Therapists in Tampa & St. Pete

Mental health professionals with specialized training

About IBWHC

IBWHC is a private therapy practice made up of specialized, trained therapists practicing research-based, cutting-edge therapeutic approaches to trauma-focused mental health issues.

Our mental health professionals put effort into their clients’ healing. We understand how hard it can be to take the step to make an appointment with a therapist. Our goal is for clients to feel like their needs are being met from the very beginning of their therapeutic journey.

“I use a strengths-based approach with clients. We all have innate strengths and I believe using these strengths to help clients heal is the key to the best mental health outcome.”
— Dr. Mary Perleoni

How we work

Our mission at It Begins Within Healing Center is to provide quality mental health services to couples, individuals, and families across the St. Petersburg & Tampa Bay area.

Our therapists use a strengths-based approach with clients. Our belief is that everyone has innate strengths, and implementing their strengths into the therapeutic process will help clients heal. We choose this approach over forcing clients to fit into therapeutic techniques that may not result in positive outcomes for them.

Meet the team

  • Mary Perleoni, Ph.D., LMHC

    FOUNDER

  • Kaitlyn Shelp, MA, LMHC

    CLINICAL SUPERVISOR

  • Megan Smith, MA, LCSW

    THERAPIST

  • Melissa Zentner, MS, LMHC

    THERAPIST

  • Lauren Buroker, M.Ed/Ed.S, LMFT

    THERAPIST

  • Angela Holmes-Cruz, MS, RMHCI

    THERAPIST

  • Lauren Pankuch, MA, LMHC

    THERAPIST

  • Paris McDonald, LMHC

    THERAPIST

  • Antoinette Watson, APRN, PMHNP-BC

    PSYCHIATRIC NURSE

  • Dr. Caroline Perjessy, Ph.D., LMHC

    THERAPIST

  • Dr. Heather Lampton, PsyD

    PSYCHOLOGIST

  • Emma Groskind, MS, LCSW

    THERAPIST

  • Betty Saybe, MS, LMFT

    THERAPIST

  • Kate Fens

    CLIENT CARE COORDINATOR

FAQ

My last mental health counselor did not help me. How will working with IBWHC be any different?

IBWHC is committed to providing quality mental health therapy for our clients. So many people stay in “unhelpful” therapeutic relationships and lose hope because they are not getting better. Our clients are treated by qualified and trained professionals that will put committed effort into their healing.

I was unable to see my previous mental health counselor on a consistent basis. How does IBWHC address this?

As a private practice, our mental health counselors keep their caseloads small to ensure current clients have access to their therapist consistently. 

Our commitment to consistent care for our clients is part of the reason we do not accept insurance. Insurance impacts loss of control of treatment and loss of confidentiality. When a therapy practice accepts insurance, the insurance company dictates how often a client can see a therapist, how long the treatment can last, and what treatments can be used. 

Out of pocket payments by our clients means they won’t be one of 200 clients. We are a private practice with small caseloads, and our clients receive quality attention and the treatments they need.

Good Faith Estimate

As a client, you will have the right to receive a “good faith estimate” explaining how much your medical care will cost.

Under the law, health care providers need to give patients who don’t have insurance or who are not using insurance an estimate of the bill for medical items and services.

    1. You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for the total expected cost of any non-emergency items or services. This includes related costs like medical tests, prescription drugs, equipment, hospital fees, and mental health services.

    2. You can ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an appointment.

    3. If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your Good Faith Estimate, you can dispute the bill (please note, while this is the law, this is not applicable to our practice as our estimate is only for each session since we are unable to predict the length of therapy).

    4. Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.

  • You will receive a Good Faith Estimate through the client portal with your intake paperwork at the time of scheduling an appointment. If at anytime during treatment you like to request another Good Faith Estimate, please contact us. A Good Faith estimate will be emailed to you within 24 hours.

For more information about your right to a Good Faith Estimate, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises or call (800) 368-1019

Ready to make a change?

We invite you to schedule a session with us to begin your healing journey.