Tampa is the largest part of the Tampa Bay area, which is connected to the gulf of Mexico. It invites adventure as one wishes to sail across the sea. In life, it can be hard to brave the murky waters of life, especially if you don’t have a good guide. 

A counselor can be the guide you’re looking for, and they can give you the ability to brave the waters even if there is a storm coming. Speak to a Tampa-based counselor today and see what they can do for you.

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L. Nora Durand

Offering therapy in FL
License: LMHC
Relationship issuesTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteem
6 years of experience

Hi my name is Lynda Nora Durand and I go by Nora. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 8 years of experience in the state of Florida and New York. I am a Florida native who moved to New York a few years ago. I have a Master in Mental Health Counseling and a certificate in Child and Adolescent Studies. I have worked in child welfare as an advocate and counselor to youth in foster care from there I became a crisis counselor for Hurricane Sandy Victims, to then run a crisis respite center for individuals with what we call “severe mental illness” where we provided a peer environment in which individual’s experiencing psychosis but did not rise to the level of hospitalization could have a place to stay away from their triggering environment, and currently I work with victims of crimes. I shared so much detail as to my prior work experience because it speaks to the way I work with individuals. I believe in meeting every person where they are at and providing a compassionate non-judgmental space to process and explore their individual reality. My approach is a combination of Intentional Peer Support, Motivational Interviewing, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, and Need Adaptive Treatment model. I do my best to be creative with the therapy I provide and tailor it to the individual that I am working with. I am so happy that you have taken this step to work on your emotional and mental health and look forward to the opportunity to be a support alongside you in this journey.

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April Adler

Offering therapy in FL
License: M.A.,LMHC
AddictionsEating disordersDepressionCoping with life changes
30 years of experience

Hi! My name is April Adler and I am a Mental Health Counselor licensed in the State of Florida. I graduated from the University of South Florida with a Master’s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling, a program dedicated to self-discovery, mindfulness, and learning to focus on what we CAN change vs. what we can’t. I have over 30 years of counseling experience working with a variety of modalities including: Grief Counseling, Eating Disorders, Depression/Feelings of Hopelessness, Addictions/Substance Abuse, Spiritual Growth, 12-Step Recovery, Daily Coaching, Self-Esteem/Self-Worth Issues, Dealing with Change and Life Transitions, and Job Search skills. I have worked at a living and learning facility for the developmentally disabled; have provided illness and grief counseling through Hospice, and was employed in an Eating Disorders/Substance Abuse Treatment Center where I provided individual, group and family therapy. I also facilitated daily meditation/guided imagery exercises, inner-child work, spirituality and 1st Step groups, and educational recovery lectures. I have always believed that counseling should be an empowering experience. We often lack self-esteem, experience feelings of low self-worth, and sometimes lose faith in ourselves. This is the point where counseling can help us learn to believe in ourselves again. Counseling is a vehicle for change. The counseling theories that I lean toward are cognitive behavioral, humanistic and integrative. I believe that it is important to focus on your strengths and abilities; to see your own magnificence. How we think directly impacts how we feel and behave. Our work together will help you to identify old ways of thinking and acting that no longer serve you. We get to view life through a new pair of glasses! I believe that any good relationship is based on trust, and I promise to create a safe space for you to be heard and validated. I am described as compassionate, gentle and kind but can also be firm when a situation calls for it. It’s important to note that I practice unconditional regard and will never judge or shame you. Thank you for taking the time to read my profile. I look forward to working with you!

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John Checkett

Offering therapy in FL
License: MA,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesDepression
8 years of experience

Hi -- I'm John Checkett (pronounced as in, Check it out!), a highly educated therapist holding degrees in several of the social sciences. I'm the first man in history to earn a master's degree in Women's Studies in Florida, an academic discipline which I have also taught on a university level. I also hold university degrees in communication arts and social work, as well as being an LCSW. I've worked in emergency screening, providing spot analysis for emergency mental health cases with no advance notice. I have also worked for years in the prison system, with inmates experiencing mental health difficulties. I'm an excellent listener and communicator, and I specialize in problems related to gender, problems between couples -- which are usually matters of communication -- and social justice. I employ an integrative approach, drawing especially upon cognitive behavioral therapy, Jungian and narrative therapy, addressing such matters as self-care, empowerment, self image, self esteem and conflict resolution.

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Elizabeth Gelpi

Offering therapy in FL
License: LMHC,MCAP,CBHCMS
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesDepressionCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
17 years of experience

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida with over 17 years of experience. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, addiction, and self-esteem concerns. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe in open communication and treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach is to ensure that you are in control of your treatment and I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and 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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Shaunique Brown

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, coping with addictions, parenting issues, trauma, relationship and family issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I approach the therapeutic relationship with an acute sensitivity and respect for multi/cross-cultural factors. I have experience helping people with diverse backgrounds. My experience is varied across multiple settings, including individual and family therapy in community mental health agencies, school settings, private practice, residential substance abuse, and day treatment programs. I strive to treat the therapeutic relationship with warmth, respect, care, and compassion. My therapy style and approach is a mix between cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, gestalt, solution focused therapy, structural systems, and person centered therapy. A top priority for me is to meet you where you are and collaborate treatment. Whether you are working towards enlightenment or insight or symptom relief, my hope is that we can collaboratively work together to achieve your goals. It takes a lot of strength and willpower to work towards a more fulfilling and happier life. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you.

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Rebecca Scandell

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
26 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Missouri, Oregon, Massachusetts and Nevada with 26 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & 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. 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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Polly Peterson-Parker

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoaching
25 years of experience

I am licensed in Texas with 25 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, & depression. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Emily Rivera

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteem
6 years of experience

Hello and welcome to Betterhelp. My name is Emily and I am a licensed mental health counselor in the state of Florida. I have over 6 years experience serving individuals who have experienced childhood trauma, divorce, sexual assault, domestic violence, self esteem/self worth crisis, and life changes. I use evidence based approaches to better serve my clients through out the therapeutic process. I am grateful to journey with you and thank you for your bravery in choosing therapy!

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Aliya Little

Offering therapy in FL
Anger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
15 years of experience

I am licensed in Florida with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with anger management, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, & 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. 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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Melissa Wiles

Offering therapy in FL
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefSelf esteemDepression
4 years of experience

Welcome! I am a licensed mental health counselor in Florida. I have over 30 years professional experience and have been providing clinical services to clients for 3+ years. I have spent a great deal of my career working with young people of school age, but I am interested in working with adults, as well. I have a laid-back style and like to put my clients at ease. I would like to assist you or your family member address mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, relationship issues, grief and loss, self-esteem, etc. I hope to help you navigate life with more clarity, confidence, and enjoyment. Thank you for considering working with me! I hope to meet you soon!

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How to find counseling in Tampa

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Tampa 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 Tampa 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 Tampa 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 Tampa, 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 Tampa 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 Tampa 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 Tampa 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 Tampa 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 Tampa 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 33664 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 Tampa 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 Tampa 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 Tampa, 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.

Tampa 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 Tampa.

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

33601, 33602, 33603, 33604, 33605, 33606, 33607, 33608, 33609, 33610, 33611, 33612, 33613, 33614, 33616, 33617, 33619, 33620, 33621, 33622, 33623, 33629, 33630, 33631, 33633, 33637, 33646, 33647, 33650, 33655, 33660, 33661, 33662, 33663, 33664, 33672, 33673, 33674, 33675, 33677, 33679, 33680, 33681, 33682, 33684, 33685, 33686, 33687, 33688, 33689, 33694

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