Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in Panama City, FL

Generous, Dependable, Supportive, Kindhearted, Insightful, assertive, courageous, bold, compassionate

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) and Master’s Level Certified Addiction Professional (MCAP) with a Master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University. I specialize in treating substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions, using evidence-based approaches like motivational interviewing and individualized treatment planning. My experience includes facilitating group therapy and working with diverse adult populations in recovery. I strive to create a safe, supportive environment where clients feel heard and empowered to make positive changes.

I have been a counselor for 40 years, working with individuals, couples, families and groups with psychological as well as addiction issues. I have extensive experience in inpatient as well as outpatient settings. I am eclectic in my evaluation and treatment methods, which gives me flexibility to treat individual needs. Primarily, I use cognitive-behavioral techniques. Many of my clients suffer with depression, anger, and anxiety (panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder); all of which impact potential addictions. I also treat couples and families to better understand their dynamics and to improve their communication skills.

My background consists of psychological testing and understanding personalities. This has helped in my work with children, adolescents, & families. I enjoy working with gay and straight couples, to help them with empathy and communication. I do extensive cognitive work as well as teaching techniques with people suffering from anxiety, anger, and addictions.

I encourage self-awareness to stimulate one's potential. Understanding oneself is essential to reducing anxiety, depression & anger (and in improving relationships). I teach relaxation, meditation, & self-hypnosis techniques to improve personal balance. I guide couples and families to improve relationships through empathy, acceptance, and communication.

Mental health is apart of us all! Jessica Herron is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner. She started her career as a registered nurse on a progressive coronary unit at age of 21, where she learned mental health is at the core of healing. She obtained her masters degree in 2010, specializing in psychiatric care. She has worked many diverse areas: community, inpatient, crisis, dual diagnosis, detox, emergency room; from children to geriatic and dementia related behaviors. Her passion is to lesson the stigma associated with mental health across the lifespan and normalize a bad day. When she is not serving her community, she enjoys time with her husband and 2 young children; the youngest a heart transplant warrior and indulging in a decadent cupcake.