Virtual Therapy in Florida
Connect with Licensed Therapists from Anywhere in Florida
Our incredible team of clinicians are available to individuals, couples and families beyond Tampa, St. Petersburg and Sarasota through secure online therapy.
What is Virtual Therapy?
Virtual therapy, also called tele-therapy or telehealth mental health services, delivers the same professional mental health treatment as in-person therapy, through secure, HIPAA-compliant video sessions. At It Begins Within, our virtual therapy sessions aren't a compromise. They're a fully effective alternative that research consistently shows produces outcomes equivalent to traditional in person therapy.
Your virtual sessions connect you face-to-face with licensed therapists who specialize in approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR therapy, trauma-informed treatment, and relationship counseling. Each session happens in real-time through our secure, encrypted platform designed specifically for mental health care and protecting your privacy while making therapy accessible from your home, office, or anywhere you feel comfortable.
What truly sets virtual therapy at It Begins Within apart is continuity and clinical quality. You’re not matched with a random provider from a database. You work with the same dedicated therapist each session, a clinician who was carefully vetted through our selective hiring process, where fewer than 1 in 100 clinicians are chosen to join our team.
And if your needs change, you’re never locked into one format. You can seamlessly transition between virtual and in-person therapy at our Tampa, St. Petersburg, or Sarasota offices without starting over or losing the therapeutic relationship you’ve built.
Who We Help Through Virtual Therapy
Virtual Therapy for Individuals
Virtual Therapy for relationships
Virtual Therapy Options for Parents, Children & Families
Evidence-Based Treatment Approaches Available Online
The same therapeutic approaches that make therapy effective translate seamlessly to virtual care. Our Florida-licensed therapists use the same evidence-based modalities online that we provide in our Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota offices, adapted to be highly effective through secure video sessions.
Online CBT Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy ranks among the most researched and effective therapeutic approaches. It's particularly well-suited for virtual delivery. Our CBT therapists online help you identify and change unhelpful thought patterns, develop practical coping skills, address anxiety, depression, OCD, and other concerns, and work through behavioral challenges using structured, goal-oriented techniques.
Online CBT therapy works through the same core principles as in-person treatment: identifying the connections between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors; challenging distorted thinking patterns; and practicing new responses through exercises and homework assignments. Virtual sessions make it easy to complete between-session work in the environments where you'll actually use your new skills.
Additional Virtual Therapy Modalities
Our therapists bring specialized training in multiple evidence-based approaches, ensuring you receive treatment tailored to your specific needs:
Virtual vs In-Person Therapy
Choosing between virtual therapy and in-person sessions is a personal decision, at It Begins Within you don't have to choose permanently. We offer both options, along with the flexibility to move between them based on your changing needs.
The Benefits of Virtual Therapy
Convenience & Accessibility
Eliminate commute time and travel barriers. Access therapy from home, your office, or anywhere private. Fit sessions into busy schedules without the added stress of traffic or finding parking.
Comfort & Privacy
Many people feel more relaxed and open in their own space. Discuss sensitive topics from a comfortable, familiar environment. Reduce social anxiety around waiting rooms or seeing others at a therapy office.
Consistency
Weather, illness, car trouble, or travel no longer interrupt your healing progress. Continue therapy during vacations, business trips, or temporary relocations. Maintain your therapeutic relationship even when life gets complicated.
Family Flexibility
Parents can attend sessions after kids are in bed without arranging childcare. Couples can meet with their therapist without coordinating elaborate schedules. Families in different locations can still participate together.
Equal Effectiveness
Research consistently shows virtual therapy produces outcomes equivalent to in-person treatment for most conditions. You receive the same evidence-based approaches, therapeutic techniques, and clinical expertise.
When In-Person Therapy May Be Preferred
While virtual therapy is highly effective, some situations benefit from in-person sessions:
Individuals in acute crisis requiring immediate intervention
Complex cases requiring in-person assessment or observation
Young children who need hands-on play therapy approaches
Individuals who lack private space for virtual sessions
Those who prefer face-to-face connection
The Hybrid Approach
At It Begins Within, you can combine virtual and in-person therapy based on what works best for you. Start online and switch to in-person when ready. Attend most sessions virtually but come in-person for intensive work. Use virtual sessions when traveling and in-person when local. Work with the same therapist regardless of format.
Your therapy should adapt to your life—not the other way around. We're here to support your healing journey in whatever format serves you best.
Explore our Tampa therapy location →
Visit our St. Petersburg counseling office →
Learn about our therapy in Sarasota →
How Virtual Therapy Works at It Begins Within
Step 1: Free Virtual Consultation (15 Minutes)
Every new client begins with a complimentary consultation call. This brief conversation helps us understand your needs, answer your questions about virtual therapy, explain our approach and what to expect, and match you with the right therapist based on your specific concerns and preferences.
Starting virtual therapy is straightforward, secure, and designed to make you feel comfortable from your very first interaction.
Step 2: Flexible Scheduling That Works for You
We know you're reaching out because life already feels overwhelming, scheduling shouldn't add to that stress. That's why we offer:
Same-day and next-day appointments often available for new clients
Evening sessions for those who work traditional hours
Weekend availability to accommodate various schedules
Consistent weekly sessions at times that work for your routine
Our online booking system makes scheduling simple, and our team is always available by phone or email if you prefer personal assistance.
Step 3: Secure, Simple Virtual Sessions
No technical expertise required. Before your first session, we send simple instructions for accessing our HIPAA-compliant video platform. All you need is a smartphone, tablet, or computer with internet access, a private space where you won't be interrupted, and headphones (recommended for privacy).
Step 4: Personalized, Evidence-Based Treatment
Once you're matched with your therapist, your virtual therapy sessions follow the same structure and depth as in-person appointments. Each session includes:
Individualized treatment planning based on your specific goals and needs
Evidence-based therapeutic approaches proven effective for your concerns
Regular progress monitoring to ensure you're moving toward your goals
Between-session support through exercises, skills practice, and resources
Coordinated care when needed with our psychiatric providers or other specialists
What to Expect in Your First Session
Your initial virtual therapy appointment focuses on getting to know you and your concerns. Your therapist will ask about what brought you to therapy, your history and current symptoms, your goals for treatment, and any relevant background information. Together, you'll develop a treatment plan and establish therapy goals.
First sessions are typically 60 minutes, and most people leave feeling heard, understood, and hopeful about the path forward.
Meet Our Virtual Therapists
Your mental health deserves expert care, whether you're in our office or meeting virtually. Our licensed therapists bring the same qualifications, training, and dedication to every virtual session.
Licensed Florida Therapists Specializing in Virtual Care
Alex Castañeda, LMHC
Specializes in virtual therapy for pornography addiction and its impact on relationships
Stanton Hugger, PMHNP-BC
Provides telepsychiatry services for anxiety, depression, and medication management
Dr. Mary Perleoni, LMHC
In-person and online CBT therapist specializing in performance anxiety, infidelity, and trauma
Brianna Garcia, LMHC
Specialized in providing online therapy for kids and adolescents
What Sets Our Virtual Mental Health Providers Apart
Florida Licensed & Credentialed
Therapists at IBW hold full Florida licensure (LMHC, LCSW, or LMFT)
Specialized Training
Every clinician at IBW brings specialized training in trauma therapy (EMDR, ART, TF-CBT), couples and family therapy (Gottman Method, EFT), child and adolescent therapy, anxiety and OCD treatment, or evidence-based approaches for depression and PTSD.
Continuity of Care
Unlike large online therapy platforms that rotate providers, you work with the same therapist each week. This consistency is crucial for building trust and achieving meaningful progress.
Featured Virtual Therapy Specialists
Our team includes therapists with diverse specializations to match your unique needs. Whether you're seeking individual therapy, couples counseling, family support, or specialized treatment for children and teens, we have licensed professionals ready to help.
Specialization Areas:
Trauma & PTSD specialists
Anxiety & OCD experts
Depression treatment specialists
Therapy for porn addiction & gambling addiction
Child & teen therapists
Virtual Psychiatric Support & Medication Management
Sometimes healing requires both therapy and medication, and both are available through our virtual care services.
Comprehensive Psychiatric Care Online
Our board-certified psychiatric providers offer full medication management services via secure video sessions, making psychiatric care accessible throughout Florida without the need for in-office visits.
Virtual Psychiatric Services Include:
Comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and diagnostic assessments
Medication prescribing and management for anxiety, depression, ADHD, mood disorders, and other mental health conditions
Ongoing monitoring and medication adjustments
Collaborative care with your therapist for integrated treatment
Patient education about medications, side effects, and treatment expectations
Conditions We Treat with Medication Management:
Anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety, panic disorder, social anxiety)
Depression (major depression, persistent depressive disorder)
ADHD (children, teens, and adults)
Bipolar disorder and mood disorders
OCD and related disorders
PTSD and trauma-related conditions
Sleep disorders and insomnia
Coordinated Care for Better Outcomes
When you receive both therapy and medication management at IBW, your providers work together as a team. Your therapist and psychiatric provider communicate regularly (with your consent) to ensure your treatment plan is working synergistically. This integrated approach often produces faster, more sustainable results than medication or therapy alone.
Same-Day Psychiatric Appointments Often Available
We know that when you're struggling, waiting weeks for psychiatric evaluation isn't always realistic. We strive to offer prompt access to our psychiatric providers, often with same-day or next-day availability for new patients.
Frequently Asked Questions About Virtual Therapy
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Yes. Extensive research, including studies from the American Psychological Association and published in journals like the Journal of Clinical Psychology, consistently demonstrates that virtual therapy produces outcomes equivalent to traditional in-person therapy for most mental health conditions. This includes treatment for anxiety disorders, depression, PTSD, relationship issues, and many other concerns.
The key factors that make therapy effective are: the therapeutic relationship, evidence-based techniques, consistent sessions, and your active participation. Fortunately all of these elements are present in quality virtual therapy.
At It Begins Within, you receive the same clinical expertise, treatment approaches, and dedicated therapist relationship in virtual sessions as you would in our offices.
The convenience and comfort of virtual therapy may even enhance effectiveness for some people, reducing barriers like travel stress and making it easier to maintain consistent attendance.
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Virtual therapy requires minimal technology. You need a device with a camera and microphone (smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer), reliable internet connection (video calls use minimal data), and a private space where you won't be interrupted.
At It Begins Within we offer technical support if you need any help getting connected, and most people find the process easier than they expected.
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Yes, we specialize in online therapy for kids and virtual teen counseling. Our child therapists adapt play therapy techniques, art therapy activities, and evidence-based approaches like CBT for virtual delivery, making sessions engaging and developmentally appropriate for children ages 5 and up.
Many teens actually prefer virtual therapy. They feel more comfortable in their own space, which can help them open up more easily. For younger children, we may incorporate items from home into therapeutic activities. For teens, virtual sessions offer privacy and flexibility that fits their busy schedules.
Parent involvement varies by age, younger children typically have parents participate in parts of sessions or receive regular coaching, while teens usually meet one-on-one with their therapist with periodic parent check-ins.
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Absolutely. Virtual couples therapy is highly effective and offers some unique advantages. Many couples find that discussing sensitive topics feels more comfortable from home, and the flexibility of virtual sessions makes it easier for both partners to attend consistently despite busy schedules or conflicting commitments.
Our couples therapists use the same evidence-based approaches in virtual sessions that we use in person, including Gottman Method Couples Therapy and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). You'll work on communication skills, conflict resolution, rebuilding trust, and strengthening your connection through structured virtual sessions.
Most couples meet with their therapist from home together, though in some cases (like when partners are temporarily in different locations), virtual therapy allows you to continue couples work even when apart.
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Often within 24-48 hours. We understand that when you're ready to begin therapy, waiting weeks isn't realistic. We strive to offer same-day or next-day appointments for new virtual therapy clients whenever possible.
The process is simple:
Schedule a free 15-minute consultation (often available same day)
We match you with the right therapist for your needs
Book your first full session (frequently available within 1-2 days)
Begin your therapy journey
For particularly urgent situations, let us know when you call, and we'll do everything possible to accommodate you quickly.
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Yes. Our board-certified psychiatric providers offer comprehensive medication management through virtual appointments. This includes psychiatric evaluations, medication prescribing for conditions like anxiety, depression, and ADHD, ongoing medication monitoring and adjustments, and coordination with your therapist when you're receiving both therapy and medication management.
Virtual psychiatry appointments follow the same thorough assessment process as in-person visits. Many people appreciate the convenience of receiving psychiatric care from home, especially for routine medication management appointments.
Same-day or next-day psychiatric appointments are often available for new patients.
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We provide virtual therapy services throughout Florida. Our therapists are licensed in Florida and can work with clients anywhere in the state—whether you're in Miami, Jacksonville, Orlando, Tallahassee, or anywhere between.
While our physical offices are in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Sarasota, virtual therapy expands our reach to serve individuals, couples, and families across Florida who want access to our specialized expertise without geographic limitations.
Take the Courageous First Step Today
You don’t have to navigate anxiety, stress, relationship challenges, or emotional overwhelm alone. Virtual therapy at It Begins Within offers expert, compassionate support—wherever you are in Florida.