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.”
Our Mission for Counseling in Tampa
Our Tampa counselors 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 Our Tampa Therapists
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![Dr. Mary is often recognized as the best therapist tampa]()
Mary Perleoni, Ph.D., LMHC
OWNER, THERAPIST
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![Kaitlyn Shelp is a top counselor tampa]()
Kaitlyn Shelp, MA, LMHC
CLINICAL SUPERVISOR, THERAPIST
FAQ
My last mental health counselor IN TAMPA did not help me. How will working with IBWHC be any different?
We are 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 deserve.
I’VE NEVER WORKED WITH A THERAPIST, WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT in my first session?
First we would like to acknowledge the courage in seeking assistance - often the most difficult aspect of healing is recognizing we can’t do it alone.
Before your first appointment, you will receive a free consultation call to ensure your therapist is a great match. During your first session your therapist will guide you to defining your therapeutic objectives, take time to learn more about your unique situation, and together you will jointly develop treatment plan thats tailored to you.
I’m looking for a therapist in Tampa FL, what should I do?
do you offer virtual therapy and in person therapy near me?
We encourage anyone seeking a new therapist in Tampa or St. Petersburg to set up a consultation with an experienced counselor. At IBW, we offer free consultations - we welcome you to meet our team of Tampa therapists here.
Yes, we offer both in-person therapy in Tampa & St. Petersburg, as well as virtual therapy or teletherapy for those across Florida. There are certain challenges our clients face which we may strongly encourage services be delivered in-person, but we welcome you to call us to learn more and explore which option may be right for you.
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.
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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.
You can ask your health care provider, and any other provider you choose, for a Good Faith Estimate before you schedule an appointment.
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).
Make sure to save a copy or picture of your Good Faith Estimate.
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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 some of the best therapists in Florida to begin your healing journey.