Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Gainesville, FL covered by Aetna

Natasha Vernon, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC

Natasha Vernon is the owner of Sunshine Behavioral & Mental Health Center, LLC. She is a dually certified family nurse practitioner and psychiatric nurse practitioner. She earned her master’s degree from Nova Southeastern University in 2016 and post master’s life span psychiatric nurse practitioner certification from Washburn University in 2020. She has over 10 years of nursing experience in various specialties within the medical field. Throughout her career, she has treated a variety of mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, mood disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, and other psychiatric disorders. She is truly passionate about providing care for people suffering with mental illness.

At Sunshine Behavioral & Mental Health Center, LLC, our goal is to provide compassionate, kind, and empathetic care to all of our patients and eliminate all stigmas associated with people diagnosed with mental illness. Our services include initial psychiatric evaluations and follow-up appointments for intervention with medication management. We thank you for choosing us to be your mental health provider. We are honored to help you. We are committed to making you feel better mentally and in all aspects of life!

Life transitions can be difficult and it is my pleasure to assist whether you are changing careers, expanding or downsizing in family roles or just trying to decide what's next. I am an ADHD advocate and enjoy helping clients make sense of the chaotic mind. I also love, love and work with couples experiencing relationship issues.

With over 30 years of experience, I help adults manage sleep, stress, anxiety, depression, and ADHD. People often describe me as kind, perceptive, with a good sense of humor. My approach combines active listening, mindfulness, CBT, and applied neuroscience. We'll work together to create a plan tailored to your needs to help you focus and move forward with confidence. I'm an LCPC, Board Certified in Neurofeedback, with a certificate in CBT-I for insomnia and other sleep concerns.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Professional Mental Health Clinician, and Life Coach with over 25 years of experience providing inpatient and outpatient mental health therapy, as well as more than 30 years of working alongside individuals to help them create meaningful and lasting change in their lives. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Florida State University, a master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from the University of Georgia, and I am an active member of the Phi Alpha Honor Society.

I believe that the most powerful change happens when clients feel safe, accepted, and empowered to be themselves. My ideal client is motivated, engaged, and open to self-reflection—but in truth, everyone is welcome in my practice. Whether you’re struggling with past trauma, navigating current challenges, or simply looking to grow, my goal is to provide a supportive, judgment-free space where we can work together toward your goals. More importantly, EVERYONE is welcome to my practice!

Hi, I'm Connolly D'Souza. I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Certified Addictions Professional, and Certified Trauma Specialist. I support individuals navigating trauma, substance use, anxiety, depression, and life transitions. I offer a warm, nonjudgmental space where you can feel safe, heard, and supported.

As a partner in your healing, I’m here to guide you through the vulnerable work of remembering, reflecting, releasing, and reclaiming. Using compassionate listening, loving honesty, and intentional processing of the challenges and changes affecting your mental health, my hope for you is to recognize that peace is possible. Central to this journey is acknowledging and understanding how your identities such as race, gender, and sexuality shape your experiences and worldview. In honoring that, creating a partnership where all parts of your identity are seen, safe, and valued is crucial to my practice. I believe it’s important to create a space grounded in grace that allows you to be kind and gentle with yourself. As we “walk” together and unpack the root causes of complex issues in your life, I will be with you as we identify new ways of being/doing, coping strategies, systems of support, and tangible self-care practices. If you’re ready to take the first step, I would be honored to walk with you on your journey of growth and healing.

***Please note: If you do not see your insurance listed on my Headway profile, please go to my website to check my other platform, as I accept many other insurances. Rootedjourneypllc.com

My approach to mental health care is collaborative, compassionate, and evidence-based. I believe in treating the whole person — not just symptoms. Every patient receives individualized care tailored to their personal goals, medical history, and life circumstances.

I earned an MSW from Tulane School of Social Work in 1989 and am a clinical social worker. I also practice Psychodrama and am a graduate of the Hudson Valley Psychodrama Institute in NY. I work primarily with musicians, actors & writers. I have a long history of working in non-profit agencies and schools, providing top notch care to disadvantaged and oppressed adolescents and families.