geometry-shapes iconAnxiety, Depression, Trauma / PTSD, Grief
Online in Florida
7 years in practice
Ages served: 0-64
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Accepted insurance & self-pay

Chelsie accepts 20 insurers
Aetna
Optum Serve
United Healthcare | Optum
United Healthcare | Optum - Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
United Healthcare | Optum Medicare Advantage
Adventist Health Associates | Employee Health Plan
Adventist Health Associates | Non-Employee Health Plan
AvMed
AvMed | Medicare Advantage
Compsych
First Health Network
Health First Health Plan
Health First Health Plan | Medicare Advantage
JP Farley Corporation
Medica
Multi Plan PHCS
Oscar Health
Quest Behavioral Health
UMR
Uprise EAP
SELF-PAY COSTS
Out-of-pocket session costs for clients who don’t have insurance or aren’t covered by their insurance for mental health services.
$200
first session
$170
subsequent sessions
About Provider

About Chelsie

I am a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) with 7 years of experience supporting adolescents, adults, couples, and families. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD-related concerns, relationship challenges, grief, and life transitions. I am passionate about providing culturally responsive, trauma-informed care that supports emotional wellness and meaningful balance.

I earned my Master of Science in clinical mental health counseling from Nova Southeastern University. My approach is collaborative and tailored to each client, utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based interventions, trauma-informed care, and family systems techniques to promote emotional regulation and lasting change.

I understand that reaching out for support can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to navigate challenges alone. I provide a compassionate, nonjudgmental space where you can build confidence, strengthen relationships, and develop practical coping tools. I would be honored to support you on your journey toward healing and growth.

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Chelsie Byars's profile image

"I am dedicated to supporting individuals and families through anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction, and relationship challenges with compassionate, client-centered care."

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Get to know Chelsie

Why did you decide to become a counselor or psychiatric provider?

I became a therapist because I have always been passionate about helping people navigate difficult moments in their lives and recognize their strength, resilience, and capacity for change. Through my early experiences studying criminal justice and later working in mental health settings, I witnessed how trauma, systemic stress, and life challenges can deeply affect individuals, families, and communities. I realized that many people struggle not because they lack motivation or ability, but because they often do not have the support, tools, or safe spaces needed to heal and grow.


Becoming a therapist allowed me to combine my desire to serve others with my commitment to advocacy, education, and emotional wellness. I am especially driven to support individuals and families facing adversity, helping them build coping skills, strengthen relationships, and develop confidence in their ability to overcome challenges. My work is rooted in the belief that every person deserves compassion, understanding, and the opportunity to create a healthier, more fulfilling life.

What types of clients do you work best with?

Works best with clients who have Anxiety, Depression, Grief, and PTSD.

What's one thing you wish all clients knew about therapy, mental health, or the healing process?

One thing I wish all clients knew is that healing is not a straight line. Progress in therapy often includes moments of growth, setbacks, breakthroughs, and periods of uncertainty, and all of these experiences are a normal part of the process. Many people believe they must “have it all together” or make rapid changes, but meaningful healing takes time, patience, and self-compassion.


Therapy is not about being judged or told what to do; it is a collaborative space where you can safely explore your thoughts, emotions, and experiences while learning practical tools to navigate life more effectively. Even small steps—gaining insight, practicing a coping skill, or expressing a difficult emotion—are important signs of progress. Over time, these small steps build confidence, resilience, and a deeper understanding of yourself, helping you create lasting and meaningful change.

What can clients expect in their first session with you and in the early stages of therapy?

In the first session, clients can expect a welcoming, supportive, and nonjudgmental environment where we begin getting to know one another. We will talk about what brings you to therapy, the challenges you are currently facing, and what you hope to gain from the process. I will also review confidentiality, answer any questions you may have, and discuss how therapy typically works so you feel informed and comfortable moving forward. The first session is paced to help you feel safe and heard—there is no pressure to share more than you are ready to share.


During the early stages of therapy, we will work together to clarify goals, identify patterns in thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and begin learning practical coping and emotional regulation skills that you can start using right away. You can expect a collaborative approach where we regularly check in on your progress, adjust goals as needed, and build strategies that support your personal growth, healing, and overall well-being.

What personal experiences or values inform your practice as a therapist/provider?

My practice is guided by a deep commitment to compassion, cultural humility, and the belief that every person deserves a safe space to be heard and understood. My experiences working with individuals, families, and communities facing trauma, systemic barriers, and life transitions have reinforced the importance of meeting clients with empathy, respect, and authenticity. I value creating a therapeutic environment where clients feel empowered to explore their experiences without judgment while developing the skills needed to navigate challenges and build resilience.


I am also strongly influenced by the value of collaboration—viewing therapy as a partnership in which clients are the experts of their own lives. My approach emphasizes honoring each client’s unique background, strengths, and goals while integrating evidence-based practices that support meaningful, lasting change. These values shape my commitment to providing culturally responsive, client-centered care that promotes healing, growth, and emotional well-being.

How do you tailor therapy to meet each client’s unique needs?

I tailor therapy by first taking time to understand each client’s unique experiences, cultural background, strengths, challenges, and personal goals. During the initial sessions, we explore what has and has not worked for you in the past, how you prefer to learn or process emotions, and what you hope to achieve in therapy. This collaborative assessment allows me to develop a treatment approach that aligns with your individual needs rather than using a one-size-fits-all method.


I also integrate different evidence-based approaches—such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, trauma-informed care, and emotional regulation strategies—based on what best supports your goals and presenting concerns. Throughout the process, I regularly check in with you to evaluate progress, adjust interventions, and ensure that therapy continues to feel relevant, supportive, and effective. My goal is to create a flexible, personalized therapeutic experience that honors your pace, preferences, and path toward growth and healing.

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Other areas of focus

SpecialitiesAnxiety, Depression, Trauma / PTSD, Grief, Behavioral Issues, Coping Skills, Self Esteem, Women’s Issues, Relationships, Self-Harming, Emotional Disturbance, Impulse Control Disorders, Marital & Premarital, Mood Disorders, Performance Anxiety, Career Counseling, Oppositional Defiance Disorder (ODD), Family Conflict
ApproachesMotivational Interviewing, Narrative, Neurofeedback, Play Therapy, Positive Psychology, Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), Existential Therapy, Any / Eclectic, Behavioral Therapy, Family / Marital, Psychotherapy, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness-Based Therapy (MBCT), Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Person-Centered Therapy, Trauma-Focused, Strength-Based Therapy, Art Therapy, Multicultural, Psychodynamic
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Education and training

Years in practice
7 years
Graduating institute
Nova South Eastern University
Graduating degree
Masters of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
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Additional details

Languages spoken by this provider
English
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NPI number1881448751
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State of practiceFL
Practice location

Practice information

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Chelsie Byars's profile image

Chelsie Byars

Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)she/her