Our therapists offer DBT / dialectical behavior therapy in Melbourne, FL

Hi, I'm Nikkia Gattuso, a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC). I work with adults and older adults experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD, stress, insomnia, mood disorders, and life transitions. Many of my clients feel overwhelmed, emotionally exhausted, or stuck and are looking for practical solutions and lasting relief. My approach is warm, collaborative, and personalized. I take the time to listen, understand your goals, and create a treatment plan that helps you improve your mental health, build resilience, and feel more like yourself again.

My approach is collaborative, supportive, and focused on practical solutions. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, ADHD, and mood disorders in adults and older adults. You can expect personalized care, thoughtful medication management, and a safe space to build resilience, confidence, and lasting emotional wellness. 

Reaching out for support can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to navigate life's challenges alone. Whether you're facing a difficult season or looking for lasting change, I'm here to help. When you're ready, I welcome the opportunity to support you on your journey toward healing and growth.

Denise Ludwig-Coe is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with 17 years of experience in the mental health field. Denise is also a Clinical Nurse Specialist for 40+ years and is highly motivated to play a part in helping others to decrease the pain that often accompanies many life challenges. Denise works well with all people because of her deep respect for the diversity, yet sameness, among all people; especially when at times there may be overwhelming feelings in trying to adapt to illness, loss/grief, transitioning to older age, depression, anxiety, anger, stress, alcoholism/addiction, pain, and a sense of helplessness, and not knowing where to turn. Her passion is to offer a sense of comfort and hope to those who reach out for help. Because of Denise’s dual career choice, she has also been active in helping those in the medical field, including nurses with mental health and substance use issues and who may be involved in an alternative to discipline program in Florida. Her approach is person-centered and eclectic. She draws from the field of positive psychology and coaching, and uses mindfulness, motivational interviewing, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), trauma-focused therapy, as well as 12-Step Facilitation therapy, and stress management practices.

Denise completed both her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with a clinical specialty in Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing at Syracuse University. She worked many years in direct clinical work with mental health clients in hospitals as well as in the community. Denise also worked in Public Health dealing with mental health and family issues among Spanish-speaking families living in Syracuse. She wasprivileged to teach and clinically supervise nursing students at the associate and bachelor's degree levels. Recognizing many of the stressors inherent in the health professions and wanting to play a part in strengthening caregiver resiliency and decreasing compassion fatigue, Denise returned to school and completed her Master of Science (MS) in Counseling at Nova Southeastern University, specializing in Substance Abuse Counseling and Education. Later, becoming more aware of how trauma and adverse childhood experiences impact the extended physical and mental health of people, she returned to school at Capella University to seek a PhD with a focus on the impact of trauma and later addictions in women. Due to her needing to become the primary caregiver to her dying parents, Denise did not complete the dissertation and instead received a master’s degree in Multidisciplinary Human Services. She has been a Certified Addictions Professional (CAP) in Florida. She also served as a nurse in the US Army reserves and worked in a combat support field hospital. Because of her diverse experiences in mental health, Denise has a broad base of knowledge and expertise. She is currently a Clinical Supervisor for Mental Health Counselor interns.

Part of being human means we all go through difficult times, when we don't know what to do and we feel unable to think straight. We may make decisions that make our situations even more complicated. We may feel shame or fear of loss (job, relationship, esteem of others) if we were to say out loud our thoughts and feelings. Maybe we are grieving and feel our pain will never end, BUT talking to a mental health professional can help. Talking to someone who listens with compassion, never judging or telling you what to do, but listens, and by being fully present, helps you to feel less alone, and more able to regain the direction for your life. If you are ready to reach out, Denise is ready to join you in your journey. Schedule an appointment with her today.

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.

My name is Bonita Baldick and I am a licensed mental health counselor in the state of Florida. I have worked in the mental health field for over 10 years with people of all ages and cultures. I have experience working with anxiety, depression, bipolar, PTSD trauma, ADHD, substance abuse, individual, couples, and family.

My methods of treatment include cognitive-behavioral assessment, solution-focused, emotion-focused therapy, trauma-informed treatment and recovery, acceptance and commitment therapy, mindfulness-based stress reduction, behavior activation, positive psychology, motivational interviewing, person-centered/humanistic, and a wellness approach.

I am here to help in any way I can to offer empathy, caring, active listening, warmth, positive regard, and understanding in a setting of your choosing, either in the office or at home. I am a goal-oriented therapist and will work with you on achieving your highest potential. I am here for you! Please don’t hesitate to call or schedule a session online.

I am a Registered Clinical Social Work Intern with 2 years of experience working in outpatient, school, community mental health, and telehealth settings. I have worked with clients ages 5–17, including children, teens, and families. I specialize in anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, grief, relationship challenges, self-esteem, stress, and life transitions. My passion for therapy comes from my belief that everyone deserves a safe space where they can feel heard, understood, and supported without judgment. I strive to help clients feel comfortable being their authentic selves while building the coping skills and confidence they need.

I provide a warm, culturally sensitive, and person-centered approach, drawing from CBT, DBT, strengths-based techniques, play therapy, and mindfulness. I tailor therapy to each client’s needs, helping children, teens, and families build coping skills, confidence, and healthier ways to manage anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions.

I’m here to meet you where you are, listen without judgment, and support you at your own pace. Taking the first step toward therapy can feel difficult, but you deserve support and a space where you feel understood. When you’re ready, I invite you to schedule an appointment and take that first step toward feeling more supported.