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Vetted

Candace Shim(She/Her/Hers)

(She/Her/Hers)
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LMHC
Florida
Anxiety - Trauma-College & graduate student mental health-Life coaching-Adjustment difficulties & disorders- Relationship issues-

See Candace's Details for:

Many health insurance plans reimburse 50-80% of session fees with out-of-network therapists. Learn if your plan qualifies.

AboutSpecialtiesLocationsInsurance & FeesTestimonials

Professional statement

Candace Shim, LMHC, NCC, is a Florida-based therapist with over 25 years of experience helping individuals navigate life’s most stressful and transformative moments. Candace creates a warm, judgment-free space for clients to explore their emotions, work through challenges, and build the skills they need to lead more confident and fulfilling lives.

Candace specializes in working with college students, young adults, and adults managing anxiety, low self-esteem, workplace stress, trauma, and difficult life transitions. Her clients often struggle with perfectionism, people-pleasing, relationship issues, or a sense of feeling lost or overwhelmed. Whether you’re dealing with burnout, navigating identity questions, or trying to rebuild after trauma, Candace supports you in identifying patterns, gaining clarity, and developing healthier coping tools.

Her approach blends evidence-based methods such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and EMDR with a strengths-based, culturally responsive perspective. She integrates education on communication, boundaries, and emotion regulation to help clients improve relationships and reclaim their personal power.

Candace is passionate about providing affirming care for BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ clients and is committed to creating a therapeutic space where all identities are respected and supported.


Message to clients

I understand how difficult it can be to ask for help — especially when you’re used to handling things on your own. Therapy is about investing in yourself and your wellbeing.

I look forward to working with you to meet your goals of boosting your confidence, reducing anxiety, improving relationships, and helping you create a happier life. I understand that all of these goals are essential components of a healthy lifestyle and can help you find the best possible solution to meet your individual needs.

My practice offers personalized therapies tailored to each client’s unique situation. My therapies and treatment methods include both traditional and evidence-based techniques, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused, EMDR, and Trauma Focused Therapy. These evidence-based therapies can help you develop effective coping techniques and strategies to help manage anxiety, build confidence, and establish healthier relationships.

I work with clients who want to feel more confident, reduce anxiety, improve their relationships, and gain control over their emotional lives. We’ll set clear goals together and use proven strategies tailored to your unique needs. Whether you're dealing with a current challenge or unpacking the impact of past experiences, I’m here to help you feel more grounded, empowered, and at peace.

Let’s connect for a free consultation — I’d be honored to support you.


Work and Education

Years of Experience: 30 years

Tranquility Counseling Center, Therapist/Owner, 2022 - Present
Manatee County Schools, Counselor, 2023 - Present
Polk County Public Schools, Counselor, 2005 - 2023
Center for Drug Free Living, Counselor/Director , 1996 - 2005
Orange County Public Schools, Counselor , 1997 - 2002

Florida State University , MS/EdS Counseling and Human Systems, 1996

Licensure

Florida: MH5879

Languages

English

Specialties

Anxiety - Coping with excessive worry, nervousness, or stress; intense discomfort in social settings (social anxiety); sudden and intense feelings of panic (panic disorder)

Trauma - Coping and healing after threatening or scary events, such as witnessing accidents or experiencing sexual, verbal, emotional, or physical abuse

College & graduate student mental health - Specialized strategies for common issues of young adulthood, including school and career stressors, support around healthy relationships, existential concerns, drug or alcohol issues, eating disorders, and anxiety and/or depression.

Life coaching - Identifying intentions and implementing strategies to build resilience and work towards one’s personal, health, or career goals

Adjustment difficulties & disorders - Support around adapting to new and/or challenging life circumstances; skill-building for improved stress management and reduction of anxiety.

Relationship issues - Understanding one’s wants and needs in relationships; exploring patterns of interaction, addressing concerns, and strengthening satisfaction in relationships and dating




Clientele

  • Adults (24+)
  • Parents
  • Young adults (18-24)

Locations & Hours

Currently accepting virtual clients


Insurance

  • Aetna
  • Aetna Student Health Insurance
  • Ambetter
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield
  • Cigna
  • Florida Blue
  • Optum
  • Oscar Health
  • United Healthcare
  • United Healthcare Student Health Plan

Candace Shim is accepting clients using listed insurances, paying listed fees, or using health insurance out-of-network benefits other than:

  • Oxford Health Plans
  • UMR


Out-of-pocket fees

Get reimbursed for sessions with Candace Shim

Many health insurance plans reimburse 50-80% of session fees with out-of-network therapists. Learn if your health insurance plan qualifies.

  • Individual sessions:$125 (50min)
  • Initial session:$125 (50min)

Additional session information

Out-of-network billing options

This provider can support you in getting reimbursement from your insurance company if you are seeking out-of-network reimbursement. Here are the out-of-network billing options they provide:

  • Super billing
  • Direct billing
Payment options
  • Cash
  • Debit Card
  • Venmo
Session frequency

Frequency of sessions this provider offers to see clients once you are an established client.

  • Weekly
  • Monthly
  • Every other week
  • Every other month
  • As needed
Therapist's note

I use Grow, Headway, and Alma for insurance billing.


Client testimonials

"I can't recommend Candace enough for anyone looking for a therapist for their young adult or college-age child. She has an incredible ability to connect with my 17 and 19 year old's and make them feel understood and supported. Her approach is compassionate, non-judgmental, and tailored to their unique needs. In only a couple of sessions I have seen a positive shift in my both of my kids confidence and overall well-being. If you're looking for a therapist who truly gets the challenges young adults face today, Candace is a fantastic choice.- MS"
- Zencare client February 2025
"Our call went very well, I can’t wait to start working with Candace."
- Zencare client July 2025
"She is easy to talk to."
- Zencare client August 2025

Book a Free Initial Consultation

The practice will call you for a free 10 minute phone call to discuss your needs and ensure a match!

This provider has no upcoming call times available.