Dr. Shannon Derby

Dr. Shannon Derby is a Florida-based Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified Addiction Counselor with over 30 years of experience in the mental health field. She holds a PhD in Clinical Pastoral Counseling and a Master’s degree in Professional Counseling. Her extensive background includes 20 years with the Connecticut Department of Correction, where she served as both a counselor and supervisor in the Addiction Treatment Unit.

In addition to her clinical work, Dr. Derby is an active member of the American Counseling Association and serves as Adjunct Faculty at Grand Canyon University, where she teaches practicum and internship courses. Her diverse experience allows her to bring both clinical expertise and a strong foundation in education and supervision to her work with clients.

Dr. Derby’s approach is compassionate, structured, and grounded in evidence-based practices, with a strong focus on addiction treatment and relapse prevention. She tailors care to meet the unique needs of each individual, recognizing that no two recovery journeys are the same.

She emphasizes creating a supportive and empowering environment where clients feel seen, understood, and motivated to make meaningful changes. Her work integrates clinical insight with practical strategies to help clients navigate life transitions, build resilience, and maintain long-term recovery and well-being.

Initial consultations are conducted by our intake team rather than directly with a provider to ensure faster scheduling. During this brief call, our administrative staff will answer general (non-clinical) questions, collect basic information, and help match you with the most appropriate provider.

While you may request a specific provider, pre-appointment consultation calls with clinicians are not available. All clinical discussions, recommendations, and treatment planning will take place during your scheduled appointment.

This process allows us to prioritize direct patient care while offering timely access to services.

During the first session, clients can expect a welcoming and respectful space where they can begin to share their story and discuss their current challenges. Dr. Derby will take time to understand your background, goals, and any concerns related to mental health or substance use.

This initial session is an opportunity to establish trust and begin developing a personalized plan for care. Clients can expect a collaborative approach focused on setting realistic goals and creating a clear path forward toward healing, stability, and personal growth.