What patients are saying
Overall rating
5.00
Average wait time
5.00
Bedside manner
5.00
“had a very positive experience with Dr. Prather. He is highly educated, intelligent, and brings a great deal of knowledge into each session. I appreciated how involved he was throughout the process - actively listening, asking thoughtful questions, and helping me look at challenges from new perspectives. The use of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy was very effective, and I felt supported while also being guided toward practical problem-solving strategies. I would definitely recommend him and plan to continue my sessions.”
Initials hiddenAugust 23, 2025Video visit
“Walter has not just been the best therapist to work with, but he became a good friend who is honestly very invested in you as a person and very caring, compassionate, and receptive. He has helped me and my husband so much as a couple, but also as individuals, helping each of us learn how to be more compassionate towards each other and ourselves, which in turn has improved our relationship with each other, ourselves, and others. I truly cannot thank him enough for everything he has done for us. I'm about to be a first time mom, and I value his advice and teachings so much I will be passing them down to my daughter, and any other future kids we may have, and that is something I don't think anyone else could have given us, thank you so much Walter!”
Less than 1 year ago
About Dr. Walter Prather
Focus areas
Anxiety
Stress Management
Clientele seen
Young adults (18-24)
Families
Adults (25-64)
Seniors (65+)
Treatment approaches
Acceptance and Commitment (ACT)
Solution Focused Brief (SFBT)
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Eclectic
Identity
Gender
MaleEthnicity
White
Languages spoken
English
Getting to know Dr. Walter Prather
Anxiety, depression, and relationship issues are experiences many of us face at different points in our lives. If you feel overwhelmed by negative emotions or believe you are struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or a combination of stressors affecting your peace of mind and relationships, we may be a good fit. You are not alone in your struggles, and you deserve to regain the peace and joy that may feel out of reach right now. My primary goal is to help you move from merely feeling good to truly living well.
I draw from a range of educational, career, and life experiences to support individuals holistically. I hold a PhD in Counseling from Florida State University and am a licensed marriage and family therapist as well as a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst with over 30 years of experience. My therapeutic approach combines Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Process-Based Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with mind-body techniques. I employ compassion, positive psychology, and mindfulness to help adults and adolescents reach their fullest potential.
Therapy provides a safe space to address mental health struggles and overcome challenges. My methods—particularly ACT, CBT, and Positive Psychology—are effective in treating issues such as addiction, anxiety, depression, anger, and trauma. They also support individuals and couples facing relationship or parenting difficulties.
Through ACT, you will learn to be more psychologically present, connect with your values, and make space for life’s inevitable pain. You will also discover how to take actionable steps despite emotional discomfort and cultivate an appreciation for each moment in your life.
While my specialty is brief therapy, some situations may require an extended therapeutic relationship, which can be especially beneficial for adults and parents dealing with complex mental health challenges and navigating difficult child-rearing adjustments at home.
What should a new client know about working with you?
Dr. Prather applies the power of compassion and understanding with the tenets of cognitive behavioral therapy to help adults and adolescents achieve their best selves. He views therapy as a safe place to explore stress, anxiety, sadness, or loneliness. Regarding work with adults, he believes that people need to feel that someone understands them and has compassion for their struggles - those places where they get in their own way. As such, people not only need help identifying their goals and developing strategies to achieve them, but also an understanding of how dysfunctional thoughts or beliefs can lead to conflict between what they want to do and what they actually do. This treatment approach, along with solution-focused therapy, is the cornerstone of Dr. Prather’s therapy.
What is your typical process for working with clients?
Payment is due after each session and will be charged with your card on file for any portion of patient responsibility. Receipts will be provided at the time of the charge. This typically takes place 2-4 weeks after the session, once your insurance has had a chance to process the claim. We try our best to verify eligibility, but it is ultimately your responsibility to check coverage and out-of-pocket costs for services. For out-of-network visits, you will be billed at the provider’s self-pay rate, and we can provide an invoice for you to submit to your insurance for potential out-of-network reimbursement based on your plan’s benefits.
Is this doctor in your insurance network?
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In-network insurances
Aetna
BlueCross BlueShield
Cigna
UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare Oxford
Education and background
Practice names
Education and training
- Florida State University, PhD in Counseling
NPI number
1427268309
Patient reviews
All reviews have been submitted by patients after interacting with the practice.
Overall rating
5.00
Wait time
5.00
Bedside manner
5.00
Your trust is our top concern, so providers can't pay to alter or remove reviews. We also don't publish reviews that contain any private patient health information. Learn more here
21 reviews
Most relevant
Dr. Prather offered real feedback and wasn’t caught up in my reasons. I needed to hear what he had to say.
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
I love his style of counseling and his methods are working to help our relationship
Less than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
he is soo good in identify the problem & quick for a solution that it working
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
Dr Walt is a real profesional . He is easy to open up to
Less than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
had a very positive experience with Dr. Prather. He is highly educated, intelligent, and brings a great deal of knowledge into each session. I appreciated how involved he was throughout the process - actively listening, asking thoughtful questions, and helping me look at challenges from new perspectives. The use of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy was very effective, and I felt supported while also being guided toward practical problem-solving strategies. I would definitely recommend him and plan to continue my sessions.
August 23, 2025Initials hiddenVideo visit
Walter has not just been the best therapist to work with, but he became a good friend who is honestly very invested in you as a person and very caring, compassionate, and receptive. He has helped me and my husband so much as a couple, but also as individuals, helping each of us learn how to be more compassionate towards each other and ourselves, which in turn has improved our relationship with each other, ourselves, and others. I truly cannot thank him enough for everything he has done for us. I'm about to be a first time mom, and I value his advice and teachings so much I will be passing them down to my daughter, and any other future kids we may have, and that is something I don't think anyone else could have given us, thank you so much Walter!
Less than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
His many years of being a Dr. was the main reason I chose him and I got a whole lot more! He’s not only Intelligent and solution oriented but he Challenges me and what I believe about myself. If you are like me and need to be reminded of who you are NOT and start recognizing the story you tell yourself then you’ll love Dr. Prather. He’s also very gentle and kind at the same time. I really enjoyed my time with him and will reach out again when I need a reminder of who I am NOT. Thanks Dr. P!
Less than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
Walter has been a wonderful therapist, in our short time together he has made me feel better and more importantly feel heard.
He does not judge and seems to genuinely care about me and my progress/goals. I look forward to future sessions and working towards a better path forward!
Less than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
Walter has not just been the best therapist to work with, but he became a good friend who is honestly very invested in you as a person and very caring, compassionate, and receptive. He has helped me and my husband so much as a couple, but also as individuals, helping each of us learn how to be more compassionate towards each other and ourselves, which in turn has improved our relationship with each other, ourselves, and others. I truly cannot thank him enough for everything he has done for us. I'm about to be a first time mom, and I value his advice and teachings so much I will be passing them down to my daughter, and any other future kids we may have, and that is something I don't think anyone else could have given us, thank you so much Walter!
Less than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
Walter is the perfect therapist. He is warm, authentic, brilliant, humble, supportive, and more. I cannot recommend him enough. He has helped me navigate life in a new, lighter, and more open mindset. I love having him as my support person. I had an issue with my insurance at the start of the year and had to see another therapist for a few weeks. I missed Walter so much I spent hours back and forth with insurance to get Walter back. He is that good. No other therapists compare. He is supportive yet challenging, solution-oriented yet soft. I will recommend him to anyone!
Less than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
For the above therapy style I wanted to select all of them. I have always wanted to be a great parent and tried very hard to be, but I ALWAYS felt stuck and fell short. Thank God for Dr. Prather. He has taught me mindfulness, how to think with my values, and be in the moment. These are all things I did not understand but always wanted. I finally have felt that beautiful sunset felling when I'm parenting. Dr. Prather helped complete me and now I really am a great father and husband. Thank you
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
Unfortunately we were beyond saving as a couple. Walter is an excellent therapist and would highly recommend him to anyone seeking help.
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
February 16, 2026Brian R.Verified patientVideo visit
January 23, 2026Arien E.Verified patientVideo visit
Less than 6 months agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
April 21, 2025Mario B.Verified patientVideo visit
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
More than 1 year agoInitials hiddenSource: Partner
How soon can I make an appointment with Dr. Walter Prather?
Generally, Dr. Walter Prather has appointments available on Zocdoc within 1 week. You can see Dr. Prather's earliest availability on Zocdoc and make an appointment online.
Is Dr. Walter Prather accepting new patients?
Dr. Walter Prather generally accepts new patients on Zocdoc. You can see Dr. Prather's earliest availability on Zocdoc and schedule an appointment online.
Does Dr. Walter Prather accept my insurance?
Choose your insurance plan to verify if Dr. Prather is in-network.
Can I make an appointment with Dr. Walter Prather online?
Yes, you can make an appointment online with Dr. Prather using Zocdoc. It’s simple, secure, and free.
What practice does Dr. Walter Prather work with?
Dr. Walter Prather works with Grow Therapy.
What are common reasons for patients to see Dr. Walter Prather?
Dr. Walter Prather frequently sees patients for Depression, Psychotherapy, Psychotherapy Intake / Initial Visit, Sleep Problems, and Therapy. You can see other visit reasons for Dr. Walter Prather on their profile.
What languages does Dr. Walter Prather speak?
Dr. Walter Prather speaks English.
How do patients rate Dr. Walter Prather in reviews?
21 patients have reviewed Dr. Walter Prather. The overall rating for this doctor is 5/5. They have a 5/5 rating for bedside manner and a 5/5 rating for wait time. You can read individual reviews and ratings on their profile.