Business Details
Your Trusted Mental Health Counseling Center in St. Petersburg
The Counseling Center at First United Methodist Church is dedicated to providing compassionate, personalized mental health care to individuals, couples, and families. Our team of eight state-licensed therapists offers confidential counseling for a wide range of emotional and behavioral challenges, including depression, anxiety, grief, addiction recovery, and relationship issues. With expertise in trauma resolution, spiritual growth, and evidence-based therapies like CBT and EMDR, we create a supportive environment tailored to each client's unique needs.Our counselors bring decades of combined experience in clinical practice, education, and community service, ensuring clients receive care grounded in both professional excellence and empathetic understanding. We prioritize accessibility through flexible scheduling, telehealth options, and acceptance of major insurance plans, making quality mental health care attainable for residents of St. Petersburg and surrounding areas.
Services
Therapy for Depression
Anxiety Counseling
Couples Therapy
Family Counseling
Grief Support
Addiction Recovery
Trauma Treatment
Career Counseling
Parenting Guidance
Stress Management
Highlights and features
- We offer specialized trauma therapy with certified practitioners in EMDR and ART techniques
- Our counselors hold advanced degrees and decades of combined clinical experience
- We provide faith-integrated counseling while respecting all spiritual perspectives
- Telehealth services available for greater accessibility and convenience
- Accepted insurance plans include Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, and United Healthcare
What people say
Compassionate care
Professional expertise
Effective treatment
Supportive environment
Positive outcomes
Services
Therapy for Depression
Our specialized depression therapy combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with compassionate support to help clients rediscover joy and purpose. Through personalized sessions, we address root causes while developing practical coping strategies. Our therapists create safe spaces for emotional exploration, helping clients rebuild self-esteem and establish healthier thought patterns.
Couples Counseling
Couples counseling focuses on improving communication and resolving conflicts through evidence-based approaches. We help partners develop deeper understanding, rebuild trust, and strengthen emotional connections. Our therapists address specific challenges like pre-marital preparation, infidelity recovery, and navigating life transitions together.
Trauma Recovery
Specialized trauma treatment utilizes EMDR, TF-CBT, and ART techniques to process painful experiences safely. Our certified trauma professionals help clients reduce symptoms of PTSD, manage triggers, and reclaim their lives. Treatment emphasizes gradual healing while maintaining emotional stability throughout the recovery journey.
Addiction Recovery
Comprehensive addiction recovery programs address both the psychological and physical aspects of dependency. We offer individual and group therapy sessions focusing on relapse prevention, coping skills development, and addressing underlying emotional issues that contribute to addictive behaviors.
Parenting Support
Parenting support services provide practical strategies for managing behavioral challenges and improving family dynamics. Our counselors help parents develop effective communication techniques, establish healthy boundaries, and foster positive child development through evidence-based parenting frameworks.
People
Dr. Margaret Reynolds
Director
Director with 25+ years in counseling, specializing in addiction recovery and spiritual growth. Former Vanderbilt professor and Opryland USA counselor. Uses developmental and cognitive behavioral therapy approaches.
Dr. Deb Downs-Spencer
Psychologist
PhD in Counseling Psychology with specialization in eating disorders. Former Eckerd College psychologist. Accepts major insurance plans and employs person-centered therapeutic approaches for depression and anxiety treatment.
Debra Kraus
Therapist
Certified ART practitioner specializing in trauma resolution and phobia desensitization. Offers both in-person and telehealth sessions. Focuses on accelerated healing through evidence-based therapeutic techniques for anxiety and PTSD.
Dr. David Cubito
Licensed Psychologist
Doctorate from Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Provides cognitive-behavioral therapy for clients ages 4+. In-network provider for multiple insurance plans with early morning appointment availability.
Andy Bell
Counselor
LCSW with 20 years directing counseling centers. Specializes in LGBTQ+ issues and abuse recovery. Integrates faith-based perspectives with clinical expertise in mood disorders and family empowerment.
Questions
What types of therapy do you offer?
We provide cognitive-behavioral therapy, trauma-focused approaches, EMDR, ART, and faith-integrated counseling for depression, anxiety, relationship issues, and trauma recovery.
Do you accept insurance?
Yes, we accept major plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, and United Healthcare. Check with our office for specific coverage verification.
Are telehealth sessions available?
Yes, several counselors offer virtual therapy sessions for greater accessibility and convenience while maintaining treatment quality.
How do I choose the right therapist?
Our staff helps match your needs with counselor specialties. We consider your specific challenges, preferred therapy approach, and scheduling requirements during the selection process.
What are your office hours?
Phone lines are open Monday-Thursday 9 AM-6 PM and Friday 9 AM-3 PM. Individual therapist schedules vary with some early morning appointments available.
Is counseling confidential?
Yes, all sessions maintain strict confidentiality except in cases of imminent harm or legal requirements, as detailed in our informed consent agreement.
