Bipolar disorder therapists & psychiatrists in Hialeah, FL

Psychiatry was not a specialty I happened to find along the way. From the time I entered college, I knew that mental health and substance use treatment were where I wanted my career to lead. I bring a decade of nursing experience to my practice, including critical care and extensive experience in psychiatric emergency and substance use settings. Much of my career has been spent working with people at some of the most difficult, vulnerable, and complicated points in their lives.

That experience has taught me that there is usually much more to a person’s story than what appears in a medical chart. Trauma, relationships, environment, setbacks, resilience, and the paths we take through life all matter. I believe good psychiatric care starts with understanding that story, and not judging it.

I work with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD, mood disorders, substance use disorders, trauma-related concerns, and other mental health challenges. You can expect me to be straightforward, open-minded, and willing to listen. My goal is for you to feel comfortable being honest about where you are and what you’ve been through, without worrying that your past will define how you are treated.

Making the decision to seek mental health or substance use treatment can be one of the most difficult steps a person takes. I understand the courage it can require to ask for help, trust someone with your story, and begin making changes when you may not know exactly what comes next. I view your decision to sit across from me as a patient as a meaningful leap of faith, and I do not take that trust lightly.

Treatment is collaborative. We’ll look at where you are now, where you want to go, From there, we’ll develop a practical, evidence-based treatment plan that respects your preferences, circumstances, and life goals.

Hi, I’m Monica Wacks, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (MS, LMHC) and Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-200). I am deeply passionate about personal growth and development, and I built my practice to facilitate real, grounded transformation.

I work with teens (13+), adults, and couples who are ready to step off autopilot, break old patterns, simplify their daily lives, and engage in meaningful personal exploration. My background combines rigorous clinical training with integrative mind-body practices, allowing me to view mental health through a holistic lens. Whether you are navigating life transitions, seeking stronger relationship dynamics, or working through stress and emotional hurdles, my goal is to help you build internal resilience that lasts well beyond our sessions.

For the past 3.5 years, I’ve had the privilege of leading a multi-site inpatient unit, supporting individuals with persistent mental illness and substance use as they work toward stability and recovery. Now, I’m stepping into private practice and writing my next chapter. I’m licensed in Florida and passionate about making care accessible and meaningful. I’d love to connect—does this sound like a fit for you?

Welcome. Seeking support can feel difficult, especially when you're managing overwhelming emotions, relationship stress, painful experiences, or simply feeling disconnected from the life you want to live. I work with children, adolescents, and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, grief and loss, bipolar disorder, PTSD, women's issues, and challenges related to self-esteem, life transitions, and relationships. I understand that healing looks different for everyone, and I believe therapy should provide a space where you feel safe, respected, and genuinely understood. Whether you're struggling with day-to-day stress, navigating the impact of past experiences, or trying to make sense of difficult emotions, my goal is to help you gain insight, strengthen coping skills, and build a life that feels more balanced and fulfilling. Together, we can create meaningful change while honoring your unique experiences, strengths, and goals.

I was born and raised in Montana and have a genuine passion for nature and the outdoors. I received my Bachelors in Psychology at Montana State University in 2001. I then pursued my Masters of Social Work degree and graduated in 2008 from the University of Montana. This graduate program had a focus on providing a social justice and integrated practitioner perspective. I have an eclectic style that can be tailored to each unique individual. My primary therapeutic methods include Mindfulness Based, Holistic, Exposure, Narrative, Cognitive and Behavioral, Strengths Based & Solution Focused Therapies. I provide a non-judgmental and compassionate environment that often helps people feel comfortable. A true passion of mine is structuring therapeutic activities for clients to express, process, increase self-awareness, and de-stress from life’s challenging and developmental experiences.

I believe therapy works best when clients feel safe, supported, and genuinely understood. My approach is warm, collaborative, and nonjudgmental, and I strive to create a space where clients can openly explore their thoughts, emotions, and experiences at their own pace.

I understand that reaching out for help can feel vulnerable, and I value the trust my clients place in me. I work to meet each person where they are while helping them build insight, coping skills, resilience, and confidence. I believe in balancing empathy and validation with practical tools and strategies that support meaningful and lasting change.

Clients often describe me as compassionate, approachable, calming, and easy to talk to. I utilize evidence-based approaches including CBT, DBT, mindfulness, and trauma-informed care, while tailoring treatment to each client’s individual needs and goals.

I am a psychiatric nurse practitioner working with adults from diverse backgrounds. I provide warm, affirming, and direct care, with a collaborative approach focused on understanding each person's goals supporting meaningful , sustainable progress. My priority is creating a safe and supportive space where clients feel heard, respected, and empowered in their care.