Our counselors provide therapy for children and teens in Fort Lauderdale, FL

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.

Willow McGinty is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) who has 6 years of experience in the mental health field. Willow has worked within the foster care system, addiction recovery systems, within public schools, as a supervisor to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, and through providing consultation to large corporations about creating environments that promote mental wellbeing. She provides feminist, anti-racist perspectives to empower clients of all identities and intersections. 

Willow completed both her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and her master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling at the University of Central Florida. She maintains healthy, professional relationships with her clients while offering a down-to-earth counseling experience. Willow’s philosophy of care is nuanced and person-centered. She utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) techniques to improve her clients' abilities to cope with life’s stressors. 

Willow helps her clients share their story by offering a safe, nonjudgmental therapeutic environment. She provides genuine empathy and thoughtful insights into her clients’ concerns in a collaborative approach to care. Willow acknowledges concerns related to systemic oppression and the shortfalls of certain therapeutic approaches with marginalized communities in order to implement courses of treatment best suited to competently address her clients' needs. You can trust Willow to be affirming. She provides supportive therapy for people of all walks of life who have the desire to grow into their best self. 

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.

Jaclyn Bencivenga is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in NY and FL, having worked in the field for 9 years in various different roles. She has experience with children, adolescents, and adults. She has worked in group practices and hospital settings, helping clients suffering from anxiety, depression, relationship issues, impulsivity, and more.

Jaclyn uses a cognitive behavioral approach to therapy, helping clients understand their thoughts and develop ways that they can change their negative thought processes to more positive thought patterns in order to improve their overall well-being.

In the first session, clients will get to know Jaclyn better and decide what goals are important to work towards, helping them make changes to become the best version of themselves. Taking the first step can be hard, but Jaclyn is willing to support you every step of your journey. If you feel it’s time to become your best self, schedule an intake today!

Giovanny Zapata is double board-certified as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-BC) who manages and treats a wide range of mental health concerns. Over the years, he has worked with a diverse population in various mental health settings. Giovanny completed his undergraduate studies at Florida International University and the University of Miami. He obtained his Master's degree from the University of Miami.

Giovanny believes in establishing a strong rapport with his clients while incorporating effective therapeutic communication techniques. He provides compassionate care and engages in a collaborative and holistic approach in order to help individuals reach their goals. He tailors every treatment plan based on the needs of his clients.

If you're struggling with mental health challenges, please know that you are not alone. Giovanny is dedicated to helping you overcome your obstacles. He encourages you to be active in your treatment plan and values what you have to say, and he believes the best outcomes are achieved when you both work together as a team. Schedule today if you're ready.

Dr. Isis de Armas is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with 3 years of experience and is fluent in English and Spanish. She provides personalized care for clients with anxiety, depression, and trauma-related conditions. Her background includes evidence-based care and a strong commitment to improving mental health outcomes. She strives to decrease stigma and enhance client-centered, holistic mental health care.

Dr. de Armas holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Florida International University. Her evidence-based, collaborative approach supports healing, growth, and long-term wellness. She values active listening and empowers clients to take part in creating their own treatment goals.

As a dedicated provider, Dr. de Armas believes every client deserves respect and empathy. She aims to create a safe, supportive environment where individuals feel heard. If you are ready to build resilience and achieve lasting well-being through a strong, collaborative therapeutic alliance, schedule your first appointment with Dr. de Armas today.

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.

Jermilla Augustin is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with a strong desire to help people and improve their daily lives. She specializes in helping individuals with anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Prior to becoming a nurse practitioner, Jermilla worked as a mental health nurse for over 10 years in various acute settings treating anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and personality disorders.

Jermilla thrives when sharing creativity, knowledge, perspective, and decision-making with her patients, and has a special interest in the balance of mental and physical health. Compassion is her guide for safe, effective, and valuable medical service. Jermilla’s mission is to provide patient-centered care by partnering with each patient to develop an individualized treatment plan while being compassionate and sensitive to their needs and concerns.

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!