About

Valerie Johnson-Cardoso, LMHC, is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with more than 30 years of experience supporting people across a wide range of ages and life circumstances. Based in Florida, she brings a background that includes residential mental health and residential substance use settings, along with extensive work in community-based and day treatment services for both children and adults.

In addition to her counseling career, she spent 16 years as a school teacher specializing in learning differences, emotional concerns, autism, and developmental delays with children, teens, and adults. During that time, she also maintained a private practice on evenings and weekends, which broadened her experience working with individuals and families in varied situations and stages of life.

Valerie recognizes that there is no single approach that fits everyone. She emphasizes a collaborative process, helping clients identify what is most likely to be effective for their needs and goals while focusing on practical changes that can support a calmer, more grounded daily life. She also has knowledge related to religious trauma syndrome and faith transitioning. In her work, she aims to create a supportive, nonjudgmental space where clients can express emotions openly, build trust over time, and strengthen the ability to respond to life changes with greater self-compassion and intention.
Location:
Florida, United States
Years Experience:
30
Gender:
Female
Languages Spoken:
English
Therapist of Color:
Yes
Communication Options:
Phone • Video • Live Chat • Messaging

Specialties

Primary area of focus:Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, LGBT, Relationship issues, Depression
Other areas of experience: Family conflicts, Trauma and abuse, Grief, Parenting issues, Anger management, Self esteem, Career difficulties, Coping with life changes, Compassion fatigue, ADHD, Abandonment, Antisocial personality, Attachment issues, Blended family issues, Body image, Cancer, Codependency, Commitment issues, Communication problems, Control issues, Dependent personality, Divorce and separation, Domestic violence, Eating and food-related issues, Family of origin issues, Fatherhood issues, First responder issues, Forgiveness, Gender dysphoria, HIV / AIDS, Hoarding, Impulsivity, Infidelity, Intellectual disability, Isolation / loneliness, Jealousy, Life purpose, Midlife crisis, Mood disorders, Multicultural concerns, Narcissism, Paranoia, Personality disorders, Phobias, Postpartum depression, Post-traumatic stress, Self-harm, Self-love, Sex addiction, Sexual assault and abuse, Sexuality, Traumatic brain injury, Workplace issues, Young adult issues
Therapeutic approach:Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Existential Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems

Credentials & Verification

  • Credentials: FL LMHC MH5690
  • NPI Number: 1194098004
  • License: LMHC (Florida)

Therapeutic Approaches, Made Accessible Online

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps clients notice difficult thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them, while reconnecting with personal values and taking meaningful steps forward. It can be especially useful when stress, anxiety, or life transitions make it hard to feel grounded.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on how patterns of thinking, feeling, and behavior interact. By identifying unhelpful loops and practicing new skills, clients can build practical strategies for challenges like depression, anxiety, and everyday overwhelm.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) adds structured tools for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and relationship effectiveness. It can be a strong fit when emotions feel intense, reactions feel hard to manage, or communication keeps breaking down.

Finding the right approach is part of the work. Valerie Johnson-Cardoso collaborates with clients to clarify goals, understand what has and has not helped in the past, and choose a style of support that matches each person’s needs and preferences.

Online therapy also makes it easier to stay consistent. Clients can meet by video calls or phone sessions, or use live chat and text-based messaging for added flexibility between sessions and around busy schedules.

How much experience does Valerie Johnson-Cardoso have?

Valerie Johnson-Cardoso has 30 years of experience in mental health counseling.

Is Valerie Johnson-Cardoso a licensed therapist?

Yes. Valerie Johnson-Cardoso is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) in Florida. License number: FL LMHC MH5690.

In which languages does Valerie Johnson-Cardoso provide therapy?

Valerie Johnson-Cardoso provides therapy in English.

Where is Valerie Johnson-Cardoso located?

Valerie Johnson-Cardoso is located in Florida.

How can I work with Valerie Johnson-Cardoso as my therapist?

Sessions with Valerie Johnson-Cardoso are available through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging, so clients can choose the format that fits their needs and schedule.

Does Valerie Johnson-Cardoso work with international clients?

Yes. Valerie Johnson-Cardoso works with international clients.

How much does therapy with Valerie Johnson-Cardoso cost?

The cost of therapy can vary depending on factors such as your location and the therapist's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.

How can I get started with therapy?

Getting started is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with your therapist. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session, which may take place by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.