Book a therapist or psychiatrist in Ormond Beach, FL covered by Aetna

Dr. Jeni Allissun Upton (Groot) is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the State of Florida and co-owner of Hope in the Gale Therapeutic Healing where she provides individual and group therapy, collaborates to curate tailored wellness services, and consults on areas related to psychology and trauma. Jeni has worked in diverse settings with youth, adults, and families as a counselor supporting clients as they strive to bolster their mental health, build resilience, and find joy in life. Jeni also has a background in military and federal service. Her 13-year military career included work as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician and Special Agent with the United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations where she specialized in crimes against children and counterintelligence. Jeni also spent ten years with the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers as a Research Psychologist, Behavioral Science Division Program Manager, and Counterterrorism Division Branch Chief.

Jeni holds Associate of Arts Degrees from the Community College of the Air Force in both Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Criminal Justice, a Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Science, a Master of Arts in Counseling, and a PhD in International Psychology with an emphasis in Trauma Services.

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of experience supporting individuals across inpatient, residential, PHP, IOP, and outpatient settings, working with mental health, substance use, and eating disorders. I hold a Master’s degree in Social Work and am certified in Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), an evidence-based approach that helps process trauma and distress more efficiently. My style is warm, collaborative, and tailored to each client, drawing from CBT, DBT, psychodynamic, and client-centered therapies. I specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, grief and loss, substance use, and life transitions. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where you feel seen, understood, and empowered to move forward.

My background includes trauma, substance use, crisis intervention, anxiety, OCD, and relationship challenges. I am especially passionate about supporting marginalized communities, particularly women and teens, while creating an inclusive and affirming space for all identities and lived experiences. I believe in breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and helping people feel less alone in what they carry.

My therapeutic approach is trauma-informed, collaborative, and tailored to each individual rather than forcing clients into one specific framework. I am trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART), a reprocessing therapy similar to EMDR. I draw from these approaches based on your unique needs, personality, and goals while balancing evidence-based interventions with authenticity, humor, compassion, and occasional tough love.

I use a four- fold approach to treating beyond traditional psychotherapy to help you on your journey. I have PhD in Clinical psychology, two master's degree (one in community counseling, one in community psychology). I also have a degree in Addictions and one in business management. Having worked every level of care from an inpatient hospital setting, residential long-term care, in a jail, a prison, out-patient levels for intensive three times per week to one time per week and taught in two universities. I am working my favorite level of care on an out-patient setting. Training has been in addictions, mental health, couples and family systems. I have other specialties with chronic pain and nutrition/bariatrics and obesity and available to provide medical and court evaluations with limited testing. I see children from 12 and up and adults/geriatrics.

Hi! I am Katie. I am an Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and a Masters Certified Addictions Counselor (MCAP). I received my bachelors from UF and then went on to get my Masters in Social Work (MSW) from USF. I have nearly 10 years of experience working in the helping profession. After graduation, I began working in child welfare and for the past 3 years I have been working in residential substance use and trauma treatment programs.

Luis R. Garcia, M.A., LMHC, is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate life’s challenges with clarity, empowerment, and practical solutions. He brings more than 15 years of clinical experience to his work, offering a grounded, compassionate, and evidence-based approach to healing.

Xiara Reyes is a seasoned mental health and substance use disorder counselor with over 22 years of dedicated experience in the field. She holds a Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Troy University and is an EMDRIA-approved EMDR therapist.