geometry-shapes iconStress / Mental Stress / Work Stress, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety, Depression, Anger Management
Online in Florida
8 years in practice
Ages served: 11-65+
shield check with plus icon

Accepted insurance & self-pay

Pooja accepts 34 insurers
Aetna
Aetna Medicare Advantage
Anthem
Cigna | Evernorth
Cigna | Evernorth - Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Adventist Health Associates | Employee Health Plan
Adventist Health Associates | Non-Employee Health Plan
AvMed
AvMed | Medicare Advantage
Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)
Carelon
Carelon | Medicare Advantage
Compsych
Devoted Health | Medicare Advantage
Firefly Health Plan | Cigna PPO Network
First Health Network
Florida Blue | BCBS | Blue Cross Blue Shield
Florida Blue | Medicare Advantage
Health First Health Plan
Health First Health Plan | Medicare Advantage
HealthSpring | Medicare Advantage
Humana Medicare Advantage
JP Farley Corporation
Medica
Medicare FL
Multi Plan PHCS
Optum Serve
Oscar Health
Quest Behavioral Health
Railroad Medicare
UMR
United Healthcare | Optum
United Healthcare | Optum - Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
United Healthcare | Optum Medicare Advantage
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 Pooja

Video Play Button

Pooja Vala is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 8 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!

Provider background floral illustration
Pooja Vala's profile image

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

chats icon

Get to know Pooja

Why did you decide to become a counselor?

I wanted to create a safe space for others.

What types of clients do you work with best?

Motivated clients who do their best to communicate their emotions.

What type of clients are you most excited to work with?

Individuals undergoing general life stressors/adjustment disorders.

What’s one thing you wish all clients knew?

We're not judging you, we genuinely want to help

Why did you choose to practice at Thriveworks?

I love their flexibility, mission, and respect for their providers.

What inspires you?

Miracles

What can clients expect in their first session with you?

Getting to know their therapist and giving a little information about what brings them into therapy

What do you want to accomplish with an individual in their first session?

Building rapport and communicating empathy

What should clients know about you before scheduling a first counseling session?

I'm easygoing and empathetic. Just be yourself.

What do you do for fun/on your time off?

Play video games, sew, listen to music.

What’s one thing about you that defines you (non-professional)?

My kindness

Read more
Lady on bicycle icon

Other areas of focus

SpecialitiesStress / Mental Stress / Work Stress, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety, Depression, Anger Management, School Issues, Women’s Issues, Coping Skills, Grief, Life Transition, Self Esteem, Relationships, Men’s Issues, Family Conflict, Gender Identity / Transgender, Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum, Parenting, Racial Identity, LGBTQIA+
ApproachesReality Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Humanistic / Rogerian, Positive Psychology, Any / Eclectic, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Culturally Sensitive
Academic cap icon

Education and training

Years in practice
8 years
Graduating institute
University of North Florida
Graduating degree
Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
magnify glass with eyes icon

Additional details

Languages spoken by this provider
English
file icon
NPI number1033825757
practice location icon
State of practiceFL
license card icon
License numberMH22783
Practice location

Practice information

Book your first session

Individual Counseling
Pooja is available for Video visits.
Want help booking? 
Existing client? and rebook
Pooja Vala's profile image

Pooja Vala

Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)she/her