

Lakeland residents struggling with substance use, alcohol, or behavioral addictions can access evidence-based addiction treatment through Headway's network of 3,123 licensed providers. Our therapists specialize in modalities like CBT, DBT, motivational interviewing, and harm reduction strategies to support recovery and sobriety.
My name is Tom Kauffmann and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I was awarded a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Utah in 2015, where I attended classes on their campus in Salt Lake City. I also graduated from a one year licensed alcohol and drug counseling program (LADC) in 2013 at the same university prior to getting my Master's degree. I specialize in using cognitive behavioral techniques and strategies to help folks investigate how they think about things.
Congratulations on your courageous decision to seek help! Self-awareness is the first step to change and I go above and beyond to help those like you who choose to actively help themselves. Understand that the path to self-discovery and growth is not easy. It involves commitment, personal investment, and a desire to delve into the process of growth, healing, and self-love.
Hi! My name is Shira and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker licensed in both Florida and New York. I am an integrative, action-oriented therapist dedicated to helping individuals and couples move from feeling stuck and disconnected to living with deep purpose, clarity, and security. I believe true healing requires looking at the whole person. Because of this, my work bridges the gap between the mind and the body. Clients appreciate that I bring a unique balance of profound warmth, practical directness, and evidence-based science to every session.
I'm Sherman Brown, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) serving adults across Florida through telehealth. I specialize in depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, trauma, substance use, and men's mental health. As a clinical mental health therapist, I understand the particular weight that comes with seeking help and the cognitive distortions that may keep one from getting help --Catastrophizing: Seeing only the worst possible outcomes of a situation. My clients often come to me having tried everything else, or feeling like therapy 'isn't for them.' I aim to change that experience from the first session.
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida. My work is grounded in evidence-based therapies that I tailor to each person’s needs. I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Person-Centered Therapy, Family Systems, and Solution-Focused Therapy — all designed to help you understand what’s keeping you stuck, build effective coping skills, and create meaningful change.
I have a professional background in counseling with specialized training in substance use prevention and treatment. I also work with clients experiencing depression, anxiety, stress, and challenges with emotional regulation. My approach is empathetic, human, and person-centered, always honoring your unique story. I’m here to support you in reaching your full potential through a holistic perspective that values emotional, physical, and social wellness.
Frances Nyaniba Bernasko, is an experienced and compassionate Advanced Practice Registered
Nurse (APRN) with a robust background in primary care, family medicine, psychiatry, and addiction
medicine. Passionate about improving community health, Frances is dedicated to building strong,
trusting relationships with patients, families, and healthcare professionals. Her extensive
experience and dual certifications as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and Psychiatric Mental
Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) uniquely position her to provide comprehensive, patient-
centered care across the lifespan.
Hi, I am Shawn Perrigo. As a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) with a Master of Social Work (MSW), I uniquely blend clinical expertise with a deep understanding of human behavior. With a participatory and empowering approach, I foster an affirming, open-minded, and solution-oriented therapeutic space. By integrating mental health care with a holistic perspective, I guide individuals toward sustainable wellness, ensuring every step is collaborative and meaningful.
My name is Isis and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the states of Florida and South Carolina with over 8 years of experience. I have worked professionally as a counselor, school counselor, and motivational therapist. I have worked with clients to navigate a wide range of challenges including anxiety, ADHD, relationship challenges, parenting and family issues, depression, and women's issues.
I believe therapy should be a space where you feel heard, understood, and empowered. My approach combines evidence-based practices with genuine human connection to help clients navigate challenges, build resilience, and create meaningful change. Whether you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply seeking greater clarity, I provide a supportive environment where healing and growth can occur.
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) in the state of New York. My approach to therapy is warm, open-minded, collaborative, and supportive. Throughout that process, I use an integrative
approach utilizing DBT, CBT, strength-based therapy, and solution-focused therapy. I specialize in
couples’ therapy, and treatment resistant individual therapy.
Makenson is board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC), with a Master degree in nursing Practice (MSN). He is very passionate about providing high quality of comprehensive mental health services to adolescents and adults. Makenson possesses strong clinical skills which enables him to build rapport with patients and families. He follows evidence-based practices, combined with clinical experience, good intuition and observation. As a PHMNP, Makenson's role is versatile, including patient's advocate, psychotherapy and ,therapist.


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 Lakeland starts with identifying the kind of support that fits your needs. Addiction care can include support for alcohol use, substance use, compulsive behaviors, cravings, relapse concerns, and changes in daily functioning. As you compare therapists, look for listed experience with addiction counseling, substance use counseling, motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy for substance use, or harm reduction. Some people may also work with a prescriber as part of their care team, so it can help to choose a therapist who can coordinate with other healthcare professionals when needed.
In a smaller city like Lakeland, local in-person appointment options may be more limited than in larger Florida markets. Virtual therapy can expand your search while still keeping care tied to your schedule and preferences. When comparing therapists, consider appointment availability, whether the therapist is accepting new clients, and whether they offer a free phone consultation. Provider bios can also help you understand a therapist’s communication style, experience with recovery support, and approach to care, including whether they use non-judgmental or harm reduction frameworks.
Therapy in Lakeland can be a significant expense without insurance. Using in-network insurance is one of the most reliable ways to reduce session costs, and Headway helps make that process clearer before you book. You can enter your insurance details, see estimated out-of-pocket costs, compare therapists based on insurance information available on Headway, and book directly when you’re ready. This makes it easier to find an addiction therapist who matches your needs, accepts your plan, and is accepting new clients.
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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