Best Addiction & Substance Abuse Counselors in Lake City, FL

Hello, my name is Mario, and I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor currently living in sunny Florida. I have a Bachelor's in Psychology and a Master's of Science Degree in Mental Health Counseling. I believe that everyone's life has value, and I have definitely found my own meaning working in this field, where I have been fortunate to be able to help many people improve their lives and their approaches to difficult times. My clinical background is in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Existential Therapy, and I also utilize approaches from related therapies include Person-Centered, Family Systems, Dialectical Behavioral, and Reality Therapy. If you are curious about what those are, and what might be the best approach for you, don't hesitate to ask! My approach involves working alongside my clients in discovering what works best for you, celebrating your successes, and non-judgmentally learning from mistakes. I will help you explore the connections between past experiences and current issues, and support you as you confront your past, unhealthy people in your life, or even yourself. I am not shy to talk about past traumas or regrets, and I will not judge you negatively for your past - this is about your future, after all! I do not believe there is a personal problem too small, or too large, to benefit from some good solid counseling. I only ask that my clients come to me with a strong intention of healing, learning, and working on themselves. I am not here to tell you to get a hobby or write positive affirmations on your mirror (though there is nothing wrong with either of those things). I am here to help you make necessary changes in your life, and I kindly request that you participate in your sessions and messaging on this platform, while also utilizing things we have talked about outside of your sessions. Your time on this platform is valuable, and I plan to help you make it count. I look forward to working with you and seeing things improve in your life!

I am licensed in Florida and Virginia with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, bipolar disorder, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Congratulations on taking this first step on an exciting journey of self awareness and life change! I have worked in the field of mental health and substance abuse since 2001. I have been a Licensed Mental Health Counselor since 2006. I have a Masters Degree in Counselor Education and I have worked with clients who have a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems and career challenges. I have also helped many people who have struggled with both behavior and substance related addictions. My counseling style is warm, interactive and reality based. My core treatment approach stems from the belief that every individual has value and that every individual's experience is significant, deserving of validation and respect. I treat every client with sensitivity and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic and mindfulness based counseling techniques that will challenge you and help you explore ways to live your best life. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!