Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Panama City, FL

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 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.

With over 10 years of experience as a licensed clinical social worker, I’ve supported individuals through some of the most challenging moments in their lives—including anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and substance use.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure where to start, you’re not alone. I provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space where we can work through what’s going on and begin finding a path forward that feels realistic and manageable.

My background in healthcare settings has given me experience working with both mental health and medical challenges, allowing me to take a more holistic view of what you’re going through.

Great to meet you!Hi! I’m Dr. Jessica Torres, and I’m so glad you’re here. Taking the step to seek support can feel vulnerable, and I want you to know that reaching out is courageous. I have 18 years of counseling experience and over 30 years in education, supporting women, adolescents, and couples through major life transitions. I specialize in helping women find their voice, rebuild self-esteem, and move forward with grace after divorce, abuse, infertility, career changes, and identity shifts. I also work with adolescents (middle and high school, girls and boys) navigating anxiety, depression, anger, grief, self-esteem challenges, identity exploration, LGBTQ+ concerns, and eating or behavioral issues. Additionally, I support couples navigating relationship transitions, communication struggles, and family-building stressors.

I’m not your typical therapist—and I don’t try to be. I’m warm, honest, and believe a little humor belongs in therapy when it fits. I specialize in helping adults navigate trauma, anxiety, ADHD, relationship challenges, and identity, especially when old patterns leave you feeling stuck or disconnected from yourself. My goal is to create a space that feels less clinical and more like a grounded, genuine conversation where you can reconnect with yourself, heal, and make room for more joy and ease.

When you've spent so much time taking care of everyone else, it's easy to lose sight of your own needs. Anxiety, depression, constant stress, trauma, or relationship challenges can leave you feeling emotionally exhausted, disconnected, and unsure how to move forward. You deserve a space where you don't have to carry everything alone and where healing feels possible. I partner with individuals navigating anxiety, depression, stress management, trauma, and PTSD so they can strengthen their relationships, build emotional resilience, and reconnect with the version of themselves they've been missing. Working with adolescents, adults, couples, and families in both English and Spanish, I strive to create a welcoming, affirming environment where every client feels respected, understood, and empowered to create meaningful, lasting change.

I am a psychiatric provider who specializes in working with adults experiencing anxiety and depression, and I’m passionate about creating a space where you feel genuinely seen and heard. My clinical background includes formal training in evidence-based treatments for mood and anxiety disorders, and I have experience supporting clients from diverse cultural and personal backgrounds. I strive to bring both professional expertise and a warm, grounded presence to every session so that you feel comfortable sharing what’s really going on in your life.

Natasha Vernon, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC

Natasha Vernon is the owner of Sunshine Behavioral & Mental Health Center, LLC. She is a dually certified family nurse practitioner and psychiatric nurse practitioner. She earned her master’s degree from Nova Southeastern University in 2016 and post master’s life span psychiatric nurse practitioner certification from Washburn University in 2020. She has over 10 years of nursing experience in various specialties within the medical field. Throughout her career, she has treated a variety of mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, mood disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, and other psychiatric disorders. She is truly passionate about providing care for people suffering with mental illness.

At Sunshine Behavioral & Mental Health Center, LLC, our goal is to provide compassionate, kind, and empathetic care to all of our patients and eliminate all stigmas associated with people diagnosed with mental illness. Our services include initial psychiatric evaluations and follow-up appointments for intervention with medication management. We thank you for choosing us to be your mental health provider. We are honored to help you. We are committed to making you feel better mentally and in all aspects of life!