Our counselors provide therapy for children and teens in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Victoria Baca is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with 8 years of experience working in a wide variety of settings with a focus on individual counseling. She also holds an MCAP (Certified Master's Level Addiction Professional). Her specialties include anxiety, depression, substance abuse, trauma, domestic violence, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, and immigration/acculturation problems.

Victoria completed her Bachelor of Science (BS) in General Psychology and her master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling at Nova Southeastern University. Her approach to therapy comes from the belief that every individual is their own expert and possesses the inner wisdom to guide them to find the right path. Victoria’s role as a counselor is to help uncover her clients' inner wisdom and resiliency. Her theoretical orientation is eclectic, combining cognitive-behavioral and dialectical behavioral approaches with mindfulness and motivational interviewing.

Victoria will guide and support you in your journey by providing the necessary tools to increase your resiliency and achieve your goals. We all go through challenges in life and Victoria is ready to walk along with you through the recovery path.

Michael Perez is a bilingual (English, Spanish) Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with more than 6 years of experience working with clients of all ages who are encountering difficulties in managing depression, anxiety, career-related stress, poor coping skills, grief, life transitions, mental stress, low self-esteem, stress, substance use, trauma, and PTSD. 

Michael earned his Master's degree in Social Work from Florida Atlantic University and utilizes a wide variety of therapeutic methods, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Christian counseling, compassion-focused methods, culturally sensitive methods, emotionally-focused approaches, mindfulness-based therapy (MBCT), motivational interviewing, and more. 

His unique skill sets and experience with diverse patients and insight within the arts provide him with a unique perspective that can help patients to achieve their personal goals and identify their needs and wanted improvements. Michael is ready to partner with you to address the challenges you're currently facing. He'll help you move forward with compassion and focus, as you learn to manage your mental health with his professional support.

My name is David J. DeJesus, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Florida. My work is grounded primarily in Bowen Family Systems Theory and psychodynamic thinking, with attention to how family history, relationships, and early experiences shape present-day patterns. I work with individuals and families navigating complex family dynamics, early recovery, anxiety, emotional regulation, internal conflict, and intergenerational patterns. I also integrate cognitive behavioral and dialectical behavior therapy-informed tools to support insight, coping skills, and intentional change. 

My approach is collaborative, reflective, and grounded in curiosity. I help clients better understand patterns in their relationships, family history, emotional reactions, and learned roles. Clients can expect a thoughtful, honest space that supports insight, coping skills, emotional regulation, and intentional change. 

Starting therapy can be a meaningful step toward understanding yourself and your relationships more clearly. My hope is to offer a space where you feel respected, supported, and encouraged as you work toward growth, healing, and more intentional change. I would be honored to support you in that process.

I am a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner dedicated to compassionate, patient-centered, evidence-based care. I work with children, adolescents, and adults experiencing a wide range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety disorders, ADHD, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, eating disorders, PTSD, OCD, and panic disorder. My goal is to help you manage symptoms, build resilience, and achieve greater emotional wellness through individualized, collaborative care that includes comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, diagnosis, and medication management.

My approach is collaborative and evidence-based, focused on creating a space where you feel heard, understood, and actively involved in your care. I specialize in the assessment and treatment of ADHD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, trauma-related disorders, and other complex mental health challenges, using individualized treatment planning, thorough psychiatric evaluation, and medication management when appropriate. You can expect a thoughtful, nonjudgmental partnership aimed at symptom relief, long-term stability, and meaningful personal growth.

Seeking support is an important step, and you don't have to navigate it alone. I'm committed to providing compassionate, personalized care in a space where you feel heard, understood, and empowered. I look forward to working alongside you and encourage you to take that next step when you're ready.

I am a licensed mental health therapist with experience working with children, adolescents, and families navigating anxiety, trauma, low self-esteem, and relationship challenges. I use evidence-based approaches like CBT, TF-CBT, and family systems strategies to help clients build coping skills, improve communication, and better understand their emotions. While much of my work focuses on youth and families, I'm also open to working with adults, couples, and individuals seeking support, growth, and meaningful change. 

I take a collaborative, strengths-based approach focused on building practical skills for daily life. Using CBT, TF-CBT, and family systems strategies, I help clients manage anxiety, process trauma, and improve communication. Clients can expect a supportive space to grow, feel understood, and make meaningful, lasting change. 

Taking the first step toward therapy can feel overwhelming, and that's OK. You don't have to go through it alone. I'm here to support you at your pace in a safe, understanding space. When you feel ready, I invite you to take the next step toward healing and growth.

Sarah Suarez is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) who has over 3 years of clinical experience providing therapeutic counseling services to children, adults, couples, and families seeking help with anxiety/depression, stress, self-esteem, and coping skills. Sarah is a strong ally and sensitive to the needs of other cultures. 

Sarah completed her Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology at Florida International University and her Master of Arts (MA) in Marriage and Family Counseling at the University of Central Florida. As a native Spanish speaker, Sarah can provide bilingual services and reach more individuals within the community.

Sarah has a strong passion for helping others and seeks to establish a healthy, therapeutic relationship with you. She will provide encouragement and support to help you reach your goals, improve your wellbeing, and feel a stronger connection to those around you. Sarah specializes in cognitive behavioral, humanistic, and positive psychology approaches to help clients achieve their goals. She utilizes research-based techniques to promote growth within a safe environment and considers her clients to be the experts of their lives. 

Katelyn is a doctorally prepared, board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (DNP, PMHNP-BC) who treats individuals across the lifespan with a variety of mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, bipolarity, ADHD, and stress. She is passionate about restoring hope and takes pride in establishing trusting, caring, and compassionate relationships with each of her individual patients. She strives to optimize the quality of life for each individual through a multi-faceted approach, utilizing both psychopharmacological and psychotherapeutic techniques. 

Katelyn most recently earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree (DNP) at Florida Atlantic University in December 2022. She has also earned a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from Florida Atlantic University, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Stony Brook University, and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology from Hofstra University. She has over 10 years of experience working in healthcare. Her background includes psychiatry, oncology, and medical/surgical concentrations. 

Katelyn has extensive experience working at an inpatient psychiatric stabilization facility treating acute psychiatric illnesses and managing crisis situations. She possesses strong clinical proficiencies and has a natural ability to connect with patients. Katelyn is a skillful listener and exhibits compassion and equanimity in her practice. She incorporates a variety of therapeutic techniques into her treatment plans, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based therapy (MBCT), solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT), and more, in order to individualize her care and optimize health outcomes.

Life is not easy, and it is okay not to be okay all of the time! Katelyn is confident that she will be able to support you through those ‘not okay’ times. She is a warm, empathetic practitioner looking to help you optimize your strengths, develop new coping skills, and build resiliency to assist you in working through life’s challenges. If you are looking for support and direction, schedule an appointment with her today!

Shannon is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) who manages and treats a wide range of mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, OCD, sleep disorders, bipolar disorder, and more. She is passionate about providing quality, compassionate, and comprehensive mental health services to her clients.

Shannon Schaal has been a valuable member of the healthcare field since 2012. Prior to becoming a nurse practitioner, Shannon worked as a registered nurse with patients in a variety of settings, including medical-surgical units, oncology, and pediatrics. Soon after, she transitioned to mental health, where she found her passion. After seeing that she could make a difference in the lives of others, she decided to further her education.

Shannon graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of North Florida with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She then graduated with high honors from Regis College with a Master’s of Science in Nursing as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She has experience working with clients in a variety of settings including inpatient, outpatient, and addictions. Shannon possesses strong clinical skills and a natural ability to build rapport with her clients.

We all go through challenges in life. Shannon is confident that she can support you on your journey to gain new perspectives and techniques that allow you to cope with whatever you may be struggling with.

Jermilla Augustin is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with a strong desire to help people and improve their daily lives. She specializes in helping individuals with anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Prior to becoming a nurse practitioner, Jermilla worked as a mental health nurse for over 10 years in various acute settings treating anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and personality disorders.

Jermilla thrives when sharing creativity, knowledge, perspective, and decision-making with her patients, and has a special interest in the balance of mental and physical health. Compassion is her guide for safe, effective, and valuable medical service. Jermilla’s mission is to provide patient-centered care by partnering with each patient to develop an individualized treatment plan while being compassionate and sensitive to their needs and concerns.