Anxiety and depression therapists and psychiatrists in Fort Walton Beach, FL

I am Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a concentration in Lifespan Development and a minor in Child and Family Development from Georgia Southern University, and went on to complete my master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of North Florida.

My background includes working with children, teens, and families in both educational and therapeutic settings, as well as most recently supporting individuals and groups in addiction and recovery programs. I am certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) through Florida Atlantic University and integrate evidence-based approaches including Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), mindfulness practices, and strengths-based strategies. My clinical interests include supporting clients through persistent depression and anxiety, grief and loss, life transitions, and identity exploration. I also welcome partners and families into therapy, believing that healing and growth often take shape within our most important relationships.

Hi, I’m Maikel Echemendia, a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner serving patients in Florida through both in-person and telehealth appointments. I specialize in helping adults who struggle with anxiety, depression, insomnia, panic symptoms, mood disorders, ADHD, trauma-related symptoms, and life stressors. My approach is warm, supportive, and practical. I believe patients should feel heard, respected, and understood—not judged. Many people come to treatment feeling overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, anxious, or stuck, and my goal is to help them regain stability, clarity, and confidence in their daily lives.

I trained in medicine before I became a therapist, and it changed what I listen for. When a client tells me her chest tightens before every meeting, or that she can't stop thinking about a diagnosis, I take the physical side of that seriously.

I hold a PhD in health psychology and I'm a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois and Florida. My published research is on post-traumatic growth in women. Since 2020 I've also taught graduate counseling and psychology as an adjunct professor.

I see adults dealing with trauma and complex trauma, chronic illness, health anxiety, depression, grief, and major life transitions. I work with women through perinatal and postpartum struggles and through fertility challenges. I also see adolescents.

I speak English, Hindi, Arabic, and Urdu. If you're dealing with immigration, acculturation, or family expectations that don't translate easily, you won't have to explain that context to me first.

As a Master Level Social Worker, I have more than 24 years of experience providing therapeutic and advocacy services to adolescents and their families. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I provide services via telehealth and in outpatient, home, medical, and ALF's settings to adult and senior populations.

“We are never more fully alive, more completely ourselves or more deeply engrossed in anything than when we are playing”. -Charles Schaefer. Play is vital for children to express themselves and learn about their surroundings and general environment. In addition to exploration, it is essential for their development. Allowing the space for them to play freely generates the possibility of understanding their world and their motivation. Instead of the traditional format of communication, we often learn more about a child's thoughts, feelings, motivations, and struggles by watching them play.

To be able to give a child power, motivation, and confidence will set the foundation for a successful life. Often times when dealing with a traumatic situation and learning to deal and cope with it effectively, allows a child (or anyone for that matter) to become the best versions of themselves and learn to move forward.

Play Therapy sessions with a Licensed clinician that cares and helps create a safe place. I guide my clients and their parents every step of the way and implement various methods to help them develop new attitudes towards all of life’s most complex matters. The works I do benefits children coming from abusive homes and dealing with some of those challenges.

I am a compassionate psychiatrist dedicated to caring for patients of all ages. My goal is to help each patient feel comfortable, supported, and truly heard during every visit. I am fluent in English and Spanish, and I take pride in working with diverse patient populations while providing attentive, patient centered mental health care