Amanda Barnes,
MA, LMHC

Licensed Mental Health Counselor

Phone: (904) 675-0739
Email: Amanda@NewGrowthSTA.com

Offering in-person or telehealth appointments

Hello & Welcome!

I’m glad you’re here and taking the time to learn more about me. I believe everyone can benefit from counseling at some point in their life, whether to process trauma, navigate a difficult transition, or simply practice self-care.

About Me

I specialize in family issues, ADHD, anxiety, and life changes. My goal is to provide a supportive and empowering environment where you can grow, heal, and gain practical tools for everyday life. Therapy is a powerful way to better understand ourselves, and I encourage you to reach out for any reason. If I’m not the right fit, I’ll gladly help you find a counselor who is.

My Approach

I take an Integrative Approach to therapy, blending evidence-based methods that are tailored to each individual or family’s unique needs.

Some of my primary approaches include:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Identifying and reframing unhelpful thought

patterns and behaviors

Play Therapy: Supporting emotional expression and healing in children and families

through play

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Building mindfulness, emotional regulation, and

effective communication

Relaxation & Mindfulness Techniques: Reducing stress and promoting calm and focus

Together, we’ll create a plan that supports your goals and encourages growth at your own pace.

My Experience

I’ve had the privilege of working in a variety of settings, including:

 Schools with IEP and ESE populations
 Schools in low-income communities
 Community mental health
 Private practice

These experiences have deepened my understanding of diverse family systems, school dynamics,

and community challenges.

I earned my Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, specializing in Children and Adolescents, from Lewis University in Illinois. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (MH26825) in the state of Florida and am currently pursuing my Registered Play Therapist (RPT) credential, which I expect to complete by the end of 2025.

A Bit About Me

I grew up in a small farm town in Illinois and always dreamed of exploring more of the world. Since then, I’ve lived in seven states and visited 34. My goal is to see all 50! I moved to Florida to be closer to family and have loved discovering everything it has to offer from the beaches to visiting Disney and exploring all St. Augustin has to offer. look forward to meeting you and helping you or your family take the next step toward healing, growth, and lasting change.

FAQs

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions and requests below. If you have more questions or would like to schedule an appointment, feel free to contact me.

Phone

How long is each session?

Every therapy session is 50 minutes

How do I schedule an appointment?

All new clients must call (904-675-0739) or email (amanda@newgrowthsta.com) me to schedule an intake session.

For new clients, once we speak and schedule the first session, you will receive an email with consent forms and intake questionnaires to complete prior to your appointment. These documents must be completed at least 24 hours prior to the start of the first session.

If you are scheduling an appointment for your minor child, I will need to speak with the parent or legal guardian prior to the first session.

If you are the legal guardian of a child or have shared custody of a child, I am required to obtain legal guardianship and/or custody agreement documentation prior to the fist appointment.

What is your session fee? Do you take insurance?

My session rate is $150 per session

I am working on becoming an in-network provider with Aetna, Cigna, Optum, & Tri-care. However, I currently do not accept any insurance plans and would be considered an "out of network" provider by your insurance company, should you have mental health coverage. Upon request, I can provide you with a diagnostic receipt of services (a Superbill) that you can submit to your insurance company. I suggest you contact your insurance company to determine what benefits you have. All sessions are 50 minutes.

How do I pay for sessions?

I accept cash, all major credit cards, checks, and HSA cards.

What type of therapy do you do?

I take an integrated approach to counseling. Some of my favorites that I am currently practicing are:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Play Therapy
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Relaxation Techniques

What can counseling help with?

Here's a rundown of challenges I commonly treat

Children & Adolescents:

• Childhood Anxiety

• Low Self-Esteem

• Behavioral Issues

• Problems at School

• Poor Social Skills

• Sadness & Depression

• Difficulty Coping with Emotions

• Family Concerns & Conflict

• Anger & Aggressive Outbursts

• Bullying

• Traumatic Stress

• Attachment Issues

• Disruptive Behaviors

• Emotional Regulation/Expression

• Transitional Issues

• Parent/Child Relational Problems

Adults & Parents/Caregivers:

• Anxiety & Stress

• Depression

• Couples Counseling

• New Parents

• Life Changes & Adjustments

• Family Problems

• Relationship Concerns & Conflict

• Low Self-Esteem

• Difficulty Communicating

• Parenting Difficulties/Differences

• Blended Families

My Office Hours

I am currently accepting new clients

I have evening and weekend availability.

All appointment times start on the top of the hour and last 50 minutes.

Amanda Barnes, MA, LMHC