Suncoast Psychotherapy & Associates
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  • OUR ASSOCIATES
  • NEW CLIENTS
Serving Florida, Connecticut, New York & New Mexico
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Call or Text: (941) 900-8661​
OUR ASSOCIATES

​Specializing in... 
  • Mental Health Therapy for Individuals, Families & Couples
  • Drug, Alcohol, Internet & Sexual Addiction Therapy
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Behavior Therapy, PTSD, Domestic Violence​
  • Adoption, Divorce, Parenting & Custody Mediations​

​​​​In-network providers for many health insurance companies.

* * *  CURRENTLY accepting new patients at (941) 900-8661.  * * *
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Call or Text FOR A FREE 15-MINUTE PHONE CONSULTATION
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COMPLETE NEW CLIENT INTAKE FORM

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Lucas Alven
​MSW, LCSW
Psychotherapist
I'm a Licensed Therapist in Florida.  I hold both a Bachelor's Degree and a Master's Degree in Social Work from Florida State University.  During my career, I’ve spent years helping individuals and groups of all different backgrounds and at a variety of places in life including veterans and those involved in the criminal justice system.  I'll take time to get to know you as an individual and learn more about the uniqueness of your experience. 
 
I am comfortable working with adults, families, and couples.  I'm experienced with helping those who are overcoming substance abuse, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, relationships, PTSD, and OCD.  I regularly taking opportunities to increase my knowledge in these and other areas of practice so that I can stay up to date and provide you with the help you need and best services. 
 
During our sessions, we'll partner together to identify and prioritize what is most important to you and we'll formulate a plan to address these topics.  I'm empathetic and will take the time to understand you and your reasons for seeking therapy. 

​Reaching out for help is a brave step and I am looking forward to meeting you.  

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Melissa Barnes
MS, LMHC
​Serving Florida & New York​
Psychotherapist
I have over 22 years of experience as a psychotherapist, practicing in various settings.  I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in both the State of Florida and New York, having earned two Master's degrees from Long Island University.
 
I enjoy working with children, adolescents, adults, families and couples.  I hold certifications in several treatment modalities including Brain Paint (Neurofeedback), Beautiful Me (self-esteem program for teens), Nature Informed Therapy, mindfulness and trauma resolution. I  take a holistic approach to healing that helps to uncover the root cause of non-productive thoughts, feelings and behaviors.  Also, and most important to promoting health and personal growth is understanding the mind/body connection.
 
My areas of expertise include treating stress, anxiety, depression, trauma resolution, ADHD, anger management, self-esteem, autism, OCD and marital conflicts.  I also have experience in supporting patients who have various chronic health conditions, such as, lyme disease, which is close to my heart.
 
I am here for you and I look forward to supporting and guiding you through your challenges.  I hope to positively motivate you to make changes and to a place of better health, social functioning, and ultimately, happiness.
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Kristie Cooley, MS, LMHC
​​Psychotherapist
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the State of Florida. I moved to Florida from Nashville but have roots in Mississippi and Virginia.  I graduated from the University of Phoenix in April of 2014 with a Bachelors of Science in Health Administration.  I used that degree to enroll at Capella University where I earned a Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in March of 2021.  My passion for counseling started when I was very young. In my teenage years I participated in groups that worked to prevent teen suicide.  This interest eventually worked its way into my adult life as a career in the mental health field.

My first position after graduating with my Masters was assisting individuals whose substance abuse lead to involvement in the criminal justice system.  Building on that, I also have experience with Veterans' issues, grief and loss, eating disorders, LGBTQ+, relationships, depression, anxiety, social fears and many other mental health diagnoses.
 I don’t believe that there is a one size fits all approach to an individual’s mental health.  I use a wide range of techniques to best help my clients to achieve the goals they set forth during their time in treatment by developing strategies and coping skills to achieve optimal mental health.

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Jeff Hite, MSW
​Therapist
I am a Registered Clinical Social Work Intern in the State of Florida.  I earned my Master's Degree in Social Work from Saint Leo University.  During my practicum, I worked extensively with the unhoused population, addressing crises, anxiety, depression and other mental health concerns.  Eight years ago, I ventured to Key West from a small town in Idaho, where I have since built my career in social work.

After graduation, I transitioned into a part-time clinical position at the homeless shelter, where I continue to provide clinical services and case management as needed.  My time is rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI) - two evidence-based approaches that support personal growth and change.

I understand that as life progresses and challenges arise, seeking help can be difficult.  My goal is to provide a safe, empathetic space where we can work together to help you succeed in every aspect of life.  I view this journey as an adventure we take together, moving forward step by step toward a healthier and more fulfilling future.

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Taylor Kirk, LCSW
​Psychotherapist
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of Florida.  I obtained my Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Hawai’i.  Throughout my career, I have worked with adolescents, young adults, and families across diverse cultural backgrounds with various needs.  I am experienced with individuals seeking to overcome anxiety, depression, PTSD, teen’s issues including delinquency, and adult’s issues.  Additionally, I have experience in crisis intervention and stabilization. 
 
My passion is to help others achieve their personal goals and experience true inner peace through client-centered psychotherapy.  On our collaborative journey together, we will work to identify relevant goals and assess both the necessary and practical steps to achieving them.  I will support and empower you throughout the therapeutic process and help you enhance your existing strengths in a non-judgmental and safe environment. 
 
We are all doing the best we can with the tools and knowledge we have!  Yet sometimes, we may need external support to learn new skills, explore old wounds, and encourage new ways of thinking.  Together, we will increase your personal insight and work to achieve the goals that move you closer to your ideal self. ​

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Amanda Lamont, LMHC
​Psychotherapist
I am Licensed Mental Health Counselor who works in the State of Florida.  I obtained my Bachelor’s Degree of Science from St. Petersburg College in 2012 and I earned my Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from Nova Southeastern University in 2017. Throughout my career, I have worked to help clients of all ages including adolescents, young adults and middle-aged adults who have come to me with a wide range of concerns relating to depression, anxiety, grief-loss, trauma, addiction, relationships, family conflict, school, self-harm, self-esteem, felony/probation, autism, ADHD, eating disorders, LGBTQ gender identity and more.

To me, each client is unique and so is my approach to meeting their needs. I utilize an eclectic blend of treatment methods to serve my clients. I blend evidence-based modalities like CBT (Cognitive Behavior Therapy) and mindfulness skills to create personalized treatment. In addition, I value the importance of self-care during their therapeutic journey as we work together towards gaining mental and physical balance as well as emotional well-being. I don’t assume a position of higher knowledge than my clients... it's more like a position of understanding.
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As a therapist, I truly believe that rapport and therapeutic relationships are extremely important for successful therapy. I understand that it takes courage to take steps towards seeking counseling and reaching out for help. I look forward to walking alongside you with an approach of encouragement, support and celebrating your strengths. 
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Sarah Markin
MSW, LCSW
​Psychotherapist
​I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of Florida.  I hold a Bachelor‘s Degree in Psychology from the University of Florida, as well as a Master’s Degree in Social Work and a Master’s Degree in Criminology from Florida State University.
 
During my career, I have spent time working with children, families, and adults with varying backgrounds.  Some of these have included women and families experiencing domestic violence, families involved with the child protective system, and children experiencing serious hospitalizations.
 
I am comfortable working with adults, teenagers, preteens, and families.  I am experienced in working with families or individuals who are overcoming anxiety, depression, grief or loss, women’s issues, teen’s issues, intimate partner violence, PTSD, and relationship issues.  I tailor my approach to each individual to provide the help you need in a caring and nonjudgmental environment.
 
I am warm and compassionate, and I take time to understand your life experiences as well as your reasons for seeking therapy.  During our work, we will come together to identify the topics and goals that are most important to you.  We will then create a plan that addresses these topics in a way that is achievable for you.
 
It takes courage to reach out for help and ​I look forward to meeting you and learning about you! 

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Luis Morales, MA, NCC, LMHC (New Mexico) Bilingual Psychotherapist
(English/Spanish)

​I am both a Professional Counselor and Rehabilitation Counselor.  I conduct therapy sessions in English and in Spanish.  I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the state of New Mexico and a Registered Mental Health Counseling Intern in the state of Florida.  ​I have also passed the Florida DCF Level 2 (state and federal) background check which allows me to work with children in school settings.

My specialties include Reality Therapy / Choice Theory, Teen's Issues, Men's Issues, Parenting, Substance Abuse and Recovery, Christian Counseling and Mental Health.  As a disabled veteran, I am competent to assist other veterans struggling with mental health difficulties arising from military service.

​In addition, I have worked with special populations including but not limited to the Navajo Nation of the Four Corners Region, teenagers, court-ordered non-violent drug offenders and clients with severe mental illness such as PTSD, MDD, BPD, Bi-Polar Disorder and Schizophrenia.

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Jennifer Warwick, MS Masters in Family Therapy
​Therapist
I’m a lifelong learner and proponent of self-discovery.  I found my passion in assisting others in healing their traumas and uncovering their purpose.  I hold a Masters of Science Degree in Marriage & Family. In my practice, I use a systemic approach in working with individuals, couples, or families.  I recognize clients as being the expert in their own lives and assist in guiding them in defining their goals and creating viable steps to obtain them.  I make every effort to cultivate a comfortable space for clients of all ages and backgrounds to use their strengths in developing personal wellness. ​

My education has focused on multicultural perspectives, marriage and family therapy, and grief and loss, but the foundation of my learning has been rooted in life experiences, travel, and remaining curious.  I started my career 20 years ago working with at risk families and have since developed a few niche areas of practice.  I am genuinely invested in my clients’ growth and remain confident that positive change is not only possible, but also obtainable. 

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Lizanne Welding, MS
​Therapist
I am a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern in the State of Florida.  I am a transplant from Philadelphia where I earned my Masters in Clinical Psychology from Chestnut Hill College.  I was a therapist in Pennsylvania for 16 years before moving to Florida.  I also hold degrees and professional certifications including Integrated Primary and Behavioral Health Care from the University of Massachusetts School of Medicine.
 
My specialization is in Trauma Informed Care and I have worked with people who are survivors of trauma throughout my career.  My interest in this area is what energized me to complete a graduate degree.  Additionally, I have worked with people living with substance abuse, thought disorders, anxiety disorders, mood disorders and many chronic medical conditions.  I have also worked extensively with people who identify as part of the LGBTQ plus community.
 
I believe that recovery (from any condition that makes a person's life more difficult) is not only possible but, should be essential and tailored to each individual's unique personality.  I am a lifelong learner and a lover of people, animals and music.  I’m excited to help you begin your journey to wellness!
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When you're ready...
​We're here to offer you a confidential place to be open & honest without fear of judgement.
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​​Todd A. Shapiro, LCSW, MPA
Suncoast Psychotherapy & Associates LLC

Psychotherapist & ​Clinical Director
Call or Text:  (941) 900-8661
Fax:  (941) 761-6022
​Email: [email protected]​
www.SuncoastPsychotherapy.com
  • HOME
  • OUR ASSOCIATES
  • NEW CLIENTS