Grief counselors and therapists in Fort Walton Beach, FL

If you've spent a long time handling everything on your own, the idea of opening up in therapy can feel uncomfortable — maybe even a little vulnerable. You might be stuck in your head, second-guessing yourself, or repeating patterns you can't quite break no matter how hard you try. You don't need to have it all figured out before you reach out. You just need a willingness to start, and I'll meet you right there.

Hello! I’m a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based mental health care. My approach is rooted in the belief that mental wellness is a collaborative journey, and I strive to create a safe, non-judgmental space where you feel truly heard.

Areas of Specialization While I work with a wide range of mental health concerns, I have particular expertise in:

• Anxiety & Mood Disorders: Helping clients manage depression, panic, and generalized anxiety.
• ADHD Management: Providing comprehensive evaluations and personalized strategies for focus and productivity.
• Trauma-Informed Care: Supporting individuals navigating the long-term effects of difficult life experiences.
• Medication Management: Using a "less is more" philosophy to find the most effective pharmacological support when needed, always paired with supportive therapy.

I believe that meaningful therapy begins with a genuine human connection. My approach is warm, collaborative, and tailored to each client’s unique experiences and goals. I am passionate about helping individuals navigate life’s challenges while building resilience, self-awareness, and lasting change.

I earned my masters degree from Temple University and my doctorate degree from Rutgers University and have experience working with diverse populations across a variety of clinical settings. Throughout my career, I have supported individuals facing a wide range of mental health concerns and have developed specialized experience in working with trauma and its lasting effects. I understand how traumatic experiences can impact emotional well-being, relationships, self-esteem, and daily functioning, and I strive to create a safe, supportive environment where healing can occur.

My treatment areas include trauma, anxiety, depression, PTSD, grief and loss, life transitions, relationship concerns, self-esteem, and emotional regulation. I utilize evidence-based approaches such as CBT, TF-CBT, Motivational interviewing and Attachment Based treatment to help clients process difficult experiences, develop effective coping strategies, and move toward their goals.

I work with children, adolescents, young adults and families and am committed to providing culturally responsive, trauma-informed care. My goal is to help clients feel empowered, understood, and supported as they navigate their healing journey and create meaningful, lasting change.

I am strength base therapist who focuses on personal growth.

Amy Penny is a passionate and dedicated therapist who believes that every person holds limitless potential and inner strength waiting to be discovered. Drawing from her own experiences of overcoming adversity and her clinical expertise, Amy creates a safe and supportive space where individuals feel empowered to connect with their inner resources and move toward growth and healing.

I’m a bilingual psychotherapist with 20 years of experience working in correctional health, outpatient mental health, and private practice. I work with youth, adolescents, and adults, offering therapy and evaluations in both English and Spanish. Through my practice, MLC Mental Services, I provide confidential in-person and virtual care and welcome individuals from all backgrounds, including immigrants, first responders, and those working in health and human services.