Find a therapist in Panama City, FL — covered by insurance

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida with 3 years of clinical mental health experience. I graduated from Troy University with a Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and was trained by the University of Central Florida in Trauma Management Therapy.

I have a wide range of experience with adolescents and adults including time spent as an inpatient therapist as well as an outpatient therapist in the community mental health setting and in private practice.

My own journey into mental health advocacy began when my oldest son was diagnosed with Bipolar I Disorder. As I learned to navigate his diagnosis, I immersed myself in education, support, and advocacy, eventually becoming certified through the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) to teach all of their signature education programs.

During my seven years with NAMI, I served my community by teaching mental health education classes, leading support groups, collaborating with community organizations, and offering seminars aimed at reducing stigma and increasing understanding.

That work inspired me to return to school and deepen my ability to help others. I earned my Master’s degree in Social Work from Florida State University and began clinical practice in crisis intervention and trauma‐informed care at the Children’s Advocacy Center and Emerald Coast Behavioral Hospital. I now have my own private practice providing personalized therapy as well as psychoeducational and therapeutic groups throughout the year. I also continue to educate local businesses and community members through professional seminars focused on compassion, early intervention, and mental health awareness. In addition, I serve as an adjunct professor at Florida State University Panama City.

Beyond my professional life, I’ve been married to my high‐school sweetheart for 37 years, and we have two adult sons. I find joy in spending time with family, reading, studying human behavior, walking on the beach, watching sunrises and sunsets, exploring Pinterest, playing the piano, and creating a warm, welcoming home.

If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of your next step, you don’t have to navigate it alone. I’m here to walk alongside you as you discover new possibilities, reclaim your sense of self, and create a life worth living.

I have a heart for walking with people who are looking for someone to listen and care about their unique circumstances. I work with both couples and individuals; some specializations include marital counseling, grief, addiction, anxiety, depression, spiritual/existential discernment, trauma, suicidal ideation, family dysfunction, and career counseling.

I’m a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner dedicated to making high-quality mental health care accessible to everyone, especially individuals in underserved and rural communities. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of caring for children, adolescents, adults, and older adults in homes, assisted living facilities, group homes, and through telehealth.

I believe mental health care should be compassionate, collaborative, and free of judgment. My goal is to create a space where you feel heard, respected, and comfortable being yourself. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder, trauma, grief, or another mental health concern, we’ll work together to build a treatment plan that fits your life, not someone else’s.

I combine evidence-based medicine with a whole-person approach, recognizing that sleep, stress, relationships, physical health, and daily habits all play an important role in emotional well-being. My priority is helping you feel better while empowering you with the tools to thrive long after our appointments.

I believe that effective mental health care starts with trust, respect, and open communication. My goal is to create a supportive, judgment-free space where you feel comfortable discussing your concerns and experiences. I work with individuals facing a variety of mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, mood disorders, ADHD, trauma-related concerns, and other psychiatric conditions. Together, we'll focus on understanding your unique experiences and developing a treatment plan that aligns with your goals and values.

Reaching out for therapy can be a significant step, and I strive to make the process feel comfortable, supportive, and free from judgment. With over 10 years of experience as a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Qualified Supervisor, I help clients navigate anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, life transitions, and stress.

I believe that every person has strengths that can be built upon, even during difficult times. My role is to provide a safe space where you can explore your experiences, gain insight, and develop practical strategies for lasting change. I tailor treatment to your individual needs and goals, recognizing that no two people have the same story.

I value authenticity, compassion, and collaboration in therapy, and I work to ensure that clients feel heard, respected, and empowered throughout the counseling process. Whether you're facing a current challenge or seeking personal growth, I look forward to supporting you on your journey.

My journey began as a deeply personal quest for healing, shaped by significant challenges such as abandonment, neglect, and trauma. Overcoming hardships like poverty, familial substance abuse, and toxic relationships led me to a lifelong struggle with anxiety and feelings of isolation. In my search for relief, I explored countless self-help resources, pursued degrees in psychology, and experimented with therapeutic techniques, yet nothing seemed to offer lasting change.

Everything shifted for me about three years ago when I experienced a transformative moment that inspired the creation of the Blue Lotus Approach. This method has not only helped me heal but has also profoundly impacted my clients, guiding them toward self-awareness and resilience.

With over 22 years of experience in the field of mental health, I am dedicated to helping individuals overcome life's challenges and build a path toward healing and growth.

I have had the privilege of working with individuals of all ages, from young children to older adults, and have extensive experience supporting clients through depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, life transitions, personality disorders, and more. My background spans a variety of settings, including outpatient and inpatient care, schools, homes, skilled nursing facilities, and the criminal justice system, allowing me to bring a comprehensive understanding of diverse life experiences and challenges.

Whether you're navigating a difficult moment or looking to address long-term struggles, I am committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to your unique needs.

I’m a LCSW with a Master’s degree in Social Work from San Diego State University. I specialize in helping individuals navigate PTSD and trauma-related challenges, and I strive to create a safe, understanding space where you feel heard, supported, and empowered to heal and grow. I’ve had the privilege of working in a variety of settings, including outpatient mental health and crisis centers. I have experience working with both military and non-military members to address trauma head-on.