Lela Bloodsworth, LMHC

Less than zero...This “professional” couldn’t be farther from the definition. She only cares about her public image and who will serve her the best in that forum. She has zero interest in the victims, which in our case is the minor children. If you are misfortunate enough to be ordered to have therapeutic visits under her supervision (I use the term therapeutic so very loosely), beware that your situation will most definitely get worse. If your attorney or the other attorney, or judge specifically request her, run! I cannot Express that loudly enough. If and when you have endured an intake session with her she will most likely tell you “I’m sure you have read negative reviews but each case is different” , just like she did with us. She came across as being unbiased and “for the children”, she even told us of the many concerns she had with the offending parent (the birth mother in our case). She said she could not believe that these poor minor children were still having to endure repeated abuse and that she would make sure it didn’t continue. Then when the visits began, her mask came off. She yelled at the children, told them they had to call her “mom”, that they were wrong and basically it was their fault they were where they were. Countless times the children came out of these “therapeutic” visits crying and feeling defeated...the nightmares started up again as did their stress levels. The children felt attacked by Leal during “family sessions “ with their birth mother and Lela because they were hanged up upon by Lela and the offending birth mother. The birth mother told both of the kids that she didn’t want to see them anymore. The fantastically horrible Judge who doesn’t have anything resembling a backbone said she couldn’t do that and had to see the kids. Now, amidst COVID-19, she’s decided to make it seem (again) that we are “refusing” visits...just because we asked her to let us know what safety measures she is taking in her office to ensure the kids safety. One of the minor children has a medical condition that makes exposure to the virus potentially deadly. But that doesn’t matter. Lela calls the offending parents attorney and says we are “refusing” to schedule visits even though all we want is to make sure the children are safe.

She is a dreadfully vile and toxic sorry excuse for a human. She protests to be a “child advocate” but isn’t even close to that and profits from her irresponsible behavior.

Additionally, her current and last “assistants” have posted rave reviews about her in multiple sites. Is that what it takes to be in her employ? Perhaps there are other past assistants who have given her rave reviews and no longer work for her because they saw the true devil that she is. I am not a person to post any kind of reviews but when it comes to helpless children that no one listens to, even the judge who refuses to talk to them, I feel like I have no choice. They have no voice. What a pathetic world we live in. The Pinellas county Judicial system needs some serious scrutiny because they are not acting on behalf of the actual victims. Pathetic.

If you have had a similar experience (pretty sure you have) and are serious about filing complaints then please do what we have and file the following:

Health Care Provider Complaint Form via Florida Statute 456.073 on the Florida Health website. You can submit your detailed complaint and email, fax, or mail the form to Tallahassee. It is highly recommended that you do so we can get this person away from our children and families. More...

One of the things I admire most about Lela Bloodsworth is her ability to say hard things. She won't tiptoe around the truth to make you feel more comfortable; if she feels a hard truth needs to be shared to help better yourself or the situation, she is going to say it. I can't speak for anyone else, but I know if I am going to hire a professional to help me in a personal way, I want someone who is unafraid of sharing with me like that. I want someone who sees the bigger picture at play and knows how to guide me to get through my difficulties. She does that. Lela Bloodsworth is a valuable resource that can aide through so many of life's difficulties. Five stars all the way! I definitely recommend her if you are in need of help. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

Lela has been great for my family. She’s focused on the best thing for the kids, and she’s great at shutting down nonsense from either party. Highly recommend if in a high conflict co-parenting situation. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

Outstanding help and motivation, amazing therapist. Very competent and compassionate! I can’t thank Mrs Bloodsworth enough! Don’t understand or believe the bad reviews on here, go get to know her in person! She’s very caring and great human being! More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

Lela is a leader in her field. She is a creative, "in your face" professional who will fight for the best interest of children. She educates all of the legal profession in the importance of avoiding childhood trauma and is well-respected by judges and attorneys. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps