Orlando Therapist Rebecca White Killed in Office Stabbing, Prompting Broader Safety Review for Clinicians

A fatal attack inside a counseling office

A Central Florida mental health counselor was killed in a stabbing inside her workplace on Jan. 19, 2026, a case that has shaken Orlando’s therapist community and renewed questions about personal safety in outpatient behavioral health settings.

Investigators identified the victim as Rebecca White, 44, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor who operated a private practice on Lee Road in Orlando. Deputies said the attack occurred around 9 p.m. when a former client arrived at the office and demanded to speak with her. Authorities said White asked the man to leave and attempted to call 911 before she and another client were attacked.

The second victim, a man in his 30s who had been attending a session, was stabbed while attempting to contact emergency services. He was transported to a hospital and underwent surgery. Law enforcement has said he is expected to recover.

Suspect identified; death ruled apparent suicide

The suspect was identified as Michael Smith, 39, described by investigators as a former client of White. After the stabbing, deputies said Smith fled. He was later found dead the next morning in Orange County, and authorities have described the death as an apparent suicide.

Officials have not publicly detailed a motive. Public records referenced by law enforcement indicate Smith had a prior criminal history in Palm Beach County that included sex offense and kidnapping-related charges.

Professional grief and practical concerns

White’s death has prompted grief across professional circles where clinicians often work in one-on-one environments, frequently without dedicated security. Colleagues and community members have described the loss as devastating, with some therapists privately reevaluating how to manage risk when a former client reappears unexpectedly.

Many outpatient practices rely on controlled access, predictable scheduling, and de-escalation training—measures that can be difficult to maintain in small offices where clinicians work alone.

What safety planning can realistically cover

In the aftermath, the incident has highlighted how safety protocols in private practices can vary widely. Typical tools used across the industry include:

• Locked entry doors and check-in procedures that prevent walk-ins from reaching therapy rooms unannounced
• Clear policies for terminating treatment and documenting threats or boundary violations
• Staffed front desks, panic buttons, or monitored cameras in common areas
• Coordination with property managers and law enforcement on trespass warnings when appropriate

Even with safeguards, therapists often serve clients in distress, and the boundary between clinical care and personal security can be difficult to navigate—particularly in solo practices where budgets and staffing are limited.

Ongoing investigation

Authorities have continued investigating the circumstances leading up to the attack, including the suspect’s movements and how he accessed the office. White’s death has left clients, peers, and the wider community grappling with the human toll of violence in a setting designed for care and recovery.

If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the U.S. can be reached by calling or texting 988.