Laura Guarino

Laura Guarino sees firsthand how much pressure people carry at work, at home, and at school, and she believes many need someone to talk with who can provide a clear perspective and practical alternatives. Her therapeutic mission centers on helping people develop coping mechanisms that make daily stresses and emotional reactions more manageable.

She earned a Master of Arts in Psychology from Marist College in Poughkeepsie, NY, and the passage of 17 years since that degree has shaped her clinical approach. Thirteen years ago she became a licensed mental health counselor in Florida; she holds a Florida LMHC credential registered as license MH11691, which reflects her professional authorization to practice in the state.

Over the course of her career she has helped individuals and families address a wide range of concerns, including stress, anxiety, depression, self-esteem struggles, trauma and abuse, substance use, bipolar disorder, ADHD, parenting challenges, relationship and intimacy issues, and compassion fatigue. She is trained to work with trauma and substance-related concerns, among other mental health diagnoses.

Much of her work has focused on children, and she approaches child therapy with an understanding that supporting young people often involves working closely with families, teachers, and other adult supports. Younger children may express themselves through play, and Laura frequently uses play-based approaches to open communication. She also provides therapy and guidance directly to adults when their situations affect the children in their lives.

Her experience spans multiple treatment settings: in-home visits, teletherapy sessions, office appointments, and care within in-patient hospital environments. She has responded to community crises at the request of local police departments and has successfully connected people to needed treatment. She has also contributed to local newspaper publications to raise awareness and reduce stigma around mental health topics.

Laura takes personal satisfaction in helping people make meaningful changes; she finds the progress of those in her care to be the most rewarding part of her work and remains committed to continuing efforts to support mental health in her community.