Welcome.
My hope is that this will always be a soft spot to land.
HumanKind Counseling is a mental health practice in Orlando, FL offering in-person &/ virtual sessions, that is based upon a collective journey to heal, find peace & balance. This entire platform has been created to support you during challenging times in your life or moments of struggle. Use your mind to give yourself some much deserved kindness. Welcome.
Hi, I'm Jessica
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
(she/her/hers)
I was born and raised in Central Florida, both Winter Park and Downtown Orlando. I received a Bachelor’s in Interpersonal Communication from the University of South Florida in 2008 and received my Master’s of Science in Mental Health Counseling from Nova Southeastern University in 2014.
I wholeheartedly believe that great healing can emerge when we allow ourselves to be open to exploring the things that have kept us stuck in unhealthy emotional and behavioral patterns. Sometimes we have difficult experiences that change what we believe about ourselves and the world around us. Therapy exists to help us identify the parts of us that need to be healed as well as the parts of us that need to be strengthened.
My goal is to support you (authentically) on your journey towards your self-exploration, empowerment, emotional healing as you create lasting change in your life. I value the stories and experiences that my clients share with me and I seek to provide a safe space that allows for empathy, understanding and compassion.
Services
Areas of Focus
Trauma | Anxiety | Firefighters | First Responder Family Members | Depression | Grief | LGTBQ+ | Frontline Workers | Self Esteem | Sexual Abuse | Suicidal Ideation
Individual Therapy
One to one, compassionate, individualized, confidential therapy to address my client's goals. Goals will be created vulnerably and collaboratively during the initial mental health intake session. I guide my clients every step of the way and implement various methods to help them develop new healthy coping skills to utilize while navigating all of life's most complex matters.
Family Therapy
In family therapy sessions, we’ll work to identify and solve current stressors, and improve positive thinking and behavior in the family unit. I will help each member accurately and clearly communicate their feelings and “re-frame” their reactions. The goal is to provide everyone with valuable tools to cope with life’s obstacles together.
Experience
Career Experience
I have worked with young children to adults in both outpatient and crisis stabilization inpatient settings, with an array of mental health struggles. During my years of experience, I have worked with individuals dealing with trauma, sexual abuse, grief/loss, addictions, depression, anxiety, self-esteem issues, and difficult life transitions. I have been certified in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBWeb) and Childhood Traumatic Grief (CTG) through Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), as well as completing UCF RESTORES Trauma Management Therapy.
I am a qualified provider for Camaraderie Foundation, offering counseling and emotional support for all Military Service Members, Veterans, and their families (at no charge to them).
In February 2024, I completed the Clinician Awareness Program in order to become a Fire Department specific culturally competent clinician, and I am now listed on Redline Rescue.
Life Experience
Over 13 years ago, I experienced a trauma, more specifically, I am a survivor of gun violence, and as a result, received treatment for PTSD. Those caring helpers led me to healing, so I chose to dedicate my career in hopes of doing the same.
In the immediate days following the absolute tragedy at Pulse, I volunteered as a trauma counselor with other wonderful helpers. It was, and will always be, one of the biggest honors of my life, having shown up (and, hopefully continuing to show up) for the LGBTQ+ community.
I am a mother of 2 young children. I love to support my clients through parenthood journeys. My spouse of 12 years is a Chief in the Fire Department. As the spouse of a firefighter, I am also very passionate about working with first responders and their families.
In my free time, or really any time, I very much enjoy a tasty cup of coffee, and exploring Central Florida’s local coffee shops. I love to bake, take photos, be outside, canoe, hike, and adventure with my family. We also have a 4 year old Goldendoodle, Koa, and a rescue kitten, Mortimer "Morty".
"What matters most is how well you walk through the fire."
Charles Bukowski
FAQs
What does it cost and how do I pay?
Private Pay individual counseling sessions are 50 minutes (or one “therapy hour”) in length and are $135. The rates of Family/Group counseling vary. I accept credit card using IVY PAY.
I am an approved provider for Camaraderie Foundation. Offering no cost services to Veterans, Active Military and / or their families.
See below for information on using insurance.
Do you accept insurance?
I accept: Oxford Health, Aetna, Oscar Health, United Healthcare & Cigna @ https://headway.co/providers/jessica-romano.
For those wishing to use benefits from other insurances - I encourage you to check with your insurance company to determine whether you are eligible for out-of- network reimbursement for services provided by a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. If so, I am happy to provide clients with a Super Bill in order for them to be directly reimbursed by their insurance.
Do you offer tele-health sessions?
Every client is unique. That being said, I am open to tele-health/virtual or over the phone sessions and would like to discuss that option on a case by case basis.
How do you handle the Good Faith Estimate &/ the No Surprises Act?
Per the No Surprises Act (NSA), HumanKind Counseling is required to share a Good Faith Estimate (GFE) with all clients. A Good Faith Estimate is defined as "a list of items and services that the scheduling provider reasonably expects to provide you for your period of care". Expected length of treatment/period of care is individualized, and, to be determined on an ongoing basis based on this providers clinical opinion, as well as specific needs of client. Due to ever-changing mental health support needs, clients may check in at any time with questions or concerns regarding estimated lengths of treatment. This document is available at anytime upon client request.
Why do people seek therapy?
There are many reasons to be honest, and I think most people just want to be happier or more successful, but are just not sure how to make that happen on their own. Having a neutral perspective that is trained in facilitating mental health growth gives you that leg up against doing it yourself. During our time together, I will help you to learn you so we can work together to make that dream a reality.
Do you prescribe medication?
While I do not prescribe medication, I can refer clients to other individuals that do. Although I do believe medication can be helpful to some, I do not believe, however, that it is always the best line of defense for everyone. After a thorough discussion on all your options, I can refer you to providers that can compliment the work we do together, if that’s what we decide is best for you.
What if I need to cancel my session?
No problem. There is no cancellation fee if you cancel prior to 24 hours in advance. If you “no show” or cancel less than 24 hours in advance, you will be charged the full amount of the session.
Mental Health Resources
Hotlines
crisis text line: text NAMI to 741-741
suicide prevention: 800-273-TALK (8255)
domestic violence: 800-799-SAFE (7233)
sexual assault: 800-656-HOPE (4673)
florida abuse report: 1-800-962-2873
NATIONAL ALLIANCE ON MENTAL ILLNESS (NAMI)
NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness Greater Orlando) is dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals and supporting families affected by mental illness through education, support and advocacy.
website: https://www.nami.org/
helpline: 800-950-6264
Mobile Crisis Unit
Mobile Crisis Unit Services are available to anyone ages 0 – 24 located in Orange, Osceola or Seminole County at the time of crisis. Master level and licensed therapists will respond to homes, schools or anywhere within the tri-county community, within 60 minutes to provide immediate on-site crisis stabilization. Crisis therapists also connect families to the services and supports they need for long-term recovery.
MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION OF CENTRAL FLORIDA
website: https://www.mhacf.org/
phone: (407) 898-0110
AMERICAN FOUNDATION FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION
website: https://afsp.org/
PTSD Family Series UCF Restores
Phone: (407) 823-1196
Hours: Second Tuesday of Every Month
PTSD Family Series, Information on treatment options for PTSD, coping and communication strategies.
Victim Service Center
24/7 Crisis hotline
Phone: 407-500-4325
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender National Hotline
Phone: 1-888-843-4564
Email: help@GLBThotline.org
Hours: Monday–Friday 4pm–Midnight; Saturday Noon–5pm
The GLBT National Help Center’s private hotline for one-on-one chat and email peer-support. Call for support related to any other issues you are facing.
Contact Me
Hi! If you want to get on my new client wait list, please e-mail me with your full name, phone number, and preferred appointment times/days of the week & whether you are looking to do self pay or insurance, so I can contact you to set up an initial phone session, and send you my initial information forms.
708 E. Colonial Drive, Suite 201, Orlando, FL 32803, USA
(407) 777-4108
Suite 201
Counseling Collective
Suite 201 Counseling Collective are all female clinical counseling providers who chose to share office space, collectively. This is group comprised of individual practitioners who are independent contractors, each responsible for their own practice. Our office is not a partnership, professional association or other joint entity. All scheduling, record keeping and appointments are individual to each provider.
