Sandra Rico, LMHC

Sandra Rico is a Florida-based LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor) with 16 years of experience supporting people through a wide range of life challenges. She creates an affirming, compassionate environment where individuals can explore identity, navigate relationship dynamics, and work through family conflicts while pursuing personal growth and greater emotional balance.

Her practice centers on serving LGBTQ clients as well as young adults, women, and others facing issues related to intimacy, self-love, and identity development. Sandra brings focused experience in treating anxiety, stress, trauma and abuse, addictions, grief, mood disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder, ADHD, and concerns around eating, sleeping, anger, and self-esteem. She also addresses parenting and blended family challenges, caregiver stress, communication and commitment problems, and the effects of life transitions including divorce and loss.

Therapeutically she integrates evidence-informed methods including Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness practices, Motivational Interviewing, and Narrative Therapy to help clients build communication skills, process difficult emotions, and strengthen resilience. Fluent in English and Spanish, Sandra emphasizes culturally responsive care tailored to each person s background and goals, and she approaches treatment with empathy, respect, and practical guidance.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Sandra blends Client-Centered Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with Mindfulness practices to support clients in an online format. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes a respectful, nonjudgmental relationship where the therapist follows the client s lead to explore values, identity, and personal goals - a helpful approach for those navigating identity, relationships, or life transitions. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and reshaping unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, which can be effective for anxiety, depression, stress, and coping with change. Mindfulness Therapy teaches present-moment awareness and self-regulation skills that can reduce reactivity and support emotional balance across many concerns.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Sandra collaborates with each person to determine which methods best fit their needs, goals, and preferences, adjusting strategies as progress unfolds. This collaborative stance helps tailor care to what feels most useful and approachable for the individual.

Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions may occur as video calls, phone conversations, live chat, or text-based messaging - so scheduling can better match work, family, or travel commitments. For many people, remote sessions increase accessibility and make it easier to maintain continuity of care with licensed professionals and therapists who understand their unique circumstances.