Licensed Professionals in Monitoring Programs

Therapy for nurses, physicians and other licensed professionals in PRN, IPN or other monitoring

Part of The ShieldMee Guide: Substance Use & Gambling →

“If I lose my license, I lose everything.”

“I’m the one people come to. Now I’m the patient.”

“I don’t know how much I can say in here.”

“I’m only here because they’re making me.”

If you’re a nurse, physician, pharmacist or other licensed professional in a monitoring program, the stakes feel enormous.

Your career, your income and a big part of who you are may feel like they’re on the line.

What monitoring programs are

In Florida, the Professionals Resource Network (PRN) and the Intervention Project for Nurses (IPN) are the state’s programs for licensed health care professionals dealing with substance use, mental health or other conditions that could affect safe practice.

Other professions, like attorneys and pilots, have their own programs.

Monitoring usually means a contract: treatment, testing, check-ins and reports for a set period of time.

For many people, it’s the hardest season of their career. It can also be the start of real recovery.

What makes this different from regular therapy

You may have to be here. Feeling resentful about being mandated is normal. We can start there.

Privacy is more complicated. Your contract may require that some information is shared with your program. We talk openly about what is shared, with whom, and under which signed releases, so there are no surprises.

The role reversal is hard. You’re used to being the helper. Being the one who needs help can bring deep shame.

Your identity is tied to your work. The fear of losing your career can feel like the fear of losing yourself.

Safety comes first

A license or career crisis is a dangerous time. Shame, legal stress, money worries and relapse can pile up fast.

If you’re having thoughts of ending your life, call or text 988 right now. Health care professionals have higher rates of suicide than many other groups. Reaching out is not a failure. It’s the professional thing to do.

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Monitoring and your relationship

Your partner and family are living this too.

They may be scared about money, angry about what was hidden, or worn out from keeping the secret.

Trust may need rebuilding at home, not just with your program.

Couples and family sessions can help everyone talk about what happened and what recovery looks like now.

If conflict in your relationship includes threats, hitting, pushing, or one partner controlling the other’s money, phone or movements, that’s not a communication problem. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. It’s free and open 24/7.

How I work

I regularly work with professionals in monitoring, and my background spans forensic, institutional and private practice settings.

I pay close attention to language. People under monitoring often speak carefully, saying what sounds right. Over time, we work toward what’s actually true, within the limits of your contract.

I look at the whole system: your work, your family, your program, and the pressures that led here.

Case managers, monitoring coordinators and attorneys: referrals are welcome. Please reach out through my contact page.

You might recognize yourself here

  • You’re in PRN, IPN or another monitoring program, or about to be.
  • You feel shame about needing help.
  • You’re unsure what you can safely say in therapy.
  • You resent being required to attend.
  • Your family is struggling with what happened.
  • You want to keep your license and actually get better.

Who this work is for

  • Licensed professionals in Florida in or entering monitoring
  • Nurses, physicians, pharmacists and other health care workers
  • Partners and families of monitored professionals
  • Spanish-speaking or bilingual professionals and families

Please check with your program about whether I meet their requirements for your contract before you book.

Who this isn’t for

I work with adults. If you are under 18, this page is not describing services for you.

If you are in immediate danger or thinking about suicide, call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

If you need detox or a higher level of care, that comes first. I can help you think through next steps.

Sessions must take place while you are physically located in Florida.

Start with where you are

You don’t have to have it figured out.

You can start with one sentence:

“I’m in monitoring, and I’m scared.”

We can start there.

In-network with Aetna, Cigna, Florida Blue, UnitedHealthcare and more through Headway · 53-minute sessions
Telehealth anywhere in Florida · English / Español

In crisis? Call or text 988.

Frequently asked questions

Will you report what I say to my program?

Only what your contract and your signed releases require. We go over exactly what gets shared before we begin.

Are you an approved provider for my program?

Programs have their own rules. Please confirm with your case manager that my services meet your contract requirements.

Can my partner come too?

Yes. I see individuals, couples and families. Whether couples sessions are covered depends on your insurance plan. You’ll see your estimated cost on my Headway page before you book.

Do you offer therapy in Spanish?

Yes. Sessions can be in Spanish, English, or both.

How much does therapy cost?

It depends on your insurance plan. Most clients pay a copay or coinsurance. You’ll see your estimated cost on my Headway page before you book.

Do you take insurance?

Yes. I’m in-network with Aetna, Cigna, Florida Blue, UnitedHealthcare, Oscar, and other plans through Headway. Check your coverage and book on my Headway page.

When can I start?

Appointments are generally available the next day or within the same week, every day except Saturday.

Eduardo Florez, LMHC

Eduardo Florez, LMHC

Eduardo Florez, LMHC, has worked across forensic, institutional and private practice settings. He is the founder and clinical director of ShieldMee, a Florida nonprofit telehealth practice, and works bilingually with couples in crisis and clients for whom therapy hasn’t worked before.

About Eduardo →

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ShieldMee offers telehealth therapy across Florida for individuals, couples, and families. Insurance accepted through Headway.

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If you're in crisis, call or text 988 any time.