If you live in or around Orlando and are looking for a therapist, there are a lot of options, and it is not always clear how to choose between them. This guide explains when therapy can help with anxiety and depression, which type of therapy is usually recommended for anxiety, and what licenses therapists in Florida hold. It also covers how to check whether a therapist accepts your insurance, what happens in a first session, and how adult therapy works at BNBA in Winter Park.
When to See a Therapist
You do not need a diagnosis or crisis to start therapy. Many adults book their first appointment because worry is getting in the way of work or sleep, or because they have felt low for a few weeks and it is not lifting. Stress from a breakup, a job change, or a family problem is another common reason. A first appointment does not commit you to long-term therapy, and it gives you a chance to talk through what is going on with someone trained to help. BNBA’s therapists in Florida work with adults who have anxiety and depression, among other concerns.
What Type of Therapy Is Best for Anxiety?
Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, is the type of therapy most often recommended for anxiety. Mayo Clinic describes CBT as the most effective form of psychotherapy for generalized anxiety disorder. It is usually short-term, and it teaches you specific skills to manage worry. Part of CBT involves slowly going back to situations you have been avoiding because of anxiety. Our guide to cognitive behavioral therapy explains what a typical CBT session involves.
CBT is also used for depression, but there are other approaches, and your therapist will choose one based on what you need. For adults dealing with trauma, BNBA also offers EMDR therapy in Florida.
What the Letters After a Therapist’s Name Mean
Most therapists in Florida have one of three licenses: LMHC (licensed mental health counselor), LCSW (licensed clinical social worker), or LMFT (licensed marriage and family therapist). All three are regulated by the state’s Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling.
LMHCs and LCSWs both provide therapy for anxiety, depression, and stress. Their training is different, as one comes from counseling and the other from social work, but for most people the sessions are similar. LMFTs are trained to focus on relationships and family, and many of them also work with adults on an individual level.
For most people, the type of license matters less than whether it is active and whether the therapist has experience with your concern. You can check a Florida license through the Department of Health’s license verification search. Therapists do not prescribe medication. If you think medication might help, our guide to finding a psychiatrist in Orlando and Winter Park explains how psychiatry works.
How to Find a Therapist in Orlando Who Takes Your Insurance
Cost is one of the main reasons people put off therapy, so it helps to sort out insurance before you get attached to a particular name. Start by checking whether the practice is in-network with your plan, and then call your insurer to ask about copays and whether you need a referral. You can see the plans BNBA accepts on our Florida insurance page, and the intake team can help confirm your coverage when you call.
It also helps to ask how soon the first appointment is available and whether sessions can be done via telehealth. If you are going to attend therapy every week, telehealth can save you a lot of driving around Orlando.
What Your First Therapy Session Is Like
In the first session, your therapist will ask what brought you in, how long you have been feeling this way, and what you want to get out of therapy. You do not need to prepare anything. Many people feel nervous before the first session, and that is normal.
It may take a few sessions before you feel comfortable with your therapist. If it still does not feel like a good fit after a few weeks, you can ask to see a different therapist.
Adult Therapy in Winter Park and Across Florida at BNBA
BNBA offers individual therapy for adults 18 and older in Florida. You can visit our Winter Park office in-person, which is convenient from Orlando, Maitland, and Sanford, or meet with a therapist via telehealth from anywhere in the state.
Not sure whether you need a therapist, psychiatrist, or both? Our guide to the different types of mental health providers explains who does what. When you are ready, call (508) 979-5557 or request an appointment online. If you are having thoughts of suicide, please do not wait for an appointment. Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or call 911 in an emergency.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Find a Therapist in Orlando That Takes My Insurance?
Check whether the practice is in-network with your plan, then call your insurer to confirm copays and whether you need a referral. BNBA lists the plans it accepts on its Florida insurance page, and the intake team can help check your coverage.
What Type of Therapy Is Best for Anxiety?
Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, is considered the most effective form of psychotherapy for generalized anxiety disorder. It teaches practical skills to manage worry and helps you return to things you have been avoiding.
What Is the Difference Between an LMHC and an LCSW?
Both are licensed to provide therapy in Florida. An LMHC is a licensed mental health counselor and an LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker, so the difference is mostly in their training background rather than in what a session looks like.
Can I See a Therapist Online in Florida?
Yes. BNBA offers therapy for adults via telehealth anywhere in Florida, as well as in-person sessions at the Winter Park office.