Best Therapist in Ocala, FL

Finding the best therapist in Ocala, FL for anxiety or depression can be a tricky decision. Ocala has it's own experts to call upon – licensed therapists and life coaches among them – and it's intimidating to select the right one. We gathered some of Ocala's most recommended counselors, therapists, and psychologists providing in-person sessions and what separates them from the pack. Along with plain-English information on reviews, costs, insurance reimbursement, and ease of access – all Ocala-based – we'll walk you through the process.

The Top Ocala, FL Therapists

We've compiled some of Ocala’s top therapists and specialties that make them stand out. These licensed therapists all have something special to offer, whether it’s decades of experience under their belt, a niche specialty, or shining reviews from the community. We then gathered verified community reviews and feedback from trusted individual sources to help you make the best selection for your needs. Whether you're seeking cognitive behavioral therapy to help with anxiety or want to know why you're feeling depressed, Ocala offers great professionals that can help improve your mental health.

Scotty Lusk, LMHC

Over 30 years of experience with Scotty is highly recommended to individuals, couples, and families looking for a mature therapist by word of mouth. Clients comment that his warm, uncondemning attitude puts them immediately at ease. "Wonderful to meet someone such as Scotty and never feel judged" per one reviewer. Scotty is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who sees everything from marital issues to anxiety. His practice in the middle of town on South Magnolia Avenue is easy to access. And the best part is that he and his staff are also accepting new patients and welcome anyone who needs to do so to call – a comforting thought if you're anxious about taking the plunge and getting into therapy.

Ocala Counseling Associates

Highly rated group counselors in practice together. These kinds of offices consist of many counselors in one office in specialties such as children's play therapy, couples' counseling, and trauma informed therapy (EMDR). One advantage of a group clinic is that usually you can be paired with a therapist that suits your specific needs, and in case one of the providers is booked up, another may be available. Some of the group centers in Ocala also provide evening or weekend appointments to fit busy lives. In case you want speedy scheduling, these centers are a good risk – one network boasts dozens of counselors with space in their schedule in a week to take on new clients.

Brenda Korch, LMFT & Katherine Glancy, LMHC

These two counselors (Brenda is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Katherine is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor) routinely appear on Ocala's list of best couple and family counselors. You'll want to turn to these counselors if you're looking for a good marriage counselor or parental counseling. Brenda Korch has been featured in directories specifically because of her nurturing work with blended families and partnership problems. Katherine Glancy sees both family and individuals and works with adults and has experience in both areas. Both of them practice outside of the Ocala area (presumably with Katherine being in Marion Oaks/SW Ocala area) which allows them to catch up with those who live outside of town limits. Clients appreciate that in working towards resolving conflict, they also learn communication skills in order to maintain healthy relationships in the long run.

Jennifer Wood, PhD

Dr. Wood is a Licensed Psychologist who administers psychology testing and counseling. She is one of the most often referred doctorate-level psychologists in Ocala to do both assessment (e.g., ADHD evaluation, learning disorder) and counseling sessions. In case you have a complex problem that may be resolved by formal testing and counseling, Dr. Wood's office may be what you're looking for. She also sees patients with staff under her supervision and has patients who value her in-depth evidence-based approach. She sees adults and children in her work as a psychologist so that you and your family may be able to use her at your convenience.

Alexis Thompson, CPLC:

Alexis is a Certified Professional Life Coach who is not a therapist yet offers face-to-face life-coaching sessions in goal setting, motivation and wellness planning. She is able to work with clients on career change direction, creating healthy habits, or building confidence. We include Alexis to offer coverage of life coaches in Ocala, another option for individuals who do not need mental health counseling but rather guidance and accountability to personal or professional goals. Life coaches like Alexis often operate out of wellness centers or shared office space in Ocala, and sessions may be less structured (coffee-house style discussion environment) than clinical counseling.

Marion Therapeutic Riding Association

A local nonprofit Marion Therapeutic Riding Association (MTRA) offers therapeutic riding lessons that also benefit mental health. These aren't office-style therapists, per se, but in some patients who aren't finding traditional talk therapy to be useful, working with a horse with the assistance of a mental health professional can be life-altering. Ocala therapists will often work with or refer clients to these sessions with animal enthusiasts or those who need a less traditional method.

From veteran counselors to life coaches who are on the cutting edge, someone is out there for you. Determining "the best," however, is also a question of who is best for you individually. Following are some factors to consider when you weigh your choices

Therapy Insurance Options in Ocala

Counselors and therapists in Ocala, FL range from private-pay only to those who take multiple forms of insurance. Check fees and insurance acceptance before you get too attached to a "best" counselor. Many of the most effective counselors do take major insurance (Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Medicare, etc.), which will save you lots of money in out-of-pocket cost. Other counselors will offer a sliding fee scale if you're in financial need. Ocala's community health centers take most insurances and even offer a sliding fee scale so everyone is not turned away because they cannot pay. You may also want to look into those centers and nonprofits if you're underinsured or uninsured.

Therapist Availability in Ocala, FL

Another often overlooked factor in Ocala is the speed with which you can get an appointment scheduled and whether the timing is convenient to you. Many of the most sought-after therapists in Ocala have a wait of a few weeks in some cases, especially for evenings late in the day. On the other hand, there are a minimum of 62 local therapists who can see you in a week's time and take on new patients.

As you find therapists, see if they mention “accepting new clients” or can schedule an initial consultation in the near future. Many life coaches and newer therapists, for example, can get you in within days. Consider scheduling convenience as well: do you need Saturday or after-work appointments? If so, prioritize a provider who advertises those hours. The best therapy in the world is useless if you can’t actually make it there regularly, so a slightly less famous counselor who can see you next Tuesday at 6pm might be a better choice for you than the superstar who’s booked for months.

Finding the Best Therapy Specialization in Ocala

Look at specialties you might need. Do you need assistance with your 10-year-old's anxiety? You need a child and play therapist. You and your husband looking to tighten up your marriage? An LMFT with great couple's counseling reviews is "best" even if everyone else doesn't put them number one on their general list. Ocala has specialists in a number of specialties – from addiction counselors to grief counselors – so the standout article will encourage individuals to choose on personal fit and not some other's grade.

Community Therapy Resources in Ocala

Keep tabs on Ocala event calendars for mental health workshops – some libraries, places of worship, or the College of Central Florida may sponsor free workshops in mindfulness, parenting, or stress management. Even some of the region's best may be conducting some of them. It is a great way to preview a professional's style before you book a private session. Crisis Services: You might be fortunate to obtain a wonderful therapist from the above list, but it’s also good to know about emergency services.

Ocala does have a Crisis Stabilization Unit (via SMA Healthcare) and a 24/7 mental health crisis hotline. In acute crisis, these can be lifesavers. Even the most wonderful local clinicians will always encourage greater level of care or community services when needed – because they value the health of the individual and not the appointment. By engaging with available community resources, your healing or growth is enhanced.

Ocala's best therapists similarly work closely with those types of resources on a regular basis: referring a client to a grief group, recommending a horse-therapy appointment if the adolescent is a horse-lover, or coordination with your primary care physician at Heart of Florida Health Center where medication may be in order. It's that type of community-based care with the whole person in mind that really allows individuals to thrive. Making Your Decision Now that you have all the above information and personal details in mind, you're well-placed to select the right therapist or life coach in Ocala to work with you. Make what you most value – whether a specific school of thought, ease of access, cost, or personal energy – your top priority. Maybe you're attracted to the vision of sitting in serene farm surroundings with a horse to snuggle with you through a therapy session, or maybe you're more comfortable in a conventional office with a seasoned counselor who's been working with Ocala families for years.

Maybe you're in need of the goal-orientated, action-packed push of a life coach to address your professional aspirations. There is not one "best," of course – there is one that's best for you. In case you're searching, don't hesitate to call a few providers to book a quick initial call or to pose some questions. Many of the Ocala therapists provide a free phone consultation – use that to sense their warmth and whether you feel heard by them. Good luck with your search – you're deserving of the very best care, and in this town, it's right before you.