ADHD therapists and psychiatrists in Ocala, FL

Heather Pepe brings a wealth of knowledge with over 25 years of experience in mental health. Heather utilizes a holistic and self-actualized approach to treating anxiety, depression, and PTSD and is EMDR-certified. Heather is also a qualified supervisor committed to fostering growth in both clients and the next generation of clinicians.

Hello, my name is Shonda Phillips-Young. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Clinical Supervisor. Thank you for taking the time to get to know me better. I am excited to invite you to embark on a transformative journey toward a more balanced and enriched life, where serenity and personal growth await. My passion is fostering a secure, supportive environment where you can express your thoughts and emotions without fear of judgment. Together, we will navigate your challenges and work diligently toward your aspirations. I am dedicated to empowering you throughout the therapeutic process, helping you uncover your inner strengths and resilience. I eagerly look forward to the possibility of joining you on this transformative path toward healing and growth.

Phone consultations available upon request.

Hello and thank you for taking the time to read this. I am a Doctorate level Clinical Psychologist and offer over 20 years of experience in working from an empathic, strength-based approach that is uniquely tailored to the needs of each person in a safe, non-judgmental environment. My clinical specialties and areas of professional interest include depression and anxiety related to life transitions, aging, care-giver burden, medical issues, grief, relationships and addiction.

I have learned that there is not one approach when working with individuals. I have found that using a wide variety of techniques and skills that are tailored to your needs have been most successful. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) combined with mindfulness-based, therapeutic guidance and solution-focused based therapies have been most helpful.

Life transitions are not easy and can rarely be dealt with alone. Support and clarification can truly empower and motivate you to make changes that lead to better mental and physical health. My style is warm, empathetic, approachable, and laid back. My goal is to listen deeply and carefully in order to understand you and your unique experiences. I provide a space where you can feel safe, comfortable and validated.

I'm a trauma-informed therapist in New York and Florida who works specifically with moms of explosive boys. My training is rooted in understanding the nervous system — which means I work beneath the behavior, not just at the surface of it. I'm not going to hand you a sticker chart or tell you to pick your battles. I understand what you're actually dealing with — and I take it seriously.

My experience centers on supporting clients of all ages through a wide range of life challenges. Guided by a solution-focused perspective, I believe holistic healing is a foundational part of effective client care. I am trained in EMDR, a therapeutic modality that helps clients process trauma and other difficult life experiences that may interfere with personal growth, relationships, and mental health. I work with clients navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, life transitions, emotional overwhelm, and other concerns that can make it difficult to feel grounded or move forward. I hold a master’s degree from Colorado Christian University and have received training in both play therapy and EMDR. I have also worked with clients experiencing dual diagnoses within the field of substance use disorders, which has deepened my understanding of the connection between emotional pain, coping, and healing.

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'm a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner serving clients across Florida via telehealth, and I specialize in anxiety, depression, and ADHD. What I want you to know most is that I genuinely care — not just about your symptoms, but about you as a whole person. I've always been drawn to mental health because I understand what it feels like to struggle, and that empathy is at the core of everything I do. Outside of work, you'll find me with a camera in hand, rock climbing, or staying active — I bring that same energy and engagement into every session with my clients.

I trained in medicine before I became a therapist, and it changed what I listen for. When a client tells me her chest tightens before every meeting, or that she can't stop thinking about a diagnosis, I take the physical side of that seriously.

I hold a PhD in health psychology and I'm a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois and Florida. My published research is on post-traumatic growth in women. Since 2020 I've also taught graduate counseling and psychology as an adjunct professor.

I see adults dealing with trauma and complex trauma, chronic illness, health anxiety, depression, grief, and major life transitions. I work with women through perinatal and postpartum struggles and through fertility challenges. I also see adolescents.

I speak English, Hindi, Arabic, and Urdu. If you're dealing with immigration, acculturation, or family expectations that don't translate easily, you won't have to explain that context to me first.

I’m a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I have a passion for assisting individuals, couples, and families navigate the challenges of life.

I have over 5 years of experience working in settings such as private practice, community mental health, hospitals, and mobile crisis response teams as a social worker, mental health advocate, and registered nurse. I have experience working in the emergency room of a level 1 trauma center, with children and families involved in the dependency system, and victims of crimes. One key area of focus for me is supporting individuals facing concerns ranging from anxiety and depression to trauma recovery.

I have earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Family and Child Sciences from Florida State University, with a focus on child and family development. I also received a Master’s in Nursing Degree from Chamberlain University, where I received extensive training in evidence-based therapeutic approaches. I continue to stay open-minded and take any education opportunities to stay current with best practices and emerging research in mental health care.

My interest in mental health began during my military service as a Survival Instructor in the United States Airforce. During this time, I had the privilege of teaching students from all walks of life the skills to survive in any environment. I became fascinated with human behavior, stress management/responses and the profound capabilities of the mind, body and spirit when faced with adversity. While navigating through the wilderness, a waypoint is defined as "a stop along ones journey." It is a safe place where the traveler can take shelter, rest, gain insight on where they've been, accept and honor where they are, and determine their way forward. It's a place for healing. This is what I strive to provide for my clients. I completed my Master's in Clinical Mental Health Counseling through Northwestern University. I have experience counseling couples, teens, adult individuals, and groups. As an Airforce veteran, I have a passion for serving military members and their families. Other interests include working with blended families, and LGBTQ+ individuals and their parents