

Struggling with substance use or addictive behaviors in Fort Myers? Headway connects you with 3,121 licensed providers experienced in evidence-based addiction treatment including CBT, motivational interviewing, and harm reduction strategies. Access flexible virtual or in-person sessions with support for recovery, relapse prevention, and dual diagnosis care.
Hello! I’m a counselor and I am bilingual in English & Spanish with specialized training in substance use prevention and treatment, and I support individuals, couples, families, children, and teens as they navigate life’s challenges. Many of the people I work with are dealing with depression, anxiety, stress, or difficulties with emotional regulation, and my goal is to offer a space where you feel genuinely understood and supported.
If you're feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, or the emotional demands of parenthood, you're not alone. I work with adolescents, adults, couples, and families navigating life transitions, maternal mental health concerns, stress, grief, family conflict, substance use concerns, and PTSD. Whether you're struggling to manage difficult emotions, improve relationships, or heal from past experiences, therapy can provide a space for growth, healing, and self-discovery.
As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), I provide therapy in both English and Spanish and believe healing begins in a supportive, nonjudgmental environment. My goal is to help clients feel understood, empowered, and equipped with practical tools to create meaningful change while building resilience, confidence, and emotional well-being.
I am a board-certified nurse practitioner specializing in mental health. I am dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based care. I work with individuals across the lifespan to address conditions such as anxiety, depression, and trauma. Using a patient-centered approach, my goal is to create a safe and supportive space where clients feel heard and empowered in their healing journey.
I am a dedicated Nurse Practitioner with a strong background in mental health and primary care, committed to providing compassionate, patient-centered care. I earned my advanced practice degree from Wilkes University and have experience working with diverse populations across various clinical settings.
My approach is collaborative and holistic—I believe in treating the whole person, not just symptoms. I work with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, mood disorders, ADHD, and life transitions. I strive to create a supportive, non-judgmental environment where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered.
I utilize evidence-based treatments, including medication management when appropriate, and incorporate supportive and solution-focused approaches tailored to each individual’s needs. My goal is to help clients achieve stability, improve daily functioning, and enhance their overall quality of life.
I understand that seeking help can be a big step, and I am here to support you throughout your journey with respect, empathy, and professionalism.
I am a psychotherapist that has been in the field for over 20 years. I'm specialized and trauma and believe in providing a space that feels safe an is client centered.
Whitney Cherner, LCSW, is a seasoned and compassionate therapist who believes in the transformative power of self-discovery and resilience. With over two decades of experience, Whitney is passionate about empowering her clients to uncover their inner strength and take meaningful steps toward becoming the next best version of themselves. She specializes in working with individuals navigating anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, life transitions, and personal growth.
I have been a social worker/therapist for 20+ years. I received my Masters degree at the University of Buffalo, in Upstate New York. I work with clients experiencing depression and anxiety. Together, we explore how thoughts influence feelings and how feelings shape behaviors. When patterns become unhelpful, they can interfere with relationships, work, and overall well-being. I help clients build insight and practical tools to create healthier, more empowering ways of responding to life's challenges.
Life can often feel like a series of overwhelming transitions, leaving you feeling disconnected or unsure of your next step. I provide a dedicated space for adults (22+) to slow down, reflect, and move forward with renewed clarity.
Whether you are navigating the complexities of trauma, managing a mood disorder, or facing significant life changes, my goal is to help you transform "feeling stuck" into a journey of intentional growth.
How We Will Work Together
My approach is relational, honest, and depth-oriented. Rather than just addressing surface-level symptoms, we will explore the unspoken beliefs and past experiences that quietly shape your daily life. By learning to listen to what your emotions are communicating, you can begin to respond to life’s challenges in ways that promote genuine healing and authentic connection.
Specialized Support for Couples
In addition to individual therapy, I specialize in marriage and pre-marital counseling. I help couples at all stages build resilient foundations, repair emotional disconnections, and foster a deeper sense of intimacy and mutual understanding.
**Please note: While I accept insurance for individual therapy, all couples counseling is private-pay only. Insurance does not cover relationship-focused therapy.
Your Journey Starts Here
You deserve a space where you are fully seen, heard, and empowered. No matter where you are in your journey, I am here to support you in creating meaningful, lasting change.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 12 years of experience supporting individuals through some of life’s most difficult challenges. As a U.S. Navy veteran, I bring a deep understanding of the unique stressors faced by service members, veterans, and their families. My work is centered on helping clients navigate PTSD, trauma, and the emotional impact of major life events with compassion, skill, and respect.
I specialize in trauma-informed care, substance abuse counseling, and client-centered therapy tailored to each individual’s needs. My professional background includes extensive experience working with anxiety, depression, addiction, and major life transitions. As a bilingual clinician, I am committed to providing accessible, culturally responsive care to both English- and Spanish-speaking clients.
My therapeutic approach is collaborative, empathetic, and empowering. I integrate evidence-based practices such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Narrative Therapy, mindfulness techniques, and trauma-focused interventions to help clients build resilience and achieve meaningful, lasting change.
My goal is to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where you feel heard, supported, and understood. Whether you are processing trauma, navigating recovery, or seeking greater balance and clarity, I am here to walk alongside you. Together, we will work toward healing, growth, and a more fulfilling life.


Headway makes it easier to find support for overcoming addiction — from finding the right provider, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.
Finding addiction therapists in Fort Myers starts with knowing what kind of support fits your needs. Addiction care can include support for alcohol use, substance use, compulsive behaviors, relapse prevention, and co-occurring concerns like anxiety, depression, or trauma. As you compare therapists, look for training and specialties that match what you want to address. Some therapists use motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy for substance use, harm reduction frameworks, or coordination with medication-assisted care. Some people also work with a prescriber as part of their care team.
In Fort Myers, local in-person options may be more limited than in larger Florida cities, so virtual therapy can expand the number of therapists available to you. You may also want to consider nearby areas such as Naples if location, scheduling, or therapist fit matters most. As you narrow your search, review whether a therapist is accepting new clients, offers appointment times that work with your schedule, and provides a free phone consultation. Reading therapist bios can help you understand their approach to addiction care, including whether they describe a non-judgmental style, harm reduction experience, or work with recovery that may change over time.
Therapy in Fort Myers can be a significant investment without insurance. Using in-network insurance is one of the most reliable ways to lower session costs and make ongoing care more accessible. Headway helps you compare therapists who take insurance, see estimated out-of-pocket costs before you book, and choose between virtual and in-person appointments. You can browse addiction therapists in Fort Myers, review bios, check availability, and book directly when you’re ready.
If you or someone you know is experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms — especially from alcohol or benzodiazepines — talk to a medical provider or seek emergency care before starting outpatient therapy. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction or substance use and is in a crisis, immediately reach out to:
* 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — call or text 988 * SAMHSA National Helpline — 1-800-662-HELP (4357), free, confidential, 24/7 * Crisis Text Line — text HOME to 741741
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