This is Mary Lee Palmer's avatar and link to their profile

Mary Lee Palmer

Clinical therapist offering therapy in GA, Avera
Counselor License Type(s): MSW, LCSW
AddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy-related issues
41 years of experience

I am a licensed Clinical Social Worker in Georgia with over 30 years of experience in a wide range of concerns including relationships, depression, anxiety, sex therapy issues and infidelity within relationships. Infidelity is an area in which I have had a great deal of specialized training and experience. I also have a great deal of experience with couples and family relationships. I led a parent's group, adolescent daily group and family therapy sessions while employed on a child and adolescent unit for four years at Peachford Hospital in Atlanta. I was also employed as Director of Child and Adolescent Services in Atlanta at Brawner Hospital. My experience is extensive with persons ages 4 to 96. Having worked in psychiatric hospitals, as well as private practice; I have also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma, emotional abuse and severe chronic conditions such as bipolar disorders. My therapy style is warm and interactive - often playful. I believe in treating my clients with respect, sensitivity, and compassion; and I don't believe in labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, mindfulness, humanistic, psycho-dynamic and rational-emotive therapy. I will always consider your individual needs in formulating a treatment plan with you. It takes a great deal of courage to step out of one's familiar comfort zone to seek a more fulfilling and happier life, and to take the first step towards making a change If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support and guide you in doing that. I look forward to meeting and working with you. Welcome.

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Dr. Michele Balthrope

Clinical therapist offering therapy in GA, Avera
Counselor License Type(s): PhD, LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
35 years of experience

I am a Ph.D. level therapist. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Georgia and New York. I have 30 years of experience in the field of social work, human services, and counseling. I am a Certified Anger Management Specialist (CAMS-II). My therapeutic approach involves “meeting the person where they are.” I am committed to helping clients understand their life challenges and assisting them in working toward reducing or resolving the internal or external challenges. I believe treatment is successful when clients actively develop their treatment goals. I have worked with a range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, Post Traumatic Stress issues, relationship issues, parent-child conflict/parenting problems, and trauma. I provide services using a holistic approach throughout the entire treatment process. All treatment modalities address the mind, body, and spirit. My integrative treatment philosophy considers the client’s biological, psychological, emotional, spiritual, and social needs. I look forward to meeting you to discuss your “journey.”

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Conard Peacock

Clinical therapist offering therapy in GA, Avera
Counselor License Type(s): LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
9 years of experience

I am a licensed professional counselor in Georgia with 8+ years of experience working in a variety of settings. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, substance use, career challenges, and ADHD. I have also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach is closely aligned with cognitive-behavioral therapy but I like to incorporate acceptance and commitment therapy, as well as mindfulness. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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LaTasha Billingslea

Clinical therapist offering therapy in GA, Avera
Counselor License Type(s): LMFT
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issues
8 years of experience

LaTasha earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Georgia State University. She then continued her studies at Mercer University School of Medicine achieving a Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. LaTasha has gained extensive knowledge during her career, which includes working directly with individuals and families affected by alcohol use disorders. LaTasha’s previous experience includes working in residential settings, area hospitals and in community based environments, advocating for and coordinating the best quality care for her clients and their behavioral health needs. Using a myriad of evidence-based treatment modalities such as DBT, Solution-focused therapies, and Family Systems theories, LaTasha is able to help equip her clients and their families with the tools they need to overcome life’s challenges and to achieve a flourishing life. LaTasha has been helping couples and families for over 12 years. Discord, disruptive children, poor communication, partner with mental health issue, blended families, infidelity, old family secrets are just some of the issues that Latasha has helped families work through. Latasha supports her clients in the healing of old wounds and mending dysfunctional behavior patterns that have kept them in bondage. Latasha has a special appreciation for marriage and the different challenges that it brings. Latasha also specializes in helping clients manage anxiety and depression using Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).

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Nazila Aghazadeh

Clinical therapist offering therapy in GA, Avera
Counselor License Type(s): LPC. NCC
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
10 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Georgia with over 10 years of experience in private practice. I am a Certified Telehealth Mental Health Counselor and have provided online sessions since 2020 that Covid -19 and pandemic started. I continued with Telehealth sessions because it enabled me to cover rural areas in Georgia, as well as helping clients who struggle with commute to the therapist's office, or they need more flexibility due to their work schedules or family obligations. I hold two Master's degrees, Master's degree in Clinical Psychology and Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling. I work with clients from diverse backgrounds and wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, OCD, ADHD, ADD, relationship issues, dating, parenting issues, career choice and challenges, immigration and adjustments, cultural struggles, attachments and codependency, narcissistic abuse, mood disorders, and phobias. My therapy style is warm and interactive and my clients leave their sessions feeling more hopeful and more courageous to take steps towards their treatment goals, harmony, and peace. I meet my clients where they are in their lives and help them to identify their strengths and weaknesses. Through positive regards and unbiased therapeutically relationship, my clients find courage to re-examine their lives and their thoughts and feelings about themselves and others, to come up with new narratives that leads them to a more fulfilling life. My approach in therapy is researched based that is supported by years of studies and various psychological theories. I use many psychological theories, approaches, and techniques such as Adlerian therapy, CBT, narrative therapy, solution focused, etc to assist my clients. I believe healing starts from loving yourself and having the courage to change what has not worked so far. I look forward to work with you and help you find that piece of puzzle that is missing in your life. I provide therapy to individuals and families, LGBTQ community, college students, and immigrant families. I speak English and Farsi. Certified Telehealth Mental Health Counselor. Certified National Counselor

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Kelly James-Fraser

Clinical therapist offering therapy in GA, Avera
Counselor License Type(s): LPC ,NCC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am a counselor licensed in Georgia with over 10 years of experience working as a psychotherapist primarily with children, young adults, and veterans suffering from PTSD. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, severe and chronic mental health issues, and military related issues. I have worked extensively with many individuals who have experienced physical trauma and/or emotional abuse. My career history includes working inpatient with chronic pervasive mental illness, working inpatient with children in crisis, working inpatient on a forensic unit with patients who have been court ordered and found not guilty by reason of insanity, working for The Department of Corrections providing therapy and parole evaluation, and working in a group private practice servicing primarily children, adolescents, young adults, couples, and the veteran population. My therapy style is person centered and solution focused. My approach is an eclectic mix and I will tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I look forward to working with you!

This is Christopher Porch's avatar and link to their profile

Christopher Porch

Clinical therapist offering therapy in GA, Avera
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

I am licensed professional counselor in Georgia focused on life enrichment and healthy relationships. I have 3 years of professional work experience helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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. I am empathetic in my approach and believe that when provided with the appropriate knowledge and support, individuals are able to create the life they desire. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

This is Shalette Lawton's avatar and link to their profile

Shalette Lawton

Clinical therapist offering therapy in GA, Avera
Counselor License Type(s): LPC, NCC, ,Shalette lawton
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

I am licensed in Georgia with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, 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. 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.

This is Gregory Herron's avatar and link to their profile

Gregory Herron

Clinical therapist offering therapy in GA, Avera
AddictionsRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepression
9 years of experience

I am licensed in Georgia with 9 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with depression, anxiety, addictions, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & bipolar disorder. 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.

This is Regina Holley's avatar and link to their profile

Regina Holley

Clinical therapist offering therapy in GA, Avera
Stress, AnxietyAddictions
16 years of experience

I am licensed in Georgia with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety & coping with addictions. 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.

How to find a therapist for counseling in Avera

Finding the best therapist close by in Avera 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 Avera 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 Avera. 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 Avera, 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 clinical psychologist 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 Avera 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 counselor working through their own in-person therapy practice in Avera 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 therapy, or change in negative thinking patterns. A Avera therapist may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. Verified providers and therapists 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 Avera 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 Avera, elsewhere in Jefferson, 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 Avera 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 Avera 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 Avera 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 psychologist: $100

While many psychologists in Avera 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 therapists sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks). 

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

Therapists in Avera, 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 in therapy. 

Please note BetterHelp does not offer or provide care from Avera psychiatrists to prescribe a drug or medication as treatment, or perform psychological assessments and other psychiatric services.

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

BetterHelp clinicians and therapists 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 Avera above, can work with young adults, children, adolescents, and adults virtually as an accredited licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). You do not have to commute to a an office as a psychotherapy client.

Through BetterHelp therapy, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions with your licensed therapist. You can work through various symptoms, use the in app journaling feature, and receive worksheets. You'll also find support groups or group therapy 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.

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 therapists specialties on BetterHelp include:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy - This is provided by professional counselors, helping clients identify and change negative thought patterns through structured sessions.
  • Behavior therapy - Behavior therapy techniques are used to help clients modify harmful behaviors and develop healthier habits, often through the guidance of a professional counselor.
  • EMDR therapy - EMDR therapists assist clients in processing traumatic memories to alleviate emotional distress and improve overall well-being, utilizing the expertise of a professional counselor.
  • Talk therapy - Clients explore their feelings and develop strategies for dealing with various mental health issues, often guided by a professional counselor.
  • Depression - This counseling is designed to help individuals manage symptoms of depression and improve their mood and functioning, often working closely with a professional counselor.
  • Anxiety disorders - Sessions for anxiety disorders, offer strategies to manage and reduce anxiety symptoms effectively, often through counseling sessions with a professional counselor.
  • Stress - Tools and techniques to help clients cope with stress and improve their mental resilience, frequently under the supervision of a professional counselor.
  • Eating disorders - Professionals experienced in eating disorders offer specialized counseling to address unhealthy eating patterns and body image issues, with the support of a professional counselor.
  • Grief - Support and guidance are offered to clients experiencing grief, helping them navigate the stages of loss, often in collaboration with a counselor.
  • Attachment therapy - Therapists use this to help clients understand and improve their emotional bonds and relationships, often with the assistance of a counselor.
  • Relationships - Therapists work with clients to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen their connections with others, often using the skills of a counselor.
  • Children, adolescents, and teens - Therapists specializing in youth therapy address the unique mental health needs of children, adolescents, and teens, often involving a counselor in the process.
  • Addiction (substance abuse) - Therapists offer counseling for addiction, helping clients overcome substance abuse and maintain long-term recovery, often under the guidance of a counselor.
  • Divorce - Therapists support individuals through the emotional and practical challenges of ending a marriage, often working with a psychologist to provide comprehensive care.
  • Trauma or PTSD - Therapists specializing in trauma and PTSD help clients process traumatic experiences and reduce their symptoms, frequently collaborating with a psychologist.
  • Bipolar disorder - Therapists provide counseling to manage the mood swings and challenges associated with bipolar disorder, often in consultation with a psychologist.
  • Psychodynamic treatment - Therapists use psychodynamic treatment to explore unconscious processes and how they affect current behavior, often guided by psychologists.
  • Career counseling - Therapists assist clients in making informed decisions about their professional paths and resolving work-related issues, often with the help of psychologists.
  • Alcohol use disorders - Therapists offer specialized counseling to help clients manage and overcome alcohol use disorders, frequently under the supervision of psychologists.
  • OCD - Therapists provide strategies and support to manage obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms, often via psychotherapy.
  • ADHD - Therapists offer counseling to help clients with ADHD improve focus, organization, and overall functioning, often via psychotherapy.
  • Mood disorders - Therapists work with clients to stabilize and improve mood through various therapeutic approaches, frequently in psychotherapy.
  • Sex addiction
  • Complex trauma
  • Life transitions

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 Avera provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide with licensed therapists. 

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

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Avera 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 and therapists 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 Avera 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 Avera 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 or therapists 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 30803 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 in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

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

Before seeing your Avera therapist, 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. Avera therapists here 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 why you're attending therapy.

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 Avera 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 Avera 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.

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. A psychologist can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities to help you feel your best and put you on the path to healing. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, a mental health 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 psychologist in Avera, 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.

Avera 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 therapists easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based therapy.

Do therapists judge you in therapy sessions 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 Avera, Georgia

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

Take some time today to learn more about the team of Avera therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to therapy or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out 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.

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

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

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

30803

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