Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Fort Walton Beach, FL

Hi, I’m Kristen, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling and nearly 10 years of experience in the mental health field. I work with adults navigating anxiety, trauma, relationship difficulties, addiction and substance-use-related concerns, stress, and major life transitions. My perspective is also shaped by seven years of living and working abroad, which has helped me develop a culturally sensitive and open-minded approach to supporting people from diverse backgrounds.

Hi, I'm Ashley, a Licensed Professional Counselor and Reiki II practitioner. I believe that somewhere underneath the anxiety, the self-doubt, and the patterns that keep repeating, there is a version of you that already knows the way. My job isn't to fix you. It's to create a space steady enough that you can actually hear yourself. Together we get curious about the thoughts that won't quiet down, the emotions that feel bigger than the moment, the behaviors that keep showing up even when you don't want them to, and what all of it is actually trying to tell you. I bring tools into our work that help you understand what's happening in your mind and body when you're overwhelmed, so you can actually do something about it instead of just surviving it. But more than any method or modality, I show up as a real person walking alongside you, trusting that you are the expert on your own life.

I truly enjoy helping people achieve their goals for emotional well-being. Whether you are experiencing anxiety or depression, or simply struggling with motivation, I would love to help you on your journey! I have 20+ years experience working as a therapist. I am a graduate of Northern Michigan University and University of Michigan. My professional internships were completed at Marquette General Hospital Adult Inpatient Psychiatric Ward and at the University of Toledo Student Counseling Center. Following graduate school, I worked as a counselor for foster and adopted children. I also worked as a K- 8th grade school counselor. In 2002, I joined the United States Air Force, where I spent 8 years working to improve the mental health of military members and their families. While deployed, I operated a combat stress clinic and responded to emergent mental health needs of soldiers, sailors and airmen. After separating from the USAF, I have continued working as a therapist, serving adults from various backgrounds. I embrace diversity, and welcome all people!

“I want you to know that I’m here to support you with you with warmth and honesty. I’ll listen deeply, but I’ll also be directwhen it helps. You move forward. I’d believe I’m working towards real practical solutions so you’ll always feel heard, and we’ll take steps that make a difference in your life.“

I specialize in mood disorders (including depression and bipolar disorder), anxiety (generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety), and trauma-related conditions including PTSD. I am deeply committed to breaking the stigma surrounding mental health — and I understand firsthand how shame and silence can stand in the way of healing and daily functioning. Outside of work, I'm a parent who enjoys going to the pool and playing board games with my children, which keeps me grounded in the everyday joys that matter most.

Hola, bienvenida/o.

Buscar ayuda no siempre es fácil. Muchas personas llegan a terapia sintiéndose abrumadas por la ansiedad, la tristeza, los conflictos en sus relaciones, el estrés o experiencias dolorosas que han cargado en silencio durante mucho tiempo. Si ese es tu caso, quiero que sepas que no tienes que enfrentarlo sola/o.

Soy psicóloga graduada de la Universidad Central “Marta Abreu” de Las Villas (UCLV), en Cuba, y continué mi formación profesional en Estados Unidos en Albizu University. Mi experiencia trabajando con la comunidad latina me ha permitido comprender los desafíos emocionales, familiares y culturales que muchas personas enfrentan mientras intentan equilibrar sus responsabilidades, relaciones y bienestar personal.

Ofrezco terapia en español para adolescentes y adultos que experimentan ansiedad, depresión, trauma, baja autoestima, dificultades en las relaciones, conflictos familiares, procesos de duelo y transiciones importantes de vida. También trabajo con personas que desean comprenderse mejor, fortalecer su autoestima y desarrollar herramientas para afrontar los desafíos cotidianos de manera más saludable.

Mi enfoque terapéutico es cálido, colaborativo y libre de juicios. Creo que cada persona tiene una historia única y merece un espacio seguro donde pueda sentirse escuchada, comprendida y valorada. Juntos exploraremos los patrones que están afectando tu bienestar emocional, identificaremos tus fortalezas y desarrollaremos estrategias prácticas para ayudarte a alcanzar cambios significativos y duraderos.

Creo firmemente que la terapia no solo ayuda a aliviar el sufrimiento emocional, sino que también puede convertirse en una oportunidad para crecer, sanar y construir una vida más plena y satisfactoria.

Será un honor acompañarte en tu proceso hacia una mayor comprensión de ti misma/o, bienestar emocional y crecimiento personal.

⭐ I’m Shelly Lewin, LCSW/LICSW, a therapist with 31 years of experience helping adults navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, identity issues, and major life transitions. I provide virtual therapy across Arizona, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, New Mexico, and West Virginia, offering accessible, evidence‐based care to clients seeking meaningful and lasting change. I have 30+ years of experience in private practice and leadership roles at organizations including:

• The Joint Commission
• Northwestern Memorial Hospital
• Kaiser Permanente
• Common Spirit
• Mount Sinai Health System

This background allows me to offer deep clinical expertise paired with practical, real‐world understanding of how people heal and grow. My approach is warm, collaborative, open‐minded, and affirming. If you're feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or ready for change, I’m here to walk beside you with steady support and clinically grounded guidance. I specialize in therapy for adults experiencing:

• Anxiety & panic disorders
• Depression & mood disorders
• PTSD and trauma recovery
• Substance use and addiction
• LGBTQIA+ affirmative care
• Men’s issues & identity exploration
• Life and career transitions
• Chronic illness & long-term stress

Additional areas of expertise include: Bipolar disorder, OCD, grief & loss, workplace stress, anger management, cultural/ethnic identity issues, expat adjustment, relationship issues, family challenges, and end-of-life concerns

If you want someone who will be straight with you — you're in the right place.

I'm a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with 5 years of experience working with adults navigating trauma, anxiety, and depression. I bring honesty, clarity, and genuine compassion to every session. That means I won't sugarcoat what I see, I won't tell you what you want to hear just to make you comfortable, and I won't let you stay stuck when I can see a way forward.

What I will do is show up fully, tell you the truth, and work hard alongside you.