LGBT therapists in Port Charlotte, FL

You may feel overwhelmed, anxious, or emotionally drained, unsure why things feel harder than they used to. Maybe your thoughts won’t slow down at night, your mood shifts more than you’d like, or daily responsibilities feel heavier than before. You might feel frustrated trying to manage it all on your own, wondering if things will ever feel easier.

At Journi Alignment Mental Health, I help adults and older adults struggling with anxiety, depression, and mood disorders move toward emotional balance through personalized psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and ongoing support, offered via telehealth or in an outpatient clinic setting.

When you meet with me, you’ll find a calm, welcoming space where your concerns are heard without judgment. I take time to listen and understand your story, symptoms, and goals. Together, we create a personalized plan that may include thoughtful psychiatric evaluation, medication management when appropriate, and practical strategies to help you feel more stable and confident in your daily life. My approach is collaborative, you are always part of the decision-making process.

Over time, many clients begin to feel more balanced, more rested, and more in control of their emotions and routines. Imagine sleeping better, feeling less anxious, and having the energy to reconnect with the people and activities that matter most. My goal is to help you regain clarity, confidence, and peace as you move forward in your mental health journey.

My core belief is simple: I believe in you and your ability to become the healthiest, most fulfilled version of yourself. Life often makes it hard to see that potential, let alone know how to get there. My role is to be your guide and ally on that journey.

My path to becoming a clinician has been intentional. Beyond my master's degree in counseling and advanced post-master's training, my work in non-profit and community mental health has given me a breadth of experience with people from all walks of life. This doesn't mean "I've seen it all," but it does mean that I'm prepared to meet you where you are, without judgment. No matter what you're going through, if you are ready to take a step, so am I.

Look, nothing gets better if we don't find a way to face it safely. That's why therapy takes courage. It took courage just to get this far, and you already deserve credit for that. When you're ready for that first, brave step of reaching out, I'll be here, ready to loan you some of my hope until you can hold it for yourself.

Elizabeth Lerner received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Speech Communications and Sociology from the University of Miami in 1993 and earned her Master’s Degree in Social Work from Florida International University in 1995. She became licensed in 1998 and is a qualified supervisor for those seeking Florida licensure.

I am passionate about helping others along their journey to achieve healing, growth, and balance. I know firsthand that life can often take us down unexpected roads that might feel extremely scary, intense, and at other times, exciting. I also know that there is infinite power and resilience that comes from seeking help, leaning in, and doing the work that helps us cope during the difficult times and feel grounded once again.

Jeanna treats people with depression, anxiety, bipolar , substance use disorders , couples counseling , trauma and LBGTQ+ issues. She is passionate about optimal health in her professional and personal life and draws from a rich history of eastern philosophies and western science to meet the needs of her clients.

I’m a board-certified Family Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and former Navy Corpsman with over 20 years of medical experience. My background spans oncology, ICU, and community mental health, which allows me to care for clients across the lifespan—from children to older adults—with a well-rounded, compassionate perspective.

I take a holistic, patient-centered approach, focusing on truly understanding your unique needs and goals. In addition to treating conditions like anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, and mood disorders, I offer advanced treatment options such as Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), hormone therapy, and ketamine infusion therapy for those who haven’t found relief with traditional approaches.

Patient-focused and compassionate Psychiatric APRN specialized in the care of individuals living with Serious Mental Illnesses (i.e., Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Schizophrenia, MDD, GAD, ADHD). I understand the challenges of navigating periods of depression, PTSD, mania, and the uncertainty that can come in between. My mission is to provide supportive, evidence-based care that helps you establish stability, regain balance, and enhance your quality of life.

I take a whole-person approach, offering:

• Thoughtful medication management tailored to your unique needs.
• Therapy options such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT).
• Education and guidance to help you recognize early warning signs of mood changes.
• Support for families and loved ones who play an important role in recovery.

My goal is not only to reduce symptoms but also to help you live with greater confidence, stability, and well-being.

Claudine Bernier, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC

I am a licensed psychologist with 20 years of experience providing therapy to adults. I specialize in helping people feel more confident in themselves and in their relationships.

People often work with me in times of change such as a break up or a new relationship, job stress, parenting, or a new stage in life. I also enjoy working with women experiencing perinatal issues and caregivers/care partners of loved ones with dementia or Alzheimer's Disease.

I graduated from The Ohio State University with my DNP in 2020 focusing on efficient pathways to implement depression screening post-stroke to identify mental health needs. After working a couple years as a nurse practitioner within neurosurgery, I transitioned from Ohio to Florida and pursued my PMHNP certification from Florida State University. Over the past 5 years I have been treating psychiatric needs in LTC around Florida. I am currently working to expand into independent practice and work personally with individuals creating a therapeutic relationship and enhancing their mental health.

I'm warm, inviting, and down to earth. I went to school at Capella University and I lean into strength based approaches to keep therapy goal directed and supportive.