Find Therapists, Counselors and Psychologists in Lakeland, Florida
Find a therapist in Lakeland, Florida that meets your needs. Browse our comprehensive list of affordable and licensed therapists in Lakeland to find a professional specializing in counseling people with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, grief and more.
Dr. Pamela Bratton
PhD
35 years experience
I am a Florida Licensed Psychologist and I work with adults and mature teens. I use a variety of therapeutic modalities, providing a warm supportive environment where treatment is customized to best suit each individual. Sessions are collaborative and based on a fundamental respect for each client’s unique circumstances, talents, and goals.
During my long career I have... Read More
I am a Florida Licensed Psychologist and I work with adults and mature teens. I use a variety of therapeutic modalities, providing a warm supportive environment where treatment is customized to best... Read More
Hello and thanks for stopping by! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of Florida. I’m originally from New York City, where I received a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, from Hunter College and my Master’s degree in Social Work, from Columbia University. I’ve lived in Florida since 1999. I have been working in the mental health field for over 20 years. My experience is with individuals and... Read More
Hello and thanks for stopping by! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in the state of Florida. I’m originally from New York City, where I received a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, from Hunter College and my... Read More
Hi and thank you for having the courage to take this first step. Life is a journey. Through my passion to empower you, I will help move you on a path forward in life. I will guide you through discovering your strengths and self-awareness to bring you clarity and direction. I am open-minded and create an environment that promotes healing and transformation. I was born and raised in upstate New York. Completed my bachelors in exercise... Read More
Hi and thank you for having the courage to take this first step. Life is a journey. Through my passion to empower you, I will help move you on a path forward in life. I will guide you through discovering... Read More
Making the decision to come to therapy can often be difficult. I strive to create a comfortable, non-judgmental and supportive atmosphere to help foster change and overcome challenges. Utilizing a strength based, integrative approach, I draw from various modalities, including person centered, cognitive-behavioral and mindfulness, to best meet the needs of each individual client. By drawing on your personal strengths and building insight, my goal is to help you improve your quality of life and... Read More
Making the decision to come to therapy can often be difficult. I strive to create a comfortable, non-judgmental and supportive atmosphere to help foster change and overcome challenges. Utilizing a strength based, integrative approach, I draw from various modalities, including... Read More
"He knows not his own strength who hath not met adversity"- Samuel Johnson We all face challenges in our lives. I am here to help you face those challenges with a non- judgemental , empathetic approach. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida. I have experience in grief counseling, family therapy, individual and group therapy. I have worked with children and adolescents. I can help parents address the issues they may... Read More
"He knows not his own strength who hath not met adversity"- Samuel Johnson We all face challenges in our lives. I am here to help you face those challenges with a non- judgemental , empathetic approach. I am a... Read More
Hi There!
My name is Alexis and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida. I relocated to Florida in 2013 from New York State. I have experience working with individuals throughout the lifespan. I have experience working in both inpatient and outpatient settings offering treatment to individuals (ages 18-geriatric) with mild to severe mental health disorders. I believe that establishing trust within the counseling relationship is paramount. ... Read More
Hi There!
My name is Alexis and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida. I relocated to Florida in 2013 from New York State. I have experience working with individuals throughout the lifespan. I... Read More
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who uses several therapeutic styles including cognitive/behavioral and reality therapies. My strengths include empathy, compassion, humor, and sensitivity to any issue that is brought to the "couch." My job is to help you help you and in doing so I am along for the ride and journey of self-discovery, healing, and growth. I work with a varied clientele covering many different issues and feel that my approach is both... Read More
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who uses several therapeutic styles including cognitive/behavioral and reality therapies. My strengths include empathy, compassion, humor, and sensitivity to any issue that is brought to the "couch." My job is to help you... Read More
Hello. I am a relationship therapist and coach in South Florida specializing in Trauma, Anxiety, and Grief–I help you remember that, despite terrible ordeals, it is possible to move forward. I also am a medical family therapist which means I can talk with you about your chronic pain and/or illness whether in your diagnosis, treatment or recovery stage. And I work closely with clients going through Depression along with Stress and Burnout, particularly to those... Read More
Hello. I am a relationship therapist and coach in South Florida specializing in Trauma, Anxiety, and Grief–I help you remember that, despite terrible ordeals, it is possible to move forward. I also am a medical family therapist which means I... Read More
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida. I am also a Certified Addictions Professional and a National Certified Counselor. I have experience working with adults, adolescents, and children in both individual and group settings; privately and in the hospital/treatment center settings. I have experience working with couples and families. Some of my specialties include depression, anxiety, stress management, recovery, trauma, abuse, as well as grief and... Read More
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of Florida. I am also a Certified Addictions Professional and a National Certified Counselor. I have experience working with adults, adolescents, and children in both individual and group... Read More
I work with individuals of diverse backgrounds and presenting concerns. My specialty areas include Gender/Sexuality, LGBTQ+, hRt consideration/gender therapy, Identity Development, Sexual Wellness and Health, Women’s Issues, Adolescent Concerns, Problem Alcohol Use and Trauma, Depression, and Anxiety.
I have more than 13 years of experience in residential, community-based, school-based, and college counseling. I have has significant experience working with juvenile and adult probation, substance abuse, sexual offender and addiction, LGBTQ+ issues, and general mental health. My... Read More
I work with individuals of diverse backgrounds and presenting concerns. My specialty areas include Gender/Sexuality, LGBTQ+, hRt consideration/gender therapy, Identity Development, Sexual Wellness and Health, Women’s Issues, Adolescent Concerns, Problem Alcohol Use and Trauma, Depression, and Anxiety.
I have more than... Read More
The mental health of Polk County is a leading cause of concern for residents in Lakeland, Florida. Like many other places, Lakeland has issues with substance abuse and a lack of access. The rate of chronic disease is of particular concern. This is significant because those with chronic diseases often also experience mental disorders. This is one way the mental health needs of the Lakeland community are unique.
There is also a shortage of care in Lakeland. This comes from a combination of lack of funding and a shortage of mental health care services. This is another unfortunate roadblock in helping residents access treatment. Many people already are unable to access care because of money or a lack of health insurance.
The state of Florida received a “D” grade for its residents’ mental health and access to quality care. However, in Lakeland in 2007, 87.1 percent of adults said that their mental health was good. The average number of poor mental health days reported in a 30-day period was 3.4. That does not mean there is not a significant segment of the population with mental health needs. More recent reports show that residents consider mental health and a lack of care to be top concerns in Lakeland.
Rates of mental illness among teenagers are also rising. Among teenagers between ages 12 and 17, 7.63 percent reported a major depressive episode in the past year. The number rose to 7.97 percent among people aged 18 to 25 and dropped to 5.92 percent among people over age 25.
Of people between 18 and 25, 17.41 percent reported a mental illness of any kind over the previous year. This includes anxiety, depression, and stress, as well as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. In the 25-and-up age group, the number rose to 18.63 percent.
In those two age brackets, the rates of those who had seriously considered suicide in the past year were 6.48 and 3.24 percent. The suicide rate in Polk County did not change significantly between 2003 and 2013.
Effect of Substance Abuse, Poverty, and Other Factors
Like many other places throughout the country, rates of substance use and abuse are up in Polk County. Twenty percent of adults between the ages of 18 and 44 reported drinking alcohol to excess.
Illicit and prescription drug abuse is also rising. Among teenagers, the rate of illicit drug use in a 12-month period was 3.88 percent. Among adults aged 18 to 25, the numbers were 8.82 percent. Almost 10 percent of adults up to age 25 reported using pain medications for nonmedical use. More than 6 percent of teenagers reported the same.
Chronic disease is a significant factor in the mental health makeup of Polk County. Five leading causes of death in the area are chronic diseases. These include cancer, heart disease, chronic lower respiratory diseases, stroke, and diabetes. Those who suffer from chronic diseases often also experience depression. This means that Lakeland has unique challenges in the mental health care field. Patients have unique needs in the sphere of mental health as they face crises in physical health.
Mental Health Resources in Lakeland
Polk County residents praise public services for their role in local mental health care. These include the Peace River Center, Tri-County Human Services, and domestic violence shelters. But many people also say they worry about a lack of access and a shortage of qualified care.
While the area has struggled from lack of funding, there is a push to increase this and expand services to the area. Low-income residents or those without insurance also have access to telehealth services. These include consultations with counselors and even prescription medications if necessary. This service is the result of a local half-cent sales tax passed in November 2016.
The Challenges of Finding a Therapist in Lakeland
Growing resources in the Lakeland area mean more options for patients seeking care. But that can be an overwhelming prospect, especially if you are just starting out. That is why we offer a detailed directory of all the mental health care services in your area. With our directory, you can see all the local providers and what they offer. It is faster and easier than waiting for an insurance company to assign you a counselor at random.
We make it easy for you to compare therapists and find the one that is best for you. Contact us today to find a therapist in Lakeland, Florida.
