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Best Clinical Social Workers in Punta Gorda, FL (2026)

30 clinical social workers ranked by RP ScoreUpdated 0 paid placements in this rankingHow we rank →

The short answer

  1. 1

    Best overall in Punta Gorda: Kristi Newhouse, LCSW, RP Score 64/100; 5.0★ from 11 Google reviews; open Saturdays until 12 PM.

  2. 5

    Most-reviewed: Elite DNA Behavioral Health Therapy & Psychiatry Clinic - Port Charlotte Tamiami, 88 Google reviews at 4.2★, the most of 30 ranked; ranked #5.

Rankings can't be bought. Psychologists can't pay to change their rank or score. How we rank

30 Punta Gorda clinical social workers are ranked here by RP Score, from eight published factors. 4 open Saturdays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 4.8★ across 30 rated practices.

Top 10 clinical social workers in Punta Gorda at a glance

Ranked by the RP Score from public listing data, not by treatment outcomes; Sponsored placements are shown separately and never change rank.

Top 10 clinical social workers in Punta Gorda at a glance
RankBusinessRP ScoreGoogle ratingBased inHoursBest for
1Kristi Newhouse, LCSW645.0★ (11)Cape Coral, 24 mi awaySatOverall
2Back2Nature595.0★ (3)Punta GordaSat—
3Gulf Central Early Steps585.0★ (3)Sarasota, 39 mi away——
4CenterWell Home Health574.3★ (34)Port Charlotte, 3 mi away——
5Elite DNA Behavioral Health Therapy & Psychiatry Clinic - Port Charlotte Tamiami564.2★ (88)Port Charlotte, 8 mi away—Most reviews
6Cindy Matthes-Loy, PhD, LCSW565.0★ (3)Fort Myers, 25 mi away——
7Kristina Paape, LCSW554.3★ (6)Sarasota, 37 mi awayEvenings—
8Momentum Counseling553.2★ (9)Port Charlotte, 4 mi away——
9Timothy W Hallinan MSW, PHD544.2★ (5)Sarasota, 37 mi away——
10Linda Morrison, LCSW524.3★ (6)Cape Coral, 23 mi away——

The 30 best clinical social workers in Punta Gorda, ranked

Ordered by RP Score, a 0–100 score from eight published factors. Paid placement never changes the order.

Ranked by the RP Score from public listing data, not by treatment outcomes; Sponsored placements are shown separately and never change rank.

  1. Ranked #1 in Punta Gorda

    #1 Kristi Newhouse, LCSW

    Based in Cape Coral, 24 mi away

    64/100RP Score

    Ranked #1 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Social worker”, 5.0★ from 11 Google reviews.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 11 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 9 AM–6 PM · Fri closed · Sat 9 AM–12 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    2804 Del Prado Blvd S #109, Cape Coral, FL 33904
    View profile for Kristi Newhouse, LCSW(239) 699-3460

  2. #2 Back2Nature

    Based in Punta Gorda

    59/100RP Score

    Ranked #2 because of its Google rating and proximity: 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews, based in Punta Gorda.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Sat 9 AM–5 PM · Sun closed
    Address
    2000 Rio De Janeiro Ave, Punta Gorda, FL 33983
    View profile for Back2Nature(941) 456-7949

  4. #4 CenterWell Home Health

    Based in Port Charlotte, 3 mi away

    57/100RP Score

    Ranked #4 because of its Google rating and proximity: 4.3★ from 34 Google reviews, 3 mi from Punta Gorda.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 4.3★ from 34 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    4245 Kings Hwy Unit B, Port Charlotte, FL 33980
    View profile for CenterWell Home Health(941) 623-4882

  5. #5 Elite DNA Behavioral Health Therapy & Psychiatry Clinic - Port Charlotte Tamiami

    Based in Port Charlotte, 8 mi away

    56/100RP Score

    Ranked #5 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.2★ from 88 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health service”.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 4.2★ from 88 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    1777 S Tamiami Trl Ste 201, Port Charlotte, FL 33948
    View profile for Elite DNA Behavioral Health Therapy & Psychiatry Clinic - Port Charlotte Tamiami(941) 249-4354

  7. #7 Kristina Paape, LCSW

    Based in Sarasota, 37 mi away

    55/100RP Score

    Ranked #7 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Social worker”, 4.3★ from 6 Google reviews.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 4.3★ from 6 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon 11 AM–3 PM · Tue 11 AM–8 PM · Wed 10 AM–5 PM · Thu 11 AM–8 PM · Fri 10 AM–3 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    3333 Clark Rd #110, Sarasota, FL 34231
    View profile for Kristina Paape, LCSW(941) 677-3088

  8. #8 Momentum Counseling

    Based in Port Charlotte, 4 mi away

    55/100RP Score

    Ranked #8 because of its Google rating and proximity: 3.2★ from 9 Google reviews, 4 mi from Punta Gorda.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 3.2★ from 9 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    4055 S Tamiami Trl, Port Charlotte, FL 33980
    View profile for Momentum Counseling(941) 206-2480

  9. #9 Timothy W Hallinan MSW, PHD

    Based in Sarasota, 37 mi away

    54/100RP Score

    Ranked #9 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Social worker”, 4.2★ from 5 Google reviews.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 4.2★ from 5 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon 10 AM–6 PM · Tue–Wed 9 AM–6 PM · Thu–Sun closed
    Address
    2477 Stickney Point Rd Unit 319B, Sarasota, FL 34231
    View profile for Timothy W Hallinan MSW, PHD(941) 921-2423

  10. #10 Linda Morrison, LCSW

    Based in Cape Coral, 23 mi away

    52/100RP Score

    Ranked #10 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.3★ from 6 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health service”.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 4.3★ from 6 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon closed · Tue–Fri 10 AM–6 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    2301 Del Prado Blvd S #180, Cape Coral, FL 33990
    View profile for Linda Morrison, LCSW(239) 297-6656

  13. #13 Eileen M. McIltrot, LCSW

    Based in Fort Myers, 27 mi away

    52/100RP Score

    Ranked #13 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.0★ from 12 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 4.0★ from 12 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Tue 10 AM–6 PM · Wed 9 AM–5 PM · Thu 10 AM–6 PM · Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    10271 Deer Run Farms Rd #3, Fort Myers, FL 33966
    View profile for Eileen M. McIltrot, LCSW(239) 851-1838

  14. #14 Corner Booth Counseling Services, EMDR therapist, Maria McLean, LCSW.

    Based in Venice, 27 mi away

    51/100RP Score

    Ranked #14 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Counselor”.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon 7:30 AM–3 PM · Tue–Wed 7:30 AM–7:30 PM · Thu 7:30 AM–3 PM · Fri–Sun closed
    Address
    101 W Venice Ave Unit 33, Venice, FL 34285
    View profile for Corner Booth Counseling Services, EMDR therapist, Maria McLean, LCSW.(941) 584-3313

  15. #15 Amy S. Thatcher, LCSW

    Based in Sarasota, 36 mi away

    51/100RP Score

    Ranked #15 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Counselor”.

    Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews
    Address
    5971 Cattlemen Ln, Sarasota, FL 34232
    View profile for Amy S. Thatcher, LCSW(941) 587-2055

  16. #16 June Tomaso-Wood LCSW

    Based in Venice, 27 mi away

    51/100RP Score

    Ranked #16 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.5★ from 8 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 4.5★ from 8 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon closed · Tue–Thu 10 AM–5 PM · Fri–Sun closed
    Address
    242 Tampa Ave W, Venice, FL 34285
    View profile for June Tomaso-Wood LCSW(941) 357-7427

  18. #18 Nexus Therapy Group

    Based in Cape Coral, 20 mi away

    50/100RP Score

    Ranked #18 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 11 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health service”.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 11 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    19 Del Prado Blvd N Ste A, Cape Coral, FL 33909
    View profile for Nexus Therapy Group(941) 257-3417

  19. #19 Julie M. Simons, LCSW

    Based in Bradenton, 40 mi away

    49/100RP Score

    Ranked #19 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 33 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 33 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon 9 AM–5 PM · Tue 9 AM–6 PM · Wed 9 AM–5 PM · Thu 9 AM–6 PM · Fri 9 AM–4 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    6151 Lake Osprey Dr rm 300, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34240
    View profile for Julie M. Simons, LCSW(941) 377-8111

  21. #21 Chad Smith, Counselor

    Based in Fort Myers, 30 mi away

    47/100RP Score

    Ranked #21 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 4.8★ from 21 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 4.8★ from 21 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Tue 8 AM–5 PM · Wed 9 AM–5 PM · Thu–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    8570 Granite Ct Ste 101, Fort Myers, FL 33908
    View profile for Chad Smith, Counselor(239) 310-4646

  22. #22 Crossworks Therapy By the BEACH

    Based in Cape Coral, 26 mi away

    47/100RP Score

    Ranked #22 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 10 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Mental health service”.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 10 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 12 PM–7 PM · Fri–Sun closed
    Address
    1314 Cape Coral Pkwy E #322, Cape Coral, FL 33904
    View profile for Crossworks Therapy By the BEACH(239) 471-2928

  24. #24 Linda Kroll LCSW

    Based in Sarasota, 37 mi away

    46/100RP Score

    Ranked #24 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews, listed on Google as “Psychotherapist”.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 3 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 11 AM–5 PM · Fri–Sun closed
    Address
    2477 Stickney Point Rd Bldg b ste 115b, Sarasota, FL 34231
    View profile for Linda Kroll LCSW(941) 751-0600

  25. #25 Meg Young, LCSW. Mental Health Counseling, EMDR Therapist

    Based in Bradenton, 40 mi away

    46/100RP Score

    Ranked #25 because of its Google rating and specialty focus: 5.0★ from 7 Google reviews, listed on Google as “EMDR psychotherapist”.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 7 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon closed · Tue 8 AM–12 PM · Wed 9 AM–11 AM · Thu 9 AM–6 PM · Fri 9 AM–4 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    8470 Enterprise Cir Ste 301B, Lakewood Ranch, FL 34202
    View profile for Meg Young, LCSW. Mental Health Counseling, EMDR Therapist(941) 462-4807

All 30 clinical social workers

#1 to #25 are shown in full above. Here are #26 to #30, in RP Score order; each links to its profile.

clinical social workers in Punta Gorda, ranks 26 to 30
RankBusinessRP ScoreGoogle ratingDistance
26Marilyn Pearlman, LCSW464.4★ (7)40 mi
27CenterWell Home Health444.7★ (21)38 mi
28Kathleen A Whitworth, Counselor434.9★ (14)39 mi
29ALW Counseling and Coaching425.0★ (5)37 mi
30Dr. Jill Bressler423.9★ (11)36 mi

Also serving Punta Gorda

20 more clinical social workers within 40 mi that we can't rank yet: too few reviews, or a specialty we couldn't confirm. Listed A to Z.

Unranked clinical social workers serving Punta Gorda
BusinessGoogle ratingDistance
Alecia Rager LCSW LLC3.0★ (2)26 mi
Barbara A. Blocker, LCSW1.0★ (1)27 mi
Chantelle Grant, LCSW- Beacon Clinic1.0★ (1)4 mi
Cynthia Merced5.0★ (1)22 mi
Gail Bialk5.0★ (1)28 mi
June H. Tomaso-Wood, LCSW5.0★ (1)28 mi
Lynn Snyder, LCSW, CAPIn Punta Gorda
Maria Rivera5.0★ (1)8 mi
Maribeth Lichty, ACSW, LCSW, MCAP5.0★ (2)26 mi
Melissa Houseman, Counselor5.0★ (2)39 mi
Nickie Haggart LCSW3.0★ (2)25 mi
Punta Gorda Physicians Management4.5★ (2)In Punta Gorda
Rena Essrog, LCSW,CSAT Evolve Center for Healing5.0★ (1)30 mi
Sara Abadie, LCSW Therapy & Counseling5.0★ (1)17 mi
Sarah Coates, Counselor5.0★ (1)39 mi
Sarah Elaine Zimmerman, LCSW5.0★ (2)40 mi
Sarasota Counseling Services, LLC - Anne K. Glowacki, LCSW, LMFT, CCHt5.0★ (2)35 mi
Teri Callender, LCSW1.0★ (1)27 mi
The Onyx Counseling Center, LLC5.0★ (1)28 mi
Therapist Brajan Kowalski5.0★ (2)38 mi

How we ranked Punta Gorda clinical social workers

We scored 30 Punta Gorda clinical social workers on eight factors, weighted as shown. A practice is ranked when its specialty is confirmed and it has 3 or more Google reviews or a claimed profile. A practice with no Google reviews scores zero on rating, review volume and recency. Other unknown factors are left out, not counted as zero. Scores last refreshed November 9, 2026.

Paid placement never changes a rank or score. Sponsored businesses are paid, labelled, limited to 3 and shown above the ranking, outside it.

Read the full method: formula, sources and exclusions

RP Score factors and weights
FactorWeightComputed fromIn Punta Gorda data
Reputation25%Google star rating, adjusted for how many reviews back itMeasured
Review volume5%Number of Google reviews, compared with the most-reviewed practice on the listMeasured
Recency5%Share of Google reviews from the last 12 monthsNot yet collected
Availability10%Weekly open hours, Saturday, Sunday, and round-the-clock or same-day availabilityMeasured
Specialty focus25%How clearly the practice does this specialty (its Google category and name)Measured
Proximity15%Based in the city scores highest, less the farther away it isMeasured
Claimed profile10%The practice has claimed its Ranked Psychologists profile (free or paid earn the same)Measured
Partnered5%The practice links to Ranked Psychologists from its own website with our badge, checked periodicallyMeasured

How to choose a clinical social worker

  1. Check the license with the state or provincial board that issued it; most boards publish a free online lookup.
  2. Make sure clinical social work is a regular part of their work, and ask what approach they use and why.
  3. Check the license with the state social work board or provincial college that issued it.
  4. Ask about fees, insurance and the cancellation policy before the first session. In the US, if you are uninsured or paying yourself, you can ask for a good faith estimate of expected charges.
  5. Check practical fit: in-person or online sessions, evening times, and how soon they have an opening.
  6. After a few sessions, ask yourself whether you feel heard. Changing to a different provider is common and fine.

Questions to ask a clinical social worker

  • Are you accepting new clients, and how soon could I start?
  • Which license do you hold, and in which state or province?
  • How much of your work is clinical social work?
  • Which license do you hold, and in which state or province?
  • What do you charge per session, and do you take my insurance or provide a superbill?
  • Do you offer online sessions?
  • What is your cancellation policy?
  • What do you keep confidential, and when would you have to share information?

Terms explained

PhD / PsyD
Doctoral degrees in psychology. A PhD usually has a stronger research focus, a PsyD a stronger clinical focus; both can lead to a psychologist license.
Licensed psychologist
A person licensed by a state or provincial psychology board to practice psychology. The title is protected by law.
Psychological associate
In some states and provinces, a master’s-level practitioner licensed or registered by the psychology board, often with supervision requirements.
LPC / LMHC / LCPC
US licenses for professional or mental health counselors (the name differs by state). They provide counseling and therapy.
LCSW
Licensed clinical social worker: a master’s-level social worker licensed to provide therapy.
LMFT
Licensed marriage and family therapist: licensed to treat individuals, couples and families with a focus on relationships.
RP / RCC
Registered psychotherapist (Ontario) and registered clinical counsellor (British Columbia): Canadian titles for licensed therapy providers.
PSYPACT
An interstate agreement that lets psychologists licensed in a member state provide telepsychology to clients in other member states once they hold the required authorization.
Telehealth
Sessions held by secure video or phone instead of in person. The provider generally needs to be licensed where the client is located.
CBT
Cognitive behavioral therapy: a structured talk therapy that works on the links between thoughts, feelings and behavior.
DBT
Dialectical behavior therapy: a form of CBT that teaches skills for managing intense emotions and relationships.
ERP
Exposure and response prevention: a form of CBT used for OCD.

Clinical social workers in Punta Gorda: frequently asked questions

Who is the best clinical social worker in Punta Gorda?

By RP Score, the highest-ranked clinical social worker in Punta Gorda, FL is Kristi Newhouse, LCSW with an RP Score of 64/100. It has 5.0★ from 11 Google reviews. It is open Saturdays until 12 PM. Back2Nature (#2) and Gulf Central Early Steps (#3) follow. We ranked 30 clinical social workers on eight factors, last updated November 9, 2026.

How many clinical social workers are there in Punta Gorda?

RankedPsychologists ranks 30 clinical social workers serving Punta Gorda, FL. 1 of them is based in Punta Gorda; the rest serve it from nearby towns. Another 20 within 40 mi are listed but not ranked yet. Counts are as of November 2026.

What should I do if I need help right now?

In crisis or thinking about suicide? Call or text 988 (US and Canada), any time. In an emergency, call 911. This site cannot help in an emergency.

Which clinical social workers in Punta Gorda work on weekends?

4 of 30 ranked clinical social workers post Saturday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays are Kristi Newhouse, LCSW (#1), Back2Nature (#2) and Florida Art Therapy Services, LLC (#11). Posted hours are office hours; many practices also offer evening or online sessions by appointment.

What Google rating do Punta Gorda clinical social workers have?

The median Google rating among 30 rated clinical social workers in Punta Gorda is 4.8★, with a median of 9 reviews. Elite DNA Behavioral Health Therapy & Psychiatry Clinic - Port Charlotte Tamiami has the most, 88 reviews, and ranks #5. We adjust ratings for review count, so a few five-star reviews cannot top the list.

How does RankedPsychologists rank clinical social workers?

Each clinical social worker gets a 0–100 RP Score from eight published factors, led by reputation (25%), specialty focus (25%), proximity (15%) and availability (10%). A practice with no Google reviews scores zero on rating, review volume and recency; other factors we cannot measure are left out. Only practices with a confirmed specialty and 3 or more reviews, or a claimed profile, are ranked.

Do clinical social workers outside Punta Gorda count in this ranking?

Yes, if they are within 40 mi of the Punta Gorda city center, our service radius for clinical social workers. Each listing shows where the practice is based and how far away it is. Proximity is 15% of the RP Score, so a nearby practice gets a small edge.

Can clinical social workers pay to rank higher on RankedPsychologists?

No. The RP Score never reads payment status, and this ranking has 0 paid placements. Up to 3 Featured practices may appear above the list, labelled Sponsored and showing their honest rank.

How are clinical social workers in Punta Gorda ranked?

Each practice gets an RP Score from 0 to 100 from 8 published factors, including its Google rating, how clearly it focuses on clinical social work and how close it is. Sponsored placements are shown separately and never change rank. The score does not measure treatment outcomes.

Can a social worker provide therapy?

Yes, when licensed for it. In the US a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW, or LICSW in some states) holds a master’s degree in social work, has completed supervised clinical practice and passed a licensing exam. In Canada, registered social workers are regulated by provincial colleges. They provide talk therapy for many of the same concerns as counselors and psychologists.

Can I see a clinical social worker online?

Often, yes. Licensing generally follows where you are during the session, so the provider needs to be licensed or authorized there. In the US, psychologists in PSYPACT member states can offer telepsychology to clients in other member states; counselors and social workers have their own rules. In Canada, ask whether the provider is registered in your province.

What if I need help right now?

Do not wait for a consultation. Call or text 988 (US and Canada) if you are in crisis or thinking about suicide, at any time. In an emergency, call 911.

Update log for Punta Gorda

  1. November 2026: RP Scores recalculated for 30 clinical social workers serving Punta Gorda.

More clinical social workers and Punta Gorda pages