Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Lakeland, FL covered by Aetna

You’re the one who usually has everything under control, but lately, the "strong" version of you feels like a mask that’s getting too heavy to wear. Whether you’re a mother wondering why you feel detached from the life you worked so hard to build, or a parent exhausted by the cycle of ADHD-related challenges—you don’t have to carry this alone.

I provide a warm, judgment-free space where you can stop surviving and start thriving. My approach is patient-centered, trauma-informed, and evidence-based, tailored to move you toward a life where you feel present, connected, and capable.

I specialize in:

• Perinatal & Maternal Mental Health: Navigating the "new reality" of motherhood.
• High-Achieving Professionals: Managing burnout, perfectionism, and "mental load."
• Neurodiversity-Affirming Care: Supporting parents and children navigating ADHD and behavioral hurdles.

Why Work With Me?

I offer a "cozy" office experience in Houston, TX, and convenient virtual care across 7 states ( DE, FL, GA, IA, KS, MT, and TX). My goal is to make mental health easy, accessible and relatable.

Being a parent can be stressful, as you often find yourself wondering what you can do to help your child feel better, find emotional balance, increase their confidence and enhance their potential. It can be daunting to reach out to a therapist because you want to make sure that you find someone who deeply cares and connects with your child and can work with you, guiding and supporting your parenting journey. Imagine what it would feel like not to constantly worry about your child because you know that they feel better about themselves, can better regulate their feelings and behaviors, and are more in control of their life.

I help children and adolescents manage emotional distress and behavioral issues, addressing difficulties in social, academic, and family settings. I also help parents develop a stronger connection and understanding of their child(ren) by providing advice, tools, and methods to advance their parenting skills and confidence.

I have over 24 years of experience working with toddlers, children, adolescents, and their families and hold a four-year, post-masters Advanced Training Certificate in Child and Adolescent Psychotherapy from the Chicago Institute for Psychoanalysis. I am available in the morning, afternoon, and evening Monday through Friday. Phone and video call sessions are available. I provide services in English, Spanish and Italian.

For more Information visit: https://monicabuttafavapsychotherapy.com

I work primarily with children ages 3–17, offering individual therapy while strongly encouraging family involvement to support lasting change.

My areas of expertise are family, social and interpersonal conflict, parenting, depression, anxiety, sexual identity concerns, academic challenges, anger issues, low self-confidence, esteem and past traumatic experiences. Other areas of expertise include intimate partner violence, LGBTQ, women's issues, grief, romantic relationship issues and stress.

I consider it a privilege to share sacred, confidential space with my clients. If you feel overwhelmed or lacking the necessary support to navigate your circumstances, I am here for you, to collaborate with your progress. It would be a journey of self discovery. I have experience providing support of in events of depression, anxiety or stress management, trauma, love addiction, or other mental health concerns. English/Spanish psychotherapy.

I’m a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner dedicated to making high-quality mental health care accessible to everyone, especially individuals in underserved and rural communities. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of caring for children, adolescents, adults, and older adults in homes, assisted living facilities, group homes, and through telehealth.

I believe mental health care should be compassionate, collaborative, and free of judgment. My goal is to create a space where you feel heard, respected, and comfortable being yourself. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, trauma, grief, or another mental health concern, we’ll work together to build a treatment plan that fits your life, not someone else’s.

I combine evidence-based medicine with a whole-person approach, recognizing that sleep, stress, relationships, physical health, and daily habits all play an important role in emotional well-being. My priority is helping you feel better while empowering you with the tools to thrive long after our appointments.