Bipolar disorder therapists & psychiatrists in Sarasota, FL

I earned both my Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work Degrees from Adelphi University in Garden City, New York. I am licensed in the state of New York. I am a dedicated professional with a passion for working with individuals, couples, and families.

My name is Melyssa Rivera-Lopez; a Forensic Licensed Clinician who graduated with high honors from Barry University. I have 20 + years of experience working in the field. Responsibilities include delivering evidence-based treatment options, assessments, diagnosis, recommendations pertaining to mental health status, and serving as an expert witness. Other functions include policy and program development, mediation, advocacy, and behavioral science research.

Welcome! I’m a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner dedicated to helping patients improve their mental health and overall well-being. I work with individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, stress, mood changes, and sleep difficulties. With many years of experience in behavioral health field, including leadership roles in psychiatric care, I bring a thoughtful and comprehensive approach to treatment. My goal is to create a safe and supportive space where you feel comfortable sharing your concerns. Together, we develop a personalized treatment plan focused on stability, emotional wellness, and improving quality of life.

If you've been living with constant worry, panic attacks, or the lingering effects of difficult experiences, you may feel exhausted from always being on alert. Many of my clients come to therapy feeling overwhelmed, emotionally drained, disconnected from themselves, or stuck in patterns they no longer want to repeat. You don't have to continue carrying it all on your own.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I work with children, adolescents, adults, and families navigating anxiety, trauma, panic disorders, family stress, and life transitions. My goal is to provide a warm, supportive space where you feel safe, understood, and empowered. Together, we'll explore the experiences and patterns contributing to your struggles while building practical tools that help you feel more grounded, confident, and capable in everyday life.

I have been practicing for over 17 years providing Individual and family therapy. My focus is to facilitate strategies and interventions that will bring you hope and transformation.

Patient-focused and compassionate Psychiatric APRN specialized in the care of individuals living with Serious Mental Illnesses (i.e., Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Schizophrenia, MDD, GAD, ADHD). I understand the challenges of navigating periods of depression, PTSD, mania, and the uncertainty that can come in between. My mission is to provide supportive, evidence-based care that helps you establish stability, regain balance, and enhance your quality of life.

I take a whole-person approach, offering:

• Thoughtful medication management tailored to your unique needs.
• Therapy options such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal and social rhythm therapy (IPSRT).
• Education and guidance to help you recognize early warning signs of mood changes.
• Support for families and loved ones who play an important role in recovery.

My goal is not only to reduce symptoms but also to help you live with greater confidence, stability, and well-being.

Claudine Bernier, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC

Hi, I'm Kaitlyn, a therapist who graduated from the University of Tennessee at Martin. I specialize in men's mental health, and I'm deeply committed to helping men feel comfortable, understood, and supported in a therapeutic setting.

I know that seeking therapy can feel like a big step, especially when life is throwing a lot at you at once. Whether you're dealing with stress that feels unmanageable, anxiety that follows you into every part of your day, or a major life transition that has left you feeling uncertain about what comes next, I'm here to help you work through it with practical, evidence-based tools that actually make a difference.

My primary approach is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, a well-researched method that focuses on identifying the unhelpful thought patterns driving how you feel and behave, and replacing them with healthier, more grounded ways of thinking and responding. CBT is structured and goal-focused, which means we won't just be talking in circles. Every session is designed to move you forward in a real, measurable way.

I chose to specialize in men's mental health because I believe men deserve a therapy experience that respects how they think, communicate, and process challenges. My goal is to make therapy feel less like something being done to you and more like a practical tool you can use to build the life you want.

I specialize in treating anxiety disorders, depression, and ADHD across the lifespan, and I work with adults and seniors navigating a range of mental health challenges — including bipolar disorder, OCD, panic disorders, sleep difficulties, and more. My greatest strength is building genuine, trusting relationships with my patients. I take the time to listen without judgment, understand each person's unique needs, and create individualized treatment plans that help you feel supported and empowered throughout your mental health journey. Outside of work, I recharge by spending time with my family, traveling, and staying active outdoors.

My intention is to provide a judgment-free space where we can talk about what is going on and collaborate to move forwards in the best way possible. I am flexible in my approach to counseling, and I tailor my counseling style based on the needs of each person I work with. I enjoy working with a wide range of clients (age, gender, concerns, etc.) and I am passionate about what I do. I am into fitness and healthy lifestyle, and I support my clients with creating their own foundation of wellness.

I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) dedicated to providing compassionate, evidence-based mental health care across the lifespan—including children, teens, and their families. With over 16 years of nursing experience spanning home health, care management, hospice, and palliative care, I bring a holistic perspective that honors the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. I know reaching out for help on behalf of your child can feel like a big step, and my goal is to make it easier.

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.