Meet the Team
Our Tampa-based therapy team includes licensed mental health professionals and
psychiatric providers dedicated to personalized care. Each clinician brings experience in
supporting anxiety, depression, relationships, trauma, and life transitions.
psychiatric providers dedicated to personalized care. Each clinician brings experience in
supporting anxiety, depression, relationships, trauma, and life transitions.
Therapy Providers
Licensed clinicians guiding you toward growth and healing.
Our clinicians bring diverse specialties and backgrounds, but all share a commitment to creating a supportive, inclusive space where every client feels seen and understood.
Whether you’re working through anxiety, depression, trauma, or relationship challenges, our therapists provide a space to process, heal, and thrive, both in person and through secure telehealth sessions.
Kelsey Galer, LMHC
Clinical Director
Kelsey is the founder of North Star Therapy and Psychiatry, a psychotherapist, and a published author. She is dedicated to helping clients navigate challenges such as depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use, life transitions, and chronic stress. Kelsey integrates a range of therapeutic approaches—including CBT, DBT, psychodynamic therapy, motivational interviewing, and person-centered techniques—to create a thoughtful and individualized path toward insight, resilience, and lasting change. She has particular expertise in the stabilization and long-term management of aFective disorders. Kelsey also works extensively with members of the LGBTQ+ community, neurodivergent individuals, high-achieving professionals and entrepreneurs.
Read Bio
Michael Evans, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Michael is a licensed psychotherapist with over 10 years of experience helping individuals navigate a wide range of mental health concerns. He uses CBT, DBT, and person-centered approaches to help clients manage stress, develop insight, and build practical coping strategies.Michael works collaboratively with clients to navigate challenges, life transitions, and family dynamics with compassion and clarity.Michael is also a Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT) and one of only a small number of
clinicians in Tampa with this specialized training.
Read Bio
Dana Larrabee, LMHC
Licensed Mental Health Counselor
Dana is a licensed mental health counselor who supports clients with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship concerns, trauma, and life transitions. She uses evidence-based approaches such as CBT, humanistic, and systemic models to foster a safe, collaborative environment for growth. Dana values authenticity in the therapeutic process and encourages clients to show up as their true selves as they work toward meaningful change. She works with both individuals and couples, helping partners improve communication, deepen understanding, and strengthen connection within their relationships. Dana also has a particular passion for working with men who want to better understand themselves
Read Bio
Riley Ferrel
Student Intern
Riley is a graduate student in Marriage and Family Therapy who approaches therapy through a systemic lens. She integrates attachment-based and emotion-focused approaches to support individuals, couples, and families in strengthening relationships and overall wellbeing. Riley works with individuals to explore personal challenges, increase self-understanding, and build healthier ways of relating to themselves and others.Riley works with North Star Therapy under the supervision of lead therapist Kelsey Galer, LMHC, as she completes her clinical hours toward licensure.
Read Bio
Ruth Power, LCSW, MCAP
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Ruth has been working in the mental health field for over 25 years, supporting individuals and couples facing challenges such as anxiety, depression, relationship diFiculties, stress management, and self-esteem concerns. She takes a supportive, strengths-based approach to therapy, incorporating CBT, person-centered, and mindfulness-based techniques. Ruth works collaboratively with clients to build insight, strengthen coping skills, and create meaningful, lasting change. As a Master’s Certified Addictions Professional (MCAP), she also helps individuals navigate substance use concerns and supports clients in recovery with compassion.
Read Bio
Bridget McAllister, RMHCI
Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern
Bridget is a counseling professional who works with adults navigating emotional and relational challenges. Her approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based practices including Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, CBT, and person-centered care. Bridget has experience supporting individuals working through substance use concerns and the underlying emotional patterns that often accompany them. She is committed to helping clients build resilience, gain insight, and create meaningful personal growth. Briden strengthened her ability to listen deeply and hold space for complex personal stories with empathy and understanding.
Read Bio
Donna Green
Certified Coach
Donna offers executive coaching, life coaching, and career coaching to individuals seeking greater clarity, confidence, and direction in their personal and professional lives. She holds a Master’s degree and professional coaching certification and brings over twenty years of experience supporting clients as they manage stress, move through personal and professional blocks, and take meaningful steps toward their goals. Donna provides executive coaching for professionals and leaders who want to strengthen their leadership presence, improve decision-making, and navigate career advancement or organizational challenges.
Read Bio
Brian Turan, LMHC
Mental Health Counselor
Brian is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who works with individuals navigating challenges such as anxiety, depression, life transitions, substance use, and general stress management. Brian uses a collaborative and supportive approach grounded in CBT, DBT, and person-centered counseling. He focuses on building a strong therapeutic relationship while helping clients develop practical coping skills, improve communication, and strengthen support systems so they can better manage life’s challenges and move toward greater wellbeing. Brian strives to create a welcoming, nonjudgmental space where clients feel comfortable
Read Bio
Sandra Torres, LMHC
Mental Health Counselor
Sandra is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who works with individuals and families navigating mental health issues, life challenges, and patterns that no longer serve them. She uses evidencebased approaches including CBT, DBT, and mindfulness-based techniques to help clients build self-understanding, strengthen coping skills, develop healthier thinking styles, and improve wellbeing. Sandra provides a compassionate, culturally sensitive environment and oFers therapy in both English and Spanish. She is committed to ongoing professional development and regularly pursues advanced trainings.
Read Bio
Psychiatric Providers
Evidence-based medication management with a human touch.
Our psychiatric team provides personalized medication management for anxiety, depression, ADHD, and mood-related conditions.
Each provider combines clinical expertise with a warm, person-centered approach, working closely with our therapists to create integrated care plans that support lasting progress.
Lydia Foster, APRN
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Lydia is a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner dedicated to helping clients find balance, clarity, and lasting wellness. She provides comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and thoughtful medication management for adults experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, and mood disorders. Lydia takes a collaborative and compassionate approach to care, working closely with each client to understand their unique experiences, goals, and treatment preferences. She also partners with clients’ therapists to ensure coordinated, personalized support that addresses both medication needs and overall mental health. Lydia’s goal is to help clients feel stable, supported, and empowered as they move toward improved wellbeing.
Read Bio
North Star Operations
The team that keeps everything running seamlessly.
Behind every session and appointment is a team dedicated to your experience.
Our administrative and operations professionals ensure your care feels smooth, accessible, and stress-free, from scheduling and billing to marketing and community engagement.
Jennifer Cohn
Billing Specialist
Jennifer manages all billing, insurance, and credentialing with precision and care, ensuring every client’s experience is smooth and stress-free.
Maria Alithinos
Marketing & Outreach Manager
Maria shares North Star’s mission with the community and helps connect clients with the care they deserve.
Join Our Mission
Guiding people toward health and happiness.
North Star Therapy continues to grow, and we’re always excited to connect with like-minded professionals who share our passion for compassionate, client-centered care.
If you’re a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) or Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) seeking a supportive, collaborative environment where you can do meaningful work, we’d love to hear from you.
At this time, we are not accepting applications for student interns or registered mental health counselor interns, but we look forward to expanding our internship program in the future.
We appreciate your interest in joining our team and invite you to check back for future opportunities.
Why Clients Choose North Star Therapy
Ready to Begin?
Therapy sessions are available in person at our Tampa office or virtually throughout Florida. No long-term commitment required — you can begin at your own pace.