Find a therapist in Pensacola, FL — covered by insurance

Whether you are carrying the weight of trauma, feeling worn down by anxiety or depression, or working through a painful loss or a strained relationship, you deserve a space where you feel understood and genuinely supported. I am Shanda, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 28 years of experience walking alongside adults, couples, and families through life's hardest seasons. My style is open-minded, empowering, and solution-oriented. I will meet you with warmth and without judgment, and I focus on real, practical steps forward. When you are ready, I would be honored to see if we are a good fit.

I believe therapy is a collaborative journey—not a quick fix. If you or your child are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or weighed down by stress, anxiety, or past experiences, you don’t have to navigate it alone. I work with adults and children, bringing warmth, compassion, and a strengths-based approach to each session. My goal is to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where clients can explore challenges, reconnect with their strengths, and move toward a more fulfilling life. I integrate trauma-informed practices and, when it feels helpful, nature-based techniques to support grounding, perspective, and growth. I’m here to guide and empower you—while helping you take meaningful, practical steps forward.

Refined Beginnings Counseling takes the focus off of issues and highlights solutions. Refined Beginnings Counseling LLC supports an environment that is least restrictive, provides for confidentiality, and convenience by offering tele-mental health services in Florida and both tele-mental health and office visits to clients in Georgia.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Professional Mental Health Clinician, and Life Coach with over 25 years of experience providing inpatient and outpatient mental health therapy, as well as more than 30 years of working alongside individuals to help them create meaningful and lasting change in their lives. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Florida State University, a master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of Georgia, and I am an active member of the Phi Alpha Honor Society.

I believe that the most powerful change happens when clients feel safe, accepted, and empowered to be themselves. My ideal client is motivated, engaged, and open to self-reflection—but in truth, everyone is welcome in my practice. Whether you’re struggling with past trauma, navigating current challenges, or simply looking to grow, my goal is to provide a supportive, judgment-free space where we can work together toward your goals. More importantly, EVERYONE is welcome to my practice!

Hi there, I'm Yanela, a bilingual LMHC with previous experience and a background in art therapy approach as a creative healing process.

I work with children, adolescents, and adults using a mix of evidence-based approaches and creative techniques to support emotional growth.

Hi, I’m Maikel Echemendia, a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner serving patients in Florida through both in-person and telehealth appointments. I specialize in helping adults who struggle with anxiety, depression, insomnia, panic symptoms, mood disorders, ADHD, trauma-related symptoms, and life stressors.

I hold an M.S. in Counseling from the University of Vermont, a Vermont LCMHC license and a Florida telehealth registration. I have been meeting with clients for individual therapy for over four years. The people I work with come to therapy with a range of concerns — including anxiety, depression, life transitions, relationships, and the experience of feeling 'stuck' without quite knowing why. I view the therapeutic relationship as central to the work.