Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Gainesville, FL covered by United Healthcare

Elizabeth Lerner received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Speech Communications and Sociology from the University of Miami in 1993 and earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Florida International University in 1995. She became licensed in 1998 and is a qualified supervisor for those seeking Florida licensure.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker serving women in Montana and Florida through my private practice, Heart Development Strategies, LLC. I earned my Master of Social Work from Western New Mexico University and hold a graduate certificate in Rural Community Social Work. I am trained in EMDR, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, Internal Family Systems, and strengths-based, person-centered approaches.

I specialize in working with emotionally and mentally exhausted women navigating anxiety, burnout, compassion fatigue, trauma, and major life transitions. Many of the women I work with are leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals, and caregivers who have spent years holding everything together while quietly losing touch with themselves. Women often come to me because they want someone real, warm, honest, and straightforward. I am not here to impress you or give you a script to follow. I meet you where you are with truth, compassion, and practical support.

Please note, outside of Headway insurance I also accept Mountain Health Co-Op, Peak PPO.

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified School Counselor in the State of Florida. I have been working with children, adolescence, families, and adults for 26 years. I specialize in positive psychology, social emotional wellness, families and parenting, addiction, anxiety, stress, and wellness.

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!

With over a decade of experience, I offer tailored therapy for diverse challenges: Disruptive Behavior, Parental Stress, LGBTQIA Support, Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, Relationships, Grief, Life Transitions, BIPOC Concerns, and Personal Growth. I use a holistic approach integrating Trauma-Informed Care, CBT, and Behavior Therapy. Let's work towards healing and growth together!

I work primarily with women navigating anxiety, trauma, burnout, self-esteem, guilt and shame, career stress, and major life transitions. Many of the women I work with are capable and successful on the outside but may feel overwhelmed, stuck, exhausted, or disconnected on the inside.

I have advanced training in EMDR, an evidence-based approach that can help you process difficult or traumatic experiences that may still be affecting you today. I also use a variety of approaches based on your individual needs, goals, and comfort level.

Together, we’ll work to better understand what you’re experiencing, how past experiences and current stressors may be affecting you, and what you need to move forward. My goal is to provide a safe, supportive, and judgment-free space where you can feel heard, develop greater self-awareness and self-compassion, and create meaningful change in your life.

Licensed since 2012, I bring over a decade of diverse clinical experience across both inpatient and outpatient settings. In my private practice, I provide dedicated therapeutic care for adults. Alongside my clinical work, I regularly consult with the court system to perform specialized forensic evaluations.

On the outside, you may look like you have everything together. You work hard, provide for your family, and carry responsibilities well. Yet internally, you may feel overwhelmed, disconnected, anxious, angry, or caught in the same patterns despite your best efforts to change. My practice is built for people who are ready to move beyond simply talking about their problems. Together, we’ll identify the underlying beliefs, emotional patterns, and coping strategies that keep you feeling stuck. Therapy becomes a place to develop greater self-awareness, emotional resilience, healthier relationships, and lasting change.