Anxiety and depression therapists and psychiatrists in Lutz, FL

I am committed to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with clarity, resilience, and purpose. With my first responder background, I bring a unique, real-world perspective to my work—one grounded in understanding, accountability, and compassion.

I have a decade of experience working in and around crisis, guiding individuals through the dark. I am currently licensed in FL and AL, as well as hold additional certifications in trauma-informed therapy and addictions.

I believe that growth is possible for everyone, no matter where they are starting. My goal is to provide a supportive, judgment-free space where clients feel heard, challenged, and equipped to move forward with confidence.

I believe in a holistic, individualized approach to mental health. I am committed to creating a supportive and understanding environment where clients feel heard and valued. My extensive background allows me to connect with and care for patients from diverse populations, ensuring a comprehensive and empathetic experience.

When you become my patient, I will begin with a full psychiatric evaluation to understand your unique needs. Based on this assessment, medications will be prescribed and carefully managed as needed. Throughout your journey, holistic individualized care will be provided, and you will be connected with relevant resources and references to support your well-being. I specialize in caring for patients of all ages and have experience with a range of mental health disorders, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, and Bipolar Disorder.

You deserve a space where you can say the hard thing out loud and not be judged for it. Whether you're a man who was never taught how to talk about any of this, someone rebuilding after alcohol or substance use, carrying grief you haven't had room to feel, or living with bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, or stress that never fully switches off, you can bring it here and we'll work with it.

Outside of work I'm watching sports and playing basketball. I also appreciate time at the beach.

I have over two decades of Social Work experience. I have worked in high school settings for over 20 years with a variety of students to include: LGBTQ+, anxiety, depression, PTSD/trauma, ADHD, and teen parenting. Prior to working in the school setting, I worked with homeless families as well as domestic violence victims.

I earned my degree in psychology, and a gap year with Jesuit Volunteer Corps in a social justice setting led me to social work. I use a systems approach, meaning I look at the personal, family, and life factors affecting your well-being. My background in foster care, crisis work, community-based care, and therapy gives me a collaborative, well-rounded perspective.

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and Master’s Level Certified Addiction Professional (MCAP) with a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University. I specialize in treating substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions, using evidence-based approaches like motivational interviewing and individualized treatment planning. My experience includes facilitating group therapy and working with diverse adult populations in recovery. I strive to create a safe, supportive environment where clients feel heard and empowered to make positive changes.

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.

I believe that meaningful therapy begins with a genuine human connection. My approach is warm, collaborative, and tailored to each client’s unique experiences and goals. I am passionate about helping individuals navigate life’s challenges while building resilience, self-awareness, and lasting change.

I earned my masters degree from Temple University and my doctorate degree from Rutgers University and have experience working with diverse populations across a variety of clinical settings. Throughout my career, I have supported individuals facing a wide range of mental health concerns and have developed specialized experience in working with trauma and its lasting effects. I understand how traumatic experiences can impact emotional well-being, relationships, self-esteem, and daily functioning, and I strive to create a safe, supportive environment where healing can occur.

My treatment areas include trauma, anxiety, depression, PTSD, grief and loss, life transitions, relationship concerns, self-esteem, and emotional regulation. I utilize evidence-based approaches such as CBT, TF-CBT, Motivational interviewing and Attachment Based treatment to help clients process difficult experiences, develop effective coping strategies, and move toward their goals.

I work with children, adolescents, young adults and families and am committed to providing culturally responsive, trauma-informed care. My goal is to help clients feel empowered, understood, and supported as they navigate their healing journey and create meaningful, lasting change.