LGBT therapists in Fort Myers, FL

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker dedicated to providing thoughtful, compassionate care to individuals navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, and major life transitions. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where you feel truly heard and understood as we work toward meaningful, lasting change.

With extensive experience in both school systems and clinical settings, I support children, adolescents, and adults through high-stress and crisis situations. I am highly skilled in risk assessment and safety planning, helping my clients build effective, real-world coping strategies to manage their most difficult moments.

As a bilingual clinician, I am proud to provide services in both English and Spanish, helping expand access to care for diverse communities across Florida. I am especially passionate about helping my clients move through emotional challenges with clarity, resilience, and confidence.

Dr. Strom was born and raised outside of Seattle, WA before she completed her Bachelors degrees in Psychology, Mathematics, and Philosophy at Hartwick College in Oneonta, NY. She first came to Florida for her graduate training at Florida Institute of Technology (FIT), where she earned her Doctorate in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Integrated Behavioral Healthcare. She has been a part of the Gulfshore Behavioral Health team since January 2023.

Outside of her professional work, Dr. Strom enjoys cooking, baking, sewing and other crafts, exploring new restaurants and local activities, practicing yoga, traveling when possible, and spending time with her dog and partner.

By applying a supportive, compassionate, and caring approach clients have the ability to use multiple tools to enhance and maintain their quality of life. As your counselor, my goal is to engage you in co-creating an active treatment plan that is directly related to your identified concerns, issues, and needs. I will guide you through the multiple layers of life's maze that include situations and experiences, feelings and emotions, thoughts, choices, and decision-making. Together we will make progress and strive forward towards your desired outcome.

I work with individuals who feel stuck in cycles of overthinking, anxiety, and self-doubt. On the outside, you may appear put together, but internally feel overwhelmed, emotionally drained, or unsure of yourself. Often, these patterns are connected to earlier experiences that have shaped how you see yourself and relate to others.

I believe meaningful change begins with feeling truly seen and understood. My goal is to create a supportive space where you can pause, reflect, and explore what’s happening in your life without judgment.

My background includes mental health counseling and community-based work, supporting individuals navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, relationship challenges, and emotional overwhelm. I work with clients from diverse backgrounds and recognize how personal experiences shape the way we think, feel, and relate to others.

I’m especially passionate about helping you understand the patterns and beliefs that influence your life. Therapy isn’t about “fixing” you,it’s about gaining clarity, building insight, and developing tools to help you feel more confident, balanced, and grounded.

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and Master’s Level Certified Addiction Professional (MCAP) with a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University. I specialize in treating substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions, using evidence-based approaches like motivational interviewing and individualized treatment planning. My experience includes facilitating group therapy and working with diverse adult populations in recovery. I strive to create a safe, supportive environment where clients feel heard and empowered to make positive changes.

My areas of expertise are family, social and interpersonal conflict, parenting, depression, anxiety, sexual identity concerns, academic challenges, anger issues, low self-confidence, esteem and past traumatic experiences. Other areas of expertise include intimate partner violence, LGBTQ, women's issues, grief, romantic relationship issues and stress.

I specialize in PTSD, anxiety, depression, and support for gay, lesbian, and bisexual clients. For 16 years, I’ve helped people navigate crisis, chronic mental health concerns, and life transitions with care and clarity.

My experience includes inpatient psychiatry, corrections, community mental health, youth counseling, and hospital-based crisis care. I provide diagnostic assessments and therapy tailored to each person’s needs.

I’m committed to creating a supportive, goal-focused space where you can feel heard and understood. If you’re ready to begin healing and move forward, I’d be honored to work with you.

I know that sometimes asking for help can be difficult. Rest assured, we all need help at one time or another in our lives. I am dedicated to helping children, teens and adults discover their unique voice and express themselves in a safe, supportive and nonjudgemental space. With a warm, client-centered approach, I specialize in guiding individuals through life's challenges---whether it's anxiety, trauma, emotional regulation, racial identity exploration, stress or family dynamics.

Patient-focused and compassionate Psychiatric APRN specialized in the care of individuals living with Serious Mental Illnesses (i.e., Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Schizophrenia, MDD, GAD, ADHD). I understand the challenges of navigating periods of depression, PTSD, mania, and the uncertainty that can come in between. My mission is to provide supportive, evidence-based care that helps you establish stability, regain balance, and enhance your quality of life.

I take a whole-person approach, offering:

• Thoughtful medication management tailored to your unique needs.
• Therapy options such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT).
• Education and guidance to help you recognize early warning signs of mood changes.
• Support for families and loved ones who play an important role in recovery.

My goal is not only to reduce symptoms but also to help you live with greater confidence, stability, and well-being.

Claudine Bernier, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC

“I’m Kimberly Covington, a trauma-informed therapist and coach with over 13 years of experience helping individuals navigate anxiety, trauma, and life transitions.

Because at the end of the day—peace over pressure.”