Laverne Hoffler-Duckworth
As a licensed therapist serving Pennsylvania, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on helping clients address depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, and personal growth. I bring a compassionate, culturally responsive approach to therapy, with deep expertise in supporting women, multicultural communities, and individuals experiencing workplace stress, social anxiety, and life transitions. My therapeutic work focuses on empowering clients to develop self-love, improve communication, overcome isolation, and rediscover their sense of purpose. I understand the intricate dynamics of blended families and the unique challenges of codependency. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I create a warm, affirming space where clients can explore their experiences, heal from past wounds, and build resilience. My commitment is to walk alongside you with genuine understanding, respect, and professional guidance as you navigate your personal journey of healing and transformation.
Kimberly Nixon
Welcome! My name is Kimberly Nixon or just Kim and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Florida with 20 years of experience helping people improve their lives. Life stressors, past trauma, current relationships, combined with our current mental health status impacts us differently at different life stages. Sometimes we feel that we "got this" and other times we find ourselves feeling overwhelmed and/or stuck. It is my hope for you to feel in control with a plan that is aligned with your goals and to support you develop insight and tools to experience progress and maintain that progress. I treat many issues including but not limited to anxiety, depression, parenting challenges, loss of close relationship, employment changes, life transitions, serious illness, end of life issues, negative self-image, relationship problems, and trauma using a nurturing, strengths-based approach. During treatment you can expect a safe space to discuss what is difficult. A space to celebrate success and a space to vent. Together we will uncover your strengths, reveal improved coping strategies and develop insights to maintain success beyond the therapeutic setting. I believe everyone has the right and ability to feel better and live a more satisfying life. I look forward to working with you!
David Shirly
I am a licensed therapist in Florida dedicated to supporting individuals through complex emotional landscapes. My professional approach centers on helping clients navigate challenges like depression, anxiety, relationship dynamics, and personal growth. I specialize in addressing issues such as social anxiety, workplace stress, life transitions, and interpersonal communication. My therapeutic practice is deeply compassionate and tailored to each individual's unique experiences. I focus on empowering clients to develop self-love, overcome isolation, and rediscover their sense of purpose. Whether you're struggling with mood disorders, relationship difficulties, or seeking personal transformation, I provide a supportive environment for meaningful healing and growth. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I work collaboratively with clients to develop practical strategies for managing stress, building resilience, and creating positive life changes. My goal is to help you understand yourself more deeply, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and move towards a more fulfilling life.
Dr. Arthur Betancourt
Hello, my name is Dr. Arthur Betancourt and I am a clinical psychologist in Miami, Florida. For the past twenty-five years I was on the faculty at the University Of Miami, Miller School Of Medicine. At UM I was able to work with a wide variety of different patient populations. Many of these patients presented with complaints of anxiety and depression secondary to different types of stressors in their lives. My clinical work with these patients was focused on helping them to cope more effectively with the stressors in their lives. This was done by firstly, helping these individuals to examine their thoughts and behaviors and how these contributed to their emotional and behavioral difficulties. Then, secondly, helping them to explore and learn/adopt new and more effective thoughts and behaviors. This process can help individuals to function /cope better. Thank you for your attention, and I look forward to working with you.
Ruth Cook
I am licensed in Florida with 29 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & coping with life changes. I also have experience working with compassion fatigue. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Dr. Anthony Schefstad
I am licensed in Florida with 39 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, addictions, trauma and abuse, grief and loss, phobias, pre and post incarceration and anti-social personality disorder. I am a practitioner of Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP) and Ericksonian Hypnosis. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
Amy Meek
I am licensed in Florida with 25 years of professional work experience to include working with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family of origin issues, grief, life changes, trauma and abuse and depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
Kathleen Wakefield
As a licensed therapist with two decades of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals through life's complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on helping clients navigate challenges like depression, anxiety, relationship dynamics, and significant life transitions. I have deep expertise working with diverse populations, including young adults, military veterans, first responders, and individuals experiencing major life changes. My approach is compassionate and tailored, focusing on understanding each person's unique journey. I'm particularly skilled in addressing sensitive issues such as postpartum experiences, blended family dynamics, and end-of-life counseling. I create a supportive environment that honors individual experiences and promotes healing, personal growth, and emotional resilience. Drawing from extensive clinical experience, I help clients develop robust coping strategies, rebuild self-esteem, and move toward more fulfilling lives. My therapeutic style emphasizes empowerment, respect, and collaborative healing, ensuring that every individual feels heard, validated, and supported throughout their therapeutic journey.
Donna Maso
I am a dedicated and experienced licensed clinical social worker, with over 30 years of professional counseling experience and educational training. I've worked with many different age groups, from young children to the elderly - and assisted clients with a wide range of issues. My experience includes: working in outpatient, transitional, inpatient and crisis services - and with a wide range of populations including the specialization of children diagnosed with AD/HD, abuse & trauma victims of all ages (including shelter, hotline and court services), children's counselor/ child crisis/ protection/ parenting centers, couples, families/ family counselor agencies, military families (family of many veterans), mandatory work referrals, adjudicated adolescents (was executive director of treatment programs), school systems (taught regular and alternative education), offenders (worked in correctional system/ prisons), individuals needing long-term placement, developed programs for the disabled, and those with chronic or terminal conditions (worked as LMSW for hospice - settings included hospitals, nursing homes, ALFs, Memory Care, etc. ) Therapy and counseling can provide relief and personal growth for people seeking positive changes in their lives. It is helpful, especially during difficult times, to have an objective, compassionate professional who will focus on your strengths and abilities, in a confidential and non-judgmental environment. I look forward to meeting with you to begin a journey toward workable solutions and great possibilities on your path in life. Let's begin today. Please note: As a policy, I ask for your agreement to not electronically record telehealth sessions without prior consent. Laws that protect HIPAA confidentiality in the office - also applies to telehealth sessions - including mandatory and permissive exceptions to confidentiality. Thank you.
Ameenah Wright-Troutman
I am licensed in Florida with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with grief, coping with loss, motivation, self esteem, confidence, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
Krystal Burnstein
As a licensed therapist in Florida, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex life challenges. My approach centers on empowering clients to develop resilience, self-understanding, and meaningful strategies for personal growth. I have extensive experience helping people address depression, anxiety, stress, grief/loss, trauma, ADHD and life transitions with compassion and practical guidance. My therapeutic work focuses on supporting individuals through diverse experiences, including social anxiety, depression, relationship dynamics, workplace challenges, and personal development. I'm particularly passionate about helping children, adolescents, young adults, women, and families build stronger communication skills, emotional awareness, and self-compassion. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I create a collaborative and supportive environment where clients can explore their experiences, heal from past struggles, and develop healthier coping mechanisms. My goal is to walk alongside you as you rediscover your inner strength and create positive, sustainable changes in your life. Let's take our therapeutic journey together, it never too late to rediscover yourself.
Natalia Cimo
As a licensed mental health counselor in Florida, I support individuals, couples, and families navigating complex emotional challenges. My areas of focus include but are not limited to, anxiety, trauma, self-esteem, ADHD, stress, and life transitions. My work is grounded in a multicultural, person-centered perspective that honors each individual’s unique experiences. I take a collaborative, evidence-based approach that emphasizes self-love, effective communication, and emotional healing. I create a supportive, nonjudgmental space where clients can explore their experiences, process trauma, and develop meaningful coping strategies. My goal is to empower clients to build resilience, strengthen relationships, and create lasting, positive change. Whether you’re facing obsessive thoughts, addiction, difficult relationship patterns, or any of the earlier mentioned concerns, I’m committed to walking alongside you with empathy and professional guidance.
Shirley King
As a licensed therapist with a deep commitment to holistic healing, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on empowering clients through challenges like depression, anxiety, trauma, and life transitions. I bring a compassionate, culturally responsive approach that honors each person's unique journey and spiritual background. My therapeutic work focuses on helping clients develop self-love, improve communication skills, overcome social anxiety, and rediscover their sense of purpose. I understand the profound impact of isolation and shame, and I'm dedicated to creating a supportive environment where healing and personal growth can flourish. Drawing from evidence-based practices, I work collaboratively with clients to build resilience, enhance self-esteem, and develop meaningful coping strategies. My approach is rooted in respect, understanding, and a genuine belief in each individual's capacity for transformation and healing. I often use humor in session when appropriate, if the client is comfortable with it.
Joseph Contes
I believe that every person already has strengths, resilience, and the capacity for growth—even when life feels overwhelming. My role is to help you identify those strengths, navigate life’s challenges, and create meaningful, lasting change. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, National Certified Counselor, and Qualified Supervisor, I have over 17 years of experience working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, families, and Veterans in a variety of settings, including crisis intervention, trauma treatment, community mental health, higher education, and emergency psychiatry. These experiences have taught me that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to therapy. I strive to create a space where you feel heard, respected, and challenged in ways that promote growth. My style is warm, genuine, collaborative, and direct. I believe therapy should be a conversation, not a lecture. Together, we’ll explore what’s keeping you stuck, build on your existing strengths, and develop practical strategies that help you move toward the life you want to live. My clinical interests include anxiety, depression, trauma, stress and burnout, relationship concerns, life transitions, self-esteem, emotional regulation, grief, and LGBTQ+ issues. I am trained in Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), while also incorporating cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused interventions, and other evidence-based approaches tailored to your individual needs. Whether you’re navigating a difficult season, processing past experiences, strengthening your relationships, or simply trying to better understand yourself, I would be honored to walk alongside you. Seeking help takes courage, and my goal is to provide a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where you can feel empowered to make meaningful changes and build a life that aligns with your values.
*BetterHelp insurance availability, coverage, and cost may vary by state, plan, provider network, therapist availability, and deductible status.
Find a therapist near you in Anna Maria, Florida
Finding a therapist near you in Anna Maria, Florida starts with matching to a licensed professional who fits your needs, schedule, and goals. Florida is home to people with diverse mental health needs across urban, suburban, and rural communities, which can make it challenging to find care. BetterHelp connects you with a licensed therapist through tailored matching, so you can begin care from home or wherever works for you.
The network includes over 30,000 licensed therapists globally, and over 4 million people have used BetterHelp to find support through online therapy. During matching, 93% of user preferences are met, which helps you connect with a therapist suited to what you are looking for. Whether you are searching for help with anxiety, trauma, affordable or insurance covered therapy, weekend or flexible scheduling, or virtual sessions, you can find a therapist and get started when you are ready.
Why work with a licensed therapist near you?
Working with a licensed therapist near you gives you access to professional mental health support from someone trained to help you understand and manage what you are going through. A licensed therapist can offer evidence-based approaches, a steady space to talk, and guidance tailored to your situation. In Florida, online therapy can make that care more accessible, since sessions happen from home or wherever you are, without the need to travel to an office. This can help if your schedule is full, if travel is difficult, or if you simply prefer a more discreet setting. You can learn more about what a therapist does on the therapist role page.
Online therapy can be especially helpful for people living across Florida, where access to in-person mental health care may vary by location.
What concerns can therapists help with?
Therapists can help with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety and stress, depression, trauma and PTSD, self-esteem and identity, people-pleasing and fear of rejection, insomnia and racing thoughts, workplace stress and burnout, substance use, parenting and co-parenting stress, grief and loss, and relationship and family challenges. Therapists on BetterHelp may draw on approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), depending on your needs and goals. You can explore support for specific concerns on pages such as generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and eating disorders.
Please note that therapists on BetterHelp do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses.
Online therapy vs. in-person therapy in Florida
Online therapy and in-person therapy both connect you with a licensed professional, and the main difference is how you meet. In Florida, online therapy through BetterHelp lets you have sessions by phone, video, or in-app messaging, so you can meet from home or on a schedule that fits your life. In-person therapy takes place at an office and may involve travel and set appointment windows. Online therapy may be more accessible for people with busy schedules, limited transportation, or a preference for a more discreet setting. Both formats can support meaningful progress, so the right choice often comes down to what fits your life.
Finding a therapist that accepts insurance in Florida
BetterHelp accepts insurance through many major insurance plans. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability, and deductible status. Eligible members' average copay is $23 per session.
You can check your in-network status on the BetterHelp site through the sign up flow. If you prefer to pay without insurance, BetterHelp subscriptions range from $70 to $100 per week, billed as an alternative way to access the same care, and you can use HSA and FSA funds toward the cost. For a full breakdown of how BetterHelp works with insurance plans, see BetterHelp insurance coverage.
How BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in Florida
BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in Florida through personalized matching that considers your needs, preferences, and goals. After you answer a few questions during the sign up flow, you can be matched with a licensed therapist from a network of over 30,000 professionals, and 93% of user preferences are met during matching. The search and location matching cover common near-me needs, including anxiety, trauma, affordable or sliding-scale support, weekend or flexible scheduling, and virtual sessions. If your first match is not the right fit, you can switch therapists at no extra cost. When you are ready, you can get started and begin the process.
Therapists near you in Florida
Below, you’ll find licensed therapists authorized to provide online therapy to adults across Florida, including residents in Anna Maria.
Each provider meets state licensing requirements and has experience supporting clients with a wide range of mental health concerns using evidence-based therapeutic approaches.
Please note: Therapists on BetterHelp in Florida do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses.
Frequently asked questions about finding a therapist near me
How much does therapy cost near me?
Therapy costs near you can vary by provider, format, and payment method. With BetterHelp, subscriptions range from $70 to $100 per week, and you can use HSA and FSA funds toward the cost. BetterHelp also accepts insurance through many major insurance plans, and eligible members' average copay is $23 per session. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability, and deductible status.
Does BetterHelp accept insurance?
Yes. BetterHelp accepts insurance through many major insurance plans. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability. Eligible members' average copay is $23 per session. Check your in-network status on the BetterHelp site through the sign up flow. For a full breakdown of how BetterHelp works with insurance plans, see BetterHelp insurance coverage.
Is online therapy effective?
Online therapy can be an effective way to receive licensed mental health care for many common concerns. Research suggests that online therapy may support progress in ways comparable to in-person care for concerns such as anxiety and depression. On BetterHelp, you connect with a licensed therapist who can use evidence-based approaches such as CBT and DBT, and you can meet by phone, video, or in-app messaging.
Do I need a diagnosis to see a therapist?
No, you do not need a diagnosis to see a therapist. Many people begin therapy to work through stress, life changes, relationships, or personal growth without any diagnosis. Please note that therapists on BetterHelp do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses. If you are looking for a starting point, personalized matching can connect you with a licensed therapist suited to your goals.
How quickly can I start therapy?
You can often start therapy within 24 to 48 hours of signing up with BetterHelp. After you answer a few questions during the sign up flow, personalized matching connects you with a licensed therapist, and you can schedule your first session once you are matched. This process is designed to help you begin care at your own pace, without a long wait.
Can I switch therapists if it’s not the right fit?
Yes. If you feel your therapist is not the right match, you can request to be matched with another licensed provider at no additional cost. You are able to do so through the BetterHelp user portal and select switch therapists if needed.
Is online therapy discreet?
Online therapy with BetterHelp offers a discreet setting where you can connect with a licensed therapist from the comfort of your home. Sessions take place by phone, video, or in-app messaging, so you can meet without going into an office. Your account and sessions are protected with strong safeguards, and you choose how and where you attend. This can make therapy feel more comfortable for people who prefer a discreet way to get support.
Find a Therapist in Anna Maria, Florida
Ready to begin? BetterHelp can match you with a licensed therapist serving Anna Maria and the surrounding FL area. When you are ready to take the next step, get started.