Anxiety and depression therapists and psychiatrists in Gulf Breeze, FL

Growing up in the Bronx as a first-generation Dominican American shaped how I think about mental health — and who I became as a therapist.

I'm Yesenia Aponte, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and psychotherapist. I've spent 8 years working with adolescents and adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, and the specific weight of living between cultures. I work with clients from all backgrounds, but I have a particular connection to clients from immigrant families, Latinx communities, and anyone who's ever felt like a therapist didn't fully understand their world.

I got into this work because mental health support wasn't always visible or accessible in communities like the one I grew up in. Beyond my practice, I'm involved in community outreach and advocacy to make mental health less stigmatized and more reachable — especially for people who've been told it's not "for them."

I also offer therapy in both English and Spanish.

I’m a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with a background in psychology, nursing, and addiction counseling. I specialize in working with children, adolescents, and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD, mood disorders, and life stressors.

My approach is compassionate, non-judgmental, and tailored to each individual. I believe mental health care should feel safe, supportive, and empowering—not intimidating. I take the time to truly listen and understand your concerns so we can create a plan that works for you.

As both a clinician and educator, I stay up to date with evidence-based practices to provide high-quality, personalized care. Whether you’re new to mental health treatment or continuing your journey, I’m here to support you every step of the way.

I am writing to express my interest in an advanced practice provider opportunity with Headway. With

experience as an APRN, RN, and physician, and recent completion of my PMHNP training, I bring a

strong clinical background and commitment to high-quality, patient-centered care.

I got my start working in a residential setting, supporting people through serious mental health challenges, trauma, and addiction. That experience shaped how I see therapy, it’s not just clinical, it’s about feeling understood and not alone in what you’re going through. I now work with people dealing with things like trauma, emotional ups and downs, and substance use, and I’m trained in EMDR. While I have experience with more intense situations, I also work with people who feel stuck, reactive, or disconnected and want to understand why.

“I am a physician trained in Cuba with over 20 years of medical experience, and I have been working in this country for the past 5 years as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner.

My approach is to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care by listening carefully to your concerns and working with you to develop the best treatment plan for your needs. I combine my medical background with a compassionate and personalized approach to support your mental health.”My goal is to provide professional, compassionate, and personalized mental health care.”