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floridaOnline Therapy in Florida for Parents of Children With Special Needs and Medical Complexities
Diana Gelfand, MSW, LCSW, provides online therapy throughout Florida for parents of children with special needs, medical conditions, and behavioral or developmental challenges. At DLG Therapy, LLC, she also supports foster and adoptive families navigating caregiver burnout, medical trauma, anxiety, and grief. Sessions are held by secure telehealth.
- Now accepting Florida clients
- FL LCSW #SW12716
The parent who knows every specialist, medication, and school accommodation deserves support, too.
When your child needs more than the usual parenting playbook, your days can fill with appointments, advocacy, decisions, and worries that other people rarely see. You may love your child fiercely and still feel anxious, depleted, or unsure how to make room for yourself.
I’m Diana Gelfand, MSW, LCSW, founder of DLG Therapy, LLC. I provide online therapy to parents and caregivers throughout Florida. I’m also an adoptive mother of three children with complex needs. I understand this world both professionally and personally.
Florida is where I live and where I spent more than 14 years supporting children and families in early intervention, medical social work and pediatric neurology, including at Children’s Diagnostic and Treatment Center and Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital. I know how much happens between appointments, after discharge, and behind the scenes at home.
You shouldn’t have to explain your world to your therapist.
Therapy for Florida Parents Raising Children With Special Needs
In Florida, coordinating pediatric specialists, therapies, school supports, and insurance can become a second full-time job. Even when your child is doing well, you may still feel on alert for what comes next.
Parenting a child with autism, ADHD, a neurological condition, chronic illness, or developmental or behavioral differences can bring persistent worry, guilt, irritability, isolation, and decision fatigue. You may feel as if you must anticipate every problem before it happens.
In therapy, we make space for your feelings—not only your child’s needs. We can work on managing anxiety, setting realistic boundaries, reducing self-blame, navigating difficult conversations, and identifying coping strategies that fit your actual life.
You do not need another generic reminder to “take care of yourself.” You need support from someone who understands why that can be so difficult.
Foster and Adoptive Parent Therapy in Florida
Adoption is not the finish line. I was a foster parent for 10 years through the National Youth Advocate Program, a journey that ended in three adoptions in South Florida. I have been in the trenches of the child welfare system, and so have my children.
I believe permanency is crucial and every child should have it. BUT permanency, like adoption, does not erase trauma, grief, behavioral challenges, or the need for continued support. Parents can experience joy, love, frustration, uncertainty, and exhaustion at the same time.
As a 2026 Angels in Adoption honoree, I have advocated on Capitol Hill for stronger post-adoption services. In therapy, you can speak openly about the complicated parts of foster and adoptive parenting without fear of judgment.
Caregiver Burnout and Grief
Living on high alert can change the way you sleep, relate to others, and experience ordinary moments. You might feel overwhelmed by a new diagnosis, anxious before follow-up appointments, or emotionally drained after years of caregiving.
As a Certified Grief Educator, I also support people navigating the whole grief journey. This includes anticipatory grief, loss, and the changes to family life.
Online Therapy for Children and Teens in Florida
I also work with children and adolescents experiencing anxiety, school stress, emotional challenges, chronic medical conditions, and foster- or adoption-related concerns. Whether virtual sessions are a good fit depends on the child’s age, needs, privacy, and ability to participate. Contact me to discuss suitability and current availability.
Telehealth Therapy Throughout Florida
DLG Therapy provides secure online therapy to eligible clients physically located in Florida, including Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, and communities throughout Florida. You do not need to live near a major city to seek specialized support.
Telehealth means you can attend from an appropriate private location without adding travel time to an already demanding schedule. I am licensed in Florida, California, Illinois, Arizona, and Utah.
for florida familiesUsing your Step Up For Students scholarship for therapy
DLG Therapy, LLC is an approved provider with Step Up For Students, allowing eligible families to use funding through the Unique Abilities Scholarship for therapy services. I offer telehealth counseling for adolescents and teens throughout Florida.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are you licensed to provide online therapy in Florida?
Yes. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker licensed in Florida and provide telehealth therapy to eligible clients physically located in the state during sessions.
Do you specialize in therapy for parents of children with special needs?
Yes. Supporting parents raising children with medical, neurological, developmental, and behavioral needs is a central focus of my practice.
Can therapy help with caregiver burnout?
Yes. Therapy can help you address ongoing stress, anxiety, emotional exhaustion, guilt, boundaries, and coping with responsibilities that do not simply go away.
Do you work with foster and adoptive parents?
Yes. I support foster and adoptive parents navigating trauma-related concerns, parenting stress, family transitions, grief, and the emotional demands of advocacy.
Do you offer therapy outside the largest cities in Florida?
Yes. Eligible clients can attend secure telehealth sessions from throughout Florida, provided they are physically in the state and have an appropriate private location.
Can I use my Step Up For Students scholarship?
Yes. DLG Therapy, LLC is an approved provider with Step Up For Students, allowing eligible families to use funding through the Unique Abilities Scholarship for therapy services.
Do you accept insurance or private pay in Florida?
Private-pay therapy is available. Insurance participation and eligibility can vary by state and plan. Please contact DLG Therapy or review the Insurance and Rates page for current details.
You Deserve Support, Too
You spend so much time helping your child feel safe, supported, and understood. Your well-being matters, too.
If you are a Florida parent or caregiver looking for someone who understands medical complexity, special needs parenting, foster care, or adoption, contact DLG Therapy to ask about current openings and whether we may be a good fit.
You don't have to keep carrying this alone.
Start with a free 15-minute consultation. No pressure, just a conversation.
Book your free callOr call 561-903-0096 · Diana@DLGtherapy.com
