Find a therapist in Florida — covered by insurance

If you’re going to invest this much time and energy, you want therapy that actually moves the needle—not just insight. I work with individuals and couples in a structured, emotionally focused way aimed at lasting change. I specialize in working professionals navigating career and financial stress, relationship/marital distress, infertility/IVF, LGBTQ+ clients, Asian/Asian American and immigrant communities, and first-gen professionals feeling stuck despite doing everything right. I’ve also developed expertise in resolving relational conflict, career curveballs, confidence slumps, and parenting challenges.

As a therapist, I focus on reducing vulnerabilities & increasing positive outcomes to help my clients move through life's difficulties & find ways to thrive! As a Safe Space ally for culturally diverse, neurodivergent, LGBTQ+, sex positive, non-monogamous, & kink allied clients, I work to provide a supportive environment for those across the spectrum & cultures. I work with adults 18 & over to help them thrive within their own unique strengths. **no evening or weekend availability at this time

Katherine Castelo, LCSW is a licensed therapist and certified clinical supervisor in Virginia, Texas, Florida, West Virginia, Indiana, Maryland, and Colorado. With over 25 years of experience, she specializes in trauma, military and veteran mental health, first-responder wellness, grief, deployment-related stress, and major life transitions.

A former Marine Corps veteran spouse, Katherine brings lived experience and deep cultural understanding to her work. She has served across the DoD, VA, nonprofit, and civilian sectors, providing high-level clinical care, consultation, and program leadership.

She previously oversaw a Defense Health Agency program for transitioning service members and served as the U.S. Army Reserve Psychological Health Program Director, leading outreach for more than 200,000 soldiers and families and advising on post-suicide psychological autopsies as part of the USAR Fatality Review Board.

Katherine also worked as a civilian Employee Assistance Program (EAP) manager for the U.S. Navy and as a casualty assistance consultant for NCIS, developing programs focused on readiness, crisis response, and deployment-cycle support.

As founder of Awaken Wellness Center, her practice centers on trauma recovery, crisis intervention, and integrative therapies. She is trained in Brainspotting, IFS-informed work, and trauma-responsive care, and has provided trainings for service members, clinicians, and community providers on PTSD, MST, suicide prevention, and Brainspotting.

Today, Katherine consults with the SAFE Project’s SAFE Veterans initiative and teaches caregiver wellness classes with Semper Fi & America’s Fund, bringing compassionate, evidence-based, culturally grounded care to military members, veterans, first responders, caregivers, and their families.

“It is only when you take ownership for your life that you discover how powerful you truly are”

I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida. I hold a Master’s degree in Clinical mental health counseling from Southern New Hampshire University and a Bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of North Florida.

Additionally, I hold specialty certification in complex trauma as a Certified Clinical Trauma Professional - Level 2 (CCTP-II). My professional background spans correctional and forensic settings, community mental health, and private practice, giving me a well-rounded perspective on the unique stressors faced by each individual. I have experience working with diverse populations including military veterans, active-duty service members, first responders, court-ordered and forensic clients, trauma survivors, substance abuse, and individuals impacted by mood, anxiety, and personality disorders. I work with couples, families, the elderly, teens, and the everyday person like you and me. My passion for helping others who make the ultimate sacrifice for our communities and country led me to specialize in trauma work including first responders, active-duty military, veterans, and their spouses. Trauma disrupts an individual’s balance, and my mission is to help those affected restore that balance in their lives. I believe that everyone holds the capacity for transformation and acknowledge the importance of creating a place for both joy and suffering. It is important to feel comfortable and confident in a counselor who understands that change takes courage by providing a safe space to explore your inner world, life experiences, and relationships at a pace that feels right for you. I believe that every human being has the potential to thrive.

Dr. Jeni Allissun Upton (Groot) is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in the State of Florida and co-owner of Hope in the Gale Therapeutic Healing where she provides individual and group therapy, collaborates to curate tailored wellness services, and consults on areas related to psychology and trauma. Jeni has worked in diverse settings with youth, adults, and families as a counselor supporting clients as they strive to bolster their mental health, build resilience, and find joy in life. Jeni also has a background in military and federal service. Her 13-year military career included work as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician and Special Agent with the United States Air Force Office of Special Investigations where she specialized in crimes against children and counterintelligence. Jeni also spent ten years with the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers as a Research Psychologist, Behavioral Science Division Program Manager, and Counterterrorism Division Branch Chief.

Jeni holds Associate of Arts Degrees from the Community College of the Air Force in both Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Criminal Justice, a Bachelor of Science in Behavioral Science, a Master of Arts in Counseling, and a PhD in International Psychology with an emphasis in Trauma Services.

As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I believe that mental health is vital to creating a balanced life. I understand that change is difficult, and it is not easy to ask for help! I enjoy working with people aged 18 and over with a variety of challenges. I have specialized experience in depression, anxiety, trauma, life transitions, personality disorders, substance use and addictions.