Find a therapist in Tampa, FL — covered by insurance

My name is Toni Gayle, and I am a Qualified and Licensed Mental Health Counselor with a background that bridges clinical care, education, and holistic wellness. I hold a Master of Education in Mental Health Counseling from the University of North Florida and have worked across correctional settings, public schools, and nonprofit organizations — giving me a uniquely broad perspective on the human experience.

I am also the founder of The Real Tonic Wellness Brand, where I blend mental health principles with practical, whole-person wellness strategies. Whether you are navigating anxiety, depression, life transitions, trauma, or simply trying to grow into a better version of yourself, I bring both clinical expertise and genuine compassion to every session. My work has always centered women, families, and communities — and that heart has never changed.

Feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or ready for something to change? You don’t have to figure it out alone. I work with adults navigating anxiety, stress, life transitions, and relationship challenges who want more clarity, balance, and confidence. Together, we’ll untangle what’s been weighing on you and create a path forward that feels realistic and empowering. Therapy can be a space where you feel understood, supported, and able to move toward lasting change—at your own pace.

I work with teens, adults, and families who are facing addiction, mental health concerns, trauma, relationship difficulties, life transitions, stress, anxiety, depression, and barriers to personal growth. Many of my clients come to therapy feeling overwhelmed, stuck, disconnected, or ready to make positive changes in their lives. You may be struggling with shame, guilt, anger, repetitive thoughts, poor sleep, concentration problems, or the effects of trauma that make it hard to feel calm, present, or in control. I also support family members who are trying to manage the impact of a loved one’s substance use while learning how to set healthier boundaries.

I specialize in evidence-based treatments for patients suffering from anxiety, OCD, Depression, and trauma related disorders. These treatments are more effective and efficient than traditional therapy because they directly target symptoms. I provide specific exercises aimed at breaking behavioral patterns that maintain symptoms. Traditional psychotherapy emphasizes gaining insight which in itself often does not lead to symptom reduction. Changing what you do will you change how you feel.

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!

Great to meet you! I am a licensed clinical social worker in Florida with six years of professional experience helping individuals navigate major life changes, transitions, and daily stressors. Seeking help takes immense courage, so congratulations on taking this first step toward a more fulfilling and happier life. My practice is rooted in absolute non-judgment with extensive experience helping clients process grief, chronic pain, isolation, aging, and mood or sleep disorders. I also offer specialized, inclusive care for the LGBTQ+ community, polyamorous relationships, and the BDSM/kink/alternative lifestyle culture. No matter who you are or what you are going through, you will find a safe, affirming space here.

I’m a psychiatrist who specializes in providing integrative care to foster inner discovery and facilitate tangible change for all of my patients. To me, this means utilizing evidence-based psychotherapeutic methods with medication management as appropriate for achieving personal goals and inner wellness.