Dr. Maria Clapp, LMHC

Dr. Maria Clapp offers experienced, compassionate support for people ready to examine what is causing stress, pain, or difficulty in their lives. With more than 25 years of clinical practice, she has worked with adolescents, adults, and older adults to address issues such as anxiety, depression, relationship and family conflict, addictions, trauma and abuse, grief, parenting challenges, and struggles with self-esteem and identity. Her style emphasizes building a trusting, honest relationship first and then applying practical strategies that fit each person’s circumstances.

She is a licensed mental health counselor - LMHC - in Florida and holds certifications as an addictions counselor and as a K-12 school counselor. She also holds the equivalent of a Spanish psychology registration, often referred to as a Colegiada. Her academic preparation includes a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, a master’s degree in Mental Health Counseling, and a doctorate in Organizational Leadership, which inform a practical, strengths-based approach to care.

Dr. Clapp combines client-centered listening with solution-focused planning and cognitive-behavioral techniques to help clients identify misaligned areas of life and develop workable changes. She provides services in English and Spanish, accepts international clients, and brings experience with parenting and anger management programs as well as court-ordered mental health education when needed.

Therapeutic approaches for online care

Dr. Maria Clapp uses client-centered therapy to place the person’s lived experience and goals at the heart of care. This approach prioritizes empathetic listening and collaboration, helping clients build self-understanding, confidence, and a clearer sense of direction.

She also draws on cognitive behavioral therapy - CBT - to help identify and shift unhelpful thoughts and behaviors. CBT offers practical tools for managing anxiety, depression, stress, and repetitive patterns that interfere with daily functioning. In addition, solution-focused therapy is used to set concrete goals and amplify strengths, which can speed progress when addressing parenting concerns, work transitions, or specific relationship issues.

Choosing the right combination of approaches is part of the therapeutic process. Dr. Maria Clapp works collaboratively with each client to determine which methods best match their needs, goals, and preferences, and adjusts the plan as progress unfolds.

Online therapy with Dr. Clapp offers flexible options - video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging - so clients can access care around work, family, or mobility constraints. Licensed professionals can adapt these modalities to deliver consistent, practical support across distances, making it easier to maintain momentum between sessions.