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

"I've had the pleasure of fostering great rapport with clients by helping them navigate the difficulties and challenges of their lives. "

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.

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.

Michael Perez is a bilingual (English, Spanish) Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) with more than 6 years of experience working with clients of all ages who are encountering difficulties in managing depression, anxiety, career-related stress, poor coping skills, grief, life transitions, mental stress, low self-esteem, stress, substance use, trauma, and PTSD. 

Michael earned his Master's degree in Social Work from Florida Atlantic University and utilizes a wide variety of therapeutic methods, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Christian counseling, compassion-focused methods, culturally sensitive methods, emotionally-focused approaches, mindfulness-based therapy (MBCT), motivational interviewing, and more. 

His unique skill sets and experience with diverse patients and insight within the arts provide him with a unique perspective that can help patients to achieve their personal goals and identify their needs and wanted improvements. Michael is ready to partner with you to address the challenges you're currently facing. He'll help you move forward with compassion and focus, as you learn to manage your mental health with his professional support.

"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!

"I've experienced first-hand the beauty of realizing I don't need to figure it out alone, and taking hold of the hand already extended to help me—pain and tragedy didn't have the final say for me, and it doesn't have to for you."

Hi, I'm Fabiola Metezier, a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern with a Masters of Science in Counseling Psychology. I love all things therapy, and simply put, meeting people where they are for forward progression. My passion for the field has gifted me the privilege of servicing children, adolescents, and adults navigating behavioral and mood disorders and trauma. There's no one-size-fits-all approach, and my joy is to tailor methods to honor my client's unique story. Whether you're adjusting to life transitions, mental health challenges, or seeking faith-based guidance, together we'll advance recovery and strengthen autonomy. 

My approach is flexible and adaptable to you, combining proven methods, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), with culturally sensitive exploration to help you manage symptoms, build resilience, and create a more fulfilling, balanced life.

If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or in need of a space where your emotions and spiritual beliefs can be honored, I’m here to listen and walk with you. I warmly invite you to reach out whenever you feel ready. My door is open.

"I believe therapy can be a space to slow down, understand the patterns we come from, and begin making choices that feel more aligned with who we want to be. "

My name is David J. DeJesus, and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Florida. My work is grounded primarily in Bowen Family Systems Theory and psychodynamic thinking, with attention to how family history, relationships, and early experiences shape present-day patterns. I work with individuals and families navigating complex family dynamics, early recovery, anxiety, emotional regulation, internal conflict, and intergenerational patterns. I also integrate cognitive behavioral and dialectical behavior therapy-informed tools to support insight, coping skills, and intentional change. 

My approach is collaborative, reflective, and grounded in curiosity. I help clients better understand patterns in their relationships, family history, emotional reactions, and learned roles. Clients can expect a thoughtful, honest space that supports insight, coping skills, emotional regulation, and intentional change. 

Starting therapy can be a meaningful step toward understanding yourself and your relationships more clearly. My hope is to offer a space where you feel respected, supported, and encouraged as you work toward growth, healing, and more intentional change. I would be honored to support you in that process.

"My personal and professional experiences have shaped my trauma-informed approach and my belief that while our experiences influence who we are, they do not have to define us; by understanding the patterns behind our behaviors and reconnecting with what we value most, we can begin making choices that reflect the life we want to live."

My approach is trauma-informed and grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I help clients understand how their experiences have shaped the way they see themselves, their relationships, and the world around them. Together, we explore patterns, build insight, and work toward meaningful changes that feel true to who you are and where you want to go. When appropriate, I incorporate Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) to support trauma healing.

I believe therapy is most helpful when you feel comfortable being yourself and don’t have to arrive with everything figured out. Our work is collaborative, and I’ll meet you where you are while also encouraging you to look at things from new perspectives. We’ll explore what may be keeping you stuck, recognize your strengths, and find practical ways to move toward the life you want.

You don’t need the right words or a clear plan to begin therapy—just a willingness to show up and start somewhere. I encourage clients to ask questions, be curious, and bring their authentic selves into the room. Growth takes time, and the process can look different for everyone. If you’re ready to begin, I invite you to schedule an appointment.

"As a former athlete, I understand the importance of working together, meeting people where they are, building trust and rapport through empathy and compassion, and using a strength-based, solution-focused approach to help clients recognize their strengths, overcome challenges, and move toward meaningful change."

I'm a licensed clinical social worker and experienced mental health clinician with more than 30 years of experience supporting children, adolescents, adults, and families. I have worked with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, emotional and behavioral challenges, life transitions, relationship concerns, and performance anxiety. As a former athlete, I understand the pressures that can affect confidence, motivation, and performance. My approach is grounded in empathy, compassion, strength-based and solution-focused interventions that help clients build confidence and overcome barriers.

My approach to therapy is organic, down-to-earth, and centered on meeting each client where they are, without judgment. I use strength-based and solution-focused strategies to help clients develop coping skills and identify practical steps toward change. I also believe in respectfully challenging clients to look beyond what may be holding them back.

Taking the step to seek therapy is a sign of strength, courage, and bravery. You do not have to navigate life's challenges alone. If you're ready to take the next step toward greater understanding, healing, and success, I'm here to support you. Together, we can identify your strengths, work through challenges, and develop effective coping strategies.

"As one who has experienced personal trauma and loss, I believe therapy should feel like a safe, supportive space where you can be your authentic self while building the tools and confidence needed to navigate life’s challenges. "

I am a licensed mental health therapist with experience working with children, adolescents, and families navigating anxiety, trauma, low self-esteem, and relationship challenges. I use evidence-based approaches like CBT, TF-CBT, and family systems strategies to help clients build coping skills, improve communication, and better understand their emotions. While much of my work focuses on youth and families, I'm also open to working with adults, couples, and individuals seeking support, growth, and meaningful change. 

I take a collaborative, strengths-based approach focused on building practical skills for daily life. Using CBT, TF-CBT, and family systems strategies, I help clients manage anxiety, process trauma, and improve communication. Clients can expect a supportive space to grow, feel understood, and make meaningful, lasting change. 

Taking the first step toward therapy can feel overwhelming, and that's OK. You don't have to go through it alone. I'm here to support you at your pace in a safe, understanding space. When you feel ready, I invite you to take the next step toward healing and growth.

"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.