Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in Palm Bay, FL

Hi and welcome! Reaching out for help can be one of the hardest first steps, so I'm glad you're here. I am a licensed mental health therapist who works with adults navigating trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, OCD, relationship concerns, and attachment wounds. I also have many years of experience working with people struggling with substance use.

I am a therapist with extensive experience providing compassionate person-centered care to teens, young adults, older adults, couples, families and caregivers. My approach is warm, supportive and non-judgmental, with a focus on helping clients identify their own strengths, insights and solutions. I strive to create a safe and welcoming online environment where clients feel heard, respected and empowered. I also offer flexible scheduling including evening hours to make therapy more accessible.

Therapy with me is very human and genuine. I don’t just focus on what’s painful or stuck but help to highlight the ways in which my clients overcome life's punches. While I take this work seriously, I believe laughter can be healing and disarming in therapy.

I earned my Master’s degree in Counselor Education from Florida International University and have worked in a variety of settings, including the foster care system, residential treatment, and community mental health. My background includes supporting individuals navigating trauma, persistent mental health conditions, substance use, eating disorders, and major life transitions. I’ve also worked with veterans, individuals who are unhoused, and LGBTQIA2S+ clients.

In my practice, I work with clients experiencing anxiety, panic, depression, trauma, identity exploration, relationship challenges, and life transitions. I also support clients with PTSD, some OCD presentations, and concerns related to gender, sexuality, and queer identity. My work is trauma-informed, affirming, and rooted in helping clients feel both emotionally safe and genuinely understood.

If you've found your way here, chances are you're carrying something heavy. Maybe anxiety that won't quiet down, grief that reshaped your world, the exhaustion of new motherhood, or a quiet sense that you've lost track of who you are. Whatever it is, I want you to know you don't have to hold it alone anymore.

I became a therapist because I believe every person's story matters, and because I've seen what happens when someone finally feels safe enough to tell theirs. That's the part of this work I love most: watching people move from stuck and overwhelmed to grounded and free. I bring warmth and empathy to every session, but I'll also be honest with you. My clients often tell me they feel truly heard for the first time, and that's exactly what I'm hoping to give you.

I especially love working with people navigating identity, maternal mental health, grief and loss, cultural and ethnic experiences, and anxiety. I bring a culturally sensitive lens to all of it, because your background, your faith, and your family are part of your story too — not something to leave at the door.

Avril Lindsay Dennis, LCSW-QS(FL), CGP®, LCSW-R (NY), has been a practicing Licensed Clinical Social Worker for over twenty years. After earning her graduate degree from Fordham University, she pursued postgraduate training, including a certificate in Interpersonal Trauma. This became a passionate area of specialty for her, which also includes understanding the needs of individuals with substance use disorders & providing mental health support for those in twelve-step programs.

Over her career, Avril has specialized in treating & supervising the care of children & adolescents with trauma & psychiatric illnesses within child welfare, juvenile justice, & mental health settings. Avril has worked with adults in crisis situations, as well as those with long term medical issues.

She has collaborated with two service dog organizations over the years, taught & presented on the topic & trained & worked with several of her own therapy dogs. She and her current therapy dog, Eli, continue to volunteer in various programs.

In 2016, after a successful career in New York City, she relocated to Central Florida to continue her public service work.

In her spare time, Avril enjoys spending time with her spouse & dogs, relaxing at home, camping, visiting the beach, sewing & crafting. She works to find gratitude for every moment life presents.

I earned an MSW from Tulane School of Social Work in 1989 and am a clinical social worker. I also practice Psychodrama and am a graduate of the Hudson Valley Psychodrama Institute in NY. I work primarily with musicians, actors & writers. I have a long history of working in non-profit agencies and schools, providing top notch care to disadvantaged and oppressed adolescents and families.

I began my career working with children and quickly expanded my expertise to include adults and couples. Throughout my 26 years as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I have seen the incredible power of the human spirit to overcome trauma and unexpected life struggles. Watching my clients transition from "surviving" to "thriving" remains the most inspiring part of my work.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker dedicated to helping children, adolescents, adults, and families navigate life's challenges with confidence and support. With years of experience in behavioral health, child welfare, crisis intervention, and family services, I understand that seeking help can be a difficult first step, and I strive to create a safe, compassionate, and nonjudgmental space for healing and growth.

My approach is collaborative, strengths-based, and tailored to each client's unique needs. I work with individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, life transitions, trauma, relationship challenges, parenting concerns, and self-esteem issues. Together, we will identify your strengths, develop practical coping strategies, and work toward meaningful goals that support your overall well-being.

I utilize evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Trauma-Informed Care. My goal is to empower clients to build resilience, improve emotional wellness, and create lasting positive change.

Whether you are facing a current challenge or seeking support for personal growth, I look forward to partnering with you on your journey.