Counseling Therapists - Meet our team

Breahannah Hilaire, PhD - Therapist

Glad to meet you!
I am Dr. Brea Hilaire, and I am a Black female licensed mental health counselor. I have a PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from the University of Central Florida and an M.A in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Rollins College. I have several years of experience working with diverse populations and advocating for underserved individuals including people impacted by the justice system, those with few financial resources, and people seeking help for the first time. When I am not providing counseling services, I’m educating counseling students to be effective counselors.

My approach to therapy is compassionate and directive. When you need someone to be transparent and walk with you through life’s tough issues, I am that counselor. I utilize a Psychodynamic approach with tenants from Cognitive Behavioral and Brief Solution-Focused Therapy. To address client concerns I explore past influences, unconscious processes, and maladaptive thinking patterns that get in the way of progress and success.

Therapy is a collaborative process in which clients can identify goals and discover what is best for them right now. As we begin therapy, we will build our therapeutic relationship and establish trust and mutual respect. I will be there to hear your concerns and assist you in finding solutions

Treatment Modality: Virtual and limited in-person appointment
Accepting: Cigna, Aetna, Untied, Optum, Oscar, Lyra

Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Marissa Betancourt - Therapist

Are you facing difficulties in your personal relationships with your partner, family, or friends? Do you find yourself struggling with negative thoughts and emotions that you can't seem to shake off?

While we may excel in certain areas of our lives, our relationships and self-esteem can often be challenging to navigate. If you are feeling depressed, anxious, or have experienced traumatic events, I can help you unleash the inner strength that can help you overcome any obstacles in your path.

As a marriage and family therapist, I believe that individuals are not the problem, but rather the way they interact and communicate with each other. My goal is to create a safe and non-judgmental space where you can share your thoughts and emotions openly, without fear of being criticized or judged based on your lifestyle, sexuality, or gender identity. My passion for helping marginalized communities, such as people of color and the LGBTQIA+ population, started when I was a child. My commitment to providing a safe and welcoming environment for everyone remains vital to this day.

I offer a secure Telehealth platform where we can work together on addressing your most intimate challenges. Regardless of whether you feel that you fit in with mainstream society or not, I welcome you to schedule a consultation with me to determine if we are a good fit for a therapeutic relationship.

Treatment Modality: Virtual Only
Accepting: Untied, Optum, Oscar, Cigna, Aetna

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Kristina Brown - Therapist

Great to meet you!

I am a Board Certified Licensed Mental Health Counselor here in Florida. I received my Master's Degree from the University of Central Florida and started my career in an agency setting, working with a diverse and vulnerable population. This foundation, along with my work within the school system, has provided me with the clinical expertise to service both adolescents and adults with a variety of mental health disorders.

A bit about my approach to therapy

Taking from the evidenced-based modalities I am trained in, I individualize care based on the client's needs. In my work with adolescents, I often utilize expressive arts to build rapport, teach skills, and educate on mental wellness. With all of my clients I focus on cognitive-behavioral and solution-focused strategies to aid them in reaching their goals.

What you can expect from our first session

Recognizing that starting therapy can be an intimidating experience, I use my warmth and humor to put others at ease and provide a safe environment for clients to vocalize their needs and identify their goals. I meet my clients where they are at and work to ensure that their counseling experience provides them with the tools and skills they need to live a healthier life.

Specialties: Bipolar Disorder, Family Issues, Grief, Loss, Stress, Relationship Issues, LGBTQIA+, Anger Management, and ADD/ADHD

Modalities: Dialectical Behavioral (DBT), Psychodynamic, Psychoanalytic, Solution Focused Brief (SFBT), Parent-Child Interaction (PCIT), Attachment-based, Play, Strength-Based, Art Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral (CBT), and Trauma Focused

Treatment Modality: Virtual and limited in-person appointment
Accepting: Untied, Optum, Oscar, Cigna, Aetna

Licensed Mental Health Counselor

I believe that no matter how challenging things are right now, you have the capacity to heal and reach your fullest potential. You may feel like this is impossible for you or that you are broken, but I believe in you. Therapy can seem very daunting and scary at times, but I am passionate about helping you find healing within a safe and comfortable space. Often, we are our own worst critic, and we judge ourselves while rarely appreciating the beauty within us. It is through self-empowerment and your own strength that together we can discover your best self.

I have worked with clients who have experienced trauma, grief, abuse, relationship issues, and other concerns. I enjoy working with any client regardless of their background or identity and have been working in similar fields for about eight years. I often utilize nontraditional modalities that are research-based in order to meet therapeutic goals faster.

One of my favorite quotes is from Maya Angelou, “there is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” Relief from this hurt is my wish for you. Your story is worth being told and when you’re ready, I am ready to hear it.

Karissa Stewart - Therapist

Treatment Modality: Virtual Only
Accepting: Cigna, Aetna, Untied, Optum, Oscar

Licensed Mental Health Counselor

As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with nearly a decade of experience, I have had the privilege of guiding individuals and families through some of life's most challenging moments. My focus has primarily been on adolescents and adults facing issues such as anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, identity struggles, and transitional life phases. I have worked with diverse populations across various dimensions, including gender identity, sexuality, race, income, and ability.

In my person-centered and socially aware approach to therapy, I prioritize understanding each individual's unique perspective and relationship with the world. I employ trauma-informed, evidence-based methods tailored to each client's needs, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Solution-Focused Therapy. I strive to create a safe and neutral space where clients feel comfortable exploring their thoughts and feelings. I believe that a strong therapeutic alliance is crucial for positive outcomes, and I work collaboratively with clients to establish meaningful goals while providing practical skills to help achieve them.

Clients can expect to leave counseling sessions with greater self-awareness, enhanced coping skills, and a clear pathway toward achieving their personal goals.

Treatment Modality: Virtual
Accepting: Cigna, Aetna,
Waitlist: Oscar, United and Optum

Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Heather May, Therapist