Orange County therapist fatally stabbed at office by former patient, deputies say

An Orange County therapist was stabbed to death at her office Monday by a former patient later found dead in an apparent suicide, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies responded around 9 p.m. to the office of mental health counselor Rebecca White, 44, on the 900 block of Lee Road, just west of Winter Park, where they found White and another man suffering from stab wounds.

White and the man were taken to a hospital, where White died of her injuries. The man, whose name was not released, underwent surgery and is expected to recover, deputies said.

Deputies identified the suspect as 39-year-old Michael Smith, a former client of White’s.

The man said he was a patient of White’s and had been attending a therapy session with her that ended at 9 p.m. Following the session, Smith entered White’s office and demanded to speak with her, but she told him to leave. When the other man told Smith he was calling 911, the suspect drew a knife and attacked them both, according to the release.

Smith was found dead from apparent suicide around 7:45 a.m. Tuesday at the 9000 block of Windy Ridge Road by deputies responding to a call of a man down.

On her website, White said she wanted her clients to know they’re not hopeless.

“I help you feel seen and heard. I help you find the words without demeaning and help you learn how to surround yourself with people you vibe with and get you,” she wrote. “People that bring out the best in you while you enjoy life. If you’re ready to get to work let’s work together.”