Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Fort Walton Beach, FL covered by Aetna

I have 9 years of experience working in psychiatric nursing before becoming a nurse practitioner. I worked at Northeast Florida State Hospital in Macclenny, Florida for 9 years as an Registered Nurse. I understand the pitfalls of institutionalization and the path of recovery is a long one but still is achievable with the right support system.

I am currently accepting new clients. If you’ve been carrying a lot for a long time, you don’t have to sort through it alone. I work with adults of all ages to address past experiences, current concerns, and future goals in a welcoming, collaborative, and supportive space. If you’re looking for care that feels thoughtful, steady, and genuinely personal, we’ll create a path forward together.

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.

My goal is to guide clients to improve their interpersonal relationships, overcome life stresses, and feel less depressed and anxious. With 30 years of experience, I view therapy as a partnership where client and therapist work together. If setting goals and having an accountability partner in reaching those goals resonates, I welcome the opportunity to work with you.

Life can feel overwhelming when you're carrying anxiety, trauma, grief, relationship stress, or the emotional weight of a chronic health condition. You may be tired of overthinking, feeling stuck, or pretending you're okay when you're not. I enjoy workin with teens, adults, and couples who are ready for honest conversations, practical solutions, and real progress. You'll get compassion, straightforward feedback, and even a little humor along the way because healing doesn't have to feel heavy all the time.

I've spent over 21 years helping people navigate some of life's toughest situations — substance use, trauma, domestic violence, anger, and the kind of challenges that make it hard to see a way forward. I spent the last decade working in court-ordered programs with clients who didn't choose to be in therapy, and I got them to stay. First thing I tell every client: I am your advocate. I'm real, I'm relatable, and yes, I will make you laugh! I'm a seasoned Black woman from New York City, and my NYC energy definitely comes through. Clients describe me as someone who can break through that wall of resistance many people walk in with and I'm proud of that.

I truly enjoy helping people achieve their goals for emotional well-being. Whether you are experiencing anxiety or depression, or simply struggling with motivation, I would love to help you on your journey! I have 20+ years experience working as a therapist. I am a graduate of Northern Michigan University and University of Michigan. My professional internships were completed at Marquette General Hospital Adult Inpatient Psychiatric Ward and at the University of Toledo Student Counseling Center. Following graduate school, I worked as a counselor for foster and adopted children. I also worked as a K- 8th grade school counselor. In 2002, I joined the United States Air Force, where I spent 8 years working to improve the mental health of military members and their families. While deployed, I operated a combat stress clinic and responded to emergent mental health needs of soldiers, sailors and airmen. After separating from the USAF, I have continued working as a therapist, serving adults from various backgrounds. I embrace diversity, and welcome all people!

I received my Bachelors in Psychology from Bethune Cookman University & my Masters in Social Work from Barry University. Born and raised in Denver, CO I come from a blended, military family which has developed a great passion for me working with children and their families providing them with dedication, support, skills and resources to address their needs. I have over 6 years of experience providing services in a variety of settings to diverse youth and their families.