Optum Therapists in Florida

Hi! I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and have been practicing for over 30 years. I received my masters in counseling at the University of Memphis. I worked with college students while getting my masters with personal career counseling. After becoming licensed in Florida, I worked specifically with service members and their families with anxiety, depression, post traumatic stress disorder, spouse and child abuse and marital issues. During the past 3 years I have worked with young adults to retired adults addressing individual, work and family issues. It has been my pleasure to guide hundreds of people to a healthier, happier life style that enables them to do what they want to in life without what appears to be impossible barriers like depression, stress and anxiety.

Greetings! Bienvenido! Let's take a moment to reflect on the courage it takes to begin therapy. You are brave. Change is hard, but the rewards of healing from distress, trauma and internal pain are powerful. As are you! I have experience helping people with trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, bereavement, loss, family/relationship conflicts, self-harm, anger management, parenting, child welfare system, foster care, adoption, school transitions, divorce, abortion, survivors of narcissism, career changes, stigmatized experiences and other major life changes. I can assist you identify patterns and help break the multigenerational trauma cycle and create new patterns to help you find fulfillment in your life. I love working with people from all ages and walks of life. We will work at your pace and challenge you when you are ready. I am happy to make accommodations as requested. I will ensure you have a safe space to process and complete the work that needs to be done to make therapy successful. Non-traditional beliefs, ideas, and experiences are welcomed to be explored without judgment or pressure to conform. In fact, some the most rewarding therapy sessions for my clients have been discussing unique philosophies that are contrary to popular opinion and culture. I pride myself in maintaining a strong work ethic, staying well organized, focused and applying strong self-care interventions. I work 4 jobs, 7 days a week, morning until night. I will do my absolute best to ensure our sessions begin and end on time. However, due to the nature of this career, there are occassions where I may be delayed with another person to evaluate for additional interventions (therapists are mandated reporters in Florida). Please keep this in mind when considering mental health services. If delays do occur, I apologize in advance. I will make sure you receive the best therapeutic services possible.

I’m a human first and a therapist second. I believe in showing up authentically, because real connection is what helps people heal. I care deeply about creating space for people to feel safe, heard, and respected. I don’t pretend to have all the answers—but I know how to walk beside you as you find your own. Who I am is someone who believes in your ability to grow, even when things feel messy.

Hello! I am a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) and licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). I obtained my masters degree from NOVA Southeastern University. I have been practicing since 2015; I started out at a homeless shelter, moved to in-home family/parenting therapy and from there worked at a local high school for several years. Meanwhile, I was building my private practice working with clients suffering from addiction. Currently, I run my own private practice working with teens and adults looking for support for a variety of concerns.

Welcome. I'm Tanya, and I'm here to help you feel seen, heard, and supported. Are you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, anxious, or weighed down by past experiences? Do you find yourself repeating patterns you’re ready to break—or struggling to cope with daily stress, trauma, or emotional pain? You’re not alone—and you don’t have to navigate this on your own. My clients often describe me as warm, compassionate, intuitive, and deeply present. They’ve said things like, "She helps me think in ways I never have before," and "Working with Tanya has been life-changing—it saved my life." What sets my approach apart is the strong, trusting connection I build with my clients. That therapeutic bond is the foundation of the meaningful work we’ll do together. I take an eclectic, client-centered approach to therapy—drawing from multiple evidence-based methods to tailor your care to your unique needs. These include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy, Mindfulness, Somatic Experiencing, and Schema Therapy, among others. Our work together will focus on: Gaining insight into patterns and beliefs that no longer serve you Learning healthy ways to cope with stress, anxiety, or trauma Building resilience and emotional regulation skills Processing pain and fostering healing in a safe, nonjudgmental space Creating sustainable change for a more empowered, fulfilling life Therapy can be life-changing—and it starts with a conversation. I’d be honored to support you on your path toward healing and growth.

Hi, I'm Katie, a Licensed Clinical Social. Helping and supporting others has been a driving factor in my life; therefore, I began my career as a teacher. My education and experience in the classroom greatly influenced me; however, I saw how difficult it is to learn when one is struggling with many emotional and mental health needs. While in graduate school, I transitioned to working with families in more of a case management role. During that time, I started noticing how the adults I worked with were often struggling and had not received the help they needed. After completing graduate school, I began working in an inpatient hospital that treats mental health and chemical dependency. After several years working with patients individually and facilitating group therapy, I transitioned to managing an intensive outpatient mental health program for senior adults. In this role, I facilitated group therapy and met with patients individually at times. I greatly enjoyed getting to know my clients and cheering alongside them as they made progress. While I value group therapy, I recognize that it is not the right fit for everyone. Therefore, I have set up a private practice to meet the needs of individuals in ways I was unable to do in previous roles. I believe change is possible and that each person has strengths and life experiences that they can draw upon to help themselves move forward. My passion is helping clients utilize what they already have, learn additional tools for coping, and develop healthier ways of thinking.

I began my professional career in 2005 working as a caseworker helping children and families maintain safe and healthy environments as well as financial stability. Since then I have completed masters degrees in counselor education and clinical counseling and was first licensed as a professional counselor in 2014. I'm currently credentialed as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Pennsylvania and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Florida.

Hello, I'm Anthony. I earned my Master’s degree in Counseling and Human Services, with an emphasis in Clinical Mental Health from the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, and hold a Bachelor's in Psychology. I am also certified in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Crisis Prevention Intervention, and serve as a Crisis Intervention Trainer. My journey in mental health has equipped me with the skills to support diverse populations dealing with complex issues such as trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, self-care, relational issues, family issues, parenting, goal achievement, and persistent mental illness. Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of working as a child protection therapist assisting families in the judicial system, and as a mobile crisis clinician and crisis program supervisor throughout rural Colorado. In my private practice, I've worked with adolescents, adults, couples, and families, utilizing an eclectic style of therapy that blends life experience with established theory. My approach is rooted in creating a safe, respectful, and dignified environment where you can feel supported while being encouraged and challenged to grow toward your goals. I have a strong passion for mental health and helping others. My goal is to provide an environment characterized by safety, respect, dignity, and support while also encouraging and challenging people to keep growing toward their goals. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, life transitions, or need support as a military veteran, I'm here to help. I also offer SonderMind Video Telehealth for those who prefer or require remote sessions. If you're ready to take the next step in your journey, I invite you to reach out. Together, we can work towards achieving your goals and improving your well-being.

My name is Wanda Barnes, I am a licensed mental health therapist LMHC in Florida and a licensed professional counselor (LPC), in the State of Maine. I started working in substance abuse at 17 years old driving the bus that took clients to AA/NA. Many years later I am still passionate about working with those who struggle with addiction of any kind or those who love them. I also worked 9 years with children and families in schools and foster care. Later I opened and operated a mental health clinic in Florida.

My name is Marissa Gilbert, and I have been practicing therapy for over ten years. I’m excited to work with you and support you on your journey of personal growth and healing. My goal is to create a safe and welcoming space where you can freely express yourself without fear of judgment. I tailor my approach to therapy based on each client’s unique needs and where they are in their journey. My role is to listen, understand your concerns, and help you gain insights to navigate life’s challenges. Whether you're seeking support for depression, anxiety, family issues, or self-esteem, I am here to help you grow and empower you along the way. I strive to be down-to-earth and authentic so clients feel comfortable and connected during sessions. When a client leaves saying their session felt easy or enjoyable, I know we’re making progress in the right direction.

Hello, and welcome! I am License Mental Health Counselor in Florida and I’m glad you’re here. With over 15 years of experience in neuropsychological testing, diagnosis, and therapy, I am deeply committed to helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life’s challenges. My goal is to support you in becoming the best version of yourself, fostering growth, resilience, and well-being. Together, we’ll work toward understanding and overcoming obstacles, creating a path toward healing and fulfillment. I look forward to being part of your journey!

I have extensive experience with individual therapy, working for substance use treatment centers, and working at various psychiatric hospitals. I have worked in roles including Behavioral Health Tech, Case Management, Primary Therapist, and Clinical Supervisor. I have worked with age groups ranging from young children to geriatrics. I firmly believe that in order to help someone, you have to understand them. In order to understand someone, you require personal life experience to truly understand where they are coming from. I am very passionate about what I do. People have asked me previously if I enjoy what I do. I inform them that in my perspective, this is what I "designed" to be. There is no "taking off the therapy hat" for me - this is simply who I am and my purpose. You will learn very quickly how dedicated I am to serving people. I am well-versed in both DSM-IV and DSM-5 (the manuals used to diagnose someone). I have dedicated approximately 31 years of my life to this. Many clients throughout the years told me in their words that I am the "best therapist" they ever had. I encourage you to hire me and judge for yourself. I was entered into two international honor societies (top 15% of students in the field across the span of 8 countries with a flawless 4.0 GPA). Please note: I am a licensed mental health counselor. If you are seeking medication management, you will need to book an appointment with a psychiatrist.

I am here to walk alongside you on your journey to heal and improve your mental health. With a warm, client-centered approach, I specialize in solution-focused therapy to help clients identify strengths, develop coping strategies, and achieve meaningful change. My approach is collaborative and fosters meaningful change and resilience in children, adolescents, adults, couples and families. I am also EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing) trained and incorporate trauma-informed care into my practice, helping individuals process past experiences that may be impacting their present. My work draws on a range of evidence-based techniques tailored to each client's needs, whether they are navigating relationship difficulties, anxiety, depression, grief, or life transitions.

Hello my name is Nicholas Kolos. I am a licensed mental health counselor and a licensed marriage and family therapist. I love my profession and look forward to helping my clients achieve their individual goals. I get excited when I see clients with unrealized potential and then help them become the best version of themselves! I love to help those who are struggling in their personal or work relationships learn how to better communicate their needs and improve the quality of those relationships! I tailor my treatment plans to best help each individual case achieve success!

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW-QS) with over 10 years of experience helping teens and adults feel more grounded, confident, and empowered. Originally from New York and rooted in Caribbean culture, I've lived in Central Florida for several years and proudly serve clients across this community through different walks of life. My approach is honest, collaborative, and a little lighthearted when it fits. I believe therapy works best when it feels like a real conversation, not a clinical checklist. I’ll meet you where you are, help you recognize what’s already working, and support you in building the changes you want to see. I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), DBT skills, and trauma-informed care into a style that’s relatable, supportive, and focused on progress, not perfection. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, life transitions, relationship stress, identity questions, or just trying to keep it together (when you feel everything is falling apart). I’m here to walk alongside you, judgment-free.

I am Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with nearly 15 years of experience working with youth, adolescents, adults, and families to improve their mental health. I specialize in addressing issues related to trauma, anxiety, depression, stress, life transitions, relationship issues, parenting issues, and more. I earned my Master's degree Marriage and Family Therapy from St. Thomas University. I also completed a certification in loss and healing and a certification in trauma as well as two additional years of post-graduate study, passed the advanced national clinical board, and gained my professional license in the state of Florida afterward. I have chosen to continue my education by taking hundreds of hours of additional courses in the neurobiology of trauma, grief and loss, abuse recovery, child development, parenting, and communication. We all encounter obstacles in our lives. I am confident that I will be able to assist you on this journey providing you with enlightenment and new techniques that will enable you to be able to cope with whatever challenges or obstacles you may be facing in life. If you are wanting to embark on this new journey, schedule an appointment with me today!

Hello! I am an experienced, licensed psychologist who has helped many individuals, couples, and families to navigate various life transitions. I enjoy serving clients who are willing to assess their value systems to determine if their values are still consistent with who they want to be. To some extent, our personal styles are genetically determined. However, I also believe we base our values on early learning, whether that education was positive or not.

Hi! I'm a Licensed Mental Health Counselor based in Florida. I received my Masters from the Nova Southeastern University and have been practicing for 12 years. I help adults struggling with adjusting to the aging process, dementia, Alzheimer's and End of Life issues. I help them using Positive Psychology, Active Listening, Talk Therapy and Mindfulness. I help my clients deal with Depression, Anxiety and Self-Esteem.

Hi! I'm Vicki, and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Behavior Analyst. Are you struggling with problems that have a negative impact on your quality of life? Tired of trying to figure out how to change things on your own? I would love to work with you to help you sort through those things that are keeping you from living the life you want to enjoy. I enjoy the art of applying a unique blend of mental health and behavioral approaches to life's problems. I love supporting motivated individuals to identify those areas of their lives that are standing in the way of experiencing the high quality life they want and deserve. Whether you're dealing with relationship issues, family issues, overwhelm, anxiety or depression, I am here to help you identify what's not working in your life and get you to a place of balance and inner calm. Together, we can create a safe space for you to share and develop new skills. As we work together, I can provide you with research- and evidence-based tools and techniques to address those problematic life areas. I look forward to working together!

Hi! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in New York and Florida. I have 30 years experience in the helping profession and 7 years as a therapist. I believe that insight without action leads to stagnation and frustration. It is valuable to talk about problems and issues but without a plan of action, clients become discouraged. Much of my work will involve identifying a next right step in addressing problems.

Jed Shlackman, M.S. Ed., LMHC provides a variety of individual, family, and group counseling and healing services. Jed combines traditional humanistic and cognitive oriented psychotherapy approaches with holistic guidance and advanced mind-body and energetic healing methods (such as hypnotherapy, meditation, Reiki, mindfulness, energy psychology, emotional release, trauma healing, sound healing) that can foster deep healing and more rapid transformation - physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Jed has worked as a counselor for over 25 years and has trained in a wide spectrum of counseling and healing methods. Jed provides a client-centered approach that seeks to identify which resources will best support the client and promote well-being and solutions that truly enhance life and build resilience. Jed is a native of South Florida and studied psychology and counseling at the University of Miami. While beginning his career providing counseling for children and adolescents and their families Jed went through a process of spiritual exploration and self-discovery that led to subsequent training in hypnotherapy, Reiki and energy healing, energy psychology, meditation, sound healing, trauma healing, and other complementary and alternative healing methods. Jed is also an author, with books available on Amazon, and is an amateur musician performing as "Jedi Shaman." Jed provides counseling and healing services with a holistic orientation, which refers to addressing the "whole" person and the systems and environments the person is a part of. This approach incorporates cognitive, humanistic, family systems, and psychodynamic therapies as well as transpersonal psychological therapies, hypnosis, energy psychology, expressive therapies, mind-body healing modalities, and vibrational/energetic healing approaches, as well as somatic therapies and addressing biological systems with herbs, essential oils, diet, and nutritional interventions. As a multi-talented, compassionate counselor with extensive knowledge and diverse experience Jed provide comprehensive healing services and collaboration with clients.

I'm Jon Jasper, a therapist with over a decade of experience helping individuals navigate eating disorders, substance use, and trauma. I take a personalized, compassionate approach to care—drawing from narrative therapy, accelerated resolution therapy (ART), trauma-informed practices, CBT, and group therapy. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where clients feel empowered to heal, grow, and reconnect with their strengths.

My name is Tahaji Smith. I am currently an MSW graduate, and an LCSW with 20+ years of public service experience. Previously, I worked for 17 years as an Emergency Public Safety Communications Operator for one of the largest law enforcement agencies in the nation, but I decided to pursue a career doing what I love…helping others become the best version of themselves.

I have over 16 years of clinical management, regulatory compliance, and consulting experience in behavioral healthcare systems-both public and private. When treating patients, I take on an eclectic approach and tailor sessions to each individual and situation. I firmly believe in engaging the patient, family, and/or organization in order to develop a therapeutic relationship that can be life long and rewarding in the recovery process. Helping patients find their path to a better life is my passion in a confidential setting.

My name is Shelly Mark Lewin, and I am deeply honored to be joining the team of therapists at Grow Therapy. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 30 years of experience working with individuals, groups, and families in a variety of settings including private practice, outpatient mental health clinics, hospitals, healthcare systems, hospice care, and private organizations. My work is informed by my own personal life experience with mental health challenges and my goal is always to provide you with support and guidance during difficult times and on your healing journey. My professional career includes clinical positions in renown healthcare organizations including Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Joint Commission in Chicago, Kaiser Permanente in California and Mount Sinai Health System In New York City. I have extensive experience working with multi-cultural and diverse populations providing individual and group therapy, case management and crisis intervention.