A Complete Guide to Therapy & Mental Health in Florida

Nearly 3 million adults in Florida have a mental health condition, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Out of those, 796,000 don’t receive needed mental health care services. 

High costs and low numbers of mental health professionals in some areas are among the top reasons for this — but recent funding could lead to better access for Floridians. 

Here, we’ll explore state-funded mental health in the Sunshine State and provide info on resources and services that are available, including mental health care services through SonderMind. We’ll also explain eligibility, go over mental health care costs in Florida, and offer tips on finding a therapist. 

Understanding state-funded mental health in Florida 

Florida has had a serious problem with underfunding for mental health care services over the years, making it difficult for residents to access care. But the state’s 2023 budget included $2.5 billion for mental health care services, such as substance use disorder treatment and mental health programs. 

Most of this funding is being used for Medicaid rate increases on behavioral health services — it’s the first time in 20 years that an increase has occurred. Roughly $400 million is being used for non-Medicaid-related community mental health programs to help increase access to care for uninsured and underinsured residents.  

Other funding is being used for more beds in crisis units, telehealth programs for children living in rural areas of the state, and support for the mental health crisis hotline. Altogether, this funding should help more Floridians receive needed mental health services. 

Who is eligible for state-funded mental health in Florida?

Everyone in Florida can use the state-funded mental health emergency response system for immediate assistance. But what about other services? The eligibility criteria depends on the service you need. These criteria can vary from program to program, so it’s best to call the program you’re interested in to confirm their policies. 

Consider reaching out to a state-funded Florida mental health program if you:

• Are experiencing a mental health crisis
• Have Medicaid coverage or lack health insurance
• Need assistance finding affordable mental health providers in your area 
• Have a severe mental health condition, such as major depression, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia, that impacts your daily functioning 
• Are involved, or have been involved, with the criminal justice system due to a mental illness
• Require specialized mental health services, like day treatment programs, case management, comprehensive wrap-around care, or home-based services 

If you’re looking for ongoing therapy or other mental health support, SonderMind covers people in Florida — both insured and uninsured. SonderMind matches you with the right provider for your needs and goals, and you can meet with them online or in-person, making mental health care more affordable and convenient.

An overview of mental health resources and services in Florida 

The Sunshine State offers several programs and services to help residents with mental health concerns. Many are state-funded programs aimed at making these services more affordable and accessible. 

Some services are designed to help those experiencing a mental health crisis or emergency. Others provide non-emergency care to help people address specific concerns or manage mental health symptoms for improved mental wellness.

Below, we’ll walk you through the mental health services and resources that are available in Florida. This will help you better understand your options if you’re seeking mental health care for yourself or a loved one. 

Telehealth therapy services 

You may be able to receive mental health services right in your own home. Telehealth therapy (or online therapy), like SonderMind offers, involves meeting with a therapist or counselor in a virtual setting, such as via video chat. 

With accessibility being an issue in some parts of Florida, especially rural areas and other underserved communities, telehealth makes it easier to receive mental health care services. 

You can set up online therapy sessions at times that are convenient for you. And you don’t have to worry about getting to and from a therapist’s office, making mental health services more accessible for those with mobility or transportation issues. 

Several mental health services are available through telehealth, including individual therapy, couples therapy, family therapy, and medication management.

Florida Assertive Community Treatment (FACT) Teams 

FACT Teams provide care for adults in Florida who are experiencing a mental health crisis or have severe mental health disorders. These programs offer community-based psychiatric treatment, rehabilitation, and support to help ensure these populations receive the help they need. 

FACT Teams offer several services, including: 

• Medication management
• Supportive therapy
• Crisis intervention
• Daily living assistance
• Vocational services
• Assistance securing affordable housing
• Interpersonal relationship training
• Medical referrals 
• Follow-up visits 

These programs and services are available in several counties throughout the state, including Duval, Pinellas, Alachua, Osceola, Brevard, Hillsborough, and Polk. 

Crisis intervention services 

Sometimes people need immediate help, and those who are having a mental health crisis don’t have time to wait for a therapy session. In these situations, Florida offers various crisis intervention services. 

These services provide care and support right away. Those in crisis can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline to talk to someone or text the Crisis Text Line for immediate help. Florida Mobile Crisis Teams are also available for on-site help. 

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
• Crisis Text Line: Text “HELLO” to 741741
• Florida Mobile Crisis Teams: Provide on-site crisis intervention services and support

Community mental health centers 

Depending on the help you need, you might be able to find affordable services in your local neighborhood. 

Community mental health centers (CHMCs) provide a range of services for local residents, such as talk therapy, psychiatric care, and case management. Some centers also offer addiction recovery, inpatient and outpatient substance use treatment, and crisis intervention services. 

Cost is a major factor that prevents some Floridians from seeking mental health care. CMHCs typically offer sliding scale fees to help ensure affordability, so everyone can get the care they need.

Florida has several CMHCs throughout the state, but a few of the more well-known centers include:

• Centerstone (Sarasota, Fort Myers, Bradenton, Labelle, and Jacksonville)
• Suncoast Center, Inc. (St. Petersburg and Clearwater)
• Henderson Behavioral Health (Broward and Palm Beach Counties)

Florida Medicaid behavioral health services 

For those who are eligible, Florida Medicaid offers affordable mental health services, including outpatient therapy, inpatient treatment, psychiatric care, and medication management. 

Florida Medicaid helps low-income residents access mental health services, in addition to physical health care. Eligibility requirements for Medicaid are based on income, number of household members, assets, expenses, and other criteria. 

Medicaid reimburses the cost of certain behavioral health and mental health services, including: 

• Rehabilitative services
• Assessments
• Medical and psychiatric services
• Individual, group, and family therapy 

To be eligible for reimbursement, services must be considered medically necessary.

County-specific programs 

Different Florida counties also offer unique mental health programs and resources. These are set up to help county residents access therapy and other localized mental health services and support. 

Thriving Mind South Florida oversees and funds several services for individuals without insurance in Monroe and Miami-Dade Counties. Funding comes from the Department of Children and Families, the state of Florida, and other private and public sources. 

Thriving Mind’s mental health and substance use services range from crisis stabilization and residential care to outpatient therapy and peer support for adults, teens, and children. 

Broward Behavioral Health Coalition provides a wide range of mental health and substance use services for Broward County residents. Some of these include:

• Outpatient therapy
• Residential care
• Substance use detoxification
• Crisis stabilization
• Day treatment
• Case management
• Care for co-occurring disorders

Department of Children and Families (DCF)

DCF is a state-level government organization that’s responsible for providing several services and programs to help families and children in Florida. This includes the Substance Abuse and Mental Health (SAMH) Program — a statewide system that focuses on preventing and treating substance use disorders and serious mental health disorders in children and adults. 

Several services fall under the umbrella of SAMH, including crisis intervention, outpatient care, inpatient treatment, recovery services, and community support. This program is designed to help ensure children and adults in need are able to access care to effectively manage mental health disorders or fully recover from substance use disorders. 

Support groups and peer services 

Support from peers can have a big impact on mental health recovery. Support groups and similar peer services allow you to meet with other people who can relate to what you’re going through. This may provide you with social and emotional support, validate your experiences, and encourage you to continue working on your mental wellness or recovery goals.

Organizations like NAMI Florida and Mental Health America (MHA) Florida also provide peer support, advocacy, education, and other services. 

NAMI Florida offers support groups, online educational presentations, and peer-to-peer programs. MHA Florida offers traditional peer services, along with peer-to-peer support groups, recovery workshops, and educational classes that focus on performance and visual arts. 

University and college clinics 

If you’re currently a college student in Florida, many universities and colleges in the state have on-campus clinics. These usually provide affordable care for students and the local community. Specific services vary by school, but counseling and therapy are typically offered. 

A few examples include:

• University of Florida’s Counseling and Wellness Center
• Florida State University’s Psychology Clinic
• University of Central Florida’s UCF Cares
• University of Miami’s Student Affairs Counseling Center
• Florida A&M University’s Office of Counseling Services 

Federally qualified health centers (FQHCs)

FQHCs are nonprofit clinics and health centers that receive federal funding to provide care for underserved populations and communities. These centers play a valuable role in ensuring that people in these areas are able to access mental health and substance use services. 

FQHCs offer free or low-cost care. Services vary by location, but may include: 

• Case management
• Substance use
• Medication management
• Crisis intervention
• Grief and loss counseling
• Behavior modification
• Psychotherapy. 

Florida has more than 50 FQHCs throughout the state. 

Veterans’ Mental Health Services 

The Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs (FDVA) provides mental health services that are available specifically for veterans and their families. This helps improve accessibility to therapy, crisis intervention, and other care. 

The FDVA also offers support and resources, such as the 24-hour Veterans Crisis Line. Veterans can call 988 and press 1 to receive immediate help. Resources for depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), suicide prevention, substance use, and military sexual trauma are also available. 

How much does therapy cost in Florida?

Therapy costs in Florida can range from roughly $75 to $200 or more per session. But this depends on a few factors. In the following sections, we’ll go over the main factors that can affect therapy rates in Florida for those who aren’t using insurance. 

Location

Location can have a big impact on the cost of therapy. Major cities, such as Orlando, Miami, and Tampa, tend to have higher therapy costs. Rural parts of the state usually have lower costs. 

A higher cost of living in major cities leads to higher overhead costs for therapists, resulting in higher rates for their services. A lower cost of living in rural areas typically means therapists can charge less. 

Therapist experience 

The number of years a therapist has been providing mental health services can affect therapy rates. More experienced therapists usually have higher rates than those who are new to the field.

But experience isn’t the only factor. The kind of services therapists provide can also affect their rates. Those who specialize in certain types of mental health care services tend to charge more. 

Type of therapy 

Individual therapy usually costs more than group therapy sessions. In fact, group therapy costs without insurance typically range from $20 to $50. 

Couples therapy or marriage counseling might be more expensive than individual therapy, but this varies. Some mental health providers charge similar rates for individual and couples therapy.  

What health insurance is accepted in Florida for mental health care?

Insurance coverage and benefits for mental health services vary depending on several factors, such as the type of health insurance policy and whether it’s an individual, small group, or large group health plan.

State and federal law dictates coverage requirements based on these and other factors. It’s always best to contact your health insurance company for details on your plan’s coverage for mental health services. 

SonderMind accepts the following health insurers in Florida:

• Aetna 
• Cigna
• ClaimDoc
• Devoted Health Plans
• Medical Mutual
• Medicare
• United Healthcare 
• Velocity

How to find a therapist in Florida 

With mental health care services becoming more accessible, you may be considering seeing a therapist. But how do you find one? Keep in mind that it’s important to work with a mental health professional who fits your needs, ensuring that you get the right care. 

Below, we’ll give you some helpful tips and resources for finding a therapist in Florida. 

Connecting on a telehealth platform like SonderMind 

Telehealth platforms provide a convenient way to see a therapist. Some platforms generate a list of providers to choose from based on your needs. But others make it even easier to find one. 

SonderMind can connect you with a licensed therapist in Florida who fits your unique mental health care needs. That helps take the guesswork out of who you should see for therapy or other services. We connect you with a mental health provider quickly — and offer flexible scheduling for your convenience. You can also browse our provider directory to find a therapist in Florida. 

We accept some health insurance plans, so you might also be able to lower your therapy costs, and we also offer affordable self-pay rates for Florida residents who aren’t using insurance. 

Online directories 

Are you looking for mental health professionals in your area? Or do you need to find a therapist with a certain specialty? Online directories can provide you with a list of therapists and counselors who meet your needs. 

You can use these directories to look for therapists by location, specialty, and other filters. Some directories have several filters available, such as type of therapy, type of insurance, age, ethnicity,  language, and price range. You can select relevant filters to find a list of providers who offer what you’re looking for. 

Referrals from primary care providers 

If you see a trusted primary care provider (PCP), you can ask them for a referral to a mental health professional. Your PCP may know therapists or counselors who can provide you with the right care based on the treatment you need. 

Note that, depending on your insurance, you might need a referral from your doctor. Some health insurance plans require referrals from PCPs for mental health services. If so, talk to your doctor about what you’re going through and ask them to refer you to an in-network therapist. 

Insurance provider directories 

If you’re planning to use your health insurance to cover the cost of mental health services, you’ll need to find a therapist who is in-network with your insurance company. 

Visit your health insurance company’s website to pull up a directory of in-network mental health professionals in your area of Florida. Depending on your insurance plan, location, type of services needed, and other factors, your in-network options for in-person care may be limited. 

But remember that you can explore telehealth options for more choices. Check with your insurance company to see if online therapy is covered. If so, you can use your insurance directory to expand your search and look for providers who offer telehealth therapy.

Community mental health centers and mental health organizations 

You may be able to find the right therapist with help from your local community. Mental health organizations and CMHCs offer resources and support for those seeking help. 

Some CMHCs offer services on-site. Others can direct you to local therapists and other mental health providers for counseling, group therapy, or other services. 

Some community mental health centers in South Florida include:

• Banyan Health Systems (Miami)
• Citrus Health Network (Hialeah)
• Community Health of South Florida (Miami)
• Douglas Gardens CMHC (North Miami and Miami Beach)
• Jackson CMHC (Opa Locka)
• New Horizons CMHC (Miami)
• Guidance Care Center of Monroe County (Florida Keys)

Looking for referrals or support groups? NAMI Florida and the Florida Mental Health Association are good resources to use. 

Connect with a therapist in Florida with SonderMind 

If you’re among the millions of Florida residents who struggle with mental health concerns, therapy may help boost your mental and physical well-being. From CMHCs and crisis centers to university clinics and local support groups, Florida offers many options for state-funded mental health services. 

SonderMind can also help you find a therapist in Florida to receive the care you need. We’ll get to know your specific needs and connect you with the right type of therapist who fits your preferences. And with our affordable and convenient telehealth services, your therapist will be just a phone call or video chat away.

Ready to start your journey toward better mental well-being? Let SonderMind connect you with a Florida mental health professional who offers the right care!