Athens 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 trying it online, 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 treatment.
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Robin Johnson
There are times in our life where we reach a point that we realize something may not be manageable anymore or has gotten bigger than we anticipated. Often people may be feeling stuck or out of control. Whether it's improving your mood, setting boundaries with others, adjusting to a new phase of life, exploring past trauma or your substance use coming into therapy is taking the first step to implementing change. Therapy provides a safe space where you can explore what is going on and challenge yourself. You oversee your therapy and I follow your lead. I am there to guide you. We will go through the process together. My style is direct and transparent. I try to create a warm and relaxed atmosphere using respect, empathy, humor, compassion and confrontation. I utilize a combination of traditional and alternative treatment techniques. Therapies offered: DBT based skills, emotion regulation, healthy relationship skills, coping skills, CBT, spirituality, talk therapy, client centered therapy, grounding, anchoring and relaxation techniques. My hours of availability are mainly M-F during the day. If you have other needs we can discuss this and possibly work something out. I am available for "chat sessions" on some evenings or weekends. The issues and my specialty areas are but not limited to: • Anger Management • Anxiety • Bipolar Disorder • Borderline Personality • Coping Skills • Divorce • Domestic Violence/Abuse • Grief • Internet Addiction • Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) • Relationship Issues • Self Esteem • Self-Harming • Sexual Abuse • Spirituality • Trauma • Women's Issues Mental Health • Mood Disorders Sexuality • Bisexual • Gay • Lesbian Qualifications • Years in therapy / Practice: 13 Years • School: Eastern Michigan University • Year Graduated: 1999 • License and State: LMSW Michigan, LICSW Massachusetts
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Dr. Brian Shaffer
Brian is a Licensed Professional Counselor with education, training and clinical experience in the fields of Mental Health, Addiction, Trauma, Grief, Loss and Bereavement and Spiritual Care. He provides counseling, assessment and intervention services that help clients meet their goals for a life in recovery. Brian has a passion for providing quality care, support and services to his clients through a person-centered approach that incorporates interventions from various theories and methodologies. He believes in helping clients process through past traumatic experiences that have contributed to current struggles with substance abuse and mental health symptoms. Brian also incorporates client’s spiritual beliefs into the treatment protocol in order to holistically address their needs. His extensive experience and passion for this field has helped guide individuals through the process of recovery in order to experience freedom from their past and a hope for their future.
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Arielle Bryant
I am Arielle Bryant, a Marriage and Family Therapist licensed in Michigan. I have over 5 years of experience working with clients’ concerns such as depression, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, parenting issues, grief and loss, life changes, and self-esteem, among others. Primarily, I’ve utilized individual, couple, and family therapy modalities in community mental health. I tailor goal-setting to each client utilizing a variety of skill sets from Cognitive Behavioral, Attachment-Based, Client-Centered, and Solution-Focused therapies. I chose therapy as a career because I genuinely enjoy helping individuals improve and develop healthy relationships with themselves and the world around them. I chose Marriage and Family Therapy, specifically, because MFTs take a holistic perspective to health care; they are concerned with the overall, long-term well-being of individuals and their families. In marriage and family therapy, the unit of treatment isn't just the person - even if only a single person is present - it is the set of relationships in which the person is embedded. Not only do I want to support you in building healthy relationships with your loved ones, but also with yourself. Metaphorically, my job is to hold the flashlight in your life so that not only can you examine what needs to be done, but also so that your hands are free to do the work necessary to create the life you want. I believe that everyone does the best the can with what they think they have at the moment. We are all capable of growth and change when we have the support and room to do so. My goal is to provide a safe environment and accountability for you to explore what you really want for yourself. My therapeutic style is strength-based and collaborative. This means you are the expert in your life and my role is to support you in reaching your goals. With me, you can expect patience, kindness, warmth, humor, and unconditional positive regard. I will hold space for you and make sure you see and celebrate all of your wins, including this one. Your reaching out is an acknowledgment that things can be better and an expression of hope that they WILL GET BETTER. So, thank you for your bravery and trust. Thank you for showing up. Together we can do great things. I’m ready when you are.
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Dr. Michele Clark
Congratulations on taking steps towards a more fulfilling, happier and inspired life! My name is Michele Clark and I am an individual and family counselor licensed in Michigan with 20 years of experience working as a psychotherapist and life coach. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including (but not limited to) depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, OCD and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced physical/sexual trauma or emotional abuse. My counseling style is warm and interactive, which I refer to as “care-apy”. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I provide a judgment free space and do not believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, client-centered, solution-focused, motivational interviewing and mindfulness counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to make changes in your life in order to live the life you deserve. If you choose to work with me, I will support and empower you to succeed in your life goals!
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Shari Bernstein
I am a therapist licensed in Ohio and Michigan with over 20 years of experience working as a counselor. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, career challenges, and substance abuse disorders. I’ve also helped many people who have experienced trauma and emotional abuse. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I believe strongly in authenticity, intuition, and in movement toward self-actualization. I think it’s important to relate to everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, though I also believe in gentle confrontation when it’s needed. I don't rely on stigmatizing labels, as I find them limiting. My approach is eclectic – a mix of cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and rational-emotive therapy. I believe that you already have the answers to what you need within you; and my role is to help facilitate bringing those answers to the surface by being supportive and helping you to feel empowered to change. It takes a lot of courage to seek a more gratifying and satisfying life and to begin to move toward change. (Nothing changes if nothing changes.) If you feel like you are ready, I am here and excited to join you on your journey! :)
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Michelle Burdick
My name is Michelle Burdick. I am a Licensed Counselor in the State of Michigan. I have been a counselor for over 8 years and my expertise is related to helping individuals transition through change. In addition, with over 10 years of previous experience in human resources, I am well suited to help you with your career needs. As a counselor, I can help you can explore and identify what is important to you and help you overcome the fear that may be keeping you in an unfulfilling career. As a human resources professional, I have recruited at all levels of the organization and can use that knowledge to help you feel confident and get the job offer. My goal is to help you have a more rewarding career. Career Exploration, Career Advancement, Resume / Cover Letter, Interviewing, Job Search, Social Media including LinkedIn, Behavior Modification, Self-Confidence, Assessments, Team Dynamics, Strengths, Personality, Networking Licensed Counselor (NCC, LPC), Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR)
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Mark Panasiewicz
I am a licensed therapist (LMSW) with 10 years of experience working with clients. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, power and control issues, and trauma. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. I have had a lot of great success in couples counseling (see the review below about one couple I helped). My therapy style was direct and to the point. I believe in treating anyone with respect, compassion, and caring. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral therapy with motivational interviewing. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Marriage/Couples Therapy is my favorite form of therapy as I love helping couples refind the love they have lost. I believe in direct straightforward therapy. I have 10 years of working with Substance Use Disorder Clients, Domestic Violence, and Trauma. I'm a Veteran of the United States Airforce and have experience working with Veteran Clients. Client Review-Mark Panasiewicz is truly a life-changing therapist. When my partner and I first sought his help, our marriage was on the verge of collapse with both of us separated and living in different countries. We were stuck in a cycle of constant arguments, miscommunication, and emotional distance. From the very first session, Mark created a safe, judgment-free space that allowed both of us to open up and be vulnerable. We had seen quite a few therapists previously and can confidently say Mark's approach is unique and different than all other therapists we tried. His practical and direct advice helped us uncover the root causes of our conflicts, teaching us how to communicate in a way that fosters understanding and connection rather than division. His strategies and exercises were practical, insightful, and tailored specifically to our needs. Week after week, we began to see significant changes—not just in our relationship but also in how we viewed ourselves and each other. Two months into therapy we moved back in together. Thanks to Mark's guidance, we’ve rebuilt trust, learned to appreciate one another, and rediscovered the love that brought us together in the first place. We owe him more than words can express. If you're looking for someone who can truly make a difference in your relationship, Mark is the therapist to see. He didn’t just save our marriage—he gave us a new foundation to thrive. Thank you, Mark, for everything!
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Erika Lindgren
I am a licensed professional counselor in Michigan with over 7 years of clinical work experience. I have experience in counseling adults, children, and adolescents of various ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds. I am proficient in treating a wide array of mental health illnesses especially related to Depression, Anxiety, Bipolar Disorders, PTSD and trauma. 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.
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Michele Bowen
I am licensed in Indiana and Michigan with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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. I've worked in behavioral healthcare since 1994, in a variety of capacities. I am currently licensed in Indiana and Michigan. I am EMDR Certified (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), and I hold the credential of ACCTS (Advanced Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist) from the Arizona Trauma Institute. Additionally, I hold a CAADC (Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor) from the Michigan Certification Board for Addiction Professionals. In my practice now, I bring a theoretical framework tailored to the needs of the person being served. My technical skills include Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), co-occurring treatment, IFS for EMDR Therapists (Internal Family Systems), Motivational Interviewing, TF-CBT, and working with complex trauma and dissociation. Clinically, I am interested in meeting people where they are at, creating a safe space, and working along side them to achieve their personal goals. I believe in a holistic approach (mind/body/spirit) to treating the whole person, and in each person's innate capacity for resilience and healing with effective support. Nothing is more rewarding that helping others on their journey, as they strive to live life to the fullest. Building on personal strengths, while employing evidence based practices in a compassionate, ethical, and effective manner is my approach. I enjoy incorporating somatic work, meditation, mindfulness, and light yoga into my practice for those that are comfortable. I am fully immersed in my own holistic self-care journey, and believe in intentional practice of the tools I share with others.
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Audrey Haas
I am licensed in Michigan with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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 licensed therapist serving clients in Athens, Michigan
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 get connected with a clinician 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 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. 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, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.
Licensed therapists & mental health professionals available through BetterHelp
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, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy in the Athens region and in the state of Michigan. 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 Athens or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples challenges, 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 Athens area offering therapy for:
- CBT
- DBT
- Substance use
- Couples
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 Athens, elsewhere in Calhoun, or in the greater state of Michigan. Get matched with one of the therapists working on the BetterHelp platform today.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about licensed therapists and mental health services
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 an in-person therapist compare to BetterHelp?
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 Athens 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:
- With a psychiatrist: $150-$500
- With therapists: $100-300
- With a clinician: $100
While many psychologists in Athens may not take health insurance, some in the state of Michigan 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 Michigan 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 related 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 are therapists on a Athens online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in Michigan 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 Athens psychiatrists to prescribe a drug or medication as treatment, or perform psychological assessments and other psychiatric services.
Read more about this 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 BetterHelp online therapy 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 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 for in person sessions.
Through BetterHelp, 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, and more. Get matched today.
Read more about this 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 a therapist address?
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.
Athens therapists' specialties available through the BetterHelp platform
- Cognitive behavioral
- Behavior
- EMDR
- Talk therapy
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders counselor
- Stress
- Eating disorders
- Grief
- Attachment
- Relationships
- Children, adolescents, and teens
- Addiction (substance abuse)
- Divorce
- Trauma or PTSD
- Bipolar disorder
- Psychodynamic treatment with a counselor
- Career
- Alcohol use disorders
- OCD counselor
- ADHD
- Mood disorders
- Sex addiction
- Complex trauma
- Life transition
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 provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain.us, 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.
Is BetterHelp right for me?
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 therapy in Athens 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, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words with a psychotherapist.
With a lot of people in MI, 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 49011 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 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 Athens therapist?
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. 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 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 Athens 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 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 with a 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 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 therapy 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 Athens, Michigan 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.
Counseling with an online Athens provider
Do therapists judge you in therapy?
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 BetterHelp, the leading therapist platform serving the population of Michigan
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 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.
- Thehotline.org - National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- Suicidepreventionlifeline.org - National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisistextline.org - Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- Veteranscrisisline.net - 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.
- Thetrevorproject.org - Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- Samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline - SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- Nationaleatingdisorders.org/help-support/contact-helpline - National Eating Disorder Association Helpline :1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST)
- Childhelphotline.org/resources-for-teens/ - Child Help Hotline: Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature
- Fraternallaw.com/help-us-stop-hazing - National Anti-Hazing Hotline for young adults, adolescents, and adults: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physiciansupportline.com - Physician Crisis Support Line: Contact 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-19
- Rainn.org - Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
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