LGBT therapists in Fort Walton Beach, FL

“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 have been a licensed psychologist since 2007. I have advanced training in eating disorders, PTSD, and suicide prevention. I also have knowledge and a great deal of experience in many different areas, including depression, anxiety, panic attacks, Bipolar Disorder, ADHD, etc. I work with children, adolescents, adults, and older adults. I generally use behavioral, cognitive-behavioral (CBT) and interpersonal modalities in therapy. I was in private practice from 2007-2015 and then worked full-time for the Veterans' Administration (VA) for almost ten years. I have recently transitioned back to private practice. I have been doing only telehealth for the past five years. I must admit that I was skeptical about telehealth at first, but have been absolutely amazed at how effective it is.

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 Astrid, a dedicated nurse practitioner with over 18 years of healthcare experience, including over 7 years in mental health, presently welcoming clients in FLORIDA and COLORADO.

I believe everyone deserves care that respects their entire being and honors the uniqueness of their life story.

My mission is to create a supportive and healing environment where mental health is approached holistically in a safe and judgment-free environment.

I am deeply committed to supporting individuals, especially women across the lifespan, from puberty and postpartum to perimenopause and beyond, as they navigate challenges, reclaim their power, and thrive.

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC016639) in the state of Georgia and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (MH22156) in the state of Florida. I've worked in a variety of settings, such as psychiatric hospitals, crisis stabilization units, community agencies and college campuses. My clients have a wide range in age, gender, sexual orientation, faith, education level, ethnicity, and cultural background. In my practice, I like to focus on life transitions, whether it's leaving a job, becoming a parent, or starting college.

It's difficult making the first phone call, booking an appointment and admitting you need help. Whether it's depression, anxiety, a mood disorder or trauma, it's frightening to admit that everything isn't how you want it to be and you don't have all the answers. If you're experiencing sadness, anxiety, mood swings, intrusive thoughts or images, flash backs, numbness or insomnia, there is hope and there is help. I'm going to teach you skills to manage you symptoms, emotions and relationships more effectively.

Healing is a calling that has led me to explore my own multicultural ways of healing as an immigrant, bicultural Latinx therapist. I graduated from the Masters program at the FSU College of Social Work, became licensed (LCSW), and later fully EMDR trained. The majority of my work has been with marginalized communities in the context of trauma related to interpersonal violence at the intersections of racial, ethnic, gender, and sexual identities. Though not listed as an option, this also includes individuals who are or practice ethical nonmonogamy, polyamory, and or relational anarchy. Culturally responsive, complementary modalities are also a passion, and offered alongside evidence based modalities. ** If you find yourself feeling like "WTF?" a lot, we may be a good fit. For the further curious astrology aficionades, I am a Cancer Sun, Taurus Moon, and Pisces Rising. I identify as pansexual and a genderqueer femme.

**Please note that some of these don't translate directly to a telehealth setting.

I am an LPC in Virginia and LMHC-S in Florida my background in practice consists of treating adolescents, families, children in at risk populations and treating adults with depression and anxiety. I take a holistic approach to counseling and meet the client where they are at. I include CBT and solution-focused techniques in order to assist clients dealing with a variety of issues. I also have a background in TF-CBT informed therapy and utilize this as needed.

Hi, I’m Jenn, a licensed mental health counselor with more than four years of experience working with individuals and groups. I specialize in adult ADHD, LGBTQIA+ identities, substance use, and mood disorders. I love what I do, and I bring that passion to the therapy space for every session. I try to integrate a warm and approachable style using authenticity, humor, and empathy.