Marlene F. Sands, RMHCI, brings over 15 years of mental health experience across state psychiatric hospitals, private practice, and forensic mental health services to her work with patients navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, and serious mental illness.
Credentials & Experience
Ms. Sands completed her mental health counseling education at Nova Southeastern University and is a Registered Mental Health Counselor Intern (RMHCI) in Florida. Her 15-plus years in the mental health field span a notably wide range of clinical settings, including state mental health hospitals, private practice, and forensic mental health services — where her work has included conducting competency evaluations to determine whether individuals are competent to stand trial.
Specialties & Conditions Treated
Ms. Sands specializes in treating anxiety disorders, depression and other mood disorders, trauma and PTSD, bipolar disorder, grief, schizophrenia, and other psychotic disorders. Her cross-setting experience equips her to support patients across the full spectrum of psychiatric acuity.
Approach to Care
Patients can expect a compassionate, supportive, and nonjudgmental approach to treatment with Ms. Sands. She believes in creating a safe and collaborative environment where individuals feel heard, respected, and empowered throughout their mental health journey. Her treatment approach is personalized to each patient’s unique needs and may include evidence-based interventions, psychoeducation, and supportive therapy. With over 15 years of experience across state hospitals, private practice, and forensic settings, she understands the importance of building trust and developing practical treatment plans that promote stability, growth, and overall well-being.
What to Expect in Your First Session
Your first appointment with Ms. Sands is focused on understanding your story — what’s brought you in, what you’ve tried before, and what you’d like therapy to help you accomplish. She works closely with patients from the start to identify clear goals, develop coping skills, and build a treatment plan oriented toward meaningful progress and improved daily functioning.
Languages & Patient Populations
Ms. Sands sees patients in English and has experience working with a diverse range of patient populations including adolescents, adults, and geriatric patients. Her clinical background includes treating individuals with severe and persistent mental illness, individuals involved in the forensic mental health system, and patients experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, bipolar disorder, and psychotic disorders. She has also worked extensively with underserved and culturally diverse populations in both inpatient and outpatient settings, providing compassionate, patient-centered care tailored to each individual’s unique needs and life experiences.
Conditions & Services Treated
- Anxiety Disorders — for adolescents, adults, and seniors
- Depression & Mood Disorders — evidence-based therapy
- Trauma & PTSD — trauma-informed care
- Bipolar Disorder — supportive, experienced clinical care
- Schizophrenia & Psychotic Disorders — specialized clinical experience
- Grief & Loss — compassionate support through life transitions
- Forensic Mental Health — competency evaluation experience