- February 6, 2025
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After working as a clinical social worker at medical facilities, Trish Adams said she took a “leap of faith” three years ago and opened her own practice in Port Orange. It didn’t take long for those seeking mental health therapy to find her.
“In six months, I was full,” she said recently.
It was hard to turn down patients, Adams said, and last year a colleague suggested they combine practices. So, last October they opened Lakeside Counseling and Wellness Center at 900 N. Swallowtail Drive, Suite 105, Port Orange, where Adams works alongside two other licensed clinical social workers, Jill Sheldon and Kelly Bowles, and a licensed mental health counselor, Brenda Rockwell.
“We want people to know that this is a safe place to go to talk about whatever is emotionally bothering them.”
TRISH ADAMS, clinical social worker
“There’s more need for mental health services in our community than what’s currently available,” Adams said.
The Port Orange South Daytona Chamber of Commerce helped them celebrate with a ribbon cutting on Feb. 22.
Adams has 30 years of experience as a social worker and became a licensed clinical social worker in Florida in 2009. Many people do not realize that a clinical social worker can practice mental health therapy, she said.
“Social work is one of the most versatile master’s degrees,” she said.
At Lakeside, they treat issues such depression, anxiety, PTSD, divorce and other life changes.
They also deal with childhood trauma, where an event can affect mental health throughout a person’s life.
“There are techniques that can greatly minimize the emotional effects of childhood trauma,” she said.
She aims for the practice to be multifaceted, and the “wellness” part is just getting started. She plans to have speakers and such things as yoga sessions for the community.
“We’re ready to serve,” she said. “We want people to know that this is a safe place to go to talk about whatever is emotionally bothering them.”
Visit lakesidetherapists.com.
