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Prenatal and postpartum therapists & psychiatrists in Lakeland, FL


Top prenatal and postpartum therapists and psychiatrists in Lakeland, FL
Navigate postpartum mental health with Headway's network of warm, affirming providers in Lakeland. Our therapists offer evidence-based support tailored to your postpartum journey, available for sessions as soon as tomorrow. Free intake calls help you find the right fit for your care needs.
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.
Margaret Deuerlein, LMHC, is an experienced and skilled Licensed Psychotherapist. She specializes in Trauma, Anxiety and Panic Disorders, Social Anxiety, Stress, Depression, Mood Dysregulation, Low Self-esteem, Grief, Narcissistic, Borderline, Avoidant Personality, Co-dependency, Interpersonal Relationships, Communication, and Couple’s Therapy. She is EMDR-Certified and trained in Shema Therapy, CBT, DBT, Mindfulness, EFT, and the Gottman Method, among others. Healing, coping, achieving your life goals, and taking more control of your life are her focus. She offers in-person and virtual sessions. Bilingual services are available.
I am Dr. De Jesus Rivera, medical director at Self Improvement Psychiatry. We specialize in top notch, personalized, psychiatric services through telemedicine. I do a in depth evaluation without you feeling rushed. Together, we come up with a treatment plan that you feel comfortable with. We also have a HIPAA compliant texting system for easy communication and timely responses should any problems arise in between appointments.
Explore the difference of in-person therapy in an uplifted, spa-like environment in St. Pete & Hyde Park.
Originally from New York, I hold a masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a BA in Neuroscience. I worked at the Omega Institute for Holistic Studies for thirteen years alongside world-class health and wellness experts, which brings depth to my work as a psychotherapist. I studied Buddhism and have practiced yoga and meditation for over 20 years. Clients describe me calm, warm and resourceful. Client testimonials can be found on my website.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 25 years of experience helping clients navigate mental and emotional challenges. I earned both my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in social work from Florida State University. My passion is to provide a safe, non-judgmental space where clients can gain insight into their lives and work toward personal growth and healing.
As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I have spent the last eight years working with “at-risk” children and adolescents, referred by the Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) Diversion programs. I currently work with the Genesis Women’s Clinic assisting antepartum and postpartum moms suffering from Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorder, the Family Care Clinic providing Behavioral Therapy to families and adults, and the Pediatric Clinic at TGH Healthpark.
I received a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Fort Lewis College, a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Social Science from the University of South Florida, and a Master’s in Social Work (MSW) from USF. My therapeutic approach is influenced by my clinical training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Motivational Interviewing.
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.
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.
If you are struggling with depression, anxiety, ADHD, and more, we are here to support you. Seeking help and opening up to someone new can be intimidating, but it's a brave step towards healing. I understand the importance of a supportive and personalized approach, which enables me to offer effective treatment plans tailored to your unique circumstances. I treat a variety of mental health conditions including anxiety, depression, ADHD, sleep disorders, postpartum depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, OCD, among others. My extensive experience in a variety of mental health settings has equipped me to address both common and complex mental health needs with compassion and expertise.
I am an honest and compassionate therapist with a direct approach to therapy. I believe therapy works best when communication is open, clear, and collaborative. I encourage curiosity, openness, and personal growth, and I aim to empower clients to take an active role in their healing and decision-making process.
Frequently asked questions


Find an expert who truly understands maternal mental health
Headway helps you find expert-guided support for every stage of motherhood — from finding the right therapist or psychiatrist, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Therapist in Lakeland
Finding the right therapist for postpartum care in Lakeland starts with identifying a licensed provider who has experience with perinatal mental health. Postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety are among the most common complications of pregnancy, and working with a provider who understands these conditions can make a meaningful difference. Look for a therapist or psychiatrist with experience in evidence-informed approaches for postpartum mental health, and ask a qualified provider which type of care may be appropriate for your needs. Psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners can also discuss general treatment options alongside talk therapy and help you decide on next steps.
Lakeland and the surrounding Polk County area have a range of mental health providers, but narrowing your options can be time-consuming as a new parent. Consider what matters most to you — whether that's a provider who offers virtual sessions, someone with a specific therapeutic approach, or a provider close to your neighborhood. Reading a provider's bio before booking can help you understand their style and decide if they're a good match.
Therapy in Lakeland can be expensive out of pocket, but using your in-network insurance benefits is one of the most reliable ways to reduce costs. On Headway, you can enter your insurance details to see estimated session costs before your first appointment, and many patients pay as low as $0 per visit. Nationally, Headway partners with over 100 insurance plans, making it easier to find a postpartum therapist who is both the right clinical fit and covered by your plan.
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