Our therapists offer DBT / dialectical behavior therapy in Jacksonville, FL

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!

Jane Arthur is a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern with 6 years of clinical experience. She specializes in helping individuals navigate life’s twists and turns through therapeutic art interventions. Jane supports clients with a direct, compassionate approach that fosters healing, self-expression, and personal growth.

Jane Arthur earned a Master’s in Art Therapy from Florida State University. She integrates art-making with evidence-based practices like cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy to support individuals in expressing emotions, building resilience, and reclaiming balance in their lives.

Jane understands that life can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. Whether you’re dealing with stress, anxiety, or feeling stuck, Jane creates a warm, supportive space to help you heal, grow, and move forward through creative expression and proven therapeutic tools.

I am a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern with 5 years of experience in the behavioral health field. I support clients navigating grief, anxiety, depression, addictions, life transitions, and complex trauma. My goal is to help others find peace, purpose, and connection as they heal and grow, creating a compassionate and supportive environment where they can feel seen and understood.

I earned my Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from Barry University and use a client-centered, trauma-informed approach that blends mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy to help clients gain insight, build coping skills, and find inner balance. Healing, growth, and self-discovery are encouraged at each person’s pace.

I believe healing begins with the courage to be seen and the willingness to grow. As Marianne Williamson reminds us, “It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us.” Together, we’ll create a space where you can embrace that light, discover your strengths, and move toward the peace and wholeness you deserve.

Dianne is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida with over 3 years of professional work experience. She have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma, abuse, and grief and loss, as well as life transitional assistance.

Dianne completed her Master of Counseling Psychology at Trinity International University in Miami, Florida. She is a veteran of the United States Navy, and she practiced nursing in the State of Florida for 20 years. This background has enabled her to provide the guidance and insight her clients are seeking. Dianne utilizes multiple treatment approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, motivational interviewing, and positive psychology.

Dianne believes that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. She believes it takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. She is here to support and empower you in that journey.

I am a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern with over 8 years of experience supporting individuals through life’s challenges. I enjoy working with diverse populations and specialize in helping people facing anxiety, depression, life transitions, and relationship struggles. I provide a safe space where clients can explore their unique needs and create personalized paths toward healing and growth.

I earned my Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University. When appropriate, I integrate faith and counseling, offering clients optional spiritual guidance. I draw on my strengths in adjustment, identity, and relationship support to help people navigate life’s difficulties with resilience and hope.

I strive to create a space where clients feel truly seen, heard, and validated. My goal is to empower individuals to recognize their strengths, overcome barriers, and pursue meaningful goals. I want every client I work with to know that support, hope, and healing are possible.

Joe Mella is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who has worked with clients in crisis and in community behavioral health for over 25 years. Joe has mainly focused on children with all types of needs but is very comfortable with adults and families as well. During his time as an LCSW he has encountered the most challenged populations and has helped families in crisis situations. Joe has also been a supervisor, developer, and trainer to other clinicians and professionals that address behavioral health including teachers, police officers, and school board employees. 

Joe completed his Master of Social Work at Florida State University. He has worked in community mental health as well as with the school system, foster care, and courts, and has specialized in suicide prevention for Duval County's Mobile Response Team. Joe has branched out his expertise by working with parents and treating adults. He has had to be flexible and mindful in the therapeutic interventions he provides due to each client and family's individual needs. 

Wherever you want to go in your journey, Joe is ready to assist you and be a great support, listener, and provide guidance to your specific needs and your strengths.

Casey Yates is a Registered Mental Health Intern with over 5 years of experience. She specializes in assisting children, teens, adults, and seniors who have a wide variety and range of concerns including depression, anxiety, grief, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, ADHD, and relationship issues. Casey has worked in residential settings, case management, and intake coordination.

Casey received her Master of Science degree in Clinical Mental Health from the University of the Southwest. She uses several approaches with clients, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, play therapy, solution-focused therapy, and mindfulness-based techniques.

Casey truly believes that goals can be met when mental health is prioritized. She wants to help individuals feel successful on their therapy journey and is ready to meet you where you are. Schedule an appointment with Casey today!

Ashley Smith is a dedicated Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern with 2 years of experience helping individuals navigate challenges including stress, life transitions, depression, and anxiety. She is passionate about creating a safe, welcoming environment where clients feel comfortable and supported throughout their therapeutic journey. Ashley firmly believes that therapy is a collaborative process, and she prioritizes working alongside her clients to identify their needs, goals, and pathways to healing. She also incorporates art-based activities into sessions to encourage self-expression and provide new perspectives.

Ashley has a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of North Florida. She takes an eclectic approach to treatment, drawing on evidence-based techniques to find what works best for each individual. She uses cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and narrative therapy, supplemented with creative expression.

Be proud of yourself for taking a step to improve your well-being! Whether you're seeking to make sense of your story, build coping strategies, or explore creative ways of healing, Ashley is here to walk alongside you. Together, you can work toward the change and fulfillment you deserve.

Hallie is a Licensed Therapist in the state of Florida and operates from a strengths-based approach, utilizing cognitive behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, and motivational interviewing, amongst other evidence-based practices. She specializes in treating anxiety, depression, adjustment disorders, coping with life changes, and individuals with relationship issues.

Hallie completed her Master of Mental Health Counseling at Florida State University. Through her clinical experiences there, as well as at the University of Florida where she received her undergraduate degree in psychology, Hallie has ample experience navigating the stressors of life. This, along with her other professional experiences, enables her to provide both guidance and support to her clients.

Hallie believes each person has their own unique story and she looks forward to hearing yours and working together!

Angie Morales is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) with over 7 years of experience. She specializes in assisting adults and seniors with a range of concerns including relationship issues, codependency, grief and loss, substance abuse, chemical dependency, anger, empowerment and self-esteem struggles, depression, anxiety, panic disorders, mood disorders, domestic abuse, and trauma. Her career has included work with children and family services, homelessness issues, behavioral health services, crisis interventions, and family dysfunction.

Angie received her Master’s degree in Counseling from Webster University, and she also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services. Angie targets her approach based on client needs and utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, choice/reality therapy, and mindfulness-based methods.

Angie is dedicated to serving her clients and guiding them on their journeys to reach goals of peace and progress. She feels a desire to help others refocus their sense of purpose, redefine their personal values, and reawaken their self-empowerment. Angie is ready to help you to realign your sense of balance.

Kimberly Boucher is a Registered Clinical Social Worker Intern with over 5 years of experience supporting individuals and couples navigating relationship challenges. She specializes in helping clients build stronger connections through evidence-based practices. Kimberly works with diverse populations using a client-centered, compassionate, and inclusive approach rooted in emotional clarity, communication, and lasting change.

Kimberly earned her Master’s in Social Work from Tulane University. She uses the Gottman method, dialectical behavior therapy, and emotionally focused therapy to support emotional healing, improve communication, and foster meaningful connections.

Kimberly offers a warm, judgment-free space where clients feel seen, heard, and supported. She understands how overwhelming it can be to seek help and invites those facing personal or relationship challenges to take the first step toward growth, healing, and connection.