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Antoinette Gooden

Clinical therapist offering therapy in GA, Avera
Counselor License Type(s): LPC, LPCC, NCC, MAC , ACS, CCTP,BH-TMC
GriefDepressionCoping with life changes
22 years of experience

Hello, Welcome to the Better Help Community. My name is Antoinette, and I am a licensed professional counselor in Colorado, Georgia, Kentucky, Missouri, Kansas, South Dakota, and Virginia. I have been working in the mental health field for over 20 years. I have worked with individuals experiencing a variety of issues including grief and loss, depression, anxiety, marital concerns, women issues, workplace stressors, family conflict, and issues related to military families. I would describe my approach as goal-oriented, and client-centered. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT). Both modalities are hands-on, practical approaches to problem-solving. CBT treatment usually involves efforts to change thinking patterns and or behaviors. The goals are to change patterns of thinking or behavior that are behind difficult situations, and so change the way one feels. This helps people identify unhelpful ways of thinking as they learn better ways of coping with life's stressors. It would be my privilege to become a partner in your journey while helping you to figure out your goals. I will provide a supportive and understanding environment that offers a clear direction with specific strategies to assist with your current stressors. I look forward to helping/serving you!

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Monica Purvis

Clinical therapist offering therapy in GA, Avera
Counselor License Type(s): LPC
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefParenting issuesAnger management
21 years of experience

My name is Monica,I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and a National Certified Counselor. I have a dedicated passion for helping others overcome various life barriers in order to reach a breakthrough of happiness. Although life can give us unexpected curves, I strive to help clients find coping strategies to conquer those situations. My experience working with children, adolescents, parents, and families is distinguished.

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Capus Barnett

Clinical therapist offering therapy in GA, Avera
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTGriefDepression
5 years of experience

Get ready to unlock your true potential and lead a life that is truly worth celebrating! Mental health plays a HUGE role in your daily life, yet many people don't fully understand its impact. Whether you're dealing with the death of a loved one, job loss, separation, divorce, relationship issues, a chronic illness diagnosis, or trauma, these situations can incite racing thoughts, anxiety, depression, or anger. But don't worry, because as a solution-focused therapist, I'm here to help you navigate through these challenges and come out stronger than ever before! Together, we'll work to better understand your unique circumstances and create tailored approaches to help you discover solutions to the situations or stressors that you're facing. At this time, I exclusively offer live chat sessions, ensuring a convenient and accessible way for us to connect and collaborate on your journey. Individual clients are provided with an open, supportive, and confidential environment – one that's essential for addressing the issues that are concerning them. And for couples struggling to communicate, I'll help you gain the skills you need to break down those communication barriers, determine each other's needs, and regain trust, all through our live chat sessions. So what are you waiting for? Let's work together to uncover your true potential and create a life that's filled with happiness, fulfillment, and success, all from the comfort and convenience of live chat communication!

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Dr. Delores Liston

Clinical therapist offering therapy in GA, Avera
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW,PhD
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTGriefCareer difficulties
5 years of experience

I am a Clinical Social Worker licensed in Georgia with over five years of experience working as a therapist. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, substance abuse, LGBTQ+, career and relationship issues. I have also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My counseling style is interactive and client-centered. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I take a solution-focused approach to counseling employing therapeutic models aimed at supporting positive change through strengths based counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I know it can be hard to find a counselor who “gets it.” One key is to develop a trusting relationship through maintaining confidentiality, listening attentively and providing support for positive change. I find video sessions work best in establishing this relationship, and can interact with you in whatever manner you feel most comfortable. I look forward to working with you!

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Gabrielle Thomas

Clinical therapist offering therapy in GA, Avera
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
7 years of experience

My name is Gabrielle and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). I have a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Social Work . I use a person-centered and whole-health approach when working with children, young adults, individuals and families. I have over 6 years of experience as an agent of support and guidance. My therapy style is warm and interactive. I am very down to earth and I strongly practice treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I do not believe in stigmatizing labels. I foster a safe space for you to simply be yourself. My areas of expertise are: Loss and Trauma, Child and Family, Developmental Disabilities, Justice and Corrections, Mental Health, Crisis Intervention, and Substance Abuse.

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Maxwell Merritt, IV

Clinical therapist offering therapy in GA, Avera
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionADHD
9 years of experience

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

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Samuel Baker

Clinical therapist offering therapy in GA, Avera
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
4 years of experience

I know first-hand that seeking mental health support can be intimidating, discouraging and/or awkward, but it doesn’t have to be. My focus is to create a supportive, safe and client-centered environment in order to allow individuals to be the most genuine and authentic versions of themselves. Together, we'll collaborate to navigate stress and work towards your desired transformation. I received my graduate degree from the University of Southern Indiana in 2015 and went on to complete my clinical training in Atlanta, Georgia. I have been independently-licensed since August, 2020. Currently, I reside in San Antonio, Texas, and I hold licenses in Georgia, Texas and Indiana. Regarding my theoretical orientation, I primarily provide Solution Focused Therapy and Person-Centered Therapy. Yes, I'm very familiar with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (most clinicians are). I may incorporate some elements of CBT; however, by and large, this is not what I do. My approach is non-directive, meaning I likely will not give you a list of tasks to complete in order to feel better (this would be difficult, because I cannot replicate your biology or experiences). Instead, I will be an excellent listener in order to help you process events, thoughts, emotions and behaviors, ask pointed questions in an effort to uncover different thinking patterns, highlight potential barriers to change, help you identify strengths and resources and collaborate with you to work towards your most desired outcome. I operate from the perspective that you are the expert of your own life, and my role is to assist you. Establishing good rapport is critical to the therapeutic process, and I pride myself on being non-judgmental and down-to-earth. Additionally, I fully embrace differences and uniqueness, and I strive to provide culturally-competent care. Keep in mind there are countless "styles" as it relates to therapy. If, for whatever reason, I do not meet your needs or expectations, please know you may change therapists at any time with absolutely no repercussions. I’m eager to learn more about you. Feel free to message me for additional consultation. **Please note that I do not provide emergency mental health services. If you need to speak with a professional immediately, please contact Emergency Medical Services (EMS) at 911 or the National Crisis Hotline at 988.

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Sarah Collett

Clinical therapist offering therapy in GA, Avera
Relationship issuesGriefSelf esteemCoping with life changes
3 years of experience

Welcome! Often people feel anxious when starting therapy for the first time. If this is you, take a deep breath and know this is very common. You are in good company! Whether you feel stuck in a rut, drowning, or somewhere in between, there is hope for you! As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I am here to help you navigate life’s bumpy paths. I have over a decade of experience working w/ individuals, families, & caregivers on a wide variety of issues that will help us along our journey together. It takes bravery to get here! I am proud of you and can’t wait to take the next step with you towards the best you! A little about me: I’ve been working in the healthcare field for about 15 years and providing counseling for the last 5 of those years. I have a special certification in working with individuals with chronic, complex, or serious illnesses but love when I get the opportunity to help people navigate difficult life seasons, anxiety and relationships. My approach is collaborative, you are the expert in your life and I am here to help you reach your goals.

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Tyania McConnell

Clinical therapist offering therapy in GA, Avera
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionCoaching
10 years of experience

I firmly believe in recognizing and honoring each individual's unique strengths, valuing you as the expert of your own story. Taking the initial step towards a more fulfilling and happier life requires courage, and I am dedicated to supporting you throughout this empowering journey. As a licensed professional in Georgia with over a decade of experience as a psychotherapist, I bring a nuanced understanding to our therapeutic journey. My expertise lies in helping women navigate stress and anxiety, addressing relationship concerns, coping with grief and loss, and overcoming career challenges.

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Kendrick Dyer

Clinical therapist offering therapy in GA, Avera
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesSelf esteem
24 years of experience

I am licensed in Georgia with 24 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, intimacy related issues, & parenting issues. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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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