4161 Tamiami Trail, Unit 302, Port Charlotte, FL 33952

900 N Robert Ave, 3rd Floor, Arcadia, FL 34266

Outpatient Psychiatric Services in Port Charlotte & Arcadia, Florida

Providing trusted Behavioral Health Services in Port Charlotte and Arcadia, Florida, tailored to meet the unique needs of our community.

At DeSoto Memorial Hospital Behavioral Health, we provide comprehensive outpatient psychiatric services tailored to meet your mental health needs. Our experienced team of psychiatrists and therapists in Port Charlotte & Arcadia are dedicated to offering personalized care that fits your lifestyle, helping you achieve mental wellness without the need for inpatient hospitalization. 

Whether you’re managing anxiety, depression, or more complex conditions, our flexible treatment plans empower you to receive high-quality care while continuing your daily routines. With locations in both Port Charlotte and Arcadia, we are committed to making expert mental health care accessible to our community. Start your journey toward healing today.

Comprehensive Psychiatric Services Care Tailored to You

At DeSoto Memorial Hospital Behavioral Health, we believe in providing customized care that meets the unique needs of each individual. Our outpatient psychiatric services are designed to offer flexibility, enabling you to receive professional mental health treatment without disrupting your daily life. By creating a safe and supportive environment, we aim to help you navigate life’s challenges while maintaining your personal and professional responsibilities.

What Is Outpatient Psychiatric Support?

Outpatient psychiatric care allows individuals to receive mental health treatment without the need for overnight hospitalization. This type of care is ideal for those seeking support for a wide range of mental health conditions, from anxiety and depression to more complex psychiatric disorders. Unlike inpatient care, where patients reside in a facility for an extended period, outpatient services offer the same level of expert care while allowing individuals to return home after each session.

Why Choose Outpatient Care for Mental Health?

Outpatient care offers numerous benefits for individuals seeking mental health treatment. It provides the flexibility to maintain your daily routines, whether it’s work, school, or family commitments, while still receiving high-quality care. You can participate in therapy sessions at a frequency that fits your schedule, allowing for continuous support while preserving your independence. Additionally, outpatient care can be a more affordable option compared to inpatient care, without compromising the effectiveness of treatment.

Our Services in Port Charlotte & Arcadia

DeSoto Memorial Hospital Behavioral Health offers a variety of outpatient services to support your mental health and well-being. Whether you’re looking for individual support, group settings, or family involvement, we provide a range of therapies and treatments to meet your specific needs. Each service is designed to empower you to navigate mental health challenges with the guidance of our experienced team.

Individual Therapy

Individual therapy.

Our individual therapy sessions are tailored to your unique needs and personal goals. With a personalized treatment plan, you’ll work one-on-one with a licensed therapist who will help you explore your thoughts and feelings in a safe, supportive environment. This approach allows for focused, individualized care that targets your specific mental health concerns, whether it’s managing anxiety, addressing past trauma, or coping with life’s changes.

Group Therapy

group therapy.

Group therapy provides a powerful opportunity to connect with others who are facing similar challenges. Led by a skilled therapist, group sessions focus on shared experiences, allowing participants to learn from one another and gain new perspectives. This form of therapy can foster a sense of community, reduce feelings of isolation, and help develop coping strategies for mental health recovery. By participating in group therapy, you can benefit from mutual support while building stronger social connections.

Family Therapy

Family therapy.

Family therapy involves working with the entire family unit to address the challenges that impact both the individual and the family as a whole. This form of therapy is particularly beneficial when mental health concerns affect family dynamics or communication. Our therapists help families learn healthier ways to interact, resolve conflicts, and provide support, ensuring that everyone involved can contribute to the healing process.

Psychiatric Conditions We Treat

Depression and Anxiety

Depression and anxiety are among the most common mood disorders we treat. Our approach focuses on understanding the root causes of these conditions and developing personalized strategies to help you manage and alleviate symptoms. Through a combination of therapy, coping techniques, and, if necessary, medication, we aim to empower you to lead a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Trauma and PTSD

For individuals who have experienced trauma, our specialized care addresses the long-lasting emotional and psychological effects of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We offer a safe, compassionate space for you to process your experiences and develop healthy coping mechanisms. Our evidence-based therapies help reduce symptoms such as flashbacks, hypervigilance, and anxiety, promoting long-term healing.

Substance Abuse and Co-Occurring Disorders

Substance abuse can often be linked with underlying mental health conditions, which is why we take an integrated approach to treatment. Our dual diagnosis program addresses both addiction and co-occurring psychiatric disorders, ensuring that both are treated simultaneously. We offer structured care that combines therapy, support groups, and medication management, helping you to achieve lasting recovery.

Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, and More

Our team has extensive experience in treating a range of complex psychiatric conditions, including bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. These disorders require careful, individualized treatment plans that may involve a combination of therapy, medication, and ongoing support. We are committed to providing expert care to manage symptoms and help you lead a stable, fulfilling life, regardless of the condition.

Our Approach to Psychiatric Care

The foundation of effective mental health treatment lies in a personalized, holistic approach. Our team is committed to providing care that is tailored to your individual needs, ensuring that you receive the support and treatment that best aligns with your mental health goals. From your first visit to your ongoing care, we prioritize your well-being and work collaboratively with you and other healthcare providers to promote lasting recovery.

Personalized Treatment Plans

Every individual’s mental health journey is unique, which is why we create personalized treatment plans that are tailored to your specific challenges, goals, and circumstances. Our licensed therapists and psychiatrists conduct thorough psychiatric assessments during your initial visit to understand your mental health condition, lifestyle, and goals for recovery. Based on this assessment, we work with you to develop a customized plan that addresses your immediate needs and long-term wellness, ensuring you have the right tools and support to succeed.

Evidence-Based Therapies

DeSoto Memorial Hospital Behavioral Health is committed to using evidence-based therapies—treatments that are supported by clinical research and proven to be effective in managing mental health conditions. We offer a range of therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and trauma-informed care, among others. These therapies are designed to help you gain practical skills for managing symptoms, improving coping mechanisms, and fostering emotional resilience.

Coordination with Primary Care Providers

We recognize that mental health care is most effective when it is part of a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses all aspects of your well-being. That’s why we maintain open communication and coordinate with your primary care providers and other healthcare professionals. By ensuring that all aspects of your health are considered, we can offer a more integrated approach to your treatment, promoting better outcomes and long-term wellness.

Our Behavioral Health Professionals

Meet Our Team

Program Director: Jessica Nickola, LCSW-S


Medical Director: Jose Gonzalez-Canal, MD

Program Nurses

Cohleen Nottingham, ARNP


Mary Johnson, LPN

Clinical Therapists

Shellie Shine, LCSW-S


Wendy Silva, LMHC-S


Tanya Vazquez, RMHCI


Amber Jonseck, RMHCI

Insurance and Payment Options

We accept a variety of insurance plans, including:
  • Medicare
  • Commercial
  • HMO

For patients without insurance, we offer flexible payment options. We’re here to help you navigate the payment process so you can focus on your care. If you have any questions about insurance or payment, please contact us!

Hear from our Patients

FAQs for Outpatient Psychiatric Services

Our outpatient psychiatric services cover a wide range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and co-occurring disorders like substance abuse. We create personalized treatment plans for each individual to address their unique needs.

The frequency of therapy sessions depends on your individual treatment plan and mental health needs. Typically, patients attend sessions on a weekly or biweekly basis in conjunction with group therapy, but the schedule may be adjusted over time based on your progress and recovery goals.

Family involvement is encouraged in our outpatient program, especially through family therapy sessions. We believe that family support plays a crucial role in the healing process, and we work closely with families to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen relationships.

Taking the Next Step

Are you ready to take the next step toward improved mental health and well-being? Enrolling in our Outpatient Psychiatric Services is simple and designed to ensure you receive the personalized care and support you need to thrive.

If you’d prefer to learn more in person, feel free to visit our facility to speak with a team member. We’re always available to answer questions and guide you through the process.

1. Reach Out for a Consultation

Your first step is to contact our team at DMH Behavioral Health. You can call us directly to discuss your mental health needs and ask any questions about our outpatient services. During this conversation, we’ll help you determine if our outpatient program is the right fit for you and schedule a consultation.

2. Schedule Your Initial Assessment

Once we’ve had our consultation, we’ll arrange for a comprehensive psychiatric assessment with one of our licensed mental health professionals. This evaluation helps us understand your unique situation, so we can create a tailored treatment plan that aligns with your goals.

3. Complete the Enrollment Forms

After your assessment, we’ll guide you through the enrollment process. You can complete the necessary forms online or in person at our Port Charlotte or Arcadia location. If you have any questions or need assistance, our team is here to help.

4. Begin Your Journey

Once enrolled, you’ll receive your personalized treatment schedule and begin attending your therapy sessions. Whether you’re participating in individual, group, or family therapy, our outpatient program is designed to provide the guidance, support, and tools you need to take control of your mental health while continuing your daily activities.