The beauty of the world is all around you, but you may not be able to see it as clearly as you would like. When depression and anxiety have their grips on your life, it can be very tough to focus on much else. Problems like this impact many people and you should not feel ashamed of what you are going through. Help is available and you can reclaim your happiness with the help of others who care.

Taking the time to speak to a counselor in Gulfport will allow you to make progress. A counselor from the Gulfport area that truly understands what you are going through will prove to be a great ally. The beauty of the world around you will appear vibrant once again and you will be able to look at the world with new eyes.

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Carolynn White

Offering therapy in FL
License: LMFT
Family conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteem
10 years of experience

Seek holistic well-being, personal growth, and lasting change? As a Marriage and Family Therapist, my unique approach blends systems thinking, Zen Buddhism, and cybernetic wisdom. I believe in transformation through understanding interconnected systems. We shift from working against ourselves to working with ourselves, and from battling circumstances to embracing them. My approach resonates with those who are ready to embrace personal accountability and who seek to explore the depths of their inner worlds. It's for individuals, couples, and families who are open to transforming their relationships and lives through a non-judgmental, holistic, and systemic approach. What sets me apart as a therapist is my commitment to providing a non-judgmental, blame-free space that fosters self-discovery and growth. I draw from Zen Buddhism, channeling the wisdom of luminaries like Alan Watts, to help clients find peace and mindfulness in their journey. If you're ready to embark on a transformative journey, reach out.

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Dr. Shawyna Murray

Offering therapy in FL
License: PhD,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteem
6 years of experience

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the state of Florida and I have worked in the field providing client focused therapy to clients of all ages and stages in life. I am a graduate of Nova Southeastern University and I came to the field because I enjoy hearing stories, and the opportunity to help others create new life stories. My goal is always to offer a safe space to process and work through the various challenges that life presents. In that safe space, it is my sincere honor to listen to your needs and concerns and partner with you to create a plan to help you meet those challenges as they come, judgement free. I also work with couples and families, helping to positively change relational and communication patterns. I also enjoy working with families with members living with Alzheimer's disease, or other Dementias, Cancer and other chronic illnesses, to help them navigate the anxiety and to prepare for the journey these illness' can take them on. Whatever side of this experience you find yourself on, I would like to be there to help.

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Alan Hickey

Offering therapy in FL
License: LMHC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
8 years of experience

Hello there. I'm Alan Hickey, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida. I graduated from the University of Central Florida in 2015 with a Master of Arts degree in Marriage, Couple, and Family Therapy. There's an important connection between our thoughts, feelings, and actions. They influence one another in many ways, though they are often in ways that may be confusing - at first - to the person living them. By talking about them, we can together gain a deeper understanding of how they are connected for you, then equip you with new ways of interrupting uncomfortable patterns of thinking, feeling, or interacting. Whether it be assisting a person in learning how to continue finding the joy in life after the loss of a loved one, moving forward when feeling disconnected from oneself, rebuilding ruptured connections with others, or overcoming other overwhelming ordeals, I look forward to the opportunity to help you.

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Valerie Yost

Offering therapy in FL
License: MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefDepression
20 years of experience

Valerie Yost, MSW, LCSW I'm so glad that you are looking at therapist profiles to find someone that is right for you. That first step of establishing relationship is very important. I am a seasoned therapist with more than 15 years in private practice and a reputation for establishing good rapport with a wide variety of clients. It is a privilege to share your story and join you in your journey to greater health and peace. My training and experience have prepared me to work with those who are depressed, anxious, in troublesome relationships, experiencing medical illnesses, or wanting to understand themselves better. My approach is cognitive-behavioral with influence and interventions from problem-solving approaches, insight oriented therapy, emotional regulation strategies, and Christian therapy. I look forward to working with you as you invest your time and energy in bettering yourself.

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Elizabeth Carter

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepressionADHD
32 years of experience

I am Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida with 32 years of professional work experience. I'm also a certified addiction counselor (MAC). I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, parenting issues, & depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Keryl Cruickshank

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
9 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & coping with life changes. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Nan Miller

Offering therapy in FL
License: LCSW ,LMSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
35 years of experience

Hello! Welcome to Betterhelp. I have been in practice for over 30 years in both Michigan and New York, my hometown. My training includes psychoanalytic, psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Emotional Freedom Technique (tapping), and Imago with couples. My areas of expertise include depression, anxiety, panic disorder, relationship issues, parenting skills, school and career problems. I also provide life coaching that I combine with counseling as needed. The two combined approaches can provide a very effective way to resolve resistances and blocks to success. I provide therapy to teens through seniors. I work with individuals, couples and families. It is my goal to create a safe, comfortable environment for you in order to help you say whatever is on your mind. Your needs and goals are important, and my focus is to help you get the most out of each session. ***By the way, I ask that you please schedule appointments with me directly, rather than use the online calendar. I see patients outside of BetterHelp and that time that looks open on the calendar may be taken by someone outside of BH. I want to ensure we find an available time for our sessions. I look forward to hearing from you. Best Regards, Nan Miller, LCSW

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This is Yvonne Santiago's avatar and link to their profile

Yvonne Santiago

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
35 years of experience

I am a mental health counselor licensed in Florida since 2004. My undergraduate and graduate degrees are from University of Florida. During my counseling career, I have enjoyed working with individuals of all ages and walks of life, challenged with various concerns such as depression, anxiety, chronic illness, disability, relationship issues, physical and emotional trauma and career transitions. I am a certified Autism Spectrum Disorder Clinical Specialist. I use a strength based approach and integrative frame of work with my clients, tailoring treatment to your individual needs. Through sensitivity, warmth and compassion, I can help you overcome the barriers that have kept you stuck. It takes courage to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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Timothy Collins Jr.

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseEating disordersAnger managementADHD
3 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 3 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, eating disorders, adjustment issues, cognitive restructuring, & anger management. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. Let's clear out mental corruption so that you can be filled with the truth and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Marisa Chiuchiolo

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
5 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

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How to find counseling in Gulfport

Finding the best therapist close by in Gulfport can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area, you can find a therapist in your city that is accepting new clients and fits your goals. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage, family issues, or other emotional challenges, feel proud that you have begun your search to find the mental health care services that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Gulfport. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of therapy can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Gulfport, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.

It is also important to understand that mental health professionals in the United States are accredited to provide care, helping individuals and couples, with a variety of licenses. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinical psychologist or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

Mental health professionals working through their own in- person therapy practice in Gulfport or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, or change in negative thinking patterns. They may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain. Verified providers can provide licensed marriage and couples therapy, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.

There are all kinds of therapists working with clients today across the United States and in the greater Gulfport area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find therapists, have in mind what type of therapy you'd like your provider to be most experienced with and choose an experienced provider with a practice located near you in the city of Gulfport, elsewhere in Pinellas, or in the greater state of Florida.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Gulfport area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Gulfport therapist?

The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Gulfport due to a higher cost of living. The price also depends on the type of provider you are looking for. See the following average prices for various mental health providers without insurance:

  • Counseling with a psychiatrist: $150-$500
  • Counseling with therapists: $100-300
  • Therapy with a psychologist: $100

While many psychologists in Gulfport may not take health insurance, some in the state of Florida may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With BetterHelp or clinicians throughout the state of Florida you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).

How is a licensed therapist on this online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Gulfport, Florida working on BetterHelp are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited as a doctor of psychology (PhD / PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW / LICSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). All of these psychology clinicians have a Masters Degree or a Doctorate Degree in their field of psychology sciences, and follow the APA Code of Ethics. They have been qualified and certified by their state's professional board after successfully completing the necessary education, exams, training and practice with a patient, and extensive experience in a healthcare clinic or treatment centers, in order to become a mental health provider. While their lived experience, expertise, careers, and background vary, they all possess at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience with adult and sometimes teen patients, and have the necessary therapist credentials to provide a safe space for long lasting emotional healing in therapy. 

Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from psychiatrists to prescribe a drug as treatment, or perform psychological assessments.

How does working with a counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?

BetterHelp clinicians treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Gulfport above, can work with young adults, children, adolescents, and adults virtually as an accredited licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). You do not have to commute to a an office as a psychotherapy client.

Through BetterHelp therapy, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, use the in app journaling feature, and receive worksheets. You'll also find support groups or group therapy lead by a therapist in Gulfport helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety or depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address?

BetterHelp's verified Gulfport therapists specialize and have clinical experience in a wide range of mental health issues and modalities, helping clients to feel better and improve their lives every day. See below for examples.

Specialties on BetterHelp include:

You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy or with a sex therapist. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists or licensed marriage family therapists (LMFT) who work with clients in relationships. You can also try a Gulfport therapy provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide. 

How do I know if online counseling is right for my family?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a therapist is the validation and active listening they can provide. Your friends and loved ones may also be available to listen, but you may feel that they may lack the skills to provide objective guidance. Counselors are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

A psychologist in your city can support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health, life concerns, or healing needs. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another good benefit of therapy is having an understanding, safe space with a non-judgmental party who can support you through challenging experiences.

Many people have sensitive topics that they may feel ashamed to discuss with their friends or partner. A Gulfport therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, such as art therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words.

With a lot of people in FL, providers may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles above and others within BetterHelp's team, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching to find a a nearby psychotherapist close to 33707 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Gulfport counselor?

Before seeing your therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the therapy process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist, any emotional pain you may feel, and the ways in which you hope to improve. When you attend your session, let them know if you have any concerns about therapy or feel unsure about what to talk about. They may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy.

Should I find a therapist or psychologist if I feel fine? 

Some simply don't feel the need to see a psychologist. However, some people may avoid attending therapy due to stigma or preconceived notions of what therapy entails. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback and advice. A Gulfport licensed clinical social worker may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.

Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find through therapy can be dependent on your process.

People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles.

Is mental health care and therapy worth it? 

Therapy is effective and has the power to change individuals' lives. Each client is at a different stage of their emotional healing journey in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, skills, and goals. A psychologist can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities to help you feel your best and put you on the path to healing. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, a mental health professional has an understanding of various disorders like ADHD and depression with many hours of experience in treating adults in their practice. For this reason, seeing an evidence based psychologist in Gulfport, Florida can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy services each year, showing it's a popular option and is proven to be effective.

Gulfport has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions?

The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.

Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time today to learn more about the team of therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of Gulfport.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Gulfport:

33707, 33711

Popular cities near Gulfport, FL

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