Find the Best Therapist near Fort Walton Beach, FL

Fort Walton Beach, FL, is a fantastic place to live. With the beautiful beaches and the warm weather, it’s no wonder why so many people choose to call this city home. Feelings of happiness and joy are experienced by many, but sometimes life can be difficult and throws you a curveball. Finding a therapist can be difficult. Fortunately, plenty of great therapists in the area can assist you in getting back on track, and the following seven steps will help you find the best one for your needs.

Step 1: Think about your needs.

As you look for the best therapist near Fort Walton Beach, FL, it’s important to consider your needs. What kind of therapy do you need? Are you looking for individual counseling, couples therapy, or family therapy? Do you have any specific issues that you want to address in therapy? Knowing what kind of help you need will make it easier to find the right therapist. Do you struggle with anger management, anxiety, depression, stress, grief, loss, abuse, trauma, PTSD, self-esteem, confidence, body image, eating disorders, or something else?

Step 2: Gather information on potential counselors.

Once you have identified your needs, it’s time to start researching potential therapists and practices in the Fort Walton Beach area. Look for reviews online (google rating), ask friends and family for recommendations, and contact local mental health organizations for referrals (Psychology Today). Look to identify at least three names and numbers, just in case you have trouble reaching one of them, they have a full client load at that time, or the fit isn’t quite right when you talk to them.

Step 3: Call a few potential therapists.

Once you have identified a few potential therapists near Fort Walton Beach, FL, it’s time to schedule an initial consultation. At this point, you may feel the urge to delay the call. If this is the case for you, ask a supportive friend or family member to help you make the call. Most practices offer a 15-minute phone consultation before scheduling an in-person appointment. This is a great way to get a sense of the therapist’s style and approach without committing to an in-person session. Finding a therapist you feel comfortable with and can trust is essential.

This is an excellent opportunity to ask questions about the potential counselors and the mental health practice, including their experience, qualifications, specialties, and the types of therapy they offer. Does the practice accept your insurance plan? If you don’t have insurance or want to keep your insurance out of the equation, what is the cost of therapy? Do they offer clients a discount for being cash payers?

Step 4: Make a decision and schedule your initial session.

Once you have decided on one of Fort Walton Beach’s therapists, the next step is to schedule your initial session. This is usually done over the phone or online. During this call, you will discuss the details of your first appointment, such as the date and time, location, and payment information. You may also be asked to complete paperwork before your first session.

Step 5: Attend your initial counseling session.

Your initial session is an integral step in the therapy process and is your chance to get to know your therapist and discuss your goals for therapy. It’s essential to express what you hope to gain from therapy, as this will help the therapist create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Step 6: Build a healthy therapist-client relationship.

Building a good therapist-client relationship is a significant part of the therapeutic process. You must feel comfortable and safe with your therapist to get the most out of therapy. Here are some tips for building a strong, trusting relationship with your therapist:

• Be open and honest: This cannot be stressed enough. Open and honest communication is essential for a successful therapeutic relationship.
• Ask questions: If you don’t understand something, ask questions. Your therapist should be willing to answer any questions you have about the therapeutic process or their approach.
• Express your feelings: It’s important to express your feelings and thoughts in therapy. Your therapist will better understand you and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
• Be patient: Therapy takes time, and progress may not happen overnight. Be patient with yourself and your therapist as you work together to reach your goals.
• Follow through: It’s important to follow through with the tasks and suggestions offered by your therapist. This will help you make progress in therapy and reach your goals.

Step 7: Persevere!

Therapy can be a challenging process, and it’s important to persevere. If you feel like giving up, talk to your therapist about it. They can help you work through any challenges you face as you continue your journey. Create a support system that you can lean on when times get tough. Along with your therapist, this could include close friends and family members, your pastor, and other support groups. The healing and wholeness you seek are attainable. Don’t quit! Commit to the process until you see the results you desire.

Get Support from a New Heights Mental Health Therapist

New Heights Counseling is a trusted provider of mental health services in Fort Walton Beach, FL. Our licensed therapists are dedicated to helping individuals and families find the best path forward for their mental health needs. We offer a wide range of counseling services, including individual, couples, family, and group therapy. Therapists specialize in treating issues such as depression, anxiety, trauma, PTSD, and many more. We want you to feel comfortable enough to share your thoughts and feelings with us so that we can better understand your needs and help you find healing and wholeness.

At New Heights Counseling, we understand that seeking help can be difficult. That’s why our team of experienced counselors is here to provide you with the support and guidance you need to make positive changes in your life. Our services are for children, adolescents, and adults, and we offer in-person sessions at our Fort Walton Beach location and online therapy for the state of Florida. The office is on the 2nd floor of WorkSpace Suites at 1992 Lewis Turner Blvd, Suite 1057, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547. Get directions here on Google Maps or visit our office location page.

Appointment Schedule (Last appointment – 4 PM)

Sunday Closed

Monday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Tuesday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Wednesday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Thursday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Friday 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Evenings/Weekends by Appointment

About the Author:

Colleen Wenner is the founder and clinical director of New Heights Counseling, where she provides counseling services for individuals struggling with mental health issues. She is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. Colleen is a certified supervisor in Florida and an EMDR trauma-certified practitioner and consultant in training. Colleen is committed to providing excellent client care and services the Fort Walton Beach, Crestview, Niceville, Destin, and surrounding communities.

Colleen has consistently advocated for mental health care and wellness and has dedicated her entire life to promoting awareness among the public. She has been featured on various podcasts such as Practice of the Practice (The #1 Podcast for counselors in private practice), Shrink Think Podcast, and The Salty Christan Podcast, to name a few. She has contributed to several Yahoo Best Life, Unfinished Man, AskMen, UpJourney, WebMD, PsychCentral, and Emotional Intelligence Magazine articles. Colleen uses compassionate and authentic communication to help clients understand themselves better and feel more confident about their ability to improve their lives.