Book addiction counseling, covered by insurance
Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in Lakeland, FL
Top addiction and substance use disorder therapists and psychiatrists in Lakeland, FL
Lakeland residents struggling with substance use, alcohol, or behavioral addictions can access evidence-based addiction treatment through Headway's network of 3,368 licensed providers. Our therapists specialize in modalities like CBT, DBT, motivational interviewing, and harm reduction strategies to support recovery and sobriety.
I have been in the mental health field for over 10 years and have been counseling for four years. I became a counselor because I genuinely care about what happens to others and I want to help them through tough times. I have a passion for working with the LGBT+, ENM/Polyamorous, minority, and Kink communities. I am proficient in helping with issues related to trauma. I especially love to help empower the oppressed and the people who are made to feel "less than."
Genci Shkembi- Doctor In Nursing Practice, Pmhnp
Psychiatric Mental Health NP
Virtual & in-person • <1 mi away • Lakeland, FL
Mirtha Alvarez Acevedo
Psychiatric Mental Health NP
Virtual & in-person • 14 mi away • Winter Haven, FL
A Florida and Polk County native, Mirtha is a graduate of Frostproof High School. She is board certified as both a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and an Autonomous Primary Care Nurse Practitioner. She earned a Bachelor's of Nursing from Polk State and a Master's of Nursing from USF. In 2023 Mirtha earned a Post Master's Certification in Psychiatry from Florida Atlantic University. However, her journey as a mental health provider began in 2020 when she became certified through the Academy of Christian Counseling, as a mental health coach. Then in January of 2025 she became an active member of the Order of Saint Luke (OSL) a healing ministry.
Mirtha has nearly 20 years of experience in healthcare. Her passion is caring for individuals struggling with mental health issues. She has been volunteering with the youth in her community for over 7 years and also has experience working in a domestic violence shelter with victims of trauma.
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I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Certified Recovery Peer Specialist and an Army combat veteran. I have extensive experience working with adults struggling with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and substance abuse. My therapeutic philosophy includes an integrative approach and strongly believe in using a “mission-focused mindset” to help veterans and first responders overcome challenges associated with a variety of mental health issues.
My core belief is simple: I believe in you and your ability to become the healthiest, most fulfilled version of yourself. Life often makes it hard to see that potential, let alone know how to get there. My role is to be your guide and ally on that journey.
My path to becoming a clinician has been intentional. Beyond my master's degree in counseling and advanced post-master's training, my work in non-profit and community mental health has given me a breadth of experience with people from all walks of life. This doesn't mean "I've seen it all," but it does mean that I'm prepared to meet you where you are, without judgment. No matter what you're going through, if you are ready to take a step, so am I.
Look, nothing gets better if we don't find a way to face it safely. That's why therapy takes courage. It took courage just to get this far, and you already deserve credit for that. When you're ready for that first, brave step of reaching out, I'll be here, ready to loan you some of my hope until you can hold it for yourself.
About our therapists who can help with addiction and substance use in Lakeland, FL
- 100%Substance use / addiction
- 98%Anxiety
- 95%Depression
- 90%Stress management
- 83%Trauma
- 100%Aetna
- 94%Cigna
- 89%Carelon Behavioral Health
- 66%Ascension
- 48%Oscar
- 99%English
- 16%Spanish
- 3%Haitian Creole
- 2%French
- 1%Portuguese
- 82%Online only
- 17%In-person or online
- 74%Woman
- 26%Man
- 39%Licensed Mental Health Counselor
- 24%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- 15%Advanced Practice Registered Nurse
- 7%Licensed Mental Health Counselor
- 5%Licensed Clinical Social Worker
- 99%Individual therapy
- 37%Family therapy
- 28%Couples therapy
- 15%Child or adolescent therapy
Frequently asked questions
Find the right addiction counselor for you
Headway makes it easier to find support for overcoming addiction — from finding the right provider, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Addiction Therapist in Lakeland
Finding addiction therapists in Lakeland starts with identifying the kind of support that fits your needs. Addiction care can include support for alcohol use, substance use, compulsive behaviors, cravings, relapse concerns, and changes in daily functioning. As you compare therapists, look for listed experience with addiction counseling, substance use counseling, motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy for substance use, or harm reduction. Some people may also work with a prescriber as part of their care team, so it can help to choose a therapist who can coordinate with other healthcare professionals when needed.
In a smaller city like Lakeland, local in-person appointment options may be more limited than in larger Florida markets. Virtual therapy can expand your search while still keeping care tied to your schedule and preferences. When comparing therapists, consider appointment availability, whether the therapist is accepting new clients, and whether they offer a free phone consultation. Provider bios can also help you understand a therapist’s communication style, experience with recovery support, and approach to care, including whether they use non-judgmental or harm reduction frameworks.
Therapy in Lakeland can be a significant expense without insurance. Using in-network insurance is one of the most reliable ways to reduce session costs, and Headway helps make that process clearer before you book. You can enter your insurance details, see estimated out-of-pocket costs, compare therapists based on insurance information available on Headway, and book directly when you’re ready. This makes it easier to find an addiction therapist who matches your needs, accepts your plan, and is accepting new clients.
If you or someone you know is experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms — especially from alcohol or benzodiazepines — talk to a medical provider or seek emergency care before starting outpatient therapy. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction or substance use and is in a crisis, immediately reach out to:
* 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — call or text 988 * SAMHSA National Helpline — 1-800-662-HELP (4357), free, confidential, 24/7 * Crisis Text Line — text HOME to 741741
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