Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Fort Myers, FL covered by Cigna

You don’t have to navigate this alone.

I’m a Licensed Mental Health and ART trauma therapist passionate about helping adults and teens manage the overwhelming challenges of life—whether it's anxiety, depression, trauma, or simply feeling stuck.

If you are seeking an alternative to traditional psychiatric care — especially after feeling broken, unheard, or powerless — I want you to know that change is possible. Life can feel like turbulent waves, and surface-level symptom reduction is rarely enough. Together, with or without medication, we will explore how your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors interact, helping you replace external control with inner direction and discover the calm beneath the waves. My goal is to guide and empower you until I am no longer needed.

Becoming a licensed clinical social worker has always been a career goal. Growing up, I constantly advocated for vulnerable populations and had a deep understanding of people’s emotions. As the oldest child and daughter, understanding family dynamics, worldviews, and individual experiences came naturally. In my career, I’ve provided psychotherapy to court-ordered parents working to reunite with their children, teens in a school setting as a behavioral health therapist, and millennial individuals as a primary therapist. As a first-generation college graduate, an entrepreneur, and a businesswoman, I also understand the challenges that come with starting something from scratch and learning as you go. Sometimes, you need to speak with a relatable yet unbiased party to process your thoughts and feelings about everyday stressors that you may not feel comfortable sharing openly. I use evidence-based practices and unconventional interventions to reach clients where they are.

I am a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with 26 years of nursing experience in various capacities, including psychiatric mental health and addiction medicine for the last 8 years. My passion is to walk alongside my patients on their mental health journey, helping them navigate challenges, cultivate lasting wellness, and restore balance for a meaningful and fulfilling life.

I’m a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who believes mental health care should feel collaborative, individualized, and judgment-free. My goal is to create a space where you feel heard, understood, and actively involved in your treatment.

I work with adults experiencing ADHD, anxiety, depression, PTSD, OCD, bipolar disorder, and other mental health concerns. Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, I take time to understand your symptoms, lifestyle, medical history, and personal goals. When appropriate, I also consider factors such as sleep, nutrition, physical health, and laboratory findings that may be contributing to how you feel.

Medication can be an important tool, but it’s only one part of mental health care. Together, we’ll develop a practical treatment plan focused on helping you feel better, function better, and improve your overall quality of life.

I’m Diera Woodard, LCSW, Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I’m passionate about helping individuals and families navigate life’s challenges with compassion, authenticity, and practical tools for real change. My mission is to create a safe, supportive space where you can heal, grow, and reconnect with your sense of purpose and peace.

Clients often describe my style as warm, honest, and empowering. I meet you where you are and walk with you as you develop the insight and tools needed to create lasting change. I believe that therapy should feel like a collaborative conversation — one that helps you understand your emotions, strengthen your coping skills, and move toward a life that feels more aligned and fulfilling.

I believe therapy should be a space where you feel seen without having to over-explain yourself. My role is to help you reconnect with your strengths, deepen your relationships, and move through life with greater self-trust and ease.

I had the opportunity to experience travel by serving in the military for 22 years. After returning home-Florida I went to school and graduated from Webster University with master's in counseling, Attended Argosy University with Doctorate in Education, Counseling, and Supervision. Populations I have served --women and men with transition and life altering events, substance use, domestic violence and women issues.

I've worked with Active-duty service members, spouses and Veterans, men and women leaving prison and teens at Job Corps.

I have worked at the Women's Center of Jacksonville, Hubbard House, River Region, Gainesville Psychiatric Clinic and Northeast Florida Women Veteran Inc.

Since COVID I've had the pleasure of working remotely.

I am an Army Veteran, Lifelong learner, Adjunct Professor, traveler, and adventurer. I enjoy learning and creating new projects, enjoy playing monopoly with family, board games and chess.

I have a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Jacksonville University. I’ve been at Wekiva Springs Center since 2022, and have experience with patients all over the spectrum from mood disorders, to substance abuse disorders, anxiety, PTSD, and psychotic disorders.

I am Sarah and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified School Counselor in Florida. My 19 years of clinical experience have given me opportunity to work with a diverse population and in various therapeutic settings from Residential treatment, outpatient, to in-home therapy. These experiences have shaped me both personally and professionally. I have experience working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families. Although I have had opportunities to help clients work through different needs, I have a wealth of experience particularly working with clients who have experienced trauma, those experiencing anxiety and depression, difficulty with relationships and communication, difficulty managing stress or stressful events, families who are currently going through the adoption process, and helping parents to build healthy, secure attachments to their children.