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

Hi, I’m glad you’re here! I am a first generation Cuban-American, raised in Orlando, and settled into the Palm Beach area. I am a self-described professional learner with a few Masters degree (Criminal Justice and forensic/clinical psychology) as well as my PsyD in clinical psychology. I enjoy working with first responders, other professionals, young adults, and couples.

I’m a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a background in social work and therapy, and that experience has shaped how I think about mental health care. I’ve learned that what someone is experiencing is rarely just one thing. Our relationships, environment, past experiences, biology, and daily stressors can all play a role. I became a PMHNP-BC because I wanted to bring medication management into the same thoughtful, whole-person care I had been providing throughout my career.

I believe that true healing begins when you feel genuinely seen, heard, and understood. As a dual-board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health and Family Nurse Practitioner with over 25 years of healthcare experience, my passion is delivering compassionate, individualized care that treats you as a whole person—not just a list of symptoms.

Mental health challenges like ADHD, anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and OCD can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to navigate them alone. My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in deep empathy. Together, we will combine evidence-based treatments with a personalized plan tailored specifically to your unique life, goals, and well-being. My focus is to help you build resilience, gain clarity, and walk away with practical tools for lasting, meaningful progress. Let’s work together to empower your total well-being.

If you are navigating anxiety, a big life change, or the particular weight that comes with motherhood, fertility, or perimenopause, you have come to the right place. I am Patty, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Clinical Hypnotherapist and Mindfulness Provider with more than 20 years of experience helping women move from anxious and overwhelmed to grounded and resilient.

I believe therapy works best when it fits your real life, so I build every session around your specific goals, your pace, and exploring what matters most to you. If any of this resonates, I would love to connect.

Taylor Kirk, LCSW, is a Florida-based therapist with extensive experience supporting adolescents and adults from diverse backgrounds. Specializing in life transitions, anxiety, depression, and crisis stabilization, Taylor helps clients gain personal insight, guiding them toward accomplishing their goals and becoming the best version of themselves.

My name is Melyssa Rivera-Lopez; a Forensic Licensed Clinician who graduated with high honors from Barry University. I have 20 + years of experience working in the field. Responsibilities include delivering evidence-based treatment options, assessments, diagnosis, recommendations pertaining to mental health status, and serving as an expert witness. Other functions include policy and program development, mediation, advocacy, and behavioral science research.

I’m Lauren Butler, LCSW, a licensed clinical social worker who is passionate about helping people feel more grounded, confident, and emotionally supported in their lives. My work is rooted in creating a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients can be honest about what they’re going through and feel truly heard.

I have experience working with individuals navigating anxiety, depression, stress, relationship challenges, life transitions, and self-esteem concerns. I believe therapy should feel collaborative, empowering, and practical—not intimidating. My goal is to help clients better understand themselves, break unhelpful patterns, and build healthier ways of coping so they can move forward with more clarity and confidence.