Athens is one creative city, and your mental health can take a turn for the better with a counselor in Athens.  Being the 6th largest city in Georgia, it’s a hub for many people, and many flock to it because of the rock prevalence of alternative rock and other popular bands.

You can kickstart your creativity today with the help of a counselor, and really benefit from these services while living in Athens. 

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Dr. Michael Becerra

Offering therapy in GA
License: LPC,CPCS,CRC
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am a counselor licensed in Georgia, New Hampshire, and New Jersey with more than ten years of experience working in the community, school districts, college campuses and vocational rehabilitation agencies. I have worked with clients regarding disability, stress and anxiety, immigration, mens issues, career and life transitions, relationships, motivation and confidence issues. I also spent six years living in Colombia working with intercultural heterosexual and gay couples, as well as US expats and volunteers orientating to life abroad. My counseling style is laid back and interactive. My humanistic theoretical framework for therapy is shaped by Adlerian psychology, which is one of growth and social interest. I also work with solution-focused and developmental approaches to meet your individual needs. Alfred Adler believed that mentally healthy people strive to master their basic life tasks that represent the challenges of work, friendship, love/intimacy. Your motivation to seek therapy demonstrates it. Count on my support and empowerment when you are ready to take that step. I look forward to working with you!

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Dr. Denise Finney

Offering therapy in GA
License: PhD,LPC
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemDepression
35 years of experience

I hold a Doctorate Degree in Counseling Studies and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor practicing in South Carolina and Georgia. I am a member of the National Association for Mental Health Counselors and the American Counselors Association. For the past thirty years, my experience in the counseling field includes individual and group counseling. I address concerns such as anxiety, depression, anger management, and stress management. My primary therapeutic approach is Cognitive Behavior Therapy which looks at an individual’s beliefs and behaviors. I utilize multiple approaches to therapy to allow me to tailor therapy to fit each client. My passion for counseling is my belief that each person has a personal story to share and the power of the listening ear should never be underestimated. I will utilize my experienced listening skill to assist you in feeling empowered outside of counseling sessions. I look forward to working with you!

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William Barnes

Offering therapy in GA
License: M.Div., LMFT
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGrief
30 years of experience

I am a Marriage and Family Therapist and have an extensive background as a Pastoral Counselor with many years of experience working with all kinds of couples. Relationships are one of my fortes. It always takes courage and strength to work on one's relationship and those who choose to do so are my heroes. I have worked with couples who are anticipating becoming couples, couples who are considering divorce, couples just desiring to improve their relationship, with infidelity and infertility issues, with a range of personality issues, conflict resolution, grief/loss issues, family issues and a host of other relationship challenges. I am always on the side of what is best for the relationship. My work is couple focused with a emphasis on couple participation and work being done both inside and outside of the sessions. I seek to work with you to find the most effective, healthy and meaningful solutions to your concerns and to equip you with the ways to keep moving forward even when therapy is over. I have been fortunate to have couples return to me just to have a relationship "check up" from time to time. Some of the methods I use in my counseling include: Emotionally Focused Therapy, Psychotherapy, Split and Conjoint sessions, and Solution Focused Therapy. It is most important to use what is effective for your unique situation. There is always good hope for couple/relationship health and success if we work together. Relationships can win. I feel I bring together the best of both clinical and theological skills to effective and proven practice.

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Iréné Celcer

Offering therapy in GA
License: LCSW,MA,Licenciada en Psiclogía
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesEating disordersDepressionCoping with life changes
30 years of experience

Hello and Hola, I am a bilingual and bicultural psychotherapist licensed in Ga as a social worker with degrees from New York and California, and Argentina. I know South America's culture and some European countries like Spain, France, and Poland. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, stress, body image problems, compulsive eating, binge eating disorder, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, LGBTQIA challenges, and emotional abuse. We all have a body and a mind. Sometimes we hate our bodies, and our minds give us grief. We all need to learn to live in our bodies whether we like our looks or not. For some who are spiritual, the struggle breaks havoc in their spiritual lives as well. I will be honored to be a part of your journey to feel whole again. I believe in respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in labeling people. My approach combines a psychodynamic understanding of your situation, teaching mindfulness, and showing you a cognitive-behavioral approach to the problem at hand. All of this with a humanistic approach. The parents, the adults, the young adults I have worked and work with deserve respect as an important element to feel whole. I also believe no one knows you better than yourself, and that is why you need to be in the driver's seat of your own treatment. You and I will tailor our dialogs and the treatment plan according to your mental time to meet your unique and specific needs. I look forward to working with you! iréné celcer MA, LCSW

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Sharrisse El Amrani

Offering therapy in GA
License: M.A. ,LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
8 years of experience

Greetings, My name is Sharrisse Amrani LPC. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Georgia. I have worked in the mental health field for over 10 years, and my expertise is related to working with individuals that experience hardships such as divorce, change, and etc, as well as symptoms of depression, anxiety, mood disorders, and etc. I specialize in working with all ages with trauma. My therapeutic lens is person centered and humanistic, in which my clients are seen as the expert in their lives, while I assist and guide you through inner knowing, interpersonal changes, and healing. My goal is to assist people in working towards fulfilling their fullest potential, healing inner child wounding and trauma, and regaining a new perspective on life.

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Kelly Whitmire

Offering therapy in GA
License: LCSW
Family conflictsTrauma and abuseParenting issuesCoping with life changes
17 years of experience

Hello, I am a licensed clinical social worker in Georgia (LCSW) and I have been working in the counseling field since 2004. I have experience working with children, parents and families in many different settings. My work has included guiding families through issues related to neglect and abuse, foster care and adoption, blended families and communication issues. I have worked with parents who are struggling with stresses related to parenting children and teens. In addition, I love assisting women who are struggling with the pressures of motherhood to find peace and confidence in that role. Another one of my heartfelt passions involves supporting young adults navigating the intricate challenges of the adult world. In today's fast-paced environment, finding one's path can be an overwhelming journey. I derive immense fulfillment from aiding individuals in navigating this complexity, assisting them in managing stress, and collaboratively devising a personalized roadmap towards a fulfilling life. I mostly tend to draw from a client centered modality when in a therapeutic relationship with my clients. This means that I make consistent efforts to meet each client "where they are" and to allow a space where each client can feel heard and that their feelings are valued. I also pull from other modalities to guide my work, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Solution-Focused Therapy. I enjoy and feel honored to be a part of someone’s personal journey towards growth and peace. I provide a non-judgment, criticism free environment where my clients can feel safe to share their feelings and develop a plan to move forward to a place of peace and comfort. I look forward to working with you!

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Dr. Arline Edwards-Joseph

Offering therapy in GA
Relationship issuesParenting issuesCareer difficultiesDepression
25 years of experience

Greetings! I am honored that you have taken the time to visit my page. I applaud you for taking steps toward becoming your optimal self. I look forward to hearing about you and working with you on your unique life experiences. My name is Dr. Arline Edwards-Joseph, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Georgia. I also am a licensed school counselor, and a National Certified Counselor (NCC). I have experience working with children, adolescents, and adults both nationally and internationally, giving me the opportunity to work with clients of diverse cultural backgrounds. Working with different cultural backgrounds has given me the experience to help clients explore their thoughts and emotions about their life experiences such as trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, and loss, from their cultural vantage point. Having been in the counseling field for over 25 years, I strive to make sure that any client under my care gets the best services they deserve as they work on becoming their best selves as we build and develop a therapeutic, working relationship. I foster an environment that is built on trust and mutual respect, allowing for a space where the client can be comfortable and grow, drawing on the fact that you are the expert of your own story. I have experience working with elementary, middle, and high school students to help solve problems and address goals in the educational, career, and social-emotional domains. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, client-centered, and psychodynamic therapy. I also consider my client’s individual needs and work to ensure that I meet them where they are in their life’s journey, exploring their needs. SPECIALTIES • Stress, Anxiety • Parent/Child relationships/Parenting issues • Depression • Grief and loss • Multicultural issues • Immigration issues Also experienced in: Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Intimacy-related issues, Parenting issues, Anger management, Self-esteem, and Career difficulties. Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing

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Danielle Ramsey

Offering therapy in GA
Stress, AnxietyGriefAnger managementDepression
20 years of experience

I am licensed in Georgia with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, & anger management. I also have experience working with depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Tammy Luke

Offering therapy in GA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionADHD
18 years of experience

Good day to you! I’m Tammy, a licensed professional counselor, board certified rehabilitation counselor, psychometrist and trauma specialist with 18 years of experience providing therapeutic interventions (counseling/therapy, psychological testing and clinical assessment). I do believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process. My therapeutic orientation is Person Centered (Rogerian); However, I enjoy using an integrative approach to helping others reach their individualized goals in treatment. This includes the use of movies, books, and expressive arts as educational tools and a means to further explore aspects of our lives without the discomfort of directly talking about the experience(s), if those memories are too sensitive to explore in the very beginning. One of the most inspiring messages I received in the beginning of my career was this: Good therapy doesn’t look like therapy at all, but like a very good conversation. Some may disagree with this, but I’ve found that building a therapeutic alliance is essential in helping guide others toward the outcomes they so desire. So let’s have that very good conversation. You’re on a path toward healing, and I’d very much enjoy accompanying you on what may seem like a long, scary, and lonely road. A little about me: I am a native of northeast Georgia. I received my undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of Georgia and a masters degree in Rehabilitation Psychology from the University of Wisconsin. I’m a mother of three (17, 14 - special needs, 8) and huge fan of all things Disney, Marvel/MCU, Supernatural, and penguins (because I believe them to be the cutest, silliest of all creatures)! I enjoy time with family and friends, practicing capoeira, graphic design, walking around aimlessly in bookstores, attending conventions, and spreading positive light as best I can.

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Monica Shiver

Offering therapy in GA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Georgia, South Carolina and Florida with 19 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with relationship issues, & family conflicts. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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How to find counseling in Athens

Finding the best therapist close by in Athens can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area, you can find a therapist in your city that is accepting new clients and fits your goals. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage, family issues, or other emotional challenges, feel proud that you have begun your search to find the mental health care services that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing.

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Athens. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of therapy can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Athens, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.

It is also important to understand that mental health professionals in the United States are accredited to provide care, helping individuals and couples, with a variety of licenses. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinical psychologist or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

Mental health professionals working through their own in- person therapy practice in Athens or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, or change in negative thinking patterns. They may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain. Verified providers can provide licensed marriage and couples therapy, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.

There are all kinds of therapists working with clients today across the United States and in the greater Athens area in different types of therapy, including:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use therapy
  • Couples therapy

When you're ready to start your search and find therapists, have in mind what type of therapy you'd like your provider to be most experienced with and choose an experienced provider with a practice located near you in the city of Athens, elsewhere in Clarke, or in the greater state of Georgia.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Athens area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Athens therapist?

The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Athens due to a higher cost of living. The price also depends on the type of provider you are looking for. See the following average prices for various mental health providers without insurance:

  • Counseling with a psychiatrist: $150-$500
  • Counseling with therapists: $100-300
  • Therapy with a psychologist: $100

While many psychologists in Athens may not take health insurance, some in the state of Georgia may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With BetterHelp or clinicians throughout the state of Georgia you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).

How is a licensed therapist on this online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Athens, Georgia working on BetterHelp are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited as a doctor of psychology (PhD / PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW / LICSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). All of these psychology clinicians have a Masters Degree or a Doctorate Degree in their field of psychology sciences, and follow the APA Code of Ethics. They have been qualified and certified by their state's professional board after successfully completing the necessary education, exams, training and practice with a patient, and extensive experience in a healthcare clinic or treatment centers, in order to become a mental health provider. While their lived experience, expertise, careers, and background vary, they all possess at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience with adult and sometimes teen patients, and have the necessary therapist credentials to provide a safe space for long lasting emotional healing in therapy. 

Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from psychiatrists to prescribe a drug as treatment, or perform psychological assessments.

How does working with a counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?

BetterHelp clinicians treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Athens above, can work with young adults, children, adolescents, and adults virtually as an accredited licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). You do not have to commute to a an office as a psychotherapy client.

Through BetterHelp therapy, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, use the in app journaling feature, and receive worksheets. You'll also find support groups or group therapy lead by a therapist in Athens helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety or depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. 

What mental health issues can psychotherapy address?

BetterHelp's verified Athens therapists specialize and have clinical experience in a wide range of mental health issues and modalities, helping clients to feel better and improve their lives every day. See below for examples.

Specialties on BetterHelp include:

You may also be struggling with relationship problems that could be addressed in couples therapy or with a sex therapist. In that case, you may choose to work with one of BetterHelp's experienced cognitive-behavioral therapists or licensed marriage family therapists (LMFT) who work with clients in relationships. You can also try a Athens therapy provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide. 

How do I know if online counseling is right for my family?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a therapist is the validation and active listening they can provide. Your friends and loved ones may also be available to listen, but you may feel that they may lack the skills to provide objective guidance. Counselors are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

A psychologist in your city can support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health, life concerns, or healing needs. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another good benefit of therapy is having an understanding, safe space with a non-judgmental party who can support you through challenging experiences.

Many people have sensitive topics that they may feel ashamed to discuss with their friends or partner. A Athens therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, such as art therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words.

With a lot of people in GA, providers may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles above and others within BetterHelp's team, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching to find a a nearby psychotherapist close to 30602 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Athens counselor?

Before seeing your therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the therapy process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist, any emotional pain you may feel, and the ways in which you hope to improve. When you attend your session, let them know if you have any concerns about therapy or feel unsure about what to talk about. They may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn why you're attending therapy.

Should I find a therapist or psychologist if I feel fine? 

Some simply don't feel the need to see a psychologist. However, some people may avoid attending therapy due to stigma or preconceived notions of what therapy entails. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback and advice. A Athens licensed clinical social worker may help you gain power over your life and emotions while you navigate day-to-day experiences.

Gaining a new perspective on yourself through various therapies might allow you to improve your self-esteem, work through relationships, and gain a better sense of your mental health goals. The success you may find through therapy can be dependent on your process.

People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles.

Is mental health care and therapy worth it? 

Therapy is effective and has the power to change individuals' lives. Each client is at a different stage of their emotional healing journey in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, skills, and goals. A psychologist can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities to help you feel your best and put you on the path to healing. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, a mental health professional has an understanding of various disorders like ADHD and depression with many hours of experience in treating adults in their practice. For this reason, seeing an evidence based psychologist in Athens, Georgia can be worth it. Over 41 million adults in the US attend therapy services each year, showing it's a popular option and is proven to be effective.

Athens has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into online therapy, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions?

The boundaries between you and a therapist are in place to help you and them regarding ethical concerns. Mental health professionals are held by ethical standards through the American Psychological Association (APA) and are not allowed to judge or harm their clients. If you are concerned about sharing details about yourself, feel free to withhold personal information. Their job in the therapeutic relationship is to create a safe place, help you gain a deeper understanding of your mental health, and support you. You might consider changing counselors if you don't feel safe or respected.

Stay up to date with the leading online counseling platform

To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.

Take some time today to learn more about the team of therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.

If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of Athens.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Athens:

30601, 30602, 30603, 30604, 30605, 30606, 30607, 30608, 30609, 30612, 30622, 30683

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