Sometimes, you need a friendly neighbor to help you out. When you're tackling depression, anxiety, or want to figure out where to go in life, a good person can help you sort things out. However, it can be hard to find someone who understands you entirely. This is where a counselor comes in. A Kissimmee-based counselor can help you to find yourself. 

The motto of Kissimmee is “A community of neighbors for families.” In life, having a good community can help you and your family. A counselor can be a part of that family. Talk to a counselor today and see what they can do for you.

This is Amy Matthews's avatar and link to their profile

Amy Matthews

Offering therapy in FL
License: LMHC,
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesDepression
39 years of experience

I have been doing counseling for over 35 years. When I lived in Pennsylvania, I worked as a school counselor in a high school for 28 years and also maintained a private practice. Since moving to Florida, I worked in a private practice in which I specialized in both adolescents and adults. I also work with families and couples. I worked at Better Help before and formed many successful relationships with clients. I consider myself to be an eclectic counselor who is genuine, supportive, and empathetic. I have been in therapy many times and definitely understand how helpful it can be to have someone who is in your corner, advocating and believing solely in you. I consider myself liberal and non-judgmental and I would be surprised if there was something you could tell me that I have not heard before, I also have a strong sense of humor and know that humor has saved me many times from my own issues. I received my Master's degree in 1980 in Marriage, family, and Child Counseling, but I consider that my life experience just as important in having added to my counseling skills. Many counselors can learn from books, but I incorporate all I have learned in my own life experience into the work I do with clients. Let's talk.

This is Waynette Speakman's avatar and link to their profile

Waynette Speakman

Offering therapy in FL
License: LMHC ,CCMHC ,BC-TMH
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesSelf esteemDepressionADHD
11 years of experience

Hello, My name is Waynette Speakman. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in the state of Florida and I am also a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and a Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC) through the National Board of Certified Counselors. I am also a Board Certified -TeleMental Health Provider (BC-THP). I graduated from the University of South Florida in 2007 with a Master's in Counseling. I primarily work from an Adlerian counseling perspective as it utilizes psychodynamic, cognitive, and behavioral techniques. I incorporate cognitive and behavioral strategies into counseling to facilitate goal-directed positive behaviors, while also taking into account past history, birth order and family dynamics. Adlerian therapy is goal directed and future focused, therefore we will not spend too much time on past history, rather add it to the other pieces to create the best possible picture. I will integrate solution-focused strategies and motivational interviewing techniques to encourage problem solving from a positive goal oriented perspective. I am really excited to meet you and start working with you.

This is LaVerne Kalafor's avatar and link to their profile

LaVerne Kalafor

Offering therapy in FL
License: EdS, ,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
38 years of experience

I love to help others deal with life challenges to help them feeling happy, productive and whole again. Using combined a client-centered, humanistic approach, I have had years of experience working with all ages and helped many deal with depression, anxiety, grief, PTSD and life transition issues. Positive psychology and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) are used to improve self-esteem, motivation and confidence. I include interpersonal hypnotherapy, guided meditation, EFT and mindfulness techniques to deal with anxiety, panic attacks, traumatic experiences, loss and grief. My view of therapy is that it is a joint process, taken at a pace that is comfortable for the person seeking services. Sometimes we just get stuck. Sometimes we just need to learn skills. Sometimes we just need someone outside of a situation to talk to for insight or support. What ever the issue, together we agree upon a plan based upon what is most pressing for you. I offer my knowledge and skills that I think would be most helpful to address your concerns, learn ways to make changes you want to make happen and move forward with life! I am here for you so take that first step and get in touch with me. I will be happy to answer you!

This is Dr. Nadine Pierre-Louis's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Nadine Pierre-Louis

Offering therapy in FL
License: PhD,LMFT,MCAP
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteem
22 years of experience

Hi, my name is Nadine, and I am a Doctor of Conflict Resolution (PhD), a Florida Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), a Florida Certified Addiction Professional (MCAP), and a Certified Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP). For more than 15 years, I have worked as a Therapist and Clinical Director in a variety of settings such as Private Practice, Agencies and Addiction Rehabilitation Centers, helping individuals tackle complex family issues, including co-dependency, highly conflicted divorces, addictions (alcohol, substances and gambling), domestic violence, and the anxiety and depression which can accompany these experiences. Prior to pursuing a career in mental health, I worked successfully in corporate environments and have a complimentary expertise in organizational conflict, and conflict and crisis management. I take a systems approach to therapy with a goal to help you better function in the areas of life that are important to you. My approach is customized to your needs and goals. I draw on a variety of trainings, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing and various family therapy interventions to customize a treatment plan to help you achieve your desired results. My approach fosters positivity, with an honest, and respectful directness. This relationship is a partnership that requires us to work well together, building on a foundation of trust. For this to occur, we need to be able to communicate freely with one another. I am mindful that some topics might be uncomfortable, and we can work through them together. I look forward to working with you. Congratulations! you’ve already taken the hardest step…

This is Deborah Smith's avatar and link to their profile

Deborah Smith

Offering therapy in FL
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
24 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker in Florida with over 20 years of experience. I have worked with clients with a variety of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, ineffective communication skills, grief, stages of life issues and career challenges. My therapy style is relaxed, patient and supportive. I collaborate with clients to determine the goals of treatment and the best approach for each individual. I incorporate client’s strengths as well as the areas of concern. My approach is a combination of cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, dialectical behavioral and solution focused therapy. It takes self-awareness and courage to identify barriers to the positive life you want and to make the decision to work toward making those changes. I’m pleased to partner with you on this journey. I’m looking forward to meeting you and to starting the journey!

This is Emilie Ansay's avatar and link to their profile

Emilie Ansay

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyLGBTGriefIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteem
5 years of experience

I am an LMHC with 5 years of professional work experience. I am skilled in LGBTQIA+ affirming care, transgender care, dialectical behavioral therapy, grief counseling, and trauma work specializing in interpersonal traumas. The primary techniques I use in my therapy sessions are validation and genuine empathy, mindfulness and grounding strategies, insight-oriented treatment, and supportive psychotherapy. 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

This is Colton Miller's avatar and link to their profile

Colton Miller

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepressionCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

Life can be hard. My name is Colton and I’m a licensed mental health counselor, eager to help you with whatever life is throwing at you. I’m welcoming, easy-to-talk to, and truly love what I do: helping people work through challenges in their life to become genuinely happy! Life is short, it’s essential that we enjoy it. You are taking a huge first step by making your mental health a priority. I use research-based techniques shown to get results for issues like anxiety, depression, relationship issues, trauma, low self-esteem, family conflict, and more. I’ve had the opportunity to help many individuals, families, and couples drastically improve their well-being and reach their true selves. By choosing me as your therapist you are guaranteed a safe, non-judgmental environment that will yield real, measurable results. You do not have to go about this alone - I’m here for you!

This is Jennifer Thomas-Simmons's avatar and link to their profile

Jennifer Thomas-Simmons

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changesCoaching
19 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 19 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, parenting issues, depression, & coping with life changes. 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.

This is Heather Damron's avatar and link to their profile

Heather Damron

Offering therapy in FL
Relationship issuesCareer difficultiesDepressionCoachingCompassion fatigue
30 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with over 30 years of professional work experience and 23 years as a licensed therapist. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, career difficulties, depression, & executive and professional coaching. 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 sign up for therapy takes a bit of courage and I am proud of you for getting started! My approach is very supportive and also very direct. The therapeutic alliance is one of the most important aspects of individual counseling. This is “your” session and I am never offended if you want to go in a direction I have not thought of or if you have questions about the overall process. Important note: Please note that therapists on the BetterHelp platform are rated by active clients as well as clients whom therapists have declined due to a plethora of reasons and in my case; scheduling seems to be the main reason I don’t accept a particular individual or their mental health needs are such that I know I am not the best match for their needs. These “non-clients” have the same opportunity to rate my work which in my short-time on the platform has been discouraging because my actual client ratings hover in the 4.7-5/5 in all areas. Having people whom I have not had any sessions get equal opportunity to rate my work has drastically skewed the ratings and I think you as a potential or actual client need to know how these ratings are formulated. Thank you and look forward to meeting you.

This is Asiyah Alston's avatar and link to their profile

Asiyah Alston

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepression
3 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with three years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! I practice solution focused therapy, strength based therapy and CBT. I am here to be trustworthy and supportive and I look forward to collaborating and assisting with attaining goals.

How to find counseling in Kissimmee

Finding the best therapist close by in Kissimmee 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 Kissimmee. 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 Kissimmee, 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 Kissimmee 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 Kissimmee 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 Kissimmee, elsewhere in Osceola, 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 Kissimmee area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Kissimmee 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 Kissimmee 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 Kissimmee 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 Kissimmee, 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 Kissimmee 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 Kissimmee 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 Kissimmee 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 Kissimmee 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 Kissimmee 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 34745 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 Kissimmee 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 Kissimmee 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 Kissimmee, 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.

Kissimmee 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 PinterestLinkedInInstagramTwitter, 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 Kissimmee.

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

34741, 34742, 34743, 34744, 34745, 34746

Find the right therapist for your needs
Match with a qualified therapist