Bipolar disorder therapists & psychiatrists in Lake Mary, FL

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.

I hold a masters degree in Mental Health Counseling as well as a post graduate certificate in Trauma Studies. I have worked in multiple levels of care including inpatient, residential, intensive outpatient, and partial hospitalization. I have work with a multitude of different populations and diagnosis including anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, depression, eating disorders schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorders.

I specialize in treating anxiety disorders, depression, and ADHD across the lifespan, and I work with adults and seniors navigating a range of mental health challenges — including bipolar disorder, OCD, panic disorders, sleep difficulties, and more. My greatest strength is building genuine, trusting relationships with my patients. I take the time to listen without judgment, understand each person's unique needs, and create individualized treatment plans that help you feel supported and empowered throughout your mental health journey. Outside of work, I recharge by spending time with my family, traveling, and staying active outdoors.

As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and U.S. Navy retiree, I am proud to serve the Florida community where I have lived my entire life. With years of experience across both school systems and private practice, I provide compassionate, comprehensive care for clients of all ages. My background allows me to connect with individuals from diverse walks of life as we work together toward your personal growth and well-being.

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.

It's difficult making the first phone call, booking an appointment and admitting you need help. Whether it's depression, anxiety, a mood disorder or trauma, it's frightening to admit that everything isn't how you want it to be and you don't have all the answers. If you're experiencing sadness, anxiety, mood swings, intrusive thoughts or images, flash backs, numbness or insomnia, there is hope and there is help. I'm going to teach you skills to manage you symptoms, emotions and relationships more effectively.

Therapy with me is very human and genuine. I don’t just focus on what’s painful or stuck but help to highlight the ways in which my clients overcome life's punches. While I take this work seriously, I believe laughter can be healing and disarming in therapy.

I earned my Master’s degree in Counselor Education from Florida International University and have worked in a variety of settings, including the foster care system, residential treatment, and community mental health. My background includes supporting individuals navigating trauma, persistent mental health conditions, substance use, eating disorders, and major life transitions. I’ve also worked with veterans, individuals who are unhoused, and LGBTQIA2S+ clients.

In my practice, I work with clients experiencing anxiety, panic, depression, trauma, identity exploration, relationship challenges, and life transitions. I also support clients with PTSD, some OCD presentations, and concerns related to gender, sexuality, and queer identity. My work is trauma-informed, affirming, and rooted in helping clients feel both emotionally safe and genuinely understood.

Welcome! I'm glad you're here.

As a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner dedicated to helping individuals reclaim their emotional balance through holistic, integrative psychiatric care. With expertise in evidence-based treatment she offers personalized care that addresses the mind, body, and spirit.

Victoria has a solid background in Critical Care, Pediatrics, and Geriatrics, and she has created a comprehensive approach to assisting individuals of all ages toward a more energized, resilient, and fulfilled version of themselves.

Victoria received a Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in Psychiatric Mental Health from Purdue University. She also holds a Master of Education with a specialization in Counseling from Liberty University. She has over 30 years of caring in the medical arena.

With over 15 years of experience, I have helped countless individuals navigate the challenges they face and find peace within themselves. Together, we can work towards culminating a healthier and more fulfilling future.

When I am not working I enjoy spending time with my dogs, hiking with friends, cooking, and making flower arrangements. I also enjoy spending time doing artsy activities or attending local events.

I’m Diera Woodard, LCSW, Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I’m passionate about helping individuals and families navigate life’s challenges with compassion, authenticity, and practical tools for real change. My mission is to create a safe, supportive space where you can heal, grow, and reconnect with your sense of purpose and peace.

Clients often describe my style as warm, honest, and empowering. I meet you where you are and walk with you as you develop the insight and tools needed to create lasting change. I believe that therapy should feel like a collaborative conversation — one that helps you understand your emotions, strengthen your coping skills, and move toward a life that feels more aligned and fulfilling.

Doctoral prepared Advanced Practice Registered Nurse with more than 25 years of progressive experience spanning primary care, psychiatric mental health, nursing education, academic leadership, program administration, and healthcare quality improvement. Dual board-certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with a proven record of managing complex patient populations, leading nursing programs, supporting accreditation initiatives, developing faculty, and advancing evidence-based practice.

Recognized for improving patient outcomes, strengthening nursing education programs, leading interdisciplinary teams, and implementing strategic initiatives that enhance organizational performance and regulatory compliance.

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.