LGBT therapists in Fort Walton Beach, FL

Hi, I’m Lucnise. I’m a compassionate and dedicated therapist committed to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with clarity and confidence. My professional background includes training in evidence-based therapeutic approaches, and I have experience supporting clients through a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationship challenges, and stress management.

I strive to create a space where you feel heard, respected, and understood. I value authenticity and cultural awareness in my work, and I am especially mindful of how personal identity, life experiences, and environment shape each individual’s journey. My goal is to meet you where you are and support you in moving toward meaningful growth and healing.

Welcome! If insight alone could cure anxiety or depression, you would already be healed. Analyzing the problem hasn't stopped the loops of "what if" thinking or the exhaustion of holding it all together. I offer specialized, individualized, and deeply effective telehealth treatment for anxiety, depression, and related life challenges. In our relaxed, warm, and casual sessions, you will learn practical "anxiety hacks" for immediate relief while we work together on long-term behavioral change. Backed by over two decades of clinical experience, my goal is for you to leave every session feeling heard, supported, and genuinely closer to reaching your goals.

With more than fifteen years of experience in behavioral health, my work is shaped by a deep commitment to helping individuals feel understood, supported, and empowered. My education and early training focused on counseling, addiction treatment, and behavioral health assessment, and I spent many years providing individual, group, and family therapy across detox, residential, and outpatient settings. I’ve worked closely with adults navigating substance use, trauma, anxiety, depression, anger or impulse concerns, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and relationship or family challenges. I’ve also supported LGBTQ+ clients, justice‐involved individuals, and those managing chronic mental illness or complex psychosocial stressors.

In addition to my clinical work, I’ve spent more than a decade in behavioral health utilization management, leading teams that ensure clients receive appropriate, timely, and effective care. This blend of direct therapeutic experience and system‐level leadership gives me a unique perspective: I understand both the personal and structural challenges people face when seeking help. Clients can expect a grounded, compassionate, and collaborative approach—one that honors their story, builds on their strengths, and supports meaningful, sustainable growth.

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.

Clients should know that I’m down-to-earth, non-judgmental, and a genuine person. I believe therapy works best when you feel safe enough to be real—no masks, no pressure, no shame. I bring warmth and care into the room, along with a sense of humor when it’s helpful, because healing doesn’t always have to feel heavy to be meaningful.

I’m also solution-focused and collaborative. That means we’ll spend time understanding what’s going on, but we won’t get stuck there. We’ll work together to identify practical tools, coping strategies, and small, realistic steps that can help you feel better in your day-to-day life. Above all, I care deeply about meeting you where you are and supporting you in a way that feels respectful, empowering, and aligned with your goals. If you do not see your insurance provider listed and you are interested in private pay, please email me at [email protected] or find me on Psychology today under Nicole McCray and send me a message.

Jeanna treats people with depression, anxiety, bipolar , substance use disorders , couples counseling , trauma and LBGTQ+ issues. She is passionate about optimal health in her professional and personal life and draws from a rich history of eastern philosophies and western science to meet the needs of her clients.