Optum Therapists in Florida

About me I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida with 25 years of professional experience come August. I am also a Qualified Supervisor of new counselors who finished their Master's Degree and have become Registered Mental Health Counselor Interns in Florida. In addition, I do Wellness Coaching throughout the USA. I am also a Teacher, Mentor, and soon an International Motivational Speaker. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, substance use and other vices and addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. As of 6-27-25, I am 5yrs, 7mos, and 8dys sober from marijuanna, and have also overcome the addictions of gambling, sex, and buying expensive cars beyond my means.

I’m a mental health professional dedicated to supporting individuals on their wellness journey. With a Master's in Social Work from Florida A&M University and Florida State University, I specialize in various therapeutic approaches that help clients explore their challenges, develop coping strategies, and work towards their goals. With over 10 years of experience in medical and psychiatric social work, I have worked with adolescents, young adults, and the elderly. My passion lies in helping everyone find their best selves and navigate through life's difficulties. I strive to provide a safe and compassionate space for growth and healing.

Hello, I am here to help you create a healthy internal environment to thrive in your external one. I obtained my MSW from Howard University in DC and received my clinical social work license in the state of Florida. I love traveling, reading history and sci-fi books, and building Lego sets. I work with clients dealing with trauma related to emotional abuse, neurodivergent struggles, self-esteem, relationships, and cultural identity.

I am deeply committed to supporting individuals across all stages of life as they navigate complex emotional and mental health challenges. My experience working with diverse age groups has given me a profound appreciation for the resilience of the human spirit, whether guiding young clients through developmental struggles, assisting adults in overcoming life transitions, or helping seniors find meaning and peace. I integrate evidence-based therapeutic approaches with compassionate, person-centered care, fostering a safe space for healing and growth.

I enjoy working with adolescents and adults who are experiencing concerns with, but not limited to: anxiety, depression, critical self-talk, interpersonal relationships, emotional dysregulation, and parent/child conflict and connection. I have worked in various clinical settings providing crisis stabilization and therapy services to individuals of all ages. I utilize a holistic and personalized approach, specializing in trauma, interpersonal relationships, loss and grief, parent/child relationships, adolescent challenges, and parent support. I employ a straightforward and empathetic approach while utilizing strength-based and person-centered perspectives to help those I work with obtain their treatment goals and realize their greatest potential.

My name is Elva Sanchez, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. I was born in Lima-Peru and moved to moved to South Florida when I was 16 years old. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Florida International University and then continued to pursue my Master’s Degree at Carlos Albizu University. I love being a therapist and have the opportunity to help people create, build and obtain the best version of themselves.

Hi, I’m Paul. I am a Licensed Therapist and my goal is to help you discover ways forward through distress towards wellness. While we can't change difficult situations of the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life. Distress is experienced in many different ways that impact our ability to function and cope within a healthy framework. By applying complementary therapy approaches and techniques, we will unearth behavioral patterns and pain perceptions that may be holding you back from experiencing a more fulfilling and meaningful life. If you're looking for extra support and guidance through a challenging situation or are just ready to move in a new direction, I look forward to working with you to achieve your goals. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or to book a session. Thanks. Hope I can be a resource.

Hi! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Florida with experience in various mental health settings including emergency departments, private practice, and psychiatric facilities. I am EMDR certified with major focus in trauma, suicidal ideations, depression, self-esteem, and anxiety. My goal is to be a compassionate, authentic, respectful guide and to provide you with a safe and judgment free environment.

My name is Berthovena (Bertha for short) and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) based in South Florida. I originally received my Masters in Social Work from Hunter College and have been professionally working in the field for over 23 years now. Since I was a child I loved serving others, and this passion is a large part of what has maintained my deep drive and love for Social Work not only as a career, but as a way of life.

I’m Wilfredo Guzman (he/him/él), a bilingual Licensed Mental Health Counselor based in Orlando, Florida. I received my Masters from Rollins College and have been practicing for 5 years. I provide affirming, client-centered therapy to individuals navigating challenges related to identity, trauma, substance use, and life transitions. With a direct and compassionate approach, I collaborate with clients to explore their mental wellness, build coping skills, and create more satisfying and empowered lives.

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.

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 am a licensed clinical social worker with over 20 years of experience in the mental health field. I specialize in helping individuals navigate the complexities of trauma from relationships, whether stemming from romantic partnerships, family dynamics, or friendships. I earned my Masters degree from the University of Tennessee in 2008. I have worked in various settings, including community mental health centers, and have managed several programs related to family dynamics and abuse. My extensive experience has equipped me with the tools to guide clients through their healing journey.

I have been described as outgoing, approachable, non-judgmental, and down-to-earth. I love working with adolescents and teenagers through the endless changes and choices, but I also love working with adults who can’t seem to answer questions like, “Why does this always happen to me?"I pride myself in my ability to connect with people, and I think the key to my success is "being real".

Olushola Abiodun Lawal was born and raised in South Florida. He is an alumnus of Florida State University. Shola, as his friends call him, graduated from FSU with his Bachelor's of Social Work in 2013 and again with his Master's of Social Work in 2015. While a student at FSU, Shola gained an interest in the field of substance abuse, child welfare, and mental health disorders/ life coaching. As a Licensed Clinical social worker in the state of Florida, Shola has insight and understanding of the different criteria and appropriate diagnosis for an array of mental health disorders. Shola has over 5 years of experience as a Primary Therapist, case manager, and clinical care coordinator.

My path to becoming a therapist began outside the world of mental health, giving me a broader lens and a deep respect for the complexity of people’s stories and their cultures. With an MBA in International Marketing from George Washington University, post graduate work at Emory University, I spent years working for major global firms—until I realized my true purpose was helping people heal. Nearly a decade ago, I returned to school to pursue my second master’s degree in mental health counseling, fully committing to this work. Since then, I’ve supported clients in a wide range of settings: residential treatment centers, a psychiatric hospital during the height of COVID, and for over three years, individuals navigating the criminal justice system. For the past few years, I’ve continued that work in private practice. These experiences have shaped not only my clinical skill set, but my unwavering belief in the resilience of the human spirit. No matter where you’ve been, you deserve care that’s grounded in empathy, respect, and a commitment to real change.

With a Masters in Psychology from the Florida International University, I am currently licensed as a Mental Health Counselor and practicing in the State of Florida, where I hold both in-person and virtual sessions. My clients have a wide range of needs, so I tailor my sessions to them. As a result, they benefit from different treatment methods depending on the situation, such as CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy), which addresses negative thinking, or mindfulness, which focuses on the present moment. I also have a number of tools that can facilitate deeper learning and change within your sessions. With several years of experience treating a wide range of mental health issues, I'm sure we can establish a good therapeutic relationship. In addition, I have extensive experience working with clients who have experienced complex trauma, such as domestic violence, sexual abuse, incest, or who have suffered from serious illness. I also have experience with anxiety disorders, marital issues, acculturation, and adjustment disorders.

Hello, I’m Michelle, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Hollywood, Florida. I help individuals navigate anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, and relationship challenges, as well as offer support for OCD, adolescent issues, and self-esteem enhancement. Consider me a therapy mixologist, blending evidence-based modalities like psychodynamic, person-centered, CBT, DBT, and ACT to create personalized treatment plans. I believe that no two clients are alike, so I take time to understand your unique story, strengths, and goals. My approach is collaborative and compassionate, ensuring that each session is tailored to meet you where you are. In addition to traditional therapy techniques, I also incorporate creative strategies, including therapeutically applied role-playing games, to make therapy engaging and relevant for you. Whether you’re struggling with overwhelming emotions, feeling stuck in old patterns, or simply seeking greater meaning and confidence in your life, I’m committed to helping you build resilience, develop practical tools, and uncover new possibilities for growth and healing.

Hi there! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I received my Masters from the Florida International University and have been practicing for 6+ years. I have experience in numerous arenas such as school system, hospital, foster care, and private practice. These are the main issues I can help you with: anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, communication difficulties, foster care/adoption and family dynamics. I believe in the power of the therapeutic relationship. I place a strong value on building rapport with clients and supporting clients in their quest to find a therapist they feel is a good fit for them, their needs, and their goals. In my practice, I create a safe and supportive space where individuals and families can feel understood and empowered. I use evidence-based therapeutic approaches to help clients process difficult emotions, improve self-worth, and enhance relationships. My work is centered around helping you gain insight, develop emotional regulation, and create positive change in your life. I specialize in working with adolescents, young adults, couples and families navigating life's challenges. Whether you're dealing with trauma, abuse, foster care/adoption, depression, anxiety, or self-esteem struggles, I am here to help you build resilience, develop healthy coping strategies, and heal from past experiences. If you or a loved one are struggling with any of these issues, I can offer personalized, compassionate care tailored to your unique needs. Together, we can work toward building a stronger, more confident you.

I am a Christian therapist who feels that every adult person's spiritual beliefs are a strong factor for emotional healing. I am convinced that a life of hope, faith, and peace of mind awaits you. I want to help guide you to develop a clean pattern of life, a clean conscience, and self-confidence, which will remove the shadow of fear and guilt that seems to be hanging over you. Let me help you and together we will work on your development of the skills, for the successful and rewarding life that you have always desired. I received my MA in Mental Health Counseling from the University of South Florida. I have five years' experience. I did counseling at a housing center, with individuals experiencing interpersonal conflicts with members of their family. I also did counseling with the adult through Geriatrics population at a Community Mental Health Center.

I'm Magda Murillo, a bilingual Licensed Mental Health Counselor My commitment to my profession is evident through almost a decade-long career in counseling, where I have honed my expertise in affirming client centered therapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy. I have experience working in hospital settings as a liaison counselor assisting patients and their families to navigate end-of-life challenges, serious mental illnesses, adjustment issues and crisis situations. I also have experience working in jail settings with individuals from all walks of lives facing challenges such as adjustment issues, serious mental illness, anxiety, depression, guilt, shame, remorse, addictions, suicide attempts, crisis and many more challenges.

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.

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by constant demands and limited space for personal reflection. Therapy offers a unique opportunity to pause, take stock, and reconnect with yourself. It’s a space where you can become more aware of your emotions, re-examine your choices, and move toward greater clarity and peace of mind. As a therapist, I am committed to providing a supportive, non-judgmental environment where you can safely explore your feelings and experiences. My approach is client-centered and active, helping you uncover new perspectives and broaden your options. Together, we’ll work on overcoming doubt, managing difficult emotions, and building resilience in the face of life’s challenges. I specialize in working with children, adolescents, and young adults, supporting them through emotional turmoil, family stressors, and communication issues that can impact their well-being. Whether you’re struggling with personal challenges or relationship difficulties, I’m here to help you break through roadblocks and find a positive, affirming path forward. We all want a life of significance and balance—and I believe that with the right guidance, these are not just dreams but achievable realities. Happiness isn’t a mysterious force; it’s the result of learning and practicing skills that anyone can develop. With my support, you’ll gain confidence, emotional resilience, and the tools you need to create a more fulfilling life. Let’s work together to improve your emotional well-being and help you get to a place where you feel comfortable, empowered, and ready to thrive.

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.

Thank you for taking time to learn a little about me. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified Addictions Professional with over 25 years of counseling experience in clinical, private and educational settings. I practice Client-centered therapy. For those who are unfamiliar with Client-centered therapy it is based on the practice that the CLIENT is best able to decide what to explore and mark as a goal of treatment. I empower all my clients without compromising empathy. Whatever the reason any individual, couple, or family comes to me, I challenge their skillset to solve problems and restore resolve; not simply provide short-term solutions. The first step to achieve this is to build a rapport with essential empathy and unconditional positive regard. I believe in relationships. Seems a little elementary but one's physical, mental, and overall wellness is dependent on relations that we have with each other. No matter how large or small one's family is, and/or social circle we were all meant to establish and grow relationships. No level of true self-reflection would escape this fact. I witnessed this to be true in all of my clients as with myself. I currently reside Central Florida with my wife, son, and three daughters. As a family we enjoy an active lifestyle supportive of one another and the family dynamic. I welcome the opportunity to work with you, feel free to contact me if you have any questions.