Shelly Mentus

About Shelly

I’m a licensed therapist in Florida with over 15 years of experience helping clients with stress, anxiety, trauma, relationship challenges, and parenting issues. I work with individuals and couples to build stronger, healthier relationships by focusing on trust, communication, and emotional connection.

As a Christian, I believe in providing a compassionate, nonjudgmental space for healing and growth. I use a range of therapeutic approaches, including CBT, trauma-focused therapy, mindfulness, and motivational interviewing, to support each client’s unique path toward change.

I have worked with clients from diverse backgrounds, helping them address depression, anxiety, trauma, domestic violence, and relationship issues. My goal is to empower you to overcome negative thinking patterns and move toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

Outside of work, I enjoy traveling, movies, bowling, and time with family and friends. I’m here to support and guide you, meeting you where you are and helping you reach where you want to be.

Quote: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” ― Maya Angelou

DISCLAIMER:
BetterHelp does not provide written documentation or letters for any reason, including legal matters, workplace grievances, court proceedings, disability claims, custody matters, emotional support animal requests, or other third-party purposes. As your therapist, my role is to support your mental health and emotional well-being within the scope of therapeutic services provided on the platform.

FLORIDA BOARD TELEHEALTH REQUIREMENTS:
The Florida mental health licensing board requires video sessions instead of phone sessions for telehealth services to ensure client safety, proper assessment, and verification of identity. Here are some key reasons behind this requirement:
1. Standard of Care – Video sessions allow therapists to observe nonverbal cues such as body language, facial expressions, and overall demeanor, which are critical for accurate assessment and effective treatment.
2. Client Identification & Security – Video sessions help verify that the therapist is speaking with the correct client, reducing risks related to identity fraud or unauthorized individuals participating in therapy.
3. Ethical & Legal Considerations – Florida law requires licensed mental health professionals to maintain appropriate documentation and standards of care comparable to in-person therapy, which video conferencing helps facilitate more effectively than phone calls.
4. Crisis Management – In case of a crisis or emergency, a video session allows the therapist to assess the client’s environment, emotional state, and potential risks, providing better support and intervention if needed.