Marla Patterson
Greetings, My name is Marla and I am a licensed professional counselor. I have over 20 years of experience working in the behavioral health/mental health field. I believe in treating people with respect and kindness. My counseling approach involves the creation of a safe, supportive, and encouraging environment for each counseling session. My theoretical orientation is a strength-based approach that will focus on an individual’s resourcefulness and resilience. We will work together to address your needs, life challenges, and goals. I look forward to working with you. Marla Patterson, LPC
Jaqueline "Jaqui" Vallina
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker located in Georgia. I have dual Master's degrees in Social Work and Criminology from Florida State University. I moved to Atlanta three years ago and enjoy looking for new places to eat (especially for dessert). I have been a therapist for 10 years and my counseling style is providing a non-judgmental and conversational atmosphere with an open and honest dialogue. I use a combination of Narrative, Cognitive Behavioral, Dialectical Behavioral, or Trauma-Focused therapy strategies, depending on which fits the client's needs. I also like to use humor, Art Therapy, or Mindfulness incorporated activities. I have provided counseling to clients experiencing depression, anxiety, self-harm, LGBTQIA+ challenges, relationship issues, or were involved in the criminal justice system.
Dr. Margaret "Betsy" Vonk
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Georgia with over 20 years of experience working as a counselor, and over 20 years teaching clinical social work to MSW students. I earned my MSW at Florida State University, and my PhD in Social Work at the University of Georgia. I have worked with people who have a wide variety of presenting concerns, including depression, anxiety, coping with life changes, retirement, aging, grief & loss, adoption, and family of origin issues. My counseling style is warm, nonjudgmental, and collaborative. I believe that everyone has strengths that can be identified within a respectful, supportive, and compassionate counseling relationship. I believe also that social-emotional skills can be learned and practiced within counseling, and then applied to real-life concerns. My early training was psychodynamic, but over the years I have relied more on the Strengths Perspective and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. Existential Therapy also can be an important part of people’s work, particularly when life meaning is at issue. Our work will be personalized to meet your needs. Making the decision to start counseling is a courageous step and I would be honored to work with you. I wish you the best on your journey! Margaret E Vonk, Member Calls Creek Counseling LLC
Dr. Alfred White, Jr.
With over 26 years of experience, I work with everyday people on everyday life issues and challenges. My purpose is to assist individuals identify and work towards living the lifestyle that brings them the most joy and fulfillment. My philosophy is that at each individual's core exists knowledge of one's ideal self for every life area, relationship involved, and role played. Through consultations one's ideal selves and desired lifestyles are identified,, as well as both the obstacles and paths associated with the attainment and maintaining of the identified ideal selves and desired lifestyles Consultations are a collaborative team effort. As a "Life Consultant" my role is to ask the questions that assist in the reflection, awareness, and identification of the client's desired lifestyle and ideal self for every life area, the acceptance of who and where they at this moment in life, and the feedback, support, and encouragement needed for success. Life areas in which Consultations may be engaged include relationships with family, friends, significant others, and individuals in various community venues, to include work, school, neighborhood, and one's community at large. Questions, challenges, and issues concerning, self-identity, purpose, spirituality, career, and an array of everyday human concerns are welcomed for consult. With regard to my formal education and training, I received a Masters in Counseling from the University of New Orleans in 1994 and my Doctorate in Counseling in 1999. In the state of Louisiana I and licensed as both a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. In addition, I am Board Approved in the State of Louisiana as Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Supervisor. With over 26 years of experience, I work with everyday people on everyday life issues and challenges. My purpose is to assist individuals identify and work towards living the lifestyle that brings them the most joy and fulfillment. My philosophy is that at each individual's core exists knowledge of one's ideal self for every life area, relationship involved, and role played. Through consultations one's ideal selves and desired lifestyles are identified,, as well as both the obstacles and paths associated with the attainment and maintaining of the identified ideal selves and desired lifestyles Life areas in which Consultations may be engaged include relationships with family, friends, significant others, and individuals in various community venues, to include work, school, neighborhood, and one's community at large. Questions, challenges, and issues concerning, self-identity, purpose, spirituality, career, and an array of everyday human concerns are welcomed for consult. With regard to my formal education and training, I received a Masters in Counseling from the University of New Orleans in 1994 and my Doctorate in Counseling in 1999. In the state of Louisiana I and licensed as both a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. In addition, I am Board Approved in the State of Louisiana as Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Supervisor.
Dr. Karla Sapp
Dr. Karla is a Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor (LPC-S) and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor-Supervisor (LMHC-S), and a 500 hour Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-500), with a strong background in mental health counseling and well-being practices. With a genuine passion for helping individuals, she works with clients who are seeking to transform themselves into their best versions by focusing on their mental health, lifestyle, and overall wellness. Dr. Karla's primary goal is to create a safe and supportive environment for her clients to explore their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Through effective counseling techniques, she guides them through various challenges they may face, such as managing stress, overcoming anxiety or depression, improving relationships, and developing coping strategies. One of Dr. Karla's key strengths lies in her ability to tailor treatment plans to fit each client's unique needs. She takes a holistic approach to mental health and emphasizes the importance of lifestyle and wellness practices. This may include incorporating techniques and strategies like mindfulness, relaxation exercises, yoga techniques, nutrition guidance, exercise routines, and self-care routines into the therapy process. Dr. Karla believes in the power of personal growth and transformation and is dedicated to supporting her clients on their journeys. Through her expertise, genuine empathy, and non-judgmental approach, she helps individuals explore their inner selves, identify strengths, overcome obstacles, and develop healthier mindsets and behaviors. With her extensive knowledge and experience as a mental health counselor and lifestyle and wellness practitioner, Dr. Karla is well-equipped to guide clients on their path to becoming their best selves.
Sandra Vaughn
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 20 years of experience treating clients that suffer with symptoms of depression and anxiety. The approach I use combines cognitive-behavioral, client-centered, and solution-focused therapy. Naturally, the treatment plan will meet your unique and specific needs. My counseling style is based on treating everyone with compassion and respect. You're to be commended for reaching out to make positive changes in your quality of life. I'm here to help you reach your goals. Looking forward to working with you!
Dr. Robert Spaulding II
I am Dr. Robert Spaulding, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Georgia with over 30 years of experience working in the Mental Health Field counseling families, children, and adolescents with a wide range of concerns including ADHD, Depression, Grief, Parenting and trauma. I am Certified as a Master Addiction Counselor (MAC), and also a Certified Advanced Alcohol & Drug Counselor (CAADC) with experience in Outpatient and Inpatient settings working with clients of all ages with Substance Use, Abuse, and Addiction issues. I have over 39years in Long-term Recovery, and I am very familiar with the 12-Step Models used in multiple programs. I have a Doctorate (Ph.D.) in Psychology and also provide therapy services using a range of modalities including Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Solution-Focused and Reality Therapy for individual, couples, family therapy, and strength-based coaching. My therapy style is interactive, practical, engaging, empathic, and direct. I believe the key to change in therapy results directly from (HOW) the atmosphere of a therapeutic relationship is initially developed. I believe in creating an atmosphere based on Honesty, Opened-mindedness, Willingness (HOW) with great emphasis on Mutual Respect. This is HOW the journey begins, on the road that leads to pathways of change. This beginning step is essential and I am here to help you create a map and guide you on a journey towards reaching your goals. I am looking forward to seeing you!
Monique Edwards
My counseling approach takes the whole person – physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual into consideration. I believe that when individuals allow themselves to play an active role in their journey by embracing the therapeutic process through committed participation, they provide themselves an opportunity to be on a pathway to growth and healing. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor. I earned my graduate degree from Argosy University in Atlanta, GA. in 2013. My vast experience in the mental health field has been with diverse client populations. I have worked with children, adolescents, and adults. I am driven to help others overcome personal obstacles using various therapy modalities to meet the unique needs of every client. I believe your journey to healing starts the moment you say yes to the process and allow yourself to be open the possibilities. Let today be the day you say yes to your healing!
Laurie Carlton
I am licensed in Georgia with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Taneisha Moss
I am licensed in Georgia with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety & depression. 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Cassidy Ferguson
I am licensed in Georgia with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, coping with grief and loss, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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.
Yazmin Coleman
I am licensed in North Carolina with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, anger management, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. 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.
Allyson Yankauskas
I have been a licensed professional counselor in Georgia for 5 years, where my experiences have ranged from community-based services to residential treatment to private practice, where I have primarily worked with children & adolescents as well as their families. I come into each therapy session with a person centered, humanistic approach, in that I believe the client relationship is the most important piece of the therapeutic work. I have training in CBT, DBT, and TF-CBT, where my areas of specialty include depression, anxiety, self-harm, suicidality, trauma, relationship issues, and developing & enhancing self-esteem.
Vanessa Placeres
I am licensed in Georgia and have 13 years of professional work experience in both community and school settings. I have a Ph.D. in Counselor Education and Masters degrees in both Marriage and Family Therapy and School Counseling. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & 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 sign up for counseling can take courage and I hope you feel empowered and proud of yourself! I look forward to getting to journey alongside you and learning and growing together.
Brielle Clarkson
I am licensed in Georgia with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & 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!
How to find a therapist for counseling in Dexter
Finding the best therapist close by in Dexter 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 with therapists in Dexter that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing with a therapist.
Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Dexter. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of support of this kind with BetterHelp therapists can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Dexter, 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 for therapists. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinician or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained able to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy in the Dexter region and in the state of Georgia. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.
A mental health professional working through their own in-person therapy practice in Dexter or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples counseling, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family life, or change in negative thinking patterns. A may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. 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 Dexter area offering:
- CBT
- DBT
- Substance use therapy
- Couples therapy
When you're ready to start your search keep in mind what support 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 Dexter, elsewhere in Laurens, or in the greater state of Georgia. Get matched with one of the therapists working on the BetterHelp platform today.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about therapists and mental health services
Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Dexter area can be found below:
How does the cost of in-person counseling with a therapist compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Dexter therapist?
The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US with most therapists is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Dexter due to a higher cost of living, and a limited number of therapists taking new clients. 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 clinician: $100
While many psychologists in Dexter 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 a BetterHelp therapist 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).
Read more about this cost of therapy question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
How is a licensed therapist on this Dexter online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in Dexter, 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. Therapists 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, therapists here 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.
Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from Dexter psychiatrists to prescribe a drug or medication as treatment, or perform psychological assessments and other psychiatric services.
Read more about this therapist license question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
How does working with a professional 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, post traumatic stress disorder, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Dexter 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 for in person sessions.
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 helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more. Get matched today.
Read more about this therapy tips question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
What mental health issues can psychotherapy address with the help of psychologists?
BetterHelp's verified 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.
Our specialties on BetterHelp include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Behavior therapy
- EMDR therapy
- Talk therapy
- Depression therapy
- Anxiety disorders counselor
- Stress therapy
- Eating disorder therapist
- Grief therapy
- Attachment therapy
- Relationship therapy
- Children, adolescents, and teen therapy
- Addiction (substance abuse) therapy
- Divorce therapy
- Trauma or PTSD therapy
- Bipolar disorder therapy
- Psychodynamic treatment with a counselor
- Career counseling
- Alcohol use disorders therapist
- OCD counselor
- ADHD therapy
- Mood disorders therapy
- Sex addiction therapist
- Complex trauma therapy
- Life transition therapy
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 Dexter provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide with licensed therapists.
Read more about this psychotherapist question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
How do I know if online counseling is right for my family in Dexter?
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.
Therapists 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 Dexter 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 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 psychotherapist.
With a lot of people in GA, therapists 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 31019 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site where you can schedule a session based on your and the therapist's schedule. No matter if you are seeking help from therapists around or in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.
Read more about this family therapy question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Dexter counselor?
Before seeing your therapist near you, prep for your session by reading to understand the 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, you can let our therapists know if you have any concerns or feel unsure about what to talk about. Dexter therapists near you may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions while offering mental health services. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn how to best help and support you.
Read more about this first therapy session question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
Should I find a therapist or psychologist for therapy 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 it might entail. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or specific condition. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback. A Dexter 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 with a Dexter counselor 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 that a counselor can help with.
Read more about this do I need therapy question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.
Is mental health care and therapy with a therapist worth it?
Therapy with a licensed counselor 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. An experienced clinician 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 therapist 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 licensed clinician in Dexter, 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.
Dexter has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online sessions 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 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 during telehealth appointments?
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 for Dexter, Georgia
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 Dexter therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to BetterHelp or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out to customer service 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.
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- Veterans Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
- Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- National Eating Disorder Association Helpline:1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST)
- Child Help Hotline: Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature
- National Anti-Hazing Hotline for young adults, adolescents, and adults: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physician Crisis Support Line: Contact 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-19
- Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
Psychologist therapy services offered to clients in the below Georgia zip codes by BetterHelp therapists in Dexter at an affordable cost:
31019
Start therapy with a therapist Dexter provides to your location.
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