There are plenty of professional counseling options available if you’re looking for a therapist in Athens, GA. Online therapy with a platform like BetterHelp offers treatment from the comfort of your home at a time that works for your schedule. Although BetterHelp does not offer psychiatric services, you can work with a qualified therapist to find a treatment approach that works for you.

At therapist can help you learn to cope with many of life’s challenges. With BetterHelp, you can find more than 30,000 providers with advanced training, including licensed clinical social workers, psychologists, and more. Using a holistic approach to treatment, a therapist can help you learn to manage symptoms of mental health conditions, like anxiety and depression, or deal with the psychological effects of a terminal illness or chronic illness. Therapy can also be an excellent place to explore personal growth and work on your overall well-being if you’re feeling stuck in life. 

If you live in Athens, counseling services are readily available. Connect with a BetterHelp counselor below to learn more.

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Psychologist Dr. Ophelia Blackwell providing different types of therapy in Athens

Dr. Ophelia Blackwell

Clinician
License Type(s): KS LCPC LCPC 2305, GA LPC Lpc011218
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesDepression
17 years offering treatment

I am a licensed clinical professional counselor and a national certified clinical counselor. I completed my Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Supervision with an emphasis in marriage and family studies at Kansas State University. I have worked as a counselor for over 10 years in many settings which include, corrections, military, hospital, college, mental health agency and private practice. I have worked with all types of clients experiencing depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, anger, personality disorders and substance and alcohol abuse. My desire in therapy is to see individuals, couples, and families restored and healthy in every area of their lives. I use an integrative approach to therapy. My primary treatment approach is client-centered therapy. I find this approach beneficial because it helps to establish and maintain a strong therapeutic relationship. Additionally, I am a trained EMDR therapist, a Certified Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Specialist (CCBTS), and I utilize attachment approaches in my work with individuals, families, and couples who are experiencing distress in their interpersonal relationships.

Psychologist Katherine "Katie" Farner providing different types of therapy in Athens

Katherine "Katie" Farner

Clinician
License Type(s): AZ LPC LPC-17765, GA LPC LPC007725
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
19 years offering treatment

I am licensed in Arizona and Georgia with more than 10 years of professional work experience. I am a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor and can utilize different modalities to fit your needs. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma, abuse, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Psychologist Janice Withrow providing different types of therapy in Athens

Janice Withrow

Clinician
License Type(s): GA LPC LPC005442
Mental Wellness Specialties: Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseCareer difficultiesCoaching
17 years offering treatment

Serving more than fourteen years as a Georgia licensed professional and certified rehabilitation counselor has provided me with the opportunity to address individuals' needs who experience depression, anxiety, interpersonal and family challenges, grief and loss, caretaking challenges, trauma and stress, domestic violence, work, career concerns, disability management (neurocognitive and neurodevelopmental, TBI and vision), mood as well as psychotic and related disorders. Everyone experiences challenges in their life, and my approach is to find out where individuals tend to get "stuck", and enable them to identify concerns in order to move forward. Having a person centered approach that encourages exploration, resolution and wholeness. Engagement, encourages exploration and resolution of who we are, which is (mind) thoughts,(emotions) feelings, (body) physical and spirit (soul, rituals, beliefs, traditions, shadows) selves along with perceptions and blockages related to mother/father wounding. Various approaches are used in sessions including cognitive behavioral, psycho-dynamic, dialectical, narrative, mindfulness, attachment, emotionally and solution focused therapies. Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, EMDR (Certificate-Completion of Training) Owner of Inner Door Consulting, LLC. , "May your inner door be kept closed so that only good comes to you."

Psychologist Martha McKenzie providing different types of therapy in Athens

Martha McKenzie

Clinician
License Type(s): GA LCSW CSW004237
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyDepressionCompassion fatigueADHD
25 years offering treatment

Hi, I am Martha McKenzie, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and I have over 30 years of experience working with adults, and teenagers. I received my higher education later in my life. After being married for several years, working, having a baby, and then getting a divorce, I made the decision to go back to school and I am so very glad that I did. I recieved my BSW, Bachelor of Social Work and my MSW, Master of Social Work, at the Florida State University. I received my License, as an LCSW in 2010, which afforded me the opportunity to see clients privately, who have many different disorders, Accomplishing the LCSW License, has made me a much more insightful, respectful, sensitive, compassionate and empathetic human. My education along with my experience has afforded me to help so many others going through hardships of their own. Also, because of the different esperiences in my life, I am able to feel connected to others. Another asset that I have, is that I am able to speak Spanish! My father was a linquist and could speak seven languages and because of high school teachers, teaching Spanish in my days, I was able to take a Spanish class each year of high school. I also, was able to take Spanish in college. I have gained a lot of experience working with the elderly, adults, teenagers and children. I have worked with clients with many concerns including, depression, anxiety, stress, OCD, ADHD, trauma, emotional abuse, domestic violence, parental problems, alcohol and drug use. I consider my specialty to be ADHD with adults, and teenagers. dren. ADHD, is so very interesting, as I can see especially now, how this disorder has been hidden, especially for women and girls until now. More and more females are being diagnosed with having this disorder and many are finding out later in their years. It use to be that only boys would be diagnosed with this disorder, simply because it was more aware in boys than girls, who would mask this disorder, because of shame or embarrasment. Throughout the years, I have attended several ADHD workshops, seminars, and webinars, and read digital information. I also follow many ADHD sites on the web as well as the official ADHD site found on the web. This web is opened to anyone who has ADHD, or anyone wanting to know more about it. I personally subscribe to the Additude magazine, which is the official magazine, which comes out quarterly, written by scientests and doctors. All of this together with my experience of working with teenagers having ADHD, has helped me to become extremly knowledgeable about the disorder. My counseling style is casual, warm, caring and interactive with my clients. My approach with my clients, combines Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness counseling, Psychodynamic counseling. I am also very proud to offer you Christian counseling and my ability to counsel you in Spanish, if needed. Your goals will be tailored to your specific needs and to be achieved by you. They will be written by both you and I, as your input will be extremely important in their being written for you specifically. You have shown courage and strength when you take a step towards seeking help for a more fulfilling, happier life. I look forward in meeting with you, working with you and empowering and supporting you! Thank you, for reading my profile.

Psychologist Mary Hales providing different types of therapy in Athens

Mary Hales

Clinician
License Type(s): DC LPC PRC15050 , GA LPC LPC008039
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepression
22 years offering treatment

Hello! I am Mary Hales, a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor, and Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist. I obtained my Masters in Mental Health Counseling from Medaille College in NY. I have over 15 years of experience in various settings such as outpatient clinics, hospitals, residential settings, community-based agencies, and private practice. My specialties include anxiety, depression, PTSD, mood disorders, substance and other addictions, trauma, and abandonment, couples, and grief therapy, to name a few. I believe that each individual is unique, and it is important to address each client’s issues with an individualized personal approach, one that is relevant to the person and their current presenting problem. I approach counseling in a manner that empowers individuals to create positive change in their situations. My approach is to use a range of therapeutic modalities, to focus on the clients and their needs. I believe in creating a therapeutic relationship in which clients can feel safe while discussing and exploring their problems. Counseling should be considered a journey of personal exploration, which may lead to major changes in your life perspectives and decisions. It takes courage to take the first steps towards seeking this journey of personal exploration for a more fulfilling and happier life. So, if you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and empower you to achieve your personal goals. I look forward to working with you!

Psychologist Gwendolyn Scrutchins providing different types of therapy in Athens

Gwendolyn Scrutchins

Clinician
License Type(s): GA LPC LPC012108
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemBipolar disorderDepression
9 years offering treatment

I am a mental health counselor licensed in Georgia with over 8 years of experience working as a mental health counselor for incarcerated offenders. I work with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, psychological disorders. substance abuse, social skill building and medication awareness, OCD and ADHD. I also helped my clients who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My counseling style is showing empathy and active listening. I believe in treating my clients with respect and compassion. I do not believe in stereotyping my clients. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic, reality and rational-emotive counseling. I am experienced in processing administrative reports, treatment plans, and progress notes surrounding therapeutic care for my clients’ specific needs. I look forward to working with you! Certificates: • Motivating Behavior Change (Spectrum Health Systems, Inc.) • Dealing with juvenile sex offenders • Thinking for a Change • The Adverse Childhood Experiences Study • PREA: Behavioral Health Care for Sexual Assault Victims in a Confinement Setting • Effective Communication Motivational Strategies • Communicating Effectively and Professionally with LGBITI Offenders • Multicultural Awareness • Master Clinician Series The Adverse Childhood Experiences Study • Working with Difficult People: How to work with Manipulative People • Evaluation and Treatment of Sexual Assault • Tele-Mental Health Practice Today: Comprehensive Training for Mental Health Professional

Psychologist Herman Bunn providing different types of therapy in Athens

Herman Bunn

Clinician
License Type(s): GA LPC LPC004821
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
25 years offering treatment

For more than two decades, I’ve sat with people in some of their most vulnerable moments—times when life feels heavy, confusing, or painfully uncertain. I’ve witnessed how depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and self‑doubt can quietly shape a person’s world, and I’ve also seen the strength that emerges when someone finally has a space where they don’t have to carry it alone. My work is rooted in the belief that every person’s story deserves to be met with respect, curiosity, and compassion. Clients often come to me during major life transitions or when relationships feel strained or overwhelming. Others arrive feeling isolated, unsure of their purpose, or disconnected from their own voice. Together, we slow things down. We make room for emotions that have been pushed aside. We explore patterns that once protected you but now keep you stuck. And we build the resilience needed to move toward a life that feels more aligned and grounded. Culturally responsive care is central to how I practice. I honor the identities, histories, and lived experiences each client brings into the room. Whether you’re navigating workplace stress due to the trauma of individual or institutional racism , ageism, healing from relational wounds, or searching for deeper self‑understanding, my intention is to offer a steady, empathetic presence as you find your way forward. This is a space where you don’t have to perform, please, or pretend. You get to be fully human—and fully supported—as you grow.

Psychologist Maxwell Merritt, IV providing different types of therapy in Athens

Maxwell Merritt, IV

Clinician
License Type(s): GA LPC LPC012230
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionADHD
9 years offering treatment

I am licensed in Georgia with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, confidence, and depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

Psychologist Marvin McRoberts providing different types of therapy in Athens

Marvin McRoberts

Clinician
License Type(s): GA LPC LPC004080
Mental Wellness Specialties: Relationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuse
42 years offering treatment

I am licensed in Georgia with 42 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

Psychologist Dr. Amanda Nicholson providing different types of therapy in Athens

Dr. Amanda Nicholson

Clinician
License Type(s): GA LMFT MFT001741
Mental Wellness Specialties: Relationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
7 years offering treatment

Hi there! I'm Dr. Amanda Nicholson, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a specialty in Sex Therapy. I hold a Master’s in Family Therapy and a Doctorate in Human Sexuality Studies, with a clinical concentration in sex therapy. Over the past seven years, I’ve supported individuals and couples through challenges related to intimacy, sexual trauma, communication, and self-worth. I specialize in helping Black women of faith reclaim their sexual self-esteem and navigate the intersection of spirituality, identity, and pleasure with confidence and compassion. I also work with couples to rebuild trust, improve communication, and strengthen emotional intimacy—whether you're repairing or deepening your connection. Therapy is a journey with peaks and valleys, and I’d be honored to walk alongside you as your guide.

Psychologist Cynthia (Cindy) Rozier providing different types of therapy in Athens

Cynthia (Cindy) Rozier

Clinician
License Type(s): GA LCSW CSW005652
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changes
14 years offering treatment

I'm licensed in Georgia with 14+ years as a professional social worker. I have experience in helping clients of all ages with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, trauma history, parenting and other behavioral issues. I strive to treat everyone with acceptance, respect, and sensitivity. I will tailor your time with me to meet your unique and specific needs as you prioritize them. Taking the initiative to sign up for therapy can take courage and I'm proud of you for getting started- I look forward to working with you!

Psychologist Amisha McMillan providing different types of therapy in Athens

Amisha McMillan

Clinician
License Type(s): GA LPC LPC014151
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsAnger managementSelf esteem
5 years offering treatment

I am licensed in Georgia with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, family conflicts, & anger management. 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!

Psychologist Claudette Clay providing different types of therapy in Athens

Claudette Clay

Clinician
License Type(s): TX LPC 20290, GA LPC LPC012346
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefAnger managementDepression
12 years offering treatment

I am licensed in Texas with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, coping with grief and loss, & anger management. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

Psychologist Dr. Thomas Helton providing different types of therapy in Athens

Dr. Thomas Helton

Clinician
License Type(s): OR LPC C9770, GA LPC LPC014977
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesBipolar disorderCoping with life changes
30 years offering treatment

As a therapist and social psychologist who works primarily with the LGBQT+ community and individuals in non-traditional marriages/relationships, I approach my work with a deep commitment to non-judgment and openness, creating a space where you can freely discuss anything holding you back from living your best life. My therapeutic approach is a blend of Reality Therapy, Carl Rogers' person-centered counseling, Adlerian Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), allowing me to tailor my methods to meet the diverse needs of my clients. I take Virginia Satir's wisdom to heart: "The most basic human need is the need to understand and be understood. The best way to understand people is to listen to them." This philosophy guides my practice, ensuring I listen with empathy and genuine understanding. By doing so, I strive to offer support that is not only effective but also deeply compassionate. My LGBTQ novel, LOUD MESSY PERFECT was released this summer. Specialties Life Transition Erik Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development describe how people grow and change throughout their lives. Each stage involves a challenge or conflict that must be resolved to develop a healthy personality. For example, babies learn to trust or mistrust their caregivers in infancy while they explore their identity in adolescence. As people age, they face other challenges, like establishing meaningful relationships and reflecting on their lives. Successfully managing these challenges leads to accomplishment and well-being, while failure can result in difficulties later. LGBTQ+ Vivienne Cass' Gay Identity Module is a framework designed to help understand individuals' stages in recognizing and accepting their sexual orientation. It outlines a process that starts with a person becoming aware of their same-sex attraction and struggling with it, then moving through a phase of accepting and integrating their identity, and finally reaching a stage of positive self-identity and pride in their sexuality. The model emphasizes that this journey is unique for each person and can involve various emotional and social challenges. Peer Relationships Social Identity Theory, developed by Henri Tajfel and John Turner, explains how people form their self-concept and attitudes based on their membership in social groups. According to this theory, individuals categorize themselves and others into groups, such as race, religion, or profession. This categorization influences how they perceive themselves and interact with others. People tend to favor their group, the ingroup, and view members of other groups, or outgroups, less favorably. This favoritism helps boost self-esteem and fosters a sense of belonging and identity. Social Identity Theory highlights how group membership shapes personal identity and social dynamics.

Find a Therapist Near You in Athens , Georgia

Finding a licensed therapist near you in Georgia can be an important step toward improving your mental health and overall well-being. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, stress, or major life changes, working with a qualified mental health professional can offer meaningful support.

Georgia is home to people with diverse mental health needs across urban, suburban, and rural communities. Online therapy makes it easier to connect with a therapist near you without being limited to nearby offices. BetterHelp connects you with licensed therapists authorized to practice in Georgia, allowing you to attend sessions online from the comfort of your home.

Why work with a licensed therapist near you?

Working with a licensed therapist near you ensures that your provider meets state licensing requirements and professional standards in Georgia (GA). Licensed therapists use evidence-based approaches to help individuals manage emotional challenges, develop coping skills, and work toward personal goals.

People seek therapy for many reasons. Some are navigating ongoing mental health concerns, while others want guidance during stressful periods or major life transitions. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to work with a therapist. Many individuals seek therapy to improve communication, strengthen relationships, manage stress, or gain greater self-awareness.

Online therapy can be especially helpful for people living across Georgia, where access to in-person mental health care may vary by location.

What concerns can therapists help with?

Therapists on BetterHelp support adults across Georgia with a wide range of mental health concerns and life challenges, including:

Therapists use approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and other evidence-based methods tailored to individual needs.

Online therapy vs. in-person therapy in Georgia

When searching for a therapist near me in Georgia, many people compare online therapy with traditional in-person care. Online therapy offers several potential advantages:

  • Greater accessibility: Attend sessions from anywhere with an internet connection
  • Reduced wait times: Many people are matched in as little as  24-48 hours, faster than typical in-person availability
  • Flexible scheduling: Sessions that fit around work, family, or school commitments
  • Expanded provider options: Access licensed therapists across Georgia, not just nearby offices

Research shows that online therapy can be effective for many mental health concerns. Online therapy may also reduce barriers such as transportation challenges, long commutes, or limited local availability, especially in larger or more rural counties across Georgia.

Finding a therapist near me that accepts insurance

Many people looking for a therapist near me in Georgia want to know whether insurance is an option.

Many providers on BetterHelp now accept major insurance carriers in select states. In many states, certain therapists on BetterHelp may be in-network with specific insurance plans. Coverage depends on your plan, provider, and therapist availability.

When sessions are covered, insured members typically pay an average copay of about $19 per session. Coverage varies by state and provider availability, so it’s important to check your in-network status directly on the BetterHelp site.

If insurance coverage is not available, BetterHelp’s flexible subscription model remains an option, with online therapy typically costing $70 to $100 per week, billed weekly or monthly. Additional discounts or financial aid may also be available for a lower price.

How BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in Georgia

BetterHelp simplifies the process of finding a therapist near you in Georgia without requiring you to search through tons of profiles on your own.

Here’s how it works:

  1. Complete a brief questionnaire about your needs, preferences, and goals
  2. Get matched with a licensed therapist authorized to practice in Georgia (GA)
  3. Begin online therapy sessions through video, phone, or live chat

BetterHelp works with one of the world’s largest networks of licensed therapists, with over 30,000 qualified providers globally. Many members are matched in as little as 24 to 48 hours, and 93% of user preferences are met during the matching process.

You can request a new therapist at no additional cost if your needs or preferences change.

Therapists near you in Georgia

Below, you’ll find licensed therapists authorized to provide online therapy to adults across Georgia, including residents in Athens.

Each provider meets state licensing requirements and has experience supporting clients with a wide range of mental health concerns using evidence-based therapeutic approaches.

Please note: Therapists on BetterHelp in Georgia do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses.

Frequently asked questions about finding a therapist near me

How much does therapy cost near me?

Therapy costs vary depending on provider and location. In-person therapy sessions may cost $100 to $200 or more per session. BetterHelp offers online therapy subscriptions that typically range from $70 to $100 per week, billed weekly or monthly, depending on factors such as location, source, preferences, and therapist availability. Additional discounts or financial aid may also be available for a lower price. BetterHelp now accepts major insurance plans in select states and members pay an average copay of $19 per session. Coverage varies by plan, provider, and therapist availability. You can check coverage on the BetterHelp site.

Does BetterHelp accept insurance?

Yes. Many providers on BetterHelp now accept major insurance carriers in select states. In many states, certain therapists on BetterHelp may be in-network with specific insurance plans. When sessions are covered, insured members typically pay an average copay of about $19 per session. Coverage varies by plan, provider, and therapist availability. You can check coverage on the BetterHelp site.

Is online therapy effective?

Yes. Research shows that online therapy can be effective for many mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress, and relationship challenges. Online therapy allows you to connect with a licensed therapist without commuting to an office.

Do I need a diagnosis to see a therapist?

No. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to seek therapy. Many people work with a therapist for stress management, relationship concerns, grief, life transitions, or personal growth.

How quickly can I start therapy?

Many people are matched with a licensed therapist in as little as 24 to 48 hours after completing the initial questionnaire. Match times may vary based on preferences and therapist availability.

Can I switch therapists if it’s not the right fit?

Yes. If you feel your therapist is not the right match, you can request to be matched with another licensed provider at no additional cost. You are able to do so through the BetterHelp user portal and select switch therapists if needed.

Is online therapy private and secure?

Online therapy through BetterHelp allows you to communicate with your therapist in a discreet  setting through video, phone, or messaging tools.

Finding therapy with a therapist in Athens can change your life. Expert therapy provides the most valuable insights into managing stress, building resilience, and nurturing emotional growth. With the personalized guidance and compassionate support, from a licensed mental health therapeutic expert serving clients in your area, you can gain therapy tools to overcome life’s obstacles and improve overall well-being. It's beneficial to embrace therapy in order to unlock new paths toward happiness and lasting self-improvement. Experience renewed strength and clarity with BetterHelp online therapy services and therapists. Seeking expert therapeutic guidance from a seasoned therapy counselor can foster resilience and personal growth. Embracing professional therapy allows individuals to address their emotional challenges effectively while gaining theraprutic insight and self-assurance. Therapy enhances overall well-being, inspires healthier relationships, and empowers you to navigate their life's obstacles with renewed clarity and confidence beyond measure.
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