As a close suburb of Jacksonville, Atlantic Beach relies heavily on its larger city connections. Just as the town relies on others through independence, so do the people of the city have to rely on others from time to time. There is no shame in seeking help if you are struggling mentally or emotionally.
If you are facing hardship in your life, you can turn to confidential Atlantic Beach-area counselors. These therapists are trained and licensed to help you with all areas of your personal life. Contact a therapist to get started.
Kelly Dambra
Hi! My name is Kelly and I am a Mental Health Counselor licensed in Florida with over 7 years of experience. I serve clients with a wide range of needs, including, but not limited to, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, relationship issues, domestic violence and complex trauma. I also helped many people who have experienced sexual or emotional abuse. My counseling style is warm and interactive. By building on your current strengths, I want to help empower you to overcome the obstacles that you face in life. My approach is based on forming a collaborative relationship with each client and working together to make lasting changes. In therapy, I utilize different therapeutic modalities tailored to each individual client and their therapeutic goals. I believe in creating a comfortable, non-judgmental environment where clients can build insight and address current challenges. I look forward to exploring this journey with you!
Carmen Gomez Abreu
I have been a Psychotherapist for the past 29 years, I consider myself "seasoned" and not old. My favorite saying is "Trust the Process". I am Hispanic and Bilingual, I treat everyone with the upmost respect and like for you to feel comfortable as it will be easy to talk about what is happening. I specialize in Individuals, couples, Substance abuse and end of life. I sometimes say it gets worse before it gets better, as we have to deal with the difficult issues we have swept under the rug in order to be able to move forward and see things from a different perspective. Mindfulness, CBT, Solution focused therapy. I specialize in CBT and solution-focused therapy, Mindfulness, but more than anything, I'm just an enthusiastic and down-to-earth person who wants to help you feel better, trust the process and we will work together. If your shy, do not know what to expect, and ashamed of talking about what is going on, we will go slow, and work on making you comfortable and explain the process and what to expect.... we can work together so as you may feel comfortable and be able to work on achieving your goals... Trust the Process..... I look forward to working with you.
Terriee Smith
I believe that counseling is a team effort with both of us having unique roles. My role is to be your coach and cheerleader but the actual work belongs to you. I will be right there in your corner cheering you on and assisting you if you stumble. My approach to counseling: My primary approach to therapy is called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, also known as ACT. This is a form of counseling is a scientifically supported and provides positive outcomes. ACT uses acceptance and mindfulness strategies mixed in different ways. This approach also addresses commitment and behavior-change strategies that have the ability to increase psychological flexibility. Because the therapeutic process is not a “one size fits all” I use a variety of techniques in therapy, trying to find what will work best for you. These techniques are likely to include dialogue, interpretation, cognitive reframing, awareness exercises, self-monitoring experiments, visualization, journal keeping, drawing, and reading books. Frequently I will provide you with homework assignments that are geared towards developing skills for you to use outside the therapy environment. These exercises assist in not only strengthening your brain but also your behavioral changes. I also am certified in integrative mental health and utilize nutrition and diet as a tool for improving mental health and wellness. I earned my Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Central Florida. Additionally, I earned a Master of Science degree in counseling from Nova Southeastern University. Experience: I completed my internship with and began my career in outpatient substance abuse counseling. During that time I also worked in detox and inpatient facilities. The vast majority of my work was with client’s who had dual diagnoses; meaning not only substance abuse but other mental health concerns; particularly PTSD. I have worked with children on an outpatient and inpatient basis. Most recently I have been working with adults at a community level. This population spans diagnoses ranging from anxiety and stress disorder to chronic and persistent mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. I have taken specialized training and certification classes in Trauma Focused Therapy and anxiety reduction skills.
Kamille Harris
As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified Life Coach I have extensive experience in individual and family counseling. My clinical focus includes moving individuals and families forward into life changing experiences. I use an eclectic approach to counseling sessions which combine cognitive-behavioral, trauma-focused and client-centered therapy techniques. My experience as a clinical therapist has allowed me to service many different populations and ages and I am confident that I will be able to support you in initiating change.
Laura Guarino
Never has mental health support been needed more than it does today. I see the stress people are under at work, at home, in school, and it is so clear to me that they need someone to talk to, someone who can offer a healthy perspective, someone who can suggest alternatives that can help people cope with the pressures of daily living, and their reactions to it. My personal mission is to find coping mechanisms for the patients in my care. In the 17 years since I earned my Masters Degree in Psychology at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY, and the 13 years since I earned my license as a mental health counselor in Florida, I have worked hard to help people deal with their emotional reactions to their personal situations. Drug abuse, suicide ideation, anxiety and anger can be very harmful reactions to their perceptions and assessment of the problems they face. I am trained in treating with a variety of diagnoses including trauma, substance abuse, ADHD, bipolar disorder and other mental health diagnoses. I take great personal satisfaction when I can help make a difference in someone’s life. Their success is my reward. I have found that young people respond best when they believe I am listening, when they believe I can actually help them cope so that the problems they have no longer seem insurmountable. Younger children often open up during play therapy. Most of my career has been focused on children. But helping children always involves helping their families, their teachers and bringing in adult support. In the process, I have provided therapy and guidance to adults whose pressures and diagnoses have such tremendous impact on the children whose lives they touch. In my years as a mental health counselor, I have successfully treated a variety of diagnoses, working in patients’ homes, in teletherapy, and in office visits. I have treated people in in-patient hospital settings. I have been called by local police departments when a dangerous crisis has erupted and been successful getting the patient into treatment. I have been published in the local newspapers in an effort to generate awareness and help remove the stigma of mental health issues. There is so much more that needs to be done to help people with mental health issues, and I very much want to continue my efforts to be part of the solution.
Brianna Stallings
Hello! I am a licensed mental health counselor with over 5 years of experience. I graduated from the University of Central Florida with my Bachelor of Science in Psychology and my Masters in Counselor Education, Mental Health. I have been passionate about mental health for as long as I can remember and being a counselor is one of the greatest joys in my life. I am truly honored to be able to sit with my clients and process through difficult things with them. I have experience working with people who have been through trauma at many stages of life, anxiety, depression, panic, phobias, abuse, difficulty communicating, family relationship issues, struggles with self-esteem, codependency, and parenting issues. My approach to therapy is tailored to each individual client. I use a variety of techniques including: person centered, mindfulness, and cognitive behavioral. I have also been trained in EMDR and love how quickly I have seen clients work through complex issues with this approach! The most rewarding part of my job is to hear my clients say that they feel better! My goal is to help you walk through trials and come out victorious on the other side, feeling supported throughout the entire process. It can be so hard to start the journey of therapy, but you are making such a brave step in reaching out for help. I would be so honored to guide you through this work. Please reach out with any and all questions! I am so excited to work with you!
Edmound Davis
I am licensed in Florida with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey. I thank you for contacting me and I look forward to going on this journey with you through the uncertainty that we call life.
Deniele Degryse
I am licensed in Florida with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, OCD type behaviors/symptoms, motivation, coping, trauma, parenting issues, & depression. I also have experience working with concentration, memory and focus (adhd). 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Susie Switzer
I am licensed in Florida as an LMHC with 12 years of professional work experience with families, adoptive families and home-based support systems. I am a therapist that works to improve people’s lives through teaching clients to overcome their stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, and depression. I am also a parenting coach with ABA based skills to support parenting and decrease children's behavioral issues. I am an Advocate and an Ally and support the LGBTQ communities. 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. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
Jennifer Halsey
I am licensed in Florida with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbt-related issues, coping with grief and loss, & intimacy related 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
How to find a therapist for counseling in Atlantic Beach
Finding the best therapist close by in Atlantic Beach can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area, you can find a therapist in your city that is accepting new clients and fits your goals. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage, family issues, or other emotional challenges, feel proud that you have begun your search to find the mental health care services in Atlantic Beach that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing with a therapist.
Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Atlantic Beach. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of therapy can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Atlantic Beach, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.
It is also important to understand that mental health professionals in the United States are accredited to provide care, helping individuals and couples, with a variety of licenses. 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 to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy in the Atlantic Beach region and in the state of Florida. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.
A mental health counselor working through their own in-person therapy practice in Atlantic Beach or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples counseling, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family therapy, or change in negative thinking patterns. A therapist may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. Verified providers 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 Atlantic Beach area in different types of therapy, including:
- CBT
- DBT
- Substance use therapy
- Couples therapy
When you're ready to start your search and find Atlantic Beach therapists, have in mind what type of therapy 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 Atlantic Beach, elsewhere in Duval, or in the greater state of Florida.
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 Atlantic Beach area can be found below:
How does the cost of in-person counseling with a therapist compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Atlantic Beach therapist?
The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Atlantic Beach due to a higher cost of living. 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 Atlantic Beach may not take health insurance, some in the state of Florida may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With a BetterHelp therapist throughout the state of Florida you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks). If you're looking for a therapist, Cincinnati offers a variety of professionals who can help with your mental health needs at a price you can afford.
How is a licensed therapist on this Atlantic Beach online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in Atlantic Beach, Florida working on BetterHelp are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited as a doctor of psychology (PhD / PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW / LICSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). All of these psychology clinicians have a Masters Degree or a Doctorate Degree in their field of psychology sciences, and follow the APA Code of Ethics. They 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, they 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 Atlantic Beach psychiatrists to prescribe a drug or medication as treatment, or perform psychological assessments and other psychiatric services.
How does working with a professional counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?
BetterHelp clinicians 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 therapist, including the therapists in Atlantic Beach above, can work with young adults, children, adolescents, and adults virtually as an accredited licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). You do not have to commute to a an office as a psychotherapy client.
Through BetterHelp therapy, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, use the in app journaling feature, and receive worksheets. You'll also find support groups or group therapy lead by a therapist in Atlantic Beach 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.
What mental health issues can psychotherapy address with the help of psychologists?
BetterHelp's verified Atlantic Beach 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.
Specialties on BetterHelp include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy - This type of therapy is provided by therapists who are professional counselors, helping clients identify and change negative thought patterns through structured sessions.
- Behavior therapy - Therapists use behavior therapy techniques 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 - Therapists engage clients in talk therapy to explore their feelings and develop strategies for dealing with various mental health issues, often guided by a professional counselor.
- Depression - Therapists offer counseling to help individuals manage symptoms of depression and improve their mood and functioning, often working closely with a professional counselor.
- Anxiety disorders - Therapists specialize in anxiety disorders, offering strategies to manage and reduce anxiety symptoms effectively, often through counseling sessions with a professional counselor.
- Stress - Therapists provide tools and techniques to help clients cope with stress and improve their mental resilience, frequently under the supervision of a professional counselor.
- Eating disorders - Therapists experienced in eating disorders offer specialized counseling to address unhealthy eating patterns and body image issues, with the support of a professional counselor.
- Grief - Therapists provide support and guidance to clients experiencing grief, helping them navigate the stages of loss, often in collaboration with a counselor.
- Attachment therapy - Therapists use attachment therapy 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 Atlantic Beach therapy provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide.
How do I know if online counseling is right for my family in Atlantic Beach?
One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Atlantic Beach therapist is the validation and active listening they can provide. Your friends and loved ones may also be available to listen, but you may feel that they may lack the skills to provide objective guidance. Counselors are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.
Atlantic Beach 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 Atlantic Beach therapy is having an understanding, safe space with a non-judgmental party who can support you through challenging experiences.
Many people have sensitive topics that they may feel ashamed to discuss with their friends or partner. A Atlantic Beach therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, such as art therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words with a psychotherapist.
With a lot of people in FL, therapists may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles 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 32233 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. 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 Atlantic Beach counselor?
Before seeing your Atlantic Beach therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the therapy 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, let them know if you have any concerns about therapy or feel unsure about what to talk about. They 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 in Atlantic Beach.
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 therapy entails. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback and advice from a therapist. A Atlantic Beach licensed clinical social worker may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.
Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find through therapy with a Atlantic Beach counselor can be dependent on your process.
People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles that a counselor can help with.
Is mental health care and therapy with a therapist worth it?
Therapy with a licensed counselor is effective and has the power to change individuals' lives. Each client is at a different stage of their emotional healing journey in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, skills, and goals. A psychologist can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities to help you feel your best and put you on the path to healing. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, a mental health therapist has an understanding of various disorders like ADHD and depression with many hours of experience in treating adults in their practice. For this reason, seeing an evidence based psychologist in Atlantic Beach, Florida can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy services each year, showing it's a popular option and is proven to be effective.
Atlantic Beach has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy 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 Atlantic Beach, 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 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 Atlantic Beach:
32233