Virtual Options for Psychotherapy

While a vast majority of our society is shutting down due to COVID-19, thankfully our healthcare professionals are still hard at work and ready to provide care for us. Yet many people do not realize that our mental health professionals are still largely available and providing services at this time, as well.

For those who may feel uncomfortable meeting face-to-face in an office setting, don’t fret.  Many mental health practices are now implementing “teletherapy” options, which allows patients to access counseling services over a secure video connection that maintains HIPPA guidelines and ensures confidentiality. In this article I’ve compiled a list of providers in the greater Orlando area who are currently offering teletherapy services. Please call or visit their websites for further information.

In addition to consulting this list, I strongly recommend checking-in with your own health insurance provider, who will be able to direct you towards in-network telehealth providers in your area. Another simple way to check for local resources is to ask your primary care physician if they know a nearby recommended therapist. Additionally, you may dial 2-1-1, which will help connect you to several community resources, including abuse and domestic violence shelters, food and housing resources, crisis centers and other social work services. If you or a loved one is in an emergency situation or immediate danger, please dial 9-1-1.

Psych Pointe of Florida
(407) 270-7702
www.PsychPointe.com

Psych Pointe of Florida is currently providing teletherapy for psychiatric evaluations and medication management, as well as individual and family counseling and outpatient substance abuse treatment. Their website states they accept most insurances, including Medicaid and Medicare plans.

“At Psych Pointe of Florida, we provide personal, friendly services in a fun and caring environment for children and adults of all ages. All of our doctors are Board Certified Psychiatrist and have worked in the medical industry for a number of years.  Our services range from Psychotherapy to Motivational Interviewing.  Whether you or your child has a mental issue or you need tips on how to stay mentally healthy, we can help.”

Holistic Health and Counseling Center
(407) 644-3593
www.hhandcc.com

Holistic Health and Counseling Center provides a wide array of mental health services for children and adults, including psychiatric services, psychotherapy, school psychology, and biofeedback.

“We are a team of dedicated professionals that come from varied backgrounds and have experience in psychiatry, nursing, psychotherapy, education, nutrition, addictions and alternative medicine. Our approach is holistic and functional so as to serve the particular needs of the individual on body, mind and spiritual levels. We are able to serve a wide range of ages from young children and adolescents to mature adults. Our mission is to provide a safe and nurturing environment in which our clients can feel free to explore, express, heal, and grow into the fullest expression of who they want to be and where they want to go.”

IMPOWER
(321) 639-1224
www.impowerFL.org

IMPOWER is a non-profit counseling organization that provides a wide array of services including psychiatric, outpatient mental health, and substance misuse programs.

“IMPOWER offers a continuum of care for children, adolescents, adults and families focused on addressing mental and behavioral health and child-well-being.”

GroundWork Counseling
(407) 378-3000
www.GroundWorkCounseling.com

GroundWork Counseling, based out of Maitland, provides individual, family, and couples therapy for all ages, specializing in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy.

“GroundWork will continue to provide all clinical services to current and new clients using a HIPAA compliant telemedicine platform… In view of rapidly changing conditions due to the coronavirus (COVID-19), GroundWork Counseling has made the decision to transition all clinical services to telehealth so that we may do our part in keeping our community members safe.   This will continue until recommendations from the CDC and the State of Florida inform us that it is safe to resume face-to-face services.”

Positive Steps Counseling
(407) 699-5824
www.PositiveStepsCounseling.com

Based out of Longwood, Positive Steps Counseling specializes in providing couples counseling and relationship work. Counselor Debbie Sawicki-Lake states on their website that she “started Positive Steps as a way to help individuals, couples, and families develop the understanding and skills that enable more satisfying, more functional lives. She is perhaps best known for her skills working with couples who face challenges stemming from affairs and cheating, family or financial stress, substance or alcohol use, individual anxieties, or any of the other situations that make being married a challenge.”

Positive Behavioral Solutions
(321) 972-4265
www.PBSFL.org

Positive Behavioral Solutions is a community based mental health agency that is currently providing teletherapy services to children and families in the Central Florida community, including Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Brevard, and Volusia Counties.

“We provide Individualized Counseling and Psycho-social Rehabilitation services to diverse populations. PBS serves children and families to increase positive outcomes in relational attachments, positive behavioral change, communication and emotional support. Our mission is to help people who are facing life challenges and guide them into achieving positive outcomes.  We are committed to assisting our clients in reaching their highest potential and will serve as the support needed throughout the journey.” 

About the Author:
Brent Weber lives in Maitland, FL with his wife, Ashton, and his dog, Leo. For the past two years, Brent has worked for the CHILL program at Winter Park High School, which provides in-school individual and group counseling services to its students. Brent earned his master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling as well as his bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Central Florida. In his free time, Brent enjoys playing hockey, seeing movies, and cooking.

Supported by the Winter Park Health Foundation, CHILL— Community Help & Intervention in Life’s Lessons —is a free counseling program for students in the public schools serving Winter Park and neighboring communities who need help with issues such as grief and loss, divorce, low self-esteem, anger management and depression.