Licensed to practice in Florida and accepts 9 insurances. Specializes in First Responders/Healthcare Workers, Military/Veterans, Men's Issues and 10 more.

Dontae Hicks

(he/him)

LCSW, 6 years of experience
No reviews yet

New to Grow

VirtualAvailable

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker serving individuals throughout the Tampa, Lakeland, and Orlando areas. I have worked in the mental health field for over five years and have had the privilege of supporting people from many different backgrounds and walks of life. As an Army veteran, I understand firsthand some of the unique challenges that can come with stress, life transitions, service-related experiences, and finding balance in everyday life. Throughout my career, I have provided counseling and support to veterans, individuals struggling with substance use, adolescents and adults facing difficult life circumstances, and people navigating mental health concerns in a variety of settings. My professional experience includes working in hospitals as a medical social worker, outpatient mental health clinics serving low-income and at-risk youth and adults, substance abuse treatment programs, and correctional settings providing services to incarcerated individuals. These experiences have given me a deep appreciation for the resilience people show when facing adversity and have reinforced my belief that meaningful change is possible for everyone. My approach to therapy is compassionate, collaborative, and tailored to your individual needs. I strive to create a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where you feel heard, respected, and empowered to work toward your goals. Whether you are dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, life transitions, trauma, substance use concerns, or simply feeling stuck, I am committed to helping you develop the tools and confidence needed to move forward. Seeking help takes courage, and I am honored to be a part of that journey. I look forward to working with you and helping you create meaningful and lasting change in your life.

Get to know me

In our first session together, here's what you can expect

Starting therapy can feel intimidating, especially if you've never met with a therapist before. My goal is to create a comfortable, welcoming, and nonjudgmental space where you can feel at ease sharing your experiences. During our first session, we'll spend time getting to know each other and discussing what brought you to therapy. I'll ask questions about your current concerns, important life experiences, relationships, support systems, and any goals you hope to achieve through counseling. There is no pressure to share everything at once, and you are always in control of what you choose to discuss. We'll also talk about what has been working well for you, the challenges you're currently facing, and what you would like your life to look like moving forward. This helps us begin developing a plan that is tailored to your specific needs and goals. I encourage questions throughout the process. The first session is not only an opportunity for me to learn about you, but also for you to determine whether I am a good fit for your needs. Therapy works best when there is trust, collaboration, and a strong therapeutic relationship. By the end of our session, we'll review what we've discussed, identify initial goals, and talk about potential next steps. My hope is that you leave feeling heard, supported, and with a clearer understanding of how we can work together to help you move toward the changes you want to make.

The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions

My approach combines professional expertise with real-world experience. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Army veteran, and clinician who has worked in hospitals, outpatient mental health settings, substance abuse treatment, veteran services, and correctional environments, I bring a broad perspective to the therapy process. I believe therapy should be personalized, practical, and collaborative. I take time to understand your unique experiences, strengths, and goals rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach. My style is supportive, direct, and solution-focused, helping clients gain insight, build effective coping skills, and create meaningful change. Whether you're facing a specific challenge or simply seeking direction, I strive to provide a space where you feel heard, respected, and empowered to move forward.

The clients I'm best positioned to serve

My ideal client is someone who may not have all the answers yet but is ready to explore what comes next. Many people seek therapy because they feel stuck, overwhelmed, uncertain, or are facing challenges that seem difficult to navigate alone. You don't need to know exactly what type of therapy you need or have a clear roadmap before reaching out. I provide a supportive, collaborative environment where we can identify your goals, build on your strengths, and develop practical strategies to help you move forward. Whether you're navigating stress, anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship concerns, substance use, military-related experiences, or simply searching for direction, I am here to help you gain clarity, confidence, and a greater sense of purpose.

Specialties

Top specialties

Military/Veterans

Other specialties

Addiction

Anger Management

Anxiety

Depression

Grief

I identify as

Black / African American

Man

Serves ages

Teenagers (13 to 17)

Licensed in

Location

Virtual

My treatment methods

Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)

I'd like to understand what's been going through your mind when certain situations happen. Often, the way we interpret an event can affect how we feel and what we do next. Together, we'll look at the connection between your thoughts, emotions, and actions. We'll identify any patterns that might be keeping you stuck or making things harder, and then we'll explore alternative ways of thinking and responding that may help you feel better and reach your goals. My role isn't to tell you what to think, but to help you examine what's working, what isn't, and practice new strategies that fit your life.

Couples Counseling

I approach couples counseling as a partnership with both people. I don't take sides or act as a referee. Instead, I help couples understand the patterns that are creating problems, improve communication, and develop skills that strengthen their connection. Together, we focus on the goals that matter most to both of you and work toward creating a relationship that feels healthier and more satisfying.

Culturally Sensitive Therapy

I don't assume that everyone's experiences are the same. Instead, I take time to learn about your beliefs, traditions, identity, relationships, and any experiences that may have affected how you view yourself and others. My goal is to create a space where you feel respected, understood, and comfortable being yourself.

Existential

Sometimes people come to therapy not just because they're feeling stressed, anxious, or unhappy, but because they're asking bigger questions about their lives. They may be wondering about their purpose, their values, their relationships, or the direction they want to take moving forward. My approach includes helping people explore questions about meaning, purpose, identity, and personal growth. I provide a supportive space to reflect on what's most important to you, navigate life's challenges, and make choices that feel more aligned with your values and the person you want to be.

Solution Focused Brief Treatment

I use a goal-oriented approach that focuses on solutions, strengths, and practical steps forward. Together, we'll identify what you want to achieve, explore what's already working, and build on your existing strengths to create meaningful change. The focus is on helping you make progress toward your goals in a way that feels manageable and realistic.

New to Grow
This provider hasn’t received any written reviews yet. We started collecting written reviews January 1, 2025.