Kelsey Hackler, LCSW

Kelsey Hackler is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who earned her master’s degree in social work from the University of South Florida in 2012. Over the course of her career she has built extensive experience supporting people with a wide range of mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, anger management, low self-esteem, and trauma-related challenges. Drawing on more than a decade of clinical work, she brings a balanced, informed approach to each therapeutic relationship.

Her practice is grounded in listening and validation; she aims to ensure that every client leaves a session feeling heard, understood, and respected. Kelsey focuses on helping clients build confidence in navigating life’s difficulties, reinforcing that they are not alone and that their challenges can be addressed with practical strategies and steady support. She emphasizes empathy and collaboration as core parts of the healing process.

Professionally, Kelsey integrates techniques from several evidence-based modalities to tailor treatment to each person’s needs. She customizes care to align with a client’s comfort level, personality, spirituality, and lifestyle, creating realistic and personalized plans that aim to be both effective and sustainable.

Approaches that guide online sessions

Kelsey frequently draws from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), along with Mindfulness Therapy, to support clients in an online setting. ACT emphasizes identifying personal values and taking committed action toward them while learning to accept difficult thoughts and feelings; it can help with anxiety, stress, and life transitions. CBT focuses on recognizing and changing unhelpful thinking and behavior patterns to improve mood and functioning, and is often useful for depression, anxiety, and anger. Mindfulness Therapy teaches present-moment awareness and grounding skills that can reduce overwhelm and improve emotional regulation.

Finding the right approach is part of the collaborative work Kelsey does with each client. She will explore a person’s goals, preferences, and circumstances to recommend and adjust methods over time, creating a tailored plan rather than a one-size-fits-all protocol.

Online therapy with Kelsey is offered via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, which provides flexibility for people balancing work, family, or mobility needs. These formats make it easier to maintain regular sessions, access care from different locations within Florida, and use therapeutic tools between appointments, all while working with a licensed professional who adapts methods to fit the way each client prefers to engage.