Find a therapist in Gainesville, FL — covered by insurance

Bilingual Therapist [Spanish]: Proficient in Overcoming Challenges, Expert in Crafting Solutions

Terapeuta Bilingüe: Experto en Superar Desafíos, Especialista en Crear Soluciones.

I've spent over 21 years helping people navigate some of life's toughest situations — substance use, trauma, domestic violence, anger, and the kind of challenges that make it hard to see a way forward. I spent the last decade working in court-ordered programs with clients who didn't choose to be in therapy, and I got them to stay. First thing I tell every client: I am your advocate. I'm real, I'm relatable, and yes, I will make you laugh! I'm a seasoned Black woman from New York City, and my NYC energy definitely comes through. Clients describe me as someone who can break through that wall of resistance many people walk in with and I'm proud of that.

Welcome! Taking the first step toward mental health treatment can feel overwhelming, and I believe finding the right provider should feel comfortable and supportive. My goal is to create a safe, judgment-free environment where patients feel heard, respected, and genuinely supported throughout their care.

I’m a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a background in emergency medicine as a Registered Nurse, along with experience in outpatient psychiatry and interventional mental health treatment settings. I work with adults experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma-related disorders, stress, and treatment-resistant mood conditions.

I believe that meaningful therapy begins with a genuine human connection. My approach is warm, collaborative, and tailored to each client’s unique experiences and goals. I am passionate about helping individuals navigate life’s challenges while building resilience, self-awareness, and lasting change.

I earned my masters degree from Temple University and my doctorate degree from Rutgers University and have experience working with diverse populations across a variety of clinical settings. Throughout my career, I have supported individuals facing a wide range of mental health concerns and have developed specialized experience in working with trauma and its lasting effects. I understand how traumatic experiences can impact emotional well-being, relationships, self-esteem, and daily functioning, and I strive to create a safe, supportive environment where healing can occur.

My treatment areas include trauma, anxiety, depression, PTSD, grief and loss, life transitions, relationship concerns, self-esteem, and emotional regulation. I utilize evidence-based approaches such as CBT, TF-CBT, Motivational interviewing and Attachment Based treatment to help clients process difficult experiences, develop effective coping strategies, and move toward their goals.

I work with children, adolescents, young adults and families and am committed to providing culturally responsive, trauma-informed care. My goal is to help clients feel empowered, understood, and supported as they navigate their healing journey and create meaningful, lasting change.

Bienvenido/Greetings, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (SW26009) in the state of Florida. I have worked in a variety of settings, including: psychiatric hospitals/centers, schools, crisis response services, and community-based agencies. My clients represent a wide range of ages, genders, sexual orientations, faiths, education levels, ethnicities, and cultural backgrounds. In my practice, I focus on supporting individuals through life transitions, processing past trauma, and building awareness of their current strengths and resilience.

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.

Generous, Dependable, Supportive, Kindhearted, Insightful, assertive, courageous, bold, compassionate

You may have learned to navigate spaces where parts of you didn’t feel fully seen or accepted. Over time, those experiences can shape how you see yourself.

What is the story you tell yourself? What messages have you taken in from others—and from the world around you? How have those shaped the way you see yourself?

For many people, these stories are formed in spaces where parts of them felt unseen, misunderstood, or not fully accepted. Over time, this can lead to cycles of self-doubt, shame, or feeling like you have to keep proving your worth.

You might feel misunderstood, overwhelmed by mood changes, or unsure how to navigate relationships in a way that feels natural or fulfilling. Whether you’re dealing with depression, bipolar patterns, or feeling “different” in social or emotional spaces, it can be exhausting trying to figure it out on your own.

I work with adults, including neurodivergent individuals, who want to better understand themselves, improve relationships, and feel more steady and connected in their daily lives. My goal is to create a space where you feel respected, supported, and able to be fully yourself.

If you're feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, or the emotional demands of parenthood, you're not alone. I work with adolescents, adults, couples, and families navigating life transitions, maternal mental health concerns, stress, grief, family conflict, substance use concerns, and PTSD. Whether you're struggling to manage difficult emotions, improve relationships, or heal from past experiences, therapy can provide a space for growth, healing, and self-discovery.

As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), I provide therapy in both English and Spanish and believe healing begins in a supportive, nonjudgmental environment. My goal is to help clients feel understood, empowered, and equipped with practical tools to create meaningful change while building resilience, confidence, and emotional well-being.

My name is Paula Arce and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with over 15 years of experience supporting individuals on their journey toward healing and self-discovery. I specialize in working with individuals experiencing Anxiety, Depression, Grief, Trauma, Narcissistic Abuse, Codependency and Borderline Personality features. My therapeutic approach is warm, collaborative, and trauma-informed. I help clients to overcome anxiety and fear by identifying and transforming ineffective behaviors, habits and beliefs that may keep them stuck. I believe that each person holds the power to create meaningful change, and my role is to guide and support you as you find new ways to live a more balanced and fulfilling life. In my practice as a mental health professional, I am guided by conservative values. I also offer the option, for those who wish, to incorporate Christian principles into the therapeutic process, always respecting each individual's faith and needs.

If you’re struggling to cope with Depression, Grief, or any other mental disorder I can help you navigate these feelings and offer a path forward.

I’m passionate about my clients and their well-being. I am committed to helping them “cross the bridge” from pain to safety and empowerment. I also enjoy participating in workshops, speaking engagements, webinars, and podcasts.

If you’re interested in scheduling a consultation with me, please send an appointment request.

I am a kind, open-minded person who genuinely values listening and understanding others. I believe that some of the most meaningful connections begin with simply feeling heard. I have an extensive background and passion for psychology, and I am endlessly fascinated by the brain, the mind, and how deeply connected they are to our emotions, behaviors, and overall well-being.

Outside of my professional life, I enjoy spending time with my family, playing with my cats, and traveling whenever I get the opportunity. I naturally enjoy helping others navigate life’s challenges, whether that involves problem-solving, relationships, emotional struggles, or finding new perspectives during difficult times. Helping people better understand themselves and move toward healthier, more fulfilling lives is something that brings me genuine purpose.

I also hold a special passion for supporting our military, veterans, and first responders. Being married to one has given me a deeper appreciation and understanding of the sacrifices made by these individuals and their families. I believe the men and women who have served and protected our country are among our nation’s greatest assets, and I feel deeply committed to helping support their mental health, resilience, and quality of life as they continue carrying burdens many others may never fully understand.