Bipolar disorder therapists & psychiatrists in Fort Walton Beach, FL

I am committed to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with clarity, resilience, and purpose. With my first responder background, I bring a unique, real-world perspective to my work—one grounded in understanding, accountability, and compassion.

I have a decade of experience working in and around crisis, guiding individuals through the dark. I am currently licensed in FL and AL, as well as hold additional certifications in trauma-informed therapy and addictions.

I believe that growth is possible for everyone, no matter where they are starting. My goal is to provide a supportive, judgment-free space where clients feel heard, challenged, and equipped to move forward with confidence.

Hi there! My name is Jessica, and I am a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I began my nursing career in 2011 and have since developed a deep commitment to helping individuals improve their mental well-being. I specialize in treating depression, generalized anxiety, PTSD, substance abuse, postpartum depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, insomnia, and OCD. I provide care for adults and geriatric populations, focusing on compassionate, evidence-based, and individualized treatment. As the owner of MMJ Mindful Wellness LLC, I am dedicated to creating a welcoming and supportive environment where clients feel empowered on their path to healing.

Life can often feel like a series of overwhelming transitions, leaving you feeling disconnected or unsure of your next step. I provide a dedicated space for adults (22+) to slow down, reflect, and move forward with renewed clarity.

Whether you are navigating the complexities of trauma, managing a mood disorder, or facing significant life changes, my goal is to help you transform "feeling stuck" into a journey of intentional growth.

How We Will Work Together

My approach is relational, honest, and depth-oriented. Rather than just addressing surface-level symptoms, we will explore the unspoken beliefs and past experiences that quietly shape your daily life. By learning to listen to what your emotions are communicating, you can begin to respond to life’s challenges in ways that promote genuine healing and authentic connection.

Specialized Support for Couples

In addition to individual therapy, I specialize in marriage and pre-marital counseling. I help couples at all stages build resilient foundations, repair emotional disconnections, and foster a deeper sense of intimacy and mutual understanding.

**Please note: While I accept insurance for individual therapy, all couples counseling is private-pay only. Insurance does not cover relationship-focused therapy.

Your Journey Starts Here

You deserve a space where you are fully seen, heard, and empowered. No matter where you are in your journey, I am here to support you in creating meaningful, lasting change.

Accepting new clients. Flexible hours available. Kathleen is Board Certified (CCMHC), Licensed Professional Counselor w/ 30+ years of experience.

Choose Kathleen when you want expert help! Licensed in five states! Texas, Florida, Alaska, Oregon, and Montana.

Graduate of University of North Florida.

Reviews:

"My connection with Kathleen feels like she understands what I’m going through and has helped me make sense of my thoughts and not fear them. I’m really fortunate and grateful she exists and I found her."

"Kathleen really cares, and it shows!"

"I saw incredible improvement in less than a month!"

I’m a warm and charismatic PMHNP who takes a holistic and participatory approach to care. I specialize in treating depression and anxiety, helping clients feel empowered and supported throughout their healing journey.

I graduated from The Ohio State University with my DNP in 2020 focusing on efficient pathways to implement depression screening post-stroke to identify mental health needs. After working a couple years as a nurse practitioner within neurosurgery, I transitioned from Ohio to Florida and pursued my PMHNP certification from Florida State University. Over the past 5 years I have been treating psychiatric needs in LTC around Florida. I am currently working to expand into independent practice and work personally with individuals creating a therapeutic relationship and enhancing their mental health.

Life can feel overwhelming when stress, relationship challenges, difficult experiences, or emotional struggles begin affecting your ability to feel connected to yourself and the people around you. You may find yourself stuck in unhealthy patterns, struggling to communicate effectively, or carrying emotional burdens that continue to impact your daily life. Whether you are navigating challenges as an individual, within a relationship, or as part of a family system, therapy can provide a space to better understand what is happening and begin creating meaningful change.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and a master’s-level Certified Addiction Professional (MCAP) practicing in Florida. My experience working in residential treatment settings for mental health and substance use has shaped my commitment to compassionate, client-centered care. Through years of clinical practice, I’ve developed a deeper understanding of how thoughts, emotions, and life experiences impact daily functioning and overall well-being.

I strive to create a space where clients feel seen, respected, and understood. Like many people, I have faced personal challenges that have deepened my understanding of mental health and strengthened my empathy for those I work with. I earned my master’s degree in social work from the University of Maine and have worked in home-based family programs, residential treatment settings, and a methadone clinic providing medication-assisted treatment. Throughout my career, I’ve supported adults with dual diagnoses, trauma, mood disorders, serious mental illness, and substance use concerns, as well as older adults navigating life transitions.

I have been a social worker/therapist for 20+ years. I received my Masters degree at the University of Buffalo, in Upstate New York. I work with clients experiencing depression and anxiety. Together, we explore how thoughts influence feelings and how feelings shape behaviors. When patterns become unhelpful, they can interfere with relationships, work, and overall well-being. I help clients build insight and practical tools to create healthier, more empowering ways of responding to life's challenges.

Do you feel abandoned by those you love? Do you feel overwhelmed by feelings of dread due to past trauma? Are you consumed by shame? Is living for you a never ending feeling of worthlessness? How many times have you felt you don't belong, even within your own family or circle of friends? Once is too much and I can help. Divorce, loneliness doesn't have to be your future. Nor do anger issues, anxiety or depression. You deserve to have self-worth and a positive tomorrow. Feel free to reach out to me. You are not alone.

Let us discover, together, new ways to look at change. My focus and passion is to help you reclaim your joy and peace. Marriages can be saved. Nightmares can stop and negative thoughts don't have to win. Our goal will be to find lasting solutions that work for you in your every day life.

Aurelio received his Graduate Degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of Central Florida in Orlando. He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker as well as a Qualified Supervisor for the State of Florida, and Internationally Certified Interventionist.

“My counseling style has developed over time to become one that does not spend time dredging up the past or spending time talking about the past session after session. This approach focuses on finding solutions for today and the future and keeps you on your new path while discouraging looking back because you are not going that way”.