Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Port Charlotte, FL covered by Aetna

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with over 25 years of experience. My current focus is working with children, adolescents, and young adults between the ages of 2 and 22. My practice is dedicated entirely to this age group because I believe early intervention and meaningful support during formative years can have a lasting, positive impact on a young person's life. I have worked with youth navigating a wide range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, ADHD, behavioral difficulties, and family, social and school-related stress. I often incorporate play therapy techniques into my work with young people, highlighting the ways that children and youth often express and process their experiences most naturally, through creativity and play. I also have a strong commitment to supporting parents as partners in the therapeutic process.

I believe that prioritizing your mental health is a major key to a happy, fulfilling life. Seeking help can be one of the hardest parts, so congratulations on taking that step! I’ve been practicing for 5 years, but before I was a therapist I taught high school. Because of my background in education, I love working with young adult females who are struggling with identity, self-confidence, anxiety and depression.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker dedicated to providing thoughtful, compassionate care to individuals navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, and major life transitions. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where you feel truly heard and understood as we work toward meaningful, lasting change.

With extensive experience in both school systems and clinical settings, I support children, adolescents, and adults through high-stress and crisis situations. I am highly skilled in risk assessment and safety planning, helping my clients build effective, real-world coping strategies to manage their most difficult moments.

As a bilingual clinician, I am proud to provide services in both English and Spanish, helping expand access to care for diverse communities across Florida. I am especially passionate about helping my clients move through emotional challenges with clarity, resilience, and confidence.

One of the most empowering factors in my life has been spending 32 years as an Air Force Military Spouse. This empowered me to grow and learn through lived experiences in diverse groups. I’ve been a clinical social worker and prior substance abuse counselor for 30+ years working in a public agency, private practice, and with the US Army at Fort Carson, Colorado and at SHAPE, Belgium. I work across all ages to include both adults and children. In addition to my MSW in clinical social worker, I have an advanced graduate degree in Infant and Early Childhood Special Education Leadership and a doctorate degree in Curriculum and Diversity Studies.

Above all, I want my clients to know that my priority is to create a space where they feel safe being fully and authentically themselves. As a gay man, I understand the importance of having spaces where identity does not need to be explained, defended, or minimized, and I hope to create that sense of safety for each of my clients. I welcome LGBTQ+ adults and young adults, and I offer affirming therapy where who you are is the starting point, not something you have to justify.

Professionally, I am a Miami-based Licensed Clinical Social Worker offering telehealth therapy to clients across Florida. I completed my Bachelor of Social Work in Indianapolis and my Master of Social Work in Miami. Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to work with people navigating some of life's most difficult moments.

My experience includes providing therapeutic services within a homeless shelter's substance use treatment program, as well as working in an inpatient hospital setting. I have supported individuals through addiction and substance use recovery, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, medical crises, and major life transitions. I draw on cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), harm reduction, solution-focused brief therapy, and positive psychology, and I tailor my approach to what actually fits your life and goals. I am no stranger to difficult conversations, and I want my clients to know that no thought or feeling is unwelcome in our therapeutic space.

Every individual, regardless of background, identity, or lived experience, is welcome in my practice. Whether you are working through recovery, grieving a loss, managing anxiety or depression, or facing a major life change, I would be glad to support you.

I look forward to meeting you!