Joel Bergman, LMHC
Licensed counselor specializing in addiction recovery
- LMHC and CAP credentials
- Addiction and co-occurring issues
- Based in Florida
About Joel Bergman
Joel Bergman brings two decades of focused experience in the field of addiction and related mental health concerns. He holds the Licensed Mental Health Counselor credential - LMHC - and is a Certified Addiction Professional (CAP). He also serves as a Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) under the Department of Transportation, a role that involves evaluating and recommending appropriate treatment and return-to-duty processes for DOT-regulated employees.
Joel earned his Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling in 2011 from Springfield College in Tampa and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Human Services Administration at NOVA Southeastern University. Over the years he has worked with both adults and adolescents facing addiction and co-occurring disorders, including depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. He approaches care with a strong commitment to helping people overcome substance use and behavioral challenges so they can function more fully in their daily lives.
His leadership experience includes roles as Clinical Manager for Big Bear Behavioral Health across Hillsborough, Sarasota, and Manatee counties, Clinical Director at the ACTS Adolescents Residential program for two and a half years, and four years as Clinical Director of 7 Summit Pathways Treatment Facility. For the past eighteen years he has also worked alongside his wife in their own treatment agency, where they operate a Transitional Living Program, provide outpatient services such as individual therapy, and facilitate interventions for families and friends of people with addictions. Joel and his team have offered trainings for professionals in both New York and Florida, reflecting a long-standing commitment to clinical education and community-based care.
Joel earned his Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling in 2011 from Springfield College in Tampa and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Human Services Administration at NOVA Southeastern University. Over the years he has worked with both adults and adolescents facing addiction and co-occurring disorders, including depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder. He approaches care with a strong commitment to helping people overcome substance use and behavioral challenges so they can function more fully in their daily lives.
His leadership experience includes roles as Clinical Manager for Big Bear Behavioral Health across Hillsborough, Sarasota, and Manatee counties, Clinical Director at the ACTS Adolescents Residential program for two and a half years, and four years as Clinical Director of 7 Summit Pathways Treatment Facility. For the past eighteen years he has also worked alongside his wife in their own treatment agency, where they operate a Transitional Living Program, provide outpatient services such as individual therapy, and facilitate interventions for families and friends of people with addictions. Joel and his team have offered trainings for professionals in both New York and Florida, reflecting a long-standing commitment to clinical education and community-based care.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
LGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issuesEating disordersParenting issuesSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changes
Additional Focus Areas
Co-morbidityCodependencyControl issuesDrug and alcohol addictionFatherhood issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameImpulsivityIsolation / lonelinessLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisMood disordersMulticultural concernsPost-traumatic stressProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Self-loveSocial anxiety and phobiaTraumatic brain injuryYoung adult issues
Therapeutic Approach
Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Motivational Interviewing Narrative Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Joel Bergman have?
Joel Bergman has 20 years of experience working in the field of addiction and related mental health concerns.
Is Joel Bergman a licensed therapist?
Yes. He holds the LMHC credential. His Florida license is listed as FL LMHC MH12063.
In which languages does Joel Bergman provide therapy?
Joel Bergman provides therapy in English.
Where is Joel Bergman located?
Joel Bergman is located in Florida.
How can I work with Joel Bergman as my therapist?
You can work with Joel Bergman through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Joel Bergman work with international clients?
Joel Bergman does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with Joel Bergman 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.
Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care
Joel Bergman draws from client-centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and motivational interviewing to guide his work. Client-centered therapy focuses on creating a respectful, nonjudgmental space where the therapist follows the individual's pace and priorities - it can help people build self-awareness, strengthen coping skills, and repair relationships. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a structured approach that examines how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors interact; it is often used to address anxiety, depression, addictive behaviors, and other mood-related concerns by teaching practical strategies for change. Motivational interviewing is a collaborative, goal-oriented method designed to explore and resolve ambivalence about change - it works well when someone feels uncertain about making shifts in substance use, health habits, or other behaviors.Finding the right therapeutic approach is part of the process. Joel works collaboratively with each person to identify which methods fit their needs, goals, and preferences, and adapts interventions over time as progress and circumstances evolve.
Online therapy offers flexible ways to connect, including video calls, phone sessions, live chat, and text-based messaging. These formats make it easier to schedule appointments, maintain consistency, and receive support from home or work. For many people, virtual options increase accessibility and help integrate therapy into busy lives while still allowing licensed professionals and therapists to provide focused, evidence-informed care.