Advanced Clinical Care, Anywhere in Florida
Monica Southers is not a typical therapist. She is a PhD candidate actively pursuing her doctorate in counseling while simultaneously holding a Master of Philosophy (MPhil), a Master of Science (MS), a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor-Resident in Counseling (LCMHC-RI) designation, and Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC) credentials. That is not a list of letters — it is the result of years of advanced training across multiple disciplines.
What makes Monica's clinical profile especially valuable at Ascend is her expertise in co-occurring disorders — the clinically complex territory where substance use and mental health conditions overlap. A patient dealing with both depression and alcohol dependence, for example, needs a clinician who can treat both conditions simultaneously rather than bouncing between a therapist who only handles mood and a substance abuse counselor who only handles addiction. Monica is trained to do both.
Monica practices exclusively via telehealth, which makes her accessible to patients anywhere in Florida. For clients in rural areas, clients with mobility limitations, or anyone who simply prefers the convenience and privacy of virtual sessions, Monica provides the same caliber of care that Ascend delivers in its physical offices.
Her therapeutic approach is evidence-based and adaptable. She meets clients where they are in their recovery or mental health journey, without judgment and without requiring them to fit a predetermined treatment model. For many of her clients, the combination of her advanced training and her straightforward, no-nonsense demeanor is exactly what they need to finally make progress.
Education & Training
Education
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Counseling — in progress
- Master of Philosophy (MPhil)
- Master of Science (MS)
Licensure
- Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor-Resident in Counseling (LCMHC-RI)
- Certified Substance Abuse Counselor (CSAC)
Clinical Experience
- Individual Therapy — evidence-based treatment for depression, anxiety, PTSD, and adjustment disorders
- Substance Abuse Counseling — assessment, treatment planning, and ongoing recovery support
- Co-Occurring Disorder Treatment — integrated approach for clients with both mental health and substance use diagnoses
- Telehealth Therapy — secure video sessions available statewide in Florida
- Alcohol and substance use disorders
- Co-occurring mental health and substance use conditions
- Depression and anxiety
- PTSD and trauma
- Grief and loss
- Relapse prevention and recovery maintenance
- Codependency and relationship patterns tied to substance use
- Motivation and readiness for change
What Monica Treats
Services
Conditions Commonly Treated
Insurance & Payment
Payment
Superbill provided for out-of-network reimbursement. Monica provides superbills that many insurance plans will reimburse at out-of-network rates.
