About Us
Shabana M. Churruca,
MS, LMHC, CAP
Owner
Welcome to Wiregrass Counseling — I’m so glad you’re here. Reaching out for help takes courage, and my goal is to provide a safe, supportive space where you feel heard, valued, and empowered to grow.
I have over 30 years of experience in the mental health and substance use field and have been serving the Wesley Chapel community in private practice since 2013. I’m a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified Addictions Professional, with training in evidence based approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational enhancement, mindfulness, and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) for trauma and other mood concerns.
Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working with individuals, couples and families facing challenges like anxiety, depression, trauma, and substance use. What matters most to me is creating an honest and hopeful environment where you can safely explore your struggles and discover new possibilities. Every person I meet teaches me something new, and I would be honored to walk alongside you on your journey toward healing and growth.
My personal style is to extend warmth, acceptance and care to all who enter my office. My goal is to provide a safe space to help you clarify what is true for you. I hope to create a judgement free space for you to explore your greatest potential. My style is light and I help clients find humor when the situation calls for it, and know that laughter is incredibly healing. I will tell you the truth, as I see it, for the sole purpose to help you grow. The average client spends about six months to a year with me. Some clients require just a few visits to hit the reset or re-balance button. I spend time proactively and carefully reviewing your situation and goals to tailor our sessions to YOU, specifically. I am not a “nodding head”! I care for clients and want each to find the best of themselves through carefully designed exercises, homework, discussion and personal exploration. I specialize in counseling those with anxiety, mild depression, stressful life events, difficult childhoods, relationship problems, transition to parenthood, ADHD, parenting challenges, mid-life transitions, grief and relocation transition. In clients who are seeking life coaching, I offer personal and career assessments to clarify one’s path and helping clients meet their goals.
Susan Wharton-Schmitz,
MS, LMHC
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need therapy or counseling?
Therapy or counseling is helpful in many ways. Some people seek self-exploration, personal growth or need to adjust to unexpected changes in their lives. Therapy can help when coping skills are challenged by guilt, self doubt, anxiety or depression. Therapy provides support, improves problem-solving skills and enhances coping for issues such as depression, anxiety, low
self-esteem, relationship conflict, childhood issues, grief resolution, spirituality concerns, stress management and addictive patterns. People seeking psychotherapy are willing to take honest responsibility for their actions while working towards self-change and creating awareness.
Can I use insurance?
Yes, Wiregrass Counseling currently accepts Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Carelon Behavioral Health, Cigna, Humana, Lyra Health, Optum (United/Oxford/Oscar), Quest Behavioral Health and additional Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs). Many insurance companies provide coverage for behavioral and mental health services. To fully understand your benefits, contact your insurance provider and ask the following questions:
- What are my mental health benefits?
- What is my expected out-of-pocket cost per counseling/therapy session?
- How many therapy sessions are covered?
- Do I have coverage for an out-of-network provider?
- Do I need a referral from my primary care physician?
Do you provide in-person and telehealth services?
Yes, we provide in-person and telehealth sessions. We do our best to offer you a convenient appointment date and time.
What types of therapy do you offer?
Wiregrass Counseling offers Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Enhancement Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, Trauma-Informed Care, Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART). We tailor our approach to fit your unique needs and goals.
How often will I attend sessions?
Most clients start with weekly or bi-weekly sessions. Depending on your needs, frequency may change over time. This will be a collaborative decision between you and your therapist.
How do I get started?
You can get started by contacting us through our website’s contact form, by phone, or email. Please provide as much information as possible (i.e., insurance provider if using, preference of tele-health or in person). We’ll respond promptly to schedule an initial consultation or intake appointment during our administrative hours.
Contact us
Create New Client Portal
A new client portal account should only be completed after an initial appointment has been scheduled. If you have not yet booked your first appointment, please complete the Contact Information form.
