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.

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.

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.

"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 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.

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.

"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.