Whitney Batista has been working with children, teens, and families as a counselor in the public school system grades K – 8 for the past eighteen years.

Now, as a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern at Growth & Recovery, Whitney offers individual, family, and group therapy for children (ages 6+) and teens. She specializes in anxiety, ADHD, grief, family life changes, and stress management. Her many years working in the school setting also offered her extensive experience helping young people address such issues as school avoidance, test anxiety, and low motivation to achieve.

Whitney uses a person-centered approach, CBT and DBT strategies, and play therapy techniques. She focuses on creating a supportive and accepting environment where her clients can grow and flourish.

Whitney holds a BS in Psychology from James Madison University and an MA in Counselor Education from USF. She is also a Certified School Counselor.

Currently accepting new clients, she maintains evening office hours and sees clients on a reduced-rate self pay basis only.

*A Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern has completed all academic and clinical training required for and has graduated with a master’s degree in mental health counseling or a closely related field. An additional two years and 1500 hours of supervised clinical experience and passing an intensive examination are required to become fully licensed in the state of Florida.