Obsessive-compulsive disorder therapists & psychiatrists in Lakeland, 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.

One of the most empowering factors in my life has been spending 32 years as an Air Force Military Spouse. This empowered me to grow and learn through lived experiences in diverse groups. I’ve been a clinical social worker and prior substance abuse counselor for 30+ years working in a public agency, private practice, and with the US Army at Fort Carson, Colorado and at SHAPE, Belgium. I work across all ages to include both adults and children. In addition to my MSW in clinical social worker, I have an advanced graduate degree in Infant and Early Childhood Special Education Leadership and a doctorate degree in Curriculum and Diversity Studies.

Many of my clients look like they have it together—but inside, they feel stuck, anxious, or emotionally overwhelmed in their relationships. I help adults untangle painful patterns rooted in emotional neglect, people-pleasing, or past relationships that felt confusing or unsafe. Together, we’ll slow down, go deep, and help you get to the root of the issue.

I am a Masters-Level Clinician providing individual and couples counseling both in-person and via telehealth. I earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology from Eckerd College and my master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Capella University. I am a member of the Chi Sigma Iota Counseling Academic and Professional Honors Society, the American Counseling Association, and the American Mental Health Counselors Association.

My experience allows me to work with individuals seeking to improve their mental health. I am passionate about helping teens, young adults, and college students dealing with anxiety, depression, life transitions, self-esteem issues, and trauma.

I am a licensed clinician offering individual counseling services in-person or via telehealth for adults, adolescents, and children. I earned my master's degree in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling from the University of South Florida. I am also a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC). My experience includes working with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds across a variety of settings, including integrated behavioral health and primary care.

Hi! I am a fully licensed mental health therapist. I have been in the business of helping people for over 15 years. I am direct and solution oriented, but will not rush the process.

Tara Payne is the owner and founder of Payne Influential Mental Health. She is a board-certified

Psychiatric Mental Health Practitioner (PMHNP). She obtained her Master of Science in

Nursing from the University of South Alabama. Tara has been a Registered Nurse for almost 20

years in which she has been devoted to helping and treating patients with a variety of conditions.

She has specialized in critical care, mental health, and several other acute care specialties. Tara is a Perinatal Mental Health provider through PSI (Postpartum Support International) as well as a Trauma Certified provider. Tara has learned how vital mental health is when it comes to treating a patient as a “whole” person. This has driven her passion to help serve the mental health community and those in need of mental health management.

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I grew up in central Florida and earned my Bachelor of Science in Family and Child Sciences from Florida State University, followed by a Master of Arts in Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling from the University of South Florida. During graduate school, I gained experience working in a treatment facility and with college students at USF, advocating for children’s educational needs while they balanced mental health treatment. This exposure led to my interest in behavior-focused therapy, particularly in using exposure techniques.

I’ve worked with children, teens, and adults dealing with obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety disorders, depression, Tourette's, and disordered eating.