Florida Therapist Killed by Ex-Patient Who Stormed Office Before Taking Own Life

A Florida therapist was brutally stabbed to death after a former patient stormed into her office in a violent outburst — a shocking attack that ended with the suspect taking his own life hours later.

Rebecca White, 44, a licensed mental health counselor in Orange County, was in the middle of a session late Monday when a former patient, Michael Smith, burst into her medical office demanding to speak with her, according to WESH.

Authorities say Smith became violent almost immediately, stabbing White multiple times. When another patient — a man in his 30s — tried to intervene and help her, Smith attacked him as well, leaving him with severe stab wounds.

White was rushed to a nearby hospital, but doctors were unable to save her. The second victim underwent emergency surgery and remains in critical condition.

Smith fled the scene following the attack. Several hours later, police located him dead from an apparent suicide. Officials have not released details about how he took his own life or what may have motivated the attack.

Investigators confirmed Smith had a criminal history that included prior arrests for kidnapping and a sex offense, though it remains unclear how long ago he had been treated by White or why he targeted her.

White, a respected and well-known therapist in the community, had worked in mental health since 2008. She founded her private practice, Down to Earth Therapy Solutions, in 2022 after years of experience as a family therapist and as a behavioral health consultant for the Florida Department of Children and Families.

On her professional website, Rebecca White described her approach as compassionate and judgment-free, focused on helping clients move “beyond survival and toward thriving” by understanding their thoughts and emotions.