James Milner
Greetings! I am James Milner, an LCSW, with 20 years of providing counseling services in a professional capacity. I am a graduate of Savannah State University, where I received my Bachelor of Social Work degree.I then completed my Master of Social Work degree at the University of Georgia. I obtained my LMSW in 2006. I obtained my clinical licensure in 2012. I am from Atlanta, GA, and have worked in the area for my entire career. I initially served as the Mental Health Specialist for Community Concerns, Inc., and supervised a transitional housing program for severely mentally ill homeless men for 10 years. Since that time I have gone on to become the Executive Director of the agency. In that capacity I have designed and implemented several supportive housing programs including: Emergency Shelter; transitional housing for women; a Dual Diagnosis Substance Abuse residential program; and an apartment complex with onsite supportive services for homeless families. During this time I also started my private Practice, S.H.A.N.T.I Psychotherapy, LLC (S.H.A.N.T.I - Spiritual Holistic and Natural Therapeutic Interventions). Through that agency I contracted to provide services at Georgia State University in their Counseling and Testing Department. I maintained that contract for approximately three years. From there I obtained my own office space in downtown Decatur, GA and operated out of that space a little over two years. I left my office space when I was promoted to Executive Director of my non-profit agency, CCI. In addition, I am a licensed and ordained Baptist minister and serve as the Assistant Pastor of the Chapel of Christian Love Baptist Church. In that capacity I am also the Lead Pastoral Counselor for the church. I am a yogi and Reiki Master. I am also Certified as a Meditation Instructor and as an Anger Management trainer. I am also trained in hypnotherapy. I consider understanding the culture, world - view and belief system of the client with whom I am working, to be crucial to establishing an effective therapeutic relationship. I utilize an eclectic approach that incorporates philosophy, psychology, and spirituality as valid tools to improve well being of the clients I serve. My specialty is assisting adults in understanding their personal history and the connection to the challenges they currently face. I enjoy the therapeutic relationship and operate from a personal philosophy that believes "mind over body...spirit over mind". In addition to utilizing the Best Evidence BasedPractices that have evolved out of therapeutic practice; I acknowledge the extensive history of applying interventions that take into account the spiritual beliefs of the individual. To that end I also utilize Transpersonal Psychology as deemed appropriate and effective. I have worked well with men, women and couples. I work to connect with each client as an individual and not as a representative of their assigned diagnosis. I see the diagnostic process as simply a step toward finding the most appropriate solution to alleviate suffering and to increase the quality of life.
Shelley Akerman
I am a professional counselor licensed in Georgia with 10 years of experience working as a therapist in both outpatient and hospital settings. I graduated with my Master's degree from Mercer University in Atlanta, GA in 2013 and have loved helping clients reach their goals ever since. I have worked with clients that range in ages from 4 years old to 92 years old of multiple ethnic and racial backgrounds, cultures, political affiliations , genders and sexuality, and spiritual beliefs dealing with a variety of concerns. I have experience working with clients presenting with issues concerning depression, grief, self-esteem, anxiety, trauma, abuse, relationship conflict, psychosis, self-harm, domestic violence, and addiction. I am a firm believer in therapy and, having my own therapist, I know having someone to talk to where you feel comfortable, supported, respected, and accepted is so crucial. My counseling style is down-to-earth, laid back, and friendly. We all have our struggles and I am here to walk through it with you. I love working with my clients to come up with practical, creative solutions to the issues that brought them to therapy. I love helping people realize their potential and that they are beyond capable of being their best selves. I can't wait to work together to achieve your goals and become that happier, healthier, best version of yourself!
Dehia Graham
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor living in Georgia with 11 years of experience. I have worked with clients with many concerns that including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, grief and helping to build coping skills to manage the symptoms these may bring. My counseling style is open, upfront and caring, gently guiding and helping clients identify the problem areas they are seeking help with. I believe in treating everyone with respect and dignity and it is my desire to coach clients in a supportive environment towards life change. My approach combines client centered care, cognitive-behavioral and humanistic counseling. I will tailor sessions 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!
Dr. Michael Mitchell
Thank you for sharing information about yourself. I'm pleased and honored that you reached out for help. I am Dr. MICHAEL MITCHELL, a licensed therapist. You can read more about my background, education, experience, and counseling approach by clicking on my name on this page. To help us get started, can you please tell me what brought you here? Just write a few short sentences about the challenges you're experiencing or what you would like to talk about and we will go from there. My mission is to promote a positive and humane treatment for individuals, couples and families to reach their highest level of functioning in response to feelings of frustration, loss, pain, powerlessness and lack of hope. Through the use of humanistic/brief solution focused therapy and cognitive behavioral techniques, I will work to help facilitate growth, change and practical solutions in an effort to break the cycle of ineffective behaviors that interfere with positive life coping skills. Whether you have a relationship problem, depression, stress, substance abuse or job concern, together we can help to put it behind you. As a confidential professional I work with adults and youth who, due to mental, physical disabilities or complex medical conditions, need assistance in developing the kinds of everyday skills that facilitate improvement in functioning more independent at home, school or work. I use cognitive/behavioral exercises with caring and compassion. I have extensive experience helping clients recover from: Marital conflict, Health and Age-Related conditions, Anxiety, Depression and Grief; Sexual problems, Substance abuse issues, parenting and Family related concerns. I have also worked with other areas of life adjustments such as: career challenges, stress., occupational concerns and grief, trauma and emotional abuse. My counseling style is warm and interactive. My mission is to promote positive and humane treatment to allow for individual's, couples and families to reach their highest level of functioning in response to feelings of frustration, loss, pain, powerlessness and lack of hope. Through the use of humanistic/brief solution focused therapy and cognitive behavioral techniques, I will work to help facilitate growth, change and practical solutions in an effort to break the cycle of ineffective behaviors which interfere with positive life coping skills. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and rational-emotive counseling. 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!
Sharon Williamson
I am a licensed professional counselor in the State of Georgia. I have over 15-years of experience working in the field of counseling. My treatment modality lies firmly rooted in CBT, client centered, and solution focused. I believe all individuals have the strength and tools to overcome any challenge in their life. As a professional counselor I take pride in guiding individuals to help achieve this outcome. I completed my undergraduate degree from the University of South Florida in Tampa Florida. I completed my graduate degree from Argosy University. I have a wide array of experiences., working with individuals, adolescents and families. I welcome the opportunity to work with you to achieve your goals.
Valerie Cleveland
Hi folks! I am licensed in Georgia with 14 years of professional work experience. I am excited to say that in addition to my work at CHOA, I am available for individual counseling on Tuesdays and Wednesdays evenings. It's first come, first served. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse. 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.
Raessha Stanley
I am licensed in Georgia with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
D. Christopher Lake
I am licensed in Georgia with 21 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & coping with grief and loss. 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!
Dr. Joseph Pak
I am licensed in Georgia with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, parenting issues, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Joseph Mungai
I am licensed in Iowa with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & 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.
How to find a therapist for counseling in Centralhatchee
Finding the best therapist close by in Centralhatchee 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 Centralhatchee 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 Centralhatchee. 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 Centralhatchee, 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 Centralhatchee 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 Centralhatchee 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 Centralhatchee 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 Centralhatchee 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 Centralhatchee, elsewhere in Heard, 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 Centralhatchee 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 Centralhatchee 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 Centralhatchee 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 Centralhatchee 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 Centralhatchee online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in Centralhatchee, 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 Centralhatchee 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 Centralhatchee 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 Centralhatchee 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 Centralhatchee?
One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Centralhatchee 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 Centralhatchee 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 Centralhatchee 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 30217 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 Centralhatchee counselor?
Before seeing your Centralhatchee 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. Centralhatchee 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 Centralhatchee 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 Centralhatchee 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 Centralhatchee, 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.
Centralhatchee 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 Centralhatchee, Georgia
To stay up to date with BetterHelp's initiatives through their social channels, you can follow them on Pinterest, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. For mental health tips, check out the BetterHelp YouTube channel.
Take some time today to learn more about the team of Centralhatchee 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:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- Veterans Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
- Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- National Eating Disorder Association Helpline:1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST)
- Child Help Hotline: Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature
- National Anti-Hazing Hotline for young adults, adolescents, and adults: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physician Crisis Support Line: Contact 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-19
- Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Centralhatchee:
30217