Bipolar disorder therapists & psychiatrists in Venice, FL

You don't have to have it all figured out to start. There is no right or wrong place to begin.

I'm a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 25 years of experience working with children, adolescents, and adults. I'm also a Certified School Counselor — which means I've spent decades not just in therapy offices, but inside schools, alongside kids and families navigating the real, daily pressures of growing up, parenting, and finding your way.

That breadth of experience shapes everything about how I work. I understand what it looks like when anxiety shows up in a classroom, when ADHD affects a family's daily life, or when an eating disorder hides behind achievement. And I know how to create a space where children, teens, and adults alike feel safe enough to actually open up.

I started my career in New York City then moved my practice to the sunny state of Florida. My experience over the past 15 years is working with adults navigating everything from everyday stress to deeper emotional wounds. Life gets complicated sometimes, but you don't have to do it alone! Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of walking alongside people through their most vulnerable moments—and watching them rediscover their strength, gain clarity and build confidence.

I’m a cis-gender heterosexual female. My husband and I have a high school aged son. I’m originally from St. Louis, MO but I have lived in Florida for a combined 36 years because I love living in paradise. One of the things I enjoy about virtual work is seeing my clients’ pets too.

I was a non-traditional student and got my bachelor's degree at 29 and my master's degree at 32. The life skills I gained as I worked my way through school have been helpful throughout my career. For some people, the age of their therapist is important. I am 49 years old.

Some of my helpful qualities include being non-judgmental. I have talked to people of all kinds, many ages with all kinds of histories and all kinds of present lives. There really isn't a topic you can't discuss with me, I have never felt a client gave me "TMI" or too much information. You are guaranteed privacy and confidentiality. You can get judgment for free anywhere else. I believe everyone is doing the best they can with what they know.

I am often told after first sessions that I'm easy to talk to and those clients feel better just having gotten some things off their chest.

I have treated children and teens throughout my career beginning at my first job in foster care.since beginning in I graduated from my masters degree. I have also treated adults with depression, anxiety, grief and loss, PTSD, sexual dysfunction, porn addiction, people in the LGBTQ community & people in alternative lifestyles.

I also treated patients in hospice as well as other medical settings. I treat people with chronic illnesses and occasionally I treat people with life limiting illnesses.

Here at Headway I will treat anyone who is 10 or older because I believe they are best suited for virtual therapy. I'm open to appeals about this policy.

I chose to practice as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner because I am passionate about helping individuals improve their mental health and overall quality of life. Mental health challenges can significantly affect every aspect of a person’s well-being, relationships, and daily functioning, and I believe compassionate, patient-centered care can make a meaningful difference.

When life feels heavy, it's easy to feel disconnected from yourself, your relationships, or the direction you want your life to take. Many of my clients come to therapy feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, trauma, family conflict, grief, or major life transitions—and unsure of how to move forward.

As a Licensed Professional Counselor serving adolescents and adults in Florida and New Jersey, I provide a supportive, nonjudgmental space where you can feel heard, understood, and empowered. Together, we'll identify what's contributing to your struggles, build on your strengths, and develop practical tools that support healing, resilience, and meaningful change.

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.

I’m a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with over 16 years of experience helping people heal from trauma, manage life transitions, and find balance between professional and personal well-being. My approach is compassionate, culturally sensitive, and grounded in evidence-based practices like CBT, CPT, and PE for trauma.

As a Certified Perinatal Coach and Childbirth Educator, I also support individuals and families through pregnancy, postpartum, and the emotional changes that come with these seasons of life. I especially enjoy working with Latinx professionals and others navigating identity, leadership, and growth.

I believe therapy should be a collaborative and empowering process. You don’t have to face life’s challenges alone—together, we can find your next step toward healing and fulfillment.

Life can often feel like a series of overwhelming transitions, leaving you feeling disconnected or unsure of your next step. I provide a dedicated space for adults (22+) to slow down, reflect, and move forward with renewed clarity.

Whether you are navigating the complexities of trauma, managing a mood disorder, or facing significant life changes, my goal is to help you transform "feeling stuck" into a journey of intentional growth.

How We Will Work Together

My approach is relational, honest, and depth-oriented. Rather than just addressing surface-level symptoms, we will explore the unspoken beliefs and past experiences that quietly shape your daily life. By learning to listen to what your emotions are communicating, you can begin to respond to life’s challenges in ways that promote genuine healing and authentic connection.

Specialized Support for Couples

In addition to individual therapy, I specialize in marriage and pre-marital counseling. I help couples at all stages build resilient foundations, repair emotional disconnections, and foster a deeper sense of intimacy and mutual understanding.

**Please note: While I accept insurance for individual therapy, all couples counseling is private-pay only. Insurance does not cover relationship-focused therapy.

Your Journey Starts Here

You deserve a space where you are fully seen, heard, and empowered. No matter where you are in your journey, I am here to support you in creating meaningful, lasting change.