About Us
Shabana M. Churruca,
MS, LMHC, CAP
Owner
Welcome to Wiregrass Counseling — I’m so glad you’re here. Reaching out for support takes courage, and my goal is to provide a safe, compassionate space where you feel heard, valued, and empowered to grow. With over 30 years of experience in the mental health and substance use field, I have been serving the Wesley Chapel community in private practice since 2013. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified Addictions Professional, with specialized training in evidence-based approaches including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Enhancement Therapy, mindfulness-based practices, and Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) for trauma and mood-related concerns. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working with individuals, couples, and families navigating challenges such as anxiety, depression, trauma, and substance use. I believe that meaningful change begins in an environment built on trust, honesty, and hope. My role is to support you in exploring your experiences, building insight, and discovering new possibilities for healing and growth.
As my practice has grown, I have carefully selected a team of licensed professionals and registered interns whom I trust to provide the same high-quality, compassionate care that Wiregrass Counseling has come to be known for. Each member of our team shares a commitment to creating a supportive, ethical, and effective therapeutic experience for every client we serve. Every person I meet brings a unique story, and it would be an honor for me, or a member of my team, 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
Caily Vicenty, RMHCI
I believe every person’s story holds strength, even in its most difficult chapters. My goal as your therapist is to create a safe and supportive space where you feel heard, valued, and encouraged to discover the resilience within yourself. I am a Registered Clinical Mental Health Counselor Intern with a Master’s in Mental Health Counseling from Walden University. As a Wesley Chapel resident for over 25 years, I feel deeply connected to this community and I'm honored to serve those who call it home. My experience includes supporting children, adolescents, and families navigating trauma, foster care, depression, anxiety, and life transitions. My counseling style is warm, collaborative, and grounded in the belief that healing grows from connection and self-discovery. I integrate evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), play therapy, person-centered therapy, and strengths-based strategies within a trauma-informed and culturally sensitive framework. Clients often describe me as engaged and authentic — someone who listens deeply while also encouraging growth and meaningful change. Whether you are facing anxiety, depression, parenting challenges, or a major life transition, I would be honored to walk alongside you as you rediscover your strengths and create a path toward healing and wholeness.
Starting therapy can be intimidating and even feel a little awkward. Talking to someone you just met about things you might not even tell your closest friends can sound a little wild. That’s where I come in. I’m here to walk with you through that process. I specialize in helping people navigate grief, substance use, and life’s more overwhelming moments. These aren’t things anyone should have to carry on their own. My approach is collaborative and grounded in creating a space where you feel comfortable being honest. No judgment. No pressure. Therapy doesn’t have to feel cold or overly clinical to be effective. Real progress often comes from a balance of understanding, practical tools, and sometimes even moments of lightness along the way. I have specialized training in grief counseling and I'm certified in substance abuse counseling (MCAP). Whether you’re dealing with loss, working toward recovery, or feeling stuck in patterns that are hard to break, we’ll work together to find a way forward that feels realistic and sustainable. My goal is to provide a space where you can process, heal, and move forward at a pace that is uniquely yours. For clients who desire it, I’m also able to incorporate faith and spirituality into the counseling process. I also offer role-playing game (RPG)-based therapy for those interested in a more interactive and creative approach.
Jacob Stick,
LMHC, MCAP
I serve as the Administrative Assistant at Wiregrass Counseling and will often be the first point of contact for clients. I support scheduling, communication, and day-to-day operations to help ensure a smooth and welcoming experience. I am committed to providing organized, compassionate, and confidential support to both clients and clinicians.
Sandra Lavado
Administrative Assistant
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.
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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.
