Golden Rule Therapists in Florida

Finding a therapist who accepts Golden Rule insurance can make mental health care more affordable and accessible. With 118 verified therapists in Florida who accept Golden Rule insurance, you can filter by therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and motivational interviewing to address concerns like anxiety, mood disorders, or personal growth. Each Grow Therapy-verified therapist is currently welcoming new clients and has availability within the next 30 days, ensuring timely access to quality support that aligns with your Golden Rule insurance coverage.

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Availability updated: 7/4/2025

Kimberly Carlesi

(she/her)

Kimberly Carlesi, LMHC - Florida Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMHC
3 years of experience
Virtual
Hi, I'm Kimberly. I’m a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) based in Florida, and I earned my master’s degree at Florida International University. My clinical journey began in a residential treatment center specializing in eating disorders, where I had the privilege of working closely with individuals navigating various challenges related to disordered eating. This experience deeply shaped my approach and solidified my commitment to helping clients build healthier relationships with food and their bodies. Since then, I’ve expanded my practice to work with individuals facing a range of issues, including anxiety, trauma, and depression, while always remaining rooted in my passion for supporting those with eating disorders. My goal is to provide a safe, non-judgmental space where clients feel heard, supported, and empowered to make meaningful changes in their lives.

Nicole dempsey

Nicole dempsey, LCSW - Florida Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
15 years of experience
Virtual
I graduated from the University of Texas at Austin in 2011 with my Masters in Social Work and have since worked in a variety of settings and with different populations. Have you ever wished, "I wish I was more like (fill the blank)", or thought, "I am not good enough." We are born with a certain temperament and into a certain situation but there are things we can control. My favorite part of my job is helping people see the best parts of themselves and using their strengths to achieve their goals.

Kristian Battenfield

(he/him)

Kristian Battenfield, LMHC - Florida Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMHC
4 years of experience
Virtual
I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to help individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. I want to all individuals to grow and evolve through their struggles with mental health by changing their maladaptive behaviors. I am a graduate from FIU who works at Aventura Hospital in a crisis stabilization unit. I offer a challenging yet empathetic approach to help you move out of your comfort zone and towards growth.

Sam Morrison

Sam Morrison, LCSW - Florida Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
5 years of experience
Virtual
With a deep passion for breaking the stigma surrounding addiction and mental health, I have dedicated the last nine years to assisting individuals who grapple with the complex interplay of mental health issues and underlying substance abuse. I’ve witnessed how the societal stigma often conceals the very real barriers individuals face in their daily lives. My mission is to empower them with coping skills and strategies that allow them to embrace a life of recovery and resilience. As a therapist, I focus on guiding patients towards building essential skills to overcome their challenges. I believe that mental health issues come in myriad forms, and it is our duty to provide support, unburdened by negative stereotypes and judgment. Together, let’s shatter the silence and create a path towards hope, recovery and well-being.

Tracy Thompson

Tracy Thompson, LMHC - Florida Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMHC
1 year of experience
Virtual
I am a licensed LMHC in the state of Florida working on my LPC in Missouri. I have been working for the past 8 yrs with adults who have co-occurring disorders in an inpatient substance abuse setting. I also have many years experience working with the chronically mentally ill adult population in a community setting. I am very familiar with psychosis, schizophrenia and individuals with personality disorders.

Melissa Ruff

(she/her)

Melissa Ruff, LCSW - Florida Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
29 years of experience
Virtual
I am a practicing clinical social worker with 29 years of experience and have practiced in Maryland; currently new to Florida. I utilize a collaborative approach to self determination and self improvement with adults and families. I have extensive experience in Bipolar Disorders, Traumatic Brain Injuries and Trauma. I worked as a Social Worker with older Adults for 10 plus years and am comfortable with providing resources and mental health support to that population.

Demetrius K. Jifunza

Demetrius K. Jifunza, LMHC - Florida Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMHC
3 years of experience
Virtual
Demetrius K. Jifunza is a passionate Licensed Mental Health Counselor based in Florida, providing individual, couples, and family therapy and mental health treatment to formerly incarcerated individuals and the families of loved ones currently incarcerated. I have worked with clients with diverse backgrounds consisting of a wide range of concerns, including depression, trauma, anxiety, life transitions, and grief and loss.

Emmanuel Nzuzu

Emmanuel Nzuzu, LMHC - Florida Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMHC
20 years of experience
Virtual
Welcome! I'm {Emmanuel Nzuzu}. I want to thank you sincerely for reaching out to me. Congratulations for taking this crucial first step towards bettering your mental health because, let's be honest - starting therapy can be empowering, confusing, or scary, all at the same time. I strive to create a safe, structured, and welcoming environment that allows clients to explore challenges and obstacles with concerns related to alcohol and drug addiction, stress, anxiety, depression, and/or self-care. I focus on helping clients to regain control by taking back their power from alcohol and drugs. I facilitate client transformation by assisting them to learn how to be guided by a vision of the future and not memories of the past. My clients often find it beneficial to develop assertive communication & boundaries with themselves and those around them that can help improve their quality of life. Counseling can foster personal development in whatever way you may be seeking and help build the life you so deeply deserve. If that's what you're looking for, I'm here when you're ready to share.

James J. Cordiano

James J. Cordiano, LMHC - Florida Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMHC
11 years of experience
Virtual
My name is Jim, and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida. I understand that something in your life has initiated this search for support and you’ve come to the right place. You may be feeling, sad, angry, anxious, depressed or you may be struggling with addiction or family issues. I can empathize with and learn how you may be feeling at this moment and I am here to help you through this stressful, troubling time by empowering change. My Specialties Include: Anxiety, Depression, Substance Use / Addiction, and Trauma

Maria Johnson

(she/her)

Maria Johnson, LMHC - Florida Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMHC
3 years of experience
Virtual
Hello, and welcome. I'm Maria, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida. I earned my master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Lynn University and have spent the past several years working in both mental health and substance use treatment settings. I work with adults navigating depression, trauma, PTSD, psychotic disorders, grief, dissociation, and mood disorders. I know that reaching out for support takes courage. My role is to meet you exactly where you are with compassion, respect, and the belief in your capacity for growth.

Areeba Johnson

(she/her)

Areeba Johnson, LCSW - Florida Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

LCSW
10 years of experience
Virtual
Hi my name is Areeba Johnson, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker LCSW, dedicated to educating and empowering individuals on how to heal. To be a part of your journey to emotional health. Helping you find the path in life and living life abundantly. To help individuals gain self-fulfillment and growth. In life challenges may arise where you experience self-doubt, unhealthy habits or trauma. I am here to help you overcome those challenges by using a holistic approach focusing on your cognitions and the impact they have on your behavior. If you are looking to make healthy changes and overcome past struggles today is a great day to get started.

JC Caro

(she/her)

JC Caro, LMHC - Florida Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

LMHC
25 years of experience
Virtual
You may be nervous about participating in therapy due to worries of feeling vulnerable or being judged. I work hard to provide an environment that is accepting and supportive and simultaneously looks for ways that increase growth and healing. My approach emphasizes skill-building, self-knowledge, and balance. My experience has included working with people who struggle with depression, anxiety, self esteem issues, family conflict, trauma, and other issues that accompany adolescence and adulthood. Together we'll explore the tools that will work for you in working through your issues and coming out stronger! I view my role in your life as being part of your team where I can help you determine what is best for you. It is through working together that I believe positive changes can occur.

Brandee Jones

(she/her)

Brandee Jones, LMHC - Florida Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMHC
8 years of experience
Virtual
Hey! I'm Brandee - I'm a licensed mental health counselor in Florida and I'm currently offering telehealth services throughout the state. I graduated from Nova Southeastern University in 2014 with a masters degree in Mental Health Counseling, and received my bachelor's degree in psychology in 2011 from the University of South Florida. Since then, I have worked in various in person and telehealth settings.

Michael Luz

(He/Him)

Michael Luz, LCSW - Florida Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
10 years of experience
Virtual
I'm a compassionate and collaborative therapist who believes in creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients can be fully seen and heard. I bring a person-centered, trauma-informed approach to my work and draw from evidence-based modalities like CBT, DBT, and CPT to support meaningful growth and healing. Whether you're navigating life transitions, emotional struggles, or past trauma, I’m here to walk alongside you with empathy, honesty, and respect.

Dr. Clay Connelly

(he/him)

Dr. Clay Connelly, LMHC - Florida Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMHC
15 years of experience
Virtual
Hi, I'm Clay. I am here to help you better yourself as a whole, through an integrated therapeutic process. I have extensive experience in helping clients with a variety of issues, including depression, anxiety, anger, marital problems, burnout, insomnia, and many more. We'll address the needs of your mind, body, and spirit. Seeking therapy can be intimidating, but if you're reading this, you've already made a great decision in the first step of your journey of healing. Let's work on this together! Looking forward to helping you grow, Clay

Makisha Brown-Harp

(she/her)

Makisha Brown-Harp, LCSW - Florida Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
7 years of experience
Virtual
Whether it be therapy, counseling, guidance, coaching, or the need for connection that influenced your search for services, I’m glad you did it and am looking forward to assisting you as you create your version of a life worth living. For many people and for different reasons, it’s hard to say you want help much less take the steps to find it and I commend you, genuinely for taking the initiative to do so. With your perseverance and my understanding of behavior change, insight development, and skill building; you will be successful in achieving your goals. My approach to improving mental health is aided by a thorough understanding of acute, chronic, and situational mental illnesses as well as experience in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of diverse populations including working professionals, LGBTQIA, students, and communities of color. I specialize in the treatment of personality disorders, trauma, and suicide prevention. I am certified in several psychotherapeutic modalities, including Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Cognitive Processing Therapy. I also utilize Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Mindfulness practices. I have a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Florida State University and a Master of Social Work from Saint Leo University. I have gained my current knowledge from working with community, private, medical, and school mental health services. Looking forward to working with you. I am currently accepting new clients. If for some reason you can't book an appointment or schedule, please call the new client booking team at (646) 687 9932. If you would like to work with myself and need to request sliding scale information, please book your first appointment via cash pay. Appointments are paid for following completion. Sliding scale fees can be discussed prior to this.

Teresa Stevenson

Teresa Stevenson, LMHC - Florida Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMHC
20 years of experience
Virtual
Hello, I am Teresa! Are you looking for a therapist who will help you find a better balance in your life? If that sounds like you, I am the Therapist for you! I believe in the importance of building rapport with clients. I want my clients to feel as comfortable as possible, and I do my best to achieve this by using a client-centered approach. I use a balanced approach that allows my client to work through current and past issues that are preventing them from moving forward. I tend to use a Cognitive Behavioral approach with an emphasis on Mindfulness. However, I believe in utilizing an approach that is best for my client this may also include Dialectical Behavioral or Solution Focused therapies. Little about your therapist...I have been in the counseling field for over 20 years. I have worked with individuals (ages 5 and up), couples and families. I received my Masters's Degree in Counseling from Webster University in 2004. I have worked in various settings such as community mental health, public/private schools and private practice.

Sally Duerr Rodriguez

Sally Duerr Rodriguez, LMHC - Florida Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMHC
5 years of experience
Virtual
Confucius says that the longest journey starts with a single step. If you are ready to start a journey to make your life happier, your relationships better, your body and soul healthier , take the first step. You have the power to change your life for the better and I want to facilitate the change. I spent thirty years in the entertainment business and I know stress and anxiety can be crippling. I believe in the collaborative approach to therapy and in evidence-based strategies such as CBT and DBT. I specialize in substance abuse, depression, anxiety, stress, trauma and PTSD, relationship difficulties, grief, eating disorders and mood disorders. I believe that you as the client have the most insight and knowledge of yourself so I utilize person-centered and solution-focused approaches to teach coping skills for your perceptions and behaviors. I look forward to working with you. Let's get started on changing your life today.

Jaritsa Ruiz

Jaritsa Ruiz, LCSW - Florida Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

LCSW
18 years of experience
Virtual
Hello! I am a bilingual (English-Spanish) seasoned Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 18 years of diverse experience in the field. Making significant impacts in children and adolescents' lives within school settings, group homes, and specialized work with human trafficking victims. Extensive expertise in grief counseling, providing compassionate support to individuals navigating loss, and a strong background in addressing the unique needs of the elderly population in medical settings. Skilled in creating and implementing therapeutic interventions, with a deep commitment to promoting mental health and well-being across various age groups and challenging environments.

Anjanette Daugherty

(she/her)

Anjanette Daugherty, LMHC - Florida Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

LMHC
20 years of experience
Virtual
Hello. I'm a Licensed Mental Health Counselor based in Southwest Florida. I earned my Master's degree in Counseling from PennWest California located in W. Pennsylvania. In my clinical work, I draw from varied experiences in rural communities serving adults and adolescents in hospitals, community clinics and have a special appreciation for the unique challenges faced by individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+. I seek to specialize in providing mental health care that is affirming and mindful of others' lived experiences.

Vaaseen Richards

(she/her)

Vaaseen Richards, LMHC - Florida Therapist at Grow Therapy

Frequently rebooked

LMHC
6 years of experience
Virtual
Welcome my name is Vaaseen Richards and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor based out of Florida. I am a Certified Trauma Professional (CTP) and Certified Child and Adolescent Trauma Professional (CATP) dedicated to providing a safe and supportive space for individuals who have experienced trauma to heal and thrive. I utilize evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Traumatic Incident Reduction Therapy to help clients process their experiences, reduce distressing symptoms, and reclaim a sense of safety and empowerment in their lives. My goal is to support you on your journey toward healing and help you rediscover strength and resilience within yourself.

Berinda Sapp

Berinda Sapp, LCSW - Florida Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
6 years of experience
Virtual
Hello, I am Berinda, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with experience in maternal health, foster care, trauma, anxiety, depression, relationships, and life skills. My approach is person-centered, and I strongly focus on meeting a client where they are. I have nearly 20 years of experience in the field and have been providing individual therapy for 6 years. My goal is to support you in obtaining your goals and identifying your desired outcome.

Billie Beech-Mavrantzas

Billie Beech-Mavrantzas, LCSW - Florida Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
10 years of experience
Virtual
My name is Ashley Beech-Mavrantzas, and I've been in mental health practice for 10 years. I specialize in Mood disorders, Bipolar disorder, and Borderline personality disorder. I also have experience in grief therapy. Furthermore, I use many modalities to treat these disorders such as DBT, CBT and EMDR. Additionally, I use different eclectic modalities based on the client's needs. The best method is client-focused to ensure that I am treating you accurately.

Leah Taylor

(she/her)

Leah Taylor, LMHC - Florida Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMHC
6 years of experience
Virtual
Greetings, I am a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida. I have a plethora of experience working with various populations, dealing with issues such as Substance use, Anxiety, Depression, Relationship issues, LGBTQ, Ethical Non-Monogamy/lifestyle concerns, Homelessness, Bipolar disorder, Personality disorders, and Trauma including sexual, emotional and physical abuse. My Counseling style is client-centered with the utilization of CBT, DBT, Psycho-educational, and Psychodynamic therapy. I believe we are all unique individuals living through different experiences. My goal is to help you navigate through the darkness so you can live the life you want, acquiring the coping skills and tools needed along the way. You are more than your trauma, Inner childhood wounds, and the labels placed on you. Let's work together! I'm looking forward to meeting you!

Alex Lopez

Alex Lopez, LMHC - Florida Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMHC
15 years of experience
Virtual
As a mental health counselor, I specialize in helping individuals manage anxiety, depression, and improve their overall well-being. In our sessions, we'll use various therapeutic techniques, including mindfulness and relaxation exercises, to help you gain better control over your anxiety and depression symptoms. I'll also provide psychoeducation on anxiety or depression, teaching you coping skills and strategies to use in stressful situations. Our goal will be to work together to reduce depression and anxiety's impact on your life and foster a greater sense of calm and confidence. Your confidentiality is a top priority, and I'm here to support you every step of the way. Through individual counseling sessions, we'll explore your thoughts and emotions, identify coping strategies, and set achievable goals to improve your mental well-being. I use evidence-based techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help you challenge negative thought patterns and build resilience. My approach is tailored to your unique needs and strengths, and I'm here to empower you in your journey towards positive change and personal growth. Let's work together to help you find the peace and clarity you deserve.

Frequently asked questions

Why filter by Florida rather than a city like Tampa?

When looking for online therapy, you can see anyone that is credentialed in the state. We want you to find the best fit, therefore, Grow Therapy shows available therapists across Florida from Miami to Jacksonville! If you’d rather see someone in-person, you can change the filter from virtual and find a therapist near you in Florida.

Will my therapist take Golden Rule?

Yes! If you use Golden Rule you’ll be asked to verify your Member ID at the time you book the appointment. However, if you don’t have Golden Rule you can select cash. Our therapists will have their cost of appointment on their profile. Individual session costs will vary.

How does the Specialty Filter work? Can I find a therapist that focuses on Suicidal Ideation?

The specialty filter is optional. You don’t need to check any boxes to see a provider. However, fit is very important when selecting an online therapist. If you have knowledge or experience to recognize what specialties you may need. For example, your selected specialty, Suicidal Ideation, is filtering therapists in Florida that work with patients with similar concerns.

Why use Gender, Age, and Identities filters?

Finding a provider with a similar life experience can be beneficial because it can be easier to establish rapport and potentially be understood quicker and clearer.

What to expect during your first session?

Your first therapy session is for you and your therapist to meet each other and to ask any questions that you have about the counseling process. This is where you can expect your therapist to do the same as they will ask questions to gain insight into your specific situation. In this first session the therapist is doing their part to gather as much information so they can better assess if they are able to meet your therapeutic needs.

Depending upon your provider's specialty, you may also discuss the methods the therapist will use. For additional information on therapy methods, please visit the Grow Therapy Help Center. Some people feel nervous before their first appointment, and that is totally normal! Coming prepared with a list of questions for your therapist may help. Remember, you're taking a brave step by seeking therapy, and it is okay to be nervous as you try something new.