Navigating Relationship Challenges in Florida: Finding Real Support When You Need It Most
Updated: Oct 7
Finding relationship support can be easier when you know what kind of help you are looking for. You might want ongoing couples counseling, a private conversation about your own choices, or support with a situation that feels unsafe or urgent. Those needs can lead to different services.
The resources below are starting points. Ask each provider about eligibility, current availability, fees, format, and whether their service fits your circumstances.
Free counseling through the Alachua County Crisis Center
The Alachua County Crisis Center's counseling page describes free ongoing counseling for individuals, couples, and families. Sessions may be in person or virtual, with scheduled appointments Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The same page lists emergency walk-in counseling on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. That is a separate route from an ordinary scheduled counseling appointment. Check the current details directly before relying on a particular time or service; posted hours do not guarantee an immediate ongoing appointment.
When you contact the center, explain the kind of support you want and ask how to begin. You do not need to assume that a crisis-center name means every service is emergency-only.
Questions to ask any counseling provider
A directory entry or a welcoming website can help you find possibilities, but you still need information about the individual clinician. A short list of questions can make the search more manageable:
Do you work with the relationship concerns we want help with?
How do you assess whether joint sessions are appropriate and safe?
How do you include each partner's goals and perspective?
What experience do you have with the identities, access needs, or relationship context that matter to us?
What are the fees, available appointment times, and privacy policies?
The National Institute of Mental Health's psychotherapy guide also suggests discussing a clinician's approach and how progress will be reviewed. You can ask for clarification if a method is described in unfamiliar terms.
If you are searching for Gottman-informed work, ask about the clinician's specific training. Completing a training level and being a Certified Gottman Therapist are different credentials. The relevant question is what training and experience the person actually has and how they propose to use it with you.
Consider individual support as well
You can seek counseling about a relationship even if your partner does not want to attend. An individual appointment can give you space to think about your own needs, boundaries, and decisions. It cannot substitute for hearing your partner's perspective or guarantee that they will change.
When there is intimidation, coercive control, or violence, prioritize safety and individual support. Joint counseling or communication exercises can increase risk in an abusive relationship. The WHO's clinical guidance on intimate partner violence advises against couple counseling in that context. You do not have to confront a partner or share private plans to seek help.
Check the practical fit of online care
For online appointments, tell the clinician where each person will be physically located. Ask about privacy, technology, and what happens if a session disconnects. If you will join from different locations, discuss whether each space allows a private conversation.
Consider cost and scheduling early, too. A service can be a promising clinical fit and still be impractical for your circumstances. Asking about alternatives or referrals is reasonable.
Couples counseling at Tall Grass Therapy
I'm Dr. Corrine Buchanan, the owner and therapist behind Tall Grass Therapy. I offer online couples counseling for adults in Florida and Oregon, including adults in Gainesville. I have completed Level 2 Training in Gottman Method Couples Therapy. My approach includes attention to emotions, mindfulness, and communication.
Games, stories, and shared interests are optional. The focus is the relationship concerns you want help with and whether my approach is a good fit. My therapy waitlist is for non-emergency care and does not provide immediate support. If there is immediate danger, contact emergency services.
I'm not accepting new therapy clients right now. Join the waitlist through Paubox.
