionate about assisting individuals to reprocess their traumatic and distressing memories and experiences so they can recover and take control of their lives once again. I am also passionate about supporting individuals to explore healthier ways to cope with depression, stress, anxiety, phobias, and PTSD. My therapeutic approach is warm, authentic, and individualized, and I believe in tailoring my approach to the needs of the individual. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Somatic techniques, Psychodynamic theory, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Mindfulness approaches to guide individuals to meet their treatment goals. Many of us struggle with engaging in unhelpful and destructive ways of coping due to the unresolved wounds and pain from our childhoods and traumas, and I am a firm believer in exploring one's story to gain insight into the 'why' that shapes us to be the way we are so we can heal and be our most authentic selves and behave according to what we value most. If you are ready to live your most authentic life, I would consider it a privilege and honor to be apart of your recovery journey. I look forward to collaborating with you and guiding you to be one step closer to your most valued self.

Cynthia Barrett
I am a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in AL and MA and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in FL and NJ with 25 years of experience as a therapist and counselor in a variety of settings. I have helped people with a wide range of challenges including depression, anxiety, stress, career concerns, family and couples issues and military issues. I also have experience working with trauma and abuse survivors. My therapy style is warm, inviting and open. I believe in treating people with respect, sensitivity and compassion, avoiding labels and other stigma. My background is in cognitive behavioral therapy and client-centered counseling. My goal is to work with you to develop treatment plans that fit you and your specific needs and concerns. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and the first steps it takes towards change. If you feel you are ready to take those steps, I am here to support and encourage you. At this time I am only available on Saturdays. Please visit my calendar to schedule an initial session. I look forward to working with you!

Dr. James Young
I am licensed in Florida with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma experiences, motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with concentration, memory and focus (adhd) for school aged clients and adults. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. The LGBTQIA community is one that is an area that I have specific expertise to assist individual clients and families to navigate with support and sincerity. I believe that taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process today and moving forward.

Shelly Mentus
I’m a licensed therapist in Florida with over 10 years of experience helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, relationship challenges, and parenting issues. I work with individuals and couples to build stronger, healthier relationships by focusing on trust, communication, and emotional connection. As a Christian, I believe in providing a compassionate, nonjudgmental space for healing and growth. I use a range of therapeutic approaches, including CBT, trauma-focused therapy, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing, to support each client's unique path toward change. I have worked with clients from diverse backgrounds, helping them address depression, anxiety, trauma, domestic violence, and relationship issues. My goal is to empower you to overcome negative thinking patterns and move toward a happier, more fulfilling life. Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, movies, bowling, and time with family and friends. I'm here to support and guide you, meeting you where you are and helping you reach where you want to be. Quote: “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” ― Maya Angelou DISCLAIMER: BetterHelp platform does not provide written documents, therefore I am unable to provide letters or documentation for legal cases, workplace grievances, or court-related matters. As your therapist, my role is to support your mental health and well-being within the scope of therapy. FLORIDA BOARD TELEHEALTH REQUIREMENTS: The Florida mental health licensing board requires video sessions instead of phone sessions for telehealth services to ensure client safety, proper assessment, and verification of identity. Here are some key reasons behind this requirement: 1. Standard of Care – Video sessions allow therapists to observe nonverbal cues such as body language, facial expressions, and overall demeanor, which are critical for accurate assessment and effective treatment. 2. Client Identification & Security – Video sessions help verify that the therapist is speaking with the correct client, reducing risks related to identity fraud or unauthorized individuals participating in therapy. 3. Ethical & Legal Considerations – Florida law requires licensed mental health professionals to maintain appropriate documentation and standards of care comparable to in-person therapy, which video conferencing helps facilitate more effectively than phone calls. 4. Crisis Management – In case of a crisis or emergency, a video session allows the therapist to assess the client’s environment, emotional state, and potential risks, providing better support and intervention if needed.

Barbara Defazzio
I am licensed in Florida with 40 years of professional work experience. I had a private practice in Massahusetts for over 20 years, specializing in the treatment of sexual abuse. I have had extensive experience in the treatment of PTSD due to abuse. Since moving to Florida I have continued to work in the area of sexual and physical trauma, and I have worked with clients who experienced the foster care system as children. I have also done a lot of post adoption work with families working through the normative experiences of integrating the newly adopted child into the family unit. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, family conflicts, trauma, abuse, coping with grief, & coping with loss. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage, so let's get started together!
Find a therapist serving clients in Florida
What types of therapists are available to clients in Tampa?
Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist. Be sure to narrow your search for therapists in Tampa that can offer psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), therapeutic talk therapy, group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy depending on your needs.
Licensed therapists & mental health professionals available through BetterHelp's online platform
Mental health therapists in Tampa available through BetterHelp are accredited as psychologists to help individuals and couples. Tampa therapists' credentials can include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinician or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, Tampa therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the Tampa region and in the state of Florida.
How can a therapist help you destress, manage your emotions, and guide you towards the life you want?
Therapists in Tampa can help clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples challenges, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family life, or change in negative thinking patterns. A therapist in Tampa may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment.
Is it better to find a mental health counselor or therapist in Tampa offering online therapy or in person?
Studies show online therapy can be just as effective as in-person counseling. Online therapy with licensed counselors is often more affordable, with BetterHelp pricing ranging from $65-$100 weekly, while in person therapy can cost up to $200 per session.