Find a therapist, counselor or psychologist in Fort Lauderdale, FL

"I am a compassionate, progressive therapist who uses a modern approach to therapy that includes social justice, affirmation of self, and accountability at the heart of each session. "

Willow McGinty is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) who has 6 years of experience in the mental health field. Willow has worked within the foster care system, addiction recovery systems, within public schools, as a supervisor to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, and through providing consultation to large corporations about creating environments that promote mental wellbeing. She provides feminist, anti-racist perspectives to empower clients of all identities and intersections. 

Willow completed both her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and her master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling at the University of Central Florida. She maintains healthy, professional relationships with her clients while offering a down-to-earth counseling experience. Willow’s philosophy of care is nuanced and person-centered. She utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) techniques to improve her clients' abilities to cope with life’s stressors. 

Willow helps her clients share their story by offering a safe, nonjudgmental therapeutic environment. She provides genuine empathy and thoughtful insights into her clients’ concerns in a collaborative approach to care. Willow acknowledges concerns related to systemic oppression and the shortfalls of certain therapeutic approaches with marginalized communities in order to implement courses of treatment best suited to competently address her clients' needs. You can trust Willow to be affirming. She provides supportive therapy for people of all walks of life who have the desire to grow into their best self. 

Giovanny Zapata is double board-certified as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC) who manages and treats a wide range of mental health concerns. Over the years, he has worked with a diverse population in various mental health settings. Giovanny completed his undergraduate studies at Florida International University and the University of Miami. He obtained his Master's degree from the University of Miami.

Giovanny believes in establishing a strong rapport with his clients while incorporating effective therapeutic communication techniques. He provides compassionate care and engages in a collaborative and holistic approach in order to help individuals reach their goals. He tailors every treatment plan based on the needs of his clients.

If you're struggling with mental health challenges, please know that you are not alone. Giovanny is dedicated to helping you overcome your obstacles. He encourages you to be active in your treatment plan and values what you have to say, and he believes the best outcomes are achieved when you both work together as a team. Schedule today if you're ready.

"As someone who has had their own personal struggles, I understand how challenging life can feel at times."

Jaclyn Bencivenga is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in NY and FL, having worked in the field for 9 years in various different roles. She has experience with children, adolescents, and adults. She has worked in group practices and hospital settings, helping clients suffering from anxiety, depression, relationship issues, impulsivity, and more.

Jaclyn uses a cognitive behavioral approach to therapy, helping clients understand their thoughts and develop ways that they can change their negative thought processes to more positive thought patterns in order to improve their overall well-being.

In the first session, clients will get to know Jaclyn better and decide what goals are important to work towards, helping them make changes to become the best version of themselves. Taking the first step can be hard, but Jaclyn is willing to support you every step of your journey. If you feel it’s time to become your best self, schedule an intake today!

"My mission as a Hispanic mental health counselor is to provide personalized care for the members of my community so that they may lead a more positive life."

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. 

"As your provider, it is my duty to meet you where you are at, wherever that may be. I will work with you to develop an individualized, holistic care plan that will allow you to achieve recovery and work towards turning your dreams into reality."

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!

"My approach is empathic and non-judgmental — I take the time to listen and work to help individuals meet their personal goals. "

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.

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.