Prenatal and postpartum therapists & psychiatrists in Fort Walton Beach, FL

Tara Payne is the owner and founder of Payne Influential Mental Health. She is a board-certified

Psychiatric Mental Health Practitioner (PMHNP). She obtained her Master of Science in

Nursing from the University of South Alabama. Tara has been a Registered Nurse for almost 20

years in which she has been devoted to helping and treating patients with a variety of conditions.

She has specialized in critical care, mental health, and several other acute care specialties. Tara is a Perinatal Mental Health provider through PSI (Postpartum Support International) as well as a Trauma Certified provider. Tara has learned how vital mental health is when it comes to treating a patient as a “whole” person. This has driven her passion to help serve the mental health community and those in need of mental health management.

If you visit our company website or visit us on Psychology Today, a up to date list of insurance companies listed is provided.

Hi, I’m Chiedza aka Chi Chi, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who works with individuals, couples, and families navigating life’s transitions, relationship challenges, anxiety, self-esteem, and emotional overwhelm. I earned my Master’s degree in Couples and Family Therapy from Nova Southeastern University and believe that healing happens when people feel safe enough to be seen, understood, and challenged with compassion.

My work is rooted in the understanding that we don’t exist in isolation—our relationships, experiences, and environments all influence how we think, feel, and connect with others. Whether you’re struggling with communication, navigating a major life change, or trying to better understand yourself, I’m here to help you move toward a life that feels more authentic and aligned with your values.

I strive to create a space where clients feel accepted without judgment while also feeling empowered to grow. My goal isn’t to tell you who to be—it’s to help you discover who you already are beneath expectations, fear, and old patterns.

Sometimes the way you learned to cope is no longer helping you live the life you want. You may turn to substances when emotions become overwhelming, find yourself reacting with anger you later regret, or feel trapped between anxiety, depression, and painful experiences from your past. These struggles can begin affecting your relationships, family, confidence, and ability to recognize yourself. I provide virtual individual and family therapy in English and Spanish for adolescents, adults, and seniors throughout Florida, with a focus on substance use and addiction, anxiety, depression, anger management, and trauma. I also support clients navigating family and relationship issues, PTSD, grief and loss, stress, major life transitions, women’s issues, maternal mental health, identity concerns, ADHD, bipolar disorder, OCD, and eating disorders when these challenges intersect with the primary reasons they seek therapy. My goal is to help you understand what is keeping you stuck, reconnect with your strengths, and develop healthier ways to move forward.

My mission in therapy is to create a space where clients have the freedom to guide the work towards their goals with a collaborate partner who can assist in the self discovery process. I strive to make therapy feel loving and supportive by providing a place where you can start on the journey to connecting with your inner strength. Self care is important, and therapy is a courageous way to give yourself the care and support you deserve.

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.

I bring a wealth of maturity and experience to a new career as an art therapist and counselor. I am a Registered Art Therapist and Clinical Mental Health Counselor and hold a dual-concentration Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health & Art Therapy from PennWestern University, graduating Summa Cum Laude.

My Specialties & Areas of Support:

• Perinatal & Maternal Mental Health: Navigating the profound transitions of pregnancy, postpartum, and early motherhood.
• Complex Trauma Treatment: Safely processing deep-seated wounds to reclaim your present life. Certified in Tholage Neuropsychotherapy.
• Adult Children of Dysfunctional Families: Finding recovery, setting boundaries, and breaking old patterns.
• Anxiety & Depression: Developing coping strategies and finding a path back to hope.
• Parenting for All Ages: I am certified in early childhood parent education, and a certified lactation consultant. I have worked with parents for 25 years, from pregnancy to tweens, teens and parenting young adults.
• Hobbies: Drawing, painting, fiber arts, guitar, singing.

Life is about experiences and stories around those experiences. Some good, some unexpected, some "WTF." I get it. Being human comes with a lot and that includes challenges that might rock you to your core. However, if you're ready to widen your perspective on Who You Are and Can Choose to Be, then, It's time to tap into the More of You! I'll support you as expand your narrative and choices. Crying, laughing, cursing and venting is included. Spanglish is also offered.

I want to help you help yourself. I believe everyone is capable of change and I will teach you skills to use everyday.