Hi! I’m Dr. Cortnie S. Baity, LMFT.

Many call me Dr. Cortnie, Dr. Baity, Dr. C, or Doc.

I am the owner of Onward and Upward Psychotherapy & Consulting Services, LLC. We are a Fort Lauderdale, FL based mental healthcare, education, and consulting service provider.

I am fully licensed psychotherapist in the states of Florida (MT4057) , Georgia (MFT001905), and soon New York.

You may be wondering how did I come up with the name of my practice, so here's my story. "Onward and Upward" is an idiom that means, "to move toward a higher or better condition". I believe that when people and businesses get to the point of considering and seeking out mental health, professional relationship support, and consulting services, that is exactly what they are hoping to do--to move toward a higher or better condition in the areas that they find difficult to navigate and succeed in.

I sit at the intersection of research, human development, and mental health, helping individuals and companies whose mission prioritizes improving life quality and creating social impact. 

My Approach as a Therapist

I believe that a safe space for vulnerability, transparency, effective communication, and support are vital for growth and overcoming life’s day-to-day challenges. I also believe through the gain of guidance, clarity, empowerment, and commitment to change-oriented behaviors, clients can begin to experience the healing they deserve. I am a therapist that recognizes that are limited safe spaces in the world to lay down our psychological/relational burdens, so I do not take the privilege of being invited into my client's most private and protected worlds lightly. I am a therapist that believes in the healing power of meaningful, healthy social connections.

My Approach a Educator

As an educator in corporate and community settings, I foster curiosity, critical thinking, and collaboration. By creating inclusive environments and leveraging technology, I empower individuals to thrive, adapt, and contribute effectively in a rapidly changing world.

My Approach as a Clinical Trials Rater/Consultant

Leverage my PhD-level expertise in research, human development, and mental health to enhance your clinical trials. With meticulous attention to detail and a compassionate approach, I ensure accurate assessment of participant well-being. My commitment to ethical standards and holistic health aligns with your mission of developing safe, effective treatments. Join me at Pfizer to drive innovation and positively impact countless lives worldwide through advanced medical research.

My Commitment to You

I identify myself as an avid, life-long student.  I am always reading a new book, taking a training, and searching for a deeper understanding of the human experience. As such, I believe that the burden of knowledge is two-fold, such that learning obligates us to both, 1) application and 2) teaching others. My services reflect this personal belief.  I enjoy educating and empowering through knowledge. Additionally, just as  I hold my clients accountable to newly gained information and high ethics, I hold myself to the same standard of expectations, to the best of my ability.

It is my intention to provide a service that reflectsa living example of the success that is possible when we consistently apply good information.

This is important because seeing ourselves in someone else’s success story can be incredibly empowering.