Licensed to practice in Florida and accepts 10 insurances. Specializes in Anxiety, Depression, Health/Medical Issues and 8 more.
Kristi Messer
New to Grow
About me
As a compassionate and open therapist, my goal is to create a space where you feel seen, heard, and supported. With decades of experience as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I understand that healing looks different for everyone. My approach is both goal-directed and flexible; we will work together to identify what matters most to you and build a path forward at your own pace.
Get to know me
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
The first session is also a chance for you to ask questions about therapy, learn more about my approach, and determine whether we are a good fit. Together, we will begin identifying priorities and developing a plan that feels meaningful and achievable for you. Most importantly, there is no pressure to have all the answers or know exactly where to start. My role is to support and guide you through the process at a pace that feels comfortable and respectful of your journey.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
My approach is collaborative, goal-oriented, and flexible. Together, we will identify what matters most to you, explore the challenges you face, and develop practical strategies to help you move toward meaningful change. I strive to meet you where you are, honoring your unique strengths, values, and experiences while supporting you at a pace that feels comfortable and manageable.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
I work with adults who are navigating the emotional and behavioral impact of chronic health conditions, depression, anxiety, and life transitions. Many of my clients are motivated to make meaningful changes but need support, guidance, and practical tools to move forward. As both a medical school professor and Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I bring a unique combination of expertise in chronic disease management, mental health, and behavior change. I help clients better understand the connection between physical and emotional well-being while developing realistic, sustainable strategies that support healing, resilience, and lasting change.
Specialties
Top specialties
Anxiety
Depression
Health/Medical Issues
Other specialties
ADHD
Anger Management
Autism
Career Counseling
Learning Disabilities
Older Adults
Postpartum
Self Esteem
Identifies as
Christian
Woman
Serves ages
Adults (18 to 64)
Elders (65 and above)
Teenagers (13 to 17)
Licensed in
Florida
Accepts
Arlo
Cash - $100 per session
Centivo
Cigna
Cigna - HealthEZ
EAP:Cigna
EAP:Evernorth
Evernorth
GTEB
Tufts Health/Cigna
Location
Virtual
My treatment methods
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients identify and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors that may contribute to anxiety, depression, stress, and difficulties managing chronic health conditions. Together, we explore how thoughts, emotions, physical health, and daily habits influence one another, while developing practical strategies to improve coping, build resilience, and support lasting behavior change. CBT can be especially effective for individuals managing chronic illness, health-related anxiety, depression, caregiver stress, and lifestyle modifications, helping clients develop realistic, sustainable approaches to achieving their goals.
Acceptance and commitment (ACT)
I believe that many of life's challenges cannot always be "fixed," but we can learn new ways to respond to them. In my work, I help clients accept what is outside their control while focusing their energy on what matters most. Together, we explore how to navigate difficult thoughts and emotions with greater flexibility and self-compassion, while taking meaningful steps toward the life you want to live. This approach is particularly helpful for individuals coping with chronic illness, caregiving responsibilities, anxiety, life transitions, and other situations where uncertainty or ongoing challenges are part of the experience.
Dialectical Behavior (DBT)
I also incorporate practical strategies that help clients manage intense emotions, navigate stressful situations, and improve relationships. Together, we work on building skills to pause before reacting, communicate more effectively, cope with difficult feelings, and respond to challenges in ways that align with your goals and values. These tools can be especially helpful for individuals who feel overwhelmed by emotions, experience high levels of stress, struggle with self-criticism, or find themselves repeating patterns that are no longer serving them.
Culturally Sensitive Therapy
I am committed to providing therapy that is respectful, inclusive, and responsive to each client's unique background and experiences. I recognize that factors such as culture, race, ethnicity, faith, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, family experiences, and community can shape how we see ourselves and navigate the world. My role is not to make assumptions, but to listen, learn, and work collaboratively with you in a way that honors your values, experiences, and goals.
Parent-Child Interaction (PCIT)
I incorporate parent-child relationship strategies that help strengthen connection, improve communication, and reduce family stress. I work with parents to better understand their child's emotional and behavioral needs and to develop practical skills that promote positive interactions, consistency, and confidence in parenting. Together, we build on family strengths and create supportive approaches that foster healthy relationships and emotional growth.