Psychologist Brenda Atkinson providing different types of therapy in East Ellijay

Brenda Atkinson

Clinician
License Type(s): MSSW,LCSW
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
31 years offering treatment

I am an experienced Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over twenty years’ experience. Much of my expertise is in working with individuals struggling with mood disorders, depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, relationship issues, parenting concerns, blended families, substance abuse and career challenges. My most prolific area of expertise is assisting individuals who want to grow emotionally and spiritually through all of life transitions such as early adulthood, middle age and later life. My education was in Psychology and Social Work completed at the University of Louisville with an emphasis on Family Systems Theory. My approach in therapy is sensitive to individual needs and goals as well as structured in cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic theories, mindfulness, humanistic and existential therapies. I believe that the individual and therapist relationship is foundational in that I strive to be genuine and compassionate to offer you the best opportunities for growth and healing. I admire your strength and courage for reaching out for assistance and hope to be a part of your growth and success!

Psychologist Marie Turner providing different types of therapy in East Ellijay

Marie Turner

Clinician
License Type(s): MA,LPC,ACS
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyGriefParenting issuesSelf esteemCoaching
19 years offering treatment

Hello, My name is Marie and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the States of DC - District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Maine, Michigan, and New Jersey. I have over 18 years of counseling experience. I am a Christian; believing in JESUS Christ, Spiritually centered, and rooted in the Word of GOD. I currently provide mental health, EAP, grief, personal, social, career, and educational counseling. I am a GriefShare service provider. With over 25 years in the field of higher education, I also provide academic, career, personal, and social counseling for adults, teens, adolescence, and children. I provide counseling to individuals, family, and group. I have experience in relationship counseling, working to resolve issues, and family conflict. I look forward to working together with you to resolve and meet any of your counseling needs. Some of the therapeutic approaches used are person (client)-centered, cognitive behavioral, and motivational interviewing therapy. I am also a Counseling Supervisor, providing services to Limited Licensed Counselors; Students in an University/College Practicum and Internship setting as Site Supervisor to meet state and academic requirements. I have experience counseling through the State of Michigan on cases of neglect, abuse, reunification, foster care, and knowledge with the child welfare system. "Reunification and wholeness" are the key; when there's a healthier treatment plan goal in mind.

Psychologist Dr. LaShayla Dyer providing different types of therapy in East Ellijay

Dr. LaShayla Dyer

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Relationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
11 years offering treatment

I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker ( LCSW) licensed in Georgia with 24 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, coping with grief and loss, anxiety, depression, motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. I believe it takes courage to acknowledge when things feel overwhelming and ask for help. As a therapist, I am here to create a safe space where you can openly express yourself and provide the therapeutic support you need.

Psychologist Quiana Sydnor providing different types of therapy in East Ellijay

Quiana Sydnor

Clinician
License Type(s): MS,LPC,CPCS
Mental Wellness Specialties: Relationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
18 years offering treatment

I am a licensed counselor in Georgia and Pennsylvania with over 20 years of experience working as a therapist, life coach and leader of mental health and intellectual / developmental programs. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, psychosis, relationship issues, self-esteem struggles, career challenges and difficulties adjusting to life transitions. My counseling style is compassionate and interactive. I believe there are multiple paths to recovery and healing. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, solution-focused and client centered therapy. It takes courage to ask for help and take the first steps towards making a change in your life to be happier and more fulfilled. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

Psychologist Brianna Brown providing different types of therapy in East Ellijay

Brianna Brown

Clinician
License Type(s): LMFT
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesAnger managementSelf esteem
7 years offering treatment

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Georgia with over 6 years of experience working as a counselor with children, adults, and families. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, severe persistent mental illnesses, relationship difficulties, and life issues. I also helped many individuals who have issues with finding a sense of purpose in life. I would describe my counseling style as compassionate, psychoeducational, and solution-focused. My core values are based upon the principles of free-will, empowerment, self-esteem, and spiritual diversity. I believe in being compassionate towards others in a manner that creates opportunity for holistic wellness and healing in evidence based practices. My approach combines cognitive behavioral theory, narrative perspective, systems theory, and problem solving approaches. Each session will be uniquely designed to fit your current needs but also to address your long and short term goals. I am excited for you to begin your therapeutic journey. I am available to assist and help you whenever you are ready. I look forward to working with you!

Psychologist Dr. Anthony Thomalla providing different types of therapy in East Ellijay

Dr. Anthony Thomalla

Clinician
License Type(s): Ph.D, ,LP
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesDepressionCoaching
28 years offering treatment

My name is Alan Thomalla, I am a licensed psychologist in multiple states. I graduated from the University of Illinois with my doctorate in counseling psychology. I enjoy working with individuals, families, groups, and organizations to find real solutions to life's challenges for practical healthy living.

Psychologist Cecelia Mack providing different types of therapy in East Ellijay

Cecelia Mack

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
20 years offering treatment

I am licensed in Georgia with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & family conflicts. 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.

Psychologist Monique Pless-Spaulding providing different types of therapy in East Ellijay

Monique Pless-Spaulding

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: GriefCoping with life changes
10 years offering treatment

I am licensed in Georgia with 24 years of professional work experience. and am passionate about the intersection of health, mental health and wellness. I have experience in helping clients with coping with anxiety, depression, grief and loss, coping with life changes and ending relationships. 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.

Psychologist Yulando Thornton providing different types of therapy in East Ellijay

Yulando Thornton

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepression
11 years offering treatment

I am licensed in Georgia with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & anger management. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. 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.

Psychologist Christine Penguino providing different types of therapy in East Ellijay

Christine Penguino

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: LGBTParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changesADHD
7 years offering treatment

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Atlanta, Georgia with more than seven years of professional experience in working with clients that have included everything from play therapy with young children to grief counseling with grandparents. My most recent focus has been working with families in the LGTBQIA+ community as they process a variety of issues. My personal philosophy is to find humor in everything and live passionately. A little more about me? I’m a big nerd who loves sci fi and fantasy like Aasimov’s Foundation series (I have big opinion’s about Apple’s adaption). I go to regional Burning Man events and make art from thrift store Barbies. I love to garden, but am pretty terrible at it. I generally despise most holidays but enjoy being silly and posting memes about them. I like board games and puzzles and go to conventions. When I need to meditate and be calm I watch my tank of guppies and ghost shrimp. Back to therapy! If you’re looking for something specific; I am kink and BDSM lifestyle friendly, as well as supportive of those in ethically non-monogamous relationships such as polyamory. I also have experience dealing with intra cultural shifts such as transitioning out of conservative religious backgrounds and processing the changes in belief and subculture. I work well with folks who are working on self esteem and body positivity. I have a lot of experience working with non neurotypical folks with autism spectrum and adhd diagnoses. I also work well with issues of anxiety and depression. My approach to therapy is client goal directive, believing that you usually know where you want to go. I believe in pushing gently at the edge of my client’s comfort zone; therapy shouldn’t be painful, but it should help you move forward. To that end, I often help my clients design their own “homework” to try outside of sessions to see and measure their own progress. Didn’t do your homework? That tells us you weren’t ready, or that something was blocking you, or you weren’t motivated… therapy doesn’t have grades, just learning! If you’re still reading, I hope you’re ready to start our therapy journey together.

Psychologist Andrea Battaglia providing different types of therapy in East Ellijay

Andrea Battaglia

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
18 years offering treatment

I am licensed in Georgia with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, parenting issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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. 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.

Psychologist Dr. Cheryl Rushing providing different types of therapy in East Ellijay

Dr. Cheryl Rushing

Clinician
Mental Wellness Specialties: Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
20 years offering treatment

I am licensed in Georgia and Texas with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, anger management, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. 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.

How to find a therapist in East Ellijay

Finding the best therapist close by in East Ellijay can feel challenging, but know that once you narrow your search for a counselor serving your area. You can get connected with a clinician in your city that is accepting new clients and fits your goals. Whether you're struggling with depression, anxiety, marriage, family issues, or other emotional challenges, feel proud that you have begun your search to find the mental health care services with therapists in East Ellijay that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing. 

Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a psychologist. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of support of this kind with BetterHelp therapists can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure, feel free to contact the provider via email to find out which methods they practice.

It is also important to understand that mental health professionals in the United States are accredited to provide care, helping individuals and couples, with a variety of licenses for therapists. These include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinician or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, they are trained able to treat individuals and couples, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy in the East Ellijay region and in the state of Georgia. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.

A mental health professional working through their own in-person therapy practice in East Ellijay or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples challenges, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family life, or change in negative thinking patterns. A  may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment. Verified providers can provide licensed marriage and couples therapy, tailor to individual needs, and create a therapeutic relationship as a National Certified Counselor.

There are all kinds of therapists working with clients today across the United States and in the greater East Ellijay area offering therapy for:

  • CBT
  • DBT
  • Substance use
  • Couples

When you're ready to start your search keep in mind what support you'd like your provider to be most experienced with and choose an experienced provider with a practice located near you in the city of East Ellijay, elsewhere in Gilmer, 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 East Ellijay area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person sessions with a therapist compare to the cost of BetterHelp?

The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US with most therapists is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in East Ellijay due to a higher cost of living, and a limited number of therapists taking new clients. The price also depends on the type of provider you are looking for. See the following average prices for various mental health providers without insurance:

  • With a psychiatrist: $150-$500
  • With therapists: $100-300
  • With a clinician: $100

While many psychologists in East Ellijay may not take health insurance, some in the state of Georgia may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With a BetterHelp therapist throughout the state of Georgia you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).

Read more about this cost related question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.

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

Therapists in East Ellijay, Georgia working on BetterHelp are licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited as a doctor of psychology (PhD / PsyD), licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW / LICSW), or licensed professional counselors (LPC). All of these psychology clinicians have a Masters Degree or a Doctorate Degree in their field of psychology sciences, and follow the APA Code of Ethics. Therapists have been qualified and certified by their state's professional board after successfully completing the necessary education, exams, training and practice with a patient, and extensive experience in a healthcare clinic or treatment centers, in order to become a mental health provider. While their lived experience, expertise, careers, and background vary, therapists here all possess at least 3 years and 1,000 hours of hands-on experience with adult and sometimes teen patients, and have the necessary therapist credentials to provide a safe space for long lasting emotional healing. 

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

Read more about this license question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.

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

BetterHelp clinicians treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, post traumatic stress disorder, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in East Ellijay above, can work with young adults, children, adolescents, and adults virtually as an accredited licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) or licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT). You do not have to commute to a an office as a psychotherapy client for in person sessions.

Through BetterHelp, you can partake in video, phone, or live chat therapy sessions.You can work through various symptoms, use the in app journaling feature, and receive worksheets. You'll also find support groups or group therapy helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, marriage, and more. Get matched today.

Read more about this question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.

What mental health issues can 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 therapy specialties on BetterHelp include:

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

Read more about this psychotherapist question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.

How do I know if BetterHelp is right for my household in East Ellijay?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a therapist is the validation and active listening they can provide. Your friends and loved ones may also be available to listen, but you may feel that they may lack the skills to provide objective guidance. Counselors are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.

Therapists in your city can support you toward a healthier emotional state, regardless of your mental health, life concerns, or healing needs. While supporting individuals in developing healthier habits, another good benefit of therapy in East Ellijay is having an understanding, safe space with a non-judgmental party who can support you through challenging experiences.

Many people have sensitive topics that they may feel ashamed to discuss with their friends or partner. A therapist can help you confront these concerns and open up through unique methods of support. There are also many types of therapy, where you may find you can express yourself through creativity instead of words with a psychotherapist.

With a lot of people in GA, therapists may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles above and others within BetterHelp's team, you may be able to find a psychologist within 24 to 48 hours. If you're searching to find a a nearby psychotherapist close to 30536 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site where you can schedule a session based on your and the therapist's schedule. No matter if you are seeking help from therapists around or in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.

Read more about this family question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.

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

Before seeing your therapist near you, prep for your session by reading to understand the process. You might write a list of questions you want to ask your psychotherapist, any emotional pain you may feel, and the ways in which you hope to improve. When you attend your session, you can let our therapists know if you have any concerns or feel unsure about what to talk about. therapists near you may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions while offering mental health services. The first session will often serve as an intake to get to know you as a person and learn how to best help and support you.

Read more about this first session question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.

Should I find a 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 East Ellijay 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 East Ellijay counselor can be dependent on your process.

People may also attend therapy for specific motives, such as bullying, an autism diagnosis, a desire to learn mindfulness meditation, personality concerns, trouble with office workers, specific phobias, and many other principles that a counselor can help with.

Read more about this question here. Contact us now for help, and supportive personalized mental health services. BetterHelp will help you find and connect to a licensed professional counselor helping people. Get started today to book a personalized consultation appointment online.

Is mental health care and therapy worth it?

Therapy with a licensed counselor is effective and has the power to change individuals' lives. Each client is at a different stage of their emotional healing journey in life, as each human can be unique in their personality, expression, skills, and goals. An experienced clinician can target various symptoms, experiences, and personalities to help you feel your best and put you on the path to healing. Unlike advice from a friend, family, or non-professional, a mental health therapist has an understanding of various disorders like ADHD and depression with many hours of experience in treating adults in their practice. For this reason, seeing an evidence based licensed clinician in East Ellijay, 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.

East Ellijay has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online sessions to assist clients in their healing journey. If you opt into trying ti online, you might also be able to meet with providers all over the United States and change easily at any time. Many people struggling with anxiety and depression, substance abuse, body image issues, and more find therapists that are a good fit for them, feel supported, and gain further insight into their lives through internet-based treatment.

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 BetterHelp platform some people love for East Ellijay, 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 East Ellijay therapists at BetterHelp to understand the services available to you clearly. If you are new to BetterHelp or have any questions about the services and terms, please reach out to customer service through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.

If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.

  • Thehotline.org - National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
  • Suicidepreventionlifeline.org - National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
  • Crisistextline.org - Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
  • Veteranscrisisline.net - Veterans Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
  • Thetrevorproject.org - Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386 
  • Samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline - SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
  • Nationaleatingdisorders.org/help-support/contact-helpline - National Eating Disorder Association Helpline :1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST)
  • Childhelphotline.org/resources-for-teens/ - Child Help Hotline:  Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature
  • Fraternallaw.com/help-us-stop-hazing - National Anti-Hazing Hotline for young adults, adolescents, and adults: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293) 
  • Physiciansupportline.com - Physician Crisis Support Line: Contact 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-19
  • Rainn.org - Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673

 

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