Saila Akhtar, LMHC

Saila Akhtar is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) based in Florida, with licenses in both Florida (FL LMHC MH18925) and New York (NY LMHC 008338) and eight years of clinical experience. She has worked closely with at-risk children and their families as well as adults facing a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, substance use and addiction, relationship and family conflicts, parenting challenges, attention-deficit concerns, bipolar disorder, grief, and the aftermath of physical or emotional abuse. Her practice also addresses issues such as self-esteem, career stress, intimacy and communication problems, and coping with life transitions.

Saila uses an interactive, collaborative counseling style that emphasizes building rapport, listening with sensitivity, and treating each person with respect and compassion. She draws on evidence-informed methods including client-centered techniques, cognitive-behavioral strategies, and dialectical skills, tailoring conversations and treatment plans to match each client’s strengths, preferences, and goals. Her work blends practical skills with thoughtful exploration to help clients clarify priorities and move toward meaningful change.

Seeking therapy can be a courageous step, and Saila positions herself as a partner in that process, supporting clients as they pursue the changes they want in their lives.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care with a Licensed Provider

Saila integrates Client-Centered Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) into her virtual practice. Client-Centered Therapy focuses on empathetic listening and creating a collaborative space where the client’s experience guides the work - it helps when someone needs support to clarify values, build self-understanding, and strengthen relationships. CBT targets thought and behavior patterns by teaching practical skills to manage symptoms like anxiety, depression, or stress and to change unhelpful habits.

She also draws on Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills when appropriate. DBT emphasizes emotion regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness, which can be especially helpful for people coping with intense emotions or relationship challenges. Determining which approach or combination of approaches will be most helpful is a collaborative process - the therapist and client work together to identify goals, try methods, and adjust the plan based on what is most effective and comfortable.

Online therapy offers flexible ways to engage in this work, including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. These options make it easier to fit sessions into busy schedules, continue care during life transitions, and access consistent support from licensed professionals regardless of location within the state. The format allows Saila to deliver tailored interventions and skills training while accommodating each client’s communication preferences and needs.