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About Us

At  Psychological Associates of Central Florida, we provide comprehensive mental health treatment to children, adolescents, families, and adults. Our team takes a comprehensive - biological, psychological, and social - approach to identifying and treating mental health issues. We are proud of our relationship with healthcare providers and schools in our community and are happy to collaborate to provide our patients with the most complete care available.

Lakeland Office

Our Reviews
Dr. Berney Wilkinson

BERNEY WILKINSON

PSYCHOLOGIST

Dr. Berney is a Licensed Psychologist who has practiced in central Florida for over 20 years and specializes in pediatric psychology, neuropsychology, and forensic psychology. Dr. Berney provides a wide array of mental health services to his clients, including individual therapy, family therapy and parent training, psychological and neuropsychological assessment, forensic evaluations, and group therapy. In addition to his clinical services, Dr. Berney has conducted workshops and seminars to professional and community groups around the world. He writes a weekly column in the Ledger entitled The Mental Breakdown and is co-author of a parenting book entitled Handbook for Raising an Emotionally Healthy Child (available on Amazon.com) and the Pediatric Behavior Rating Scale. Dr. Berney and Dr. Marshall are also the co-hosts of a weekly podcast entitled The Mental Breakdown, which can be found on YouTube and on most podcast platforms.

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RICHARD MARSHALL

SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGIST

Dr. Marshall is a Licensed School Psychologist who has practiced in central Florida for over 20 years, specializing in pediatric psychology, psychological, educational, and neuropsychological assessment, family therapy, couples therapy, and parent coordination. He and Dr. Berney developed the Pediatric Behavior Rating Scale and they co-authored the Handbook for Raising an Emotionally Healthy Child. Dr. Marshall is also the co-author of The Middle School Mind: Growing Pains in Early Adolescent Brains (both are available at Amazon.com). In addition to teaching, writing, and clinical services, Dr. Marshall maintains a busy schedule presenting workshops, conference presentations, and seminars to schools, professional organizations, and community groups internationally. Dr. Marshall and Dr. Berney are also the co-hosts of a weekly podcast entitled The Mental Breakdown, which can be found on YouTube and on most podcast platforms.

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ELLEN SUAREZ-PINZAS

PSYCHOLOGIST

Dr. Ellen is a Licensed Psychologist who has practiced in central Florida for over 10 years. Dr. Ellen is bi-lingual (Spanish and English) and specializes in forensic psychology, geriatric psychology, lifespan development, and family systems. Dr. Ellen provides a variety of services, including individual and family therapy, psychological and neuropsychological assessment, forensic evaluations, and group therapy. Dr. Ellen enjoys working with individuals, couples, and families, and is passionate about helping people! 

*Dr. Ellen is not accepting new patients at this time.

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MICHAEL ENGLERT

LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR

Dr. Englert has worked in the counseling community since 2011. He received his Ph.D. in Counseling and Counselor Education from North Carolina State University, M.A. in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and B.A. in Psychology from the University of South Florida. Michael specializes in treating substance use disorders, emotional dysregulation, interpersonal distress, and assisting families in rebuilding relationships. 

Michael brings an eclectic, egalitarian and holistic approach to the therapeutic relationship, based in Individual Psychology along with components of person-centered and cognitive behavioral therapies. His primary goal is to create a collaborative and supportive environment, where healthy choices, positive coping skills and meaningful insights can be pursued. Michael’s background in substance use disorders lends to a comprehensive approach for examining factors associated with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders in therapy.

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TEMPIE BASS

LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER

Tempie Bass is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has practiced in Central Florida for over 20 years.  Tempie has worked in a variety of settings, including community mental health, Hospice, private practice, substance abuse and the VA hospital. She received her Master’s degree from Florida State University and her Bachelor’s degree from Stetson University.

Tempie has extensive experience in the treatment of anxiety, mood disorders, panic disorder, grief/loss, women’s issues, relationship issues, stress management and more. Additionally, she works with individuals that are dealing with medical conditions that affect their quality of life as well as geriatric clients and their families coping with age related issues. Tempie provides individual therapy, couples therapy and family therapy. She uses an eclectic approach in therapy that is non-judgmental, empathetic and empowering to assist individuals in attaining therapeutic goals.

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COURTNEY CHAPPELL 

LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR

Courtney is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Master’s and Education Specialist degrees in Counseling and Human Systems from Florida State University. She has experience working in an Employee Assistance Program, residential treatment center, outpatient day treatment for emotionally and behaviorally disordered children and adolescents, and in-home therapy settings. As a Program Director she led a team of clinicians in an intensive in-home therapy program for juveniles facing commitment programs.

 

Courtney enjoys working primarily with adolescents and young adults to help them find better ways to cope with life changes and stressors. Her goal is to help others find happiness and more positive life experiences.

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HAILEY LIGHT

LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR

Hailey Light is a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, Marriage & Family Therapist, and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. She received her Master’s degree from the University of South Florida in 2018. She has been a member of the Lakeland community for over ten years, serving in many community outreach projects throughout that time. Hailey has experience working with children and adolescents in the field of Applied Behavioral Analysis while providing parent-training to their families. She also has spent time working with domestic violence victims, substance abusers, and families during times of crisis. Hailey has an interest in working with people from all different backgrounds and situations; finding their strengths as individuals that will help guide their treatment effectively and with ease. Hailey provides group, individual, marriage, and family therapy, as well as parent training. 

*Ms. Hailey is not accepting new patients at this time.

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Sydney Perez

LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR

Sydney Perez is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. She received her Master’s degree in Rehabilitation & Mental Health Counseling in 2018 from the University of South Florida and her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Florida State University. Sydney is passionate about working with individuals facing mood & anxiety disorders, trauma, ADHD, life transitions, early adulthood, interpersonal stressors/conflict, parenting challenges, and more. While her treatment approach is flexible with respect to individual needs and goals, Sydney often utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) interventions to help alleviate symptoms quickly.


Sydney strives to provide a safe, comfortable space that fosters meaningful insight and self-awareness. Furthermore, individual strengths and values are harnessed to develop realistic coping skills and healthy adaptations to improve client’s daily lives and overall experience.

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BROOKE KREMM

LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKER

Brooke Kremm is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who is skilled in counseling and therapy, providing powerful crisis intervention, and advocating for clients to ensure they receive the care they need. Her approach to therapy varies based on the needs of each client. She frequently uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing, both of which help her and the client build a shared understanding and chart a path forward. She enjoys working with children, teens, and adults who are struggling with life challenges, as well as those who have been impacted by traumatic events. She helps clients manage issues related to anxiety, stress, and depression. She works with her clients to navigate their emotions and build skills that allow them to feel better about themselves and develop a more positive outlook on life. Ms. Brooke is accommodating and personable, and ensures that her clients feel comfortable when talking about their struggles.

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MARTIN AVELLANEDA

LICENSED MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELOR

Martin earned his Marriage, Couples, and Family Therapy Master’s degree from the University of Central Florida in 2019. He assisted in Family and Marriage research and Play Therapy research throughout his graduate program. He has experience in many different settings, including community mental health, residential substance abuse, and private practice. 

 

Martin provides services in English and Spanish. He is dedicated to providing welcoming and comfortable counseling sessions for all diverse populations. He works from a systemic approach, assisting clients in exploring what affects them emotionally and physically, externally and internally. He views cases from a psychoanalytical perspective and uses evidence-based techniques in supporting his clients’ needs. He is a sex-positive, polyamorous/ENM affirmative, and kink allied therapist. He provides services for emotional regulation, sexual related issues, and issues related to trauma.

Lake Wales Office

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