Find a therapist, counselor or psychologist in Jacksonville, FL (Fairfax)

"As a first-generation Indian-American, I understand the complicated overlap between identity exploration and mental health stigma."

Pooja Vala is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 7 years of experience in the mental health field. She has experience working with individuals, couples, and families of all ages and backgrounds experiencing depression, anxiety, marital stress, life transitions, history of trauma, and more. She has the unique experience of being raised in a traditional Indian household while also growing up in a small Florida town. This, coupled with her professional experience, allows her to provide the support, guidance, and empathy that people need to feel seen and heard.

Pooja earned her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of North Florida. She utilizes multiple approaches to psychotherapy, including person-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and mindfulness.

It is totally normal to experience struggles in everyday life. Pooja knows how hard it can be to ask for help, and she wants to extend a hand out to you now. Whatever it is you are going through, she will sit with you on your journey of personal growth to overall happiness. If you are willing and ready, schedule an appointment with Pooja today!

"As an empathic and realistic counselor, I use a down-to-Earth approach and remain genuinely dedicated to working with clients as they travel on their journey towards peace and betterment."

Angie Morales is a Master’s-level counselor and a Registered Mental Health Counselor intern (RMHCI) with over 5 years of experience. She specializes in assisting adults and seniors with a range of concerns including relationship issues, codependency, grief and loss, substance abuse, chemical dependency, anger, empowerment and self-esteem struggles, depression, anxiety, panic disorders, mood disorders, domestic abuse, and trauma. Her career has included work with children and family services, homelessness issues, behavioral health services, crisis interventions, and family dysfunction.

Angie received her Master’s degree in Counseling from Webster University, and she also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services. Angie targets her approach based on client needs and utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, choice/reality therapy, and mindfulness-based methods.

Angie is dedicated to serving her clients and guiding them on their journeys to reach goals of peace and progress. She feels a desire to help others refocus their sense of purpose, redefine their personal values, and reawaken their self-empowerment. Angie is ready to help you to realign your sense of balance.

"I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It is your journey and I am here to walk with with you."

Dianne is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida with 3 years of professional work experience. She have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma, abuse, and grief and loss, as well as life transitional assistance.

Dianne completed her Master of Counseling Psychology at Trinity International University in Miami, Florida. She is a veteran of the United States Navy, and she practiced nursing in the State of Florida for 20 years. This background has enabled her to provide the guidance and insight her clients are seeking. Dianne utilizes multiple treatment approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and positive psychology.

Dianne believes that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. She believes it takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. She is here to support and empower you in that journey.

"As a therapist, I strive to connect with my clients to help them achieve their goals."

Casey Yates is a Registered Mental Health Intern with over 5 years of experience. She specializes in assisting children, teens, adults, and seniors who have a wide variety and range of concerns including depression, anxiety, grief, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, ADHD, and relationship issues. Casey has worked in residential settings, case management, and intake coordination.

Casey received her Master of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health from the University of the Southwest. She uses several approaches with clients, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, play therapy, solution-focused therapy, and mindfulness-based techniques.

Casey truly believes that goals can be met when mental health is prioritized. She wants to help individuals feel successful on their therapy journey and is ready to meet you where you are. Schedule an appointment with Casey today!

""You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them." - Maya Angelou"

Terrell Gunter is a Licensed Master Social Worker with 4 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults in schools, hospitals, and community mental health clinics. Terrell is capable of empowering clients with trauma, anxiety, depression, ADHD, and other mental health challenges.

Terrell completed his Master of Social Work degree at the University of South Carolina. Terrell has training in TF-CBT which is designed to help children, adolescents and their caregivers cope with trauma-related emotional and behavioral issues to promote long-term resilience and safety. Terrell uses cognitive behavioral and person-centered therapy.

Therapy with Terrell will be goal-oriented. Having your collaboration and measuring progress is important to him, so honest feedback is encouraged. Terrell hopes that when you end your work together, you feel confident that you learned relevant skills and gained insight about yourself. If you decide to book with Terrell, he would be delighted to meet you.

"Therapy is a journey of healing while finding personal freedom and happiness."

Billi Jo Speth is a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern and completed her Master's in Clinical Mental Health and Substance Abuse at Nova Southeastern University and her Bachelor of Science in Physical Education at Athens State University. She enjoys working with adults and adolescents helping them find their way to the solutions that best work for them in their life. Billi Jo specializes in anxiety, depression, self-esteem, substance use, and coping skills and enjoys working with couples and families who are experiencing substance abuse issues, addiction, and gambling; recognizing that these issues can be challenging for abusers, partners, family members, and other extended personal relationships. 

Billi Jo worked as an activity director at an Alzheimer's and Dementia nursing home and this experience brought about a passion to help people find happiness in their darkest hour. While there, she sought out knowledge to better understand the link between memories and behaviors. Currently, Billi Jo utilizes multiple treatment approaches including cognitive behavior (CBT), solution-focused, psychoanalytic, existential, Adlerian, rational emotive (REBT), reality therapy, and Christian counseling.

Understanding that life gives us all many ups and downs, Billi Jo is a resident clinician who listens to the presented issue without judgment and works empathetically with you to create an objective plan to meet your goals. When you are ready to do the work, Billi Jo is confident that by providing therapeutic techniques and interventions, together can work together to become happier, have personal freedom, and gain a new perspective while growing through your personal challenges.

"I am committed to fostering a collaborative and inclusive therapeutic experience by tailoring support to meet individual needs and promoting holistic well-being."

Bianca Croyle is a dedicated Registered Social Worker Intern (RCSWI) who brings over 3 years of experience in the field. Specializing in working with children, families, and adults, she has proven skills in mental health counseling, crisis intervention, group sessions, and more. Bianca is passionate about helping individuals overcome challenges related to anxiety, depression, family issues, relationship issues, stress, life transitions, and more.

Bianca holds a Master's degree in Social Work from the University of Central Florida. She employs a diverse range of therapeutic modalities, incorporating mindfulness, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, and solution-focused therapy (SFT) to provide comprehensive and personalized support to her clients.

Bianca understands the journey of overcoming hardships and is here to support you. Her unique blend of professional expertise and personal resilience creates a compassionate space for healing. If you're ready to navigate life's challenges together, Bianca invites you to reach out for support and understanding today.

"As a mom, wife, daughter, sister, friend and individual, I understand that there are times we need support and guidance to help us find positive ways to cope with difficult or trying situations in life."

Lisa is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) has years experience in helping clients of all ages. She specializes in treating stress, anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, low self-esteem, confidence, grief, anxiety, and depression.

Lisa completed her Master's degree in Rehabilitative Counseling at the University of Florida. She uses multiple treatment approaches including mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), solution-focused therapy (SFT), and positive psychology.

We all face difficult times or need help finding ways to cope with various life circumstances. Lisa would be able to help support, teach new techniques and discover positive coping strategies to help you thrive in your environment.

"With over 22 years of experience in the military, I know what it means to deal with adversity, and I have experience with diverse backgrounds."

April Sims is a Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern who strives to be open-minded and easy to confide in. April specializes in depression, anxiety, relationship issues, stress, life transitions, self-esteem issues, and education/career concerns. She has experience providing talk therapy to university students, student-athletes, and teams; facilitating equine-assisted therapy with individuals and groups; and treating stress and life transition issues in adults. April believes that progress takes time and patience, because your own feelings did not develop overnight.

April earned her Master’s (M.S.) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the University of North Florida. Her time in the Army gave her experience inspiring and developing individuals and teams. April uses multiple approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy, psychoanalysis, acceptance and commitment therapy, mindfulness, and solution-focused therapy.

We all have a story, and everyone deserves to have their story heard. April takes pride in providing a safe, non-judgmental space for you to share your story. She believes there is no "one size fits all" approach to counseling, but her goal will always be to help you rewrite your story while becoming a better representation of yourself each day.