Once claiming to be the “Marriage Capital of the World” the small city of Folkston, Georgia gives Vegas a run for its money. For years, Floridians who didn’t want to wait to marry in their state would cross the Florida-Georgia line to marry in Folkston, a city known not only for its quick weddings but also history as a rail town.

Though it might not have the hustle and bustle of a bigger city, it’s easy to get lost in one's problems in Folkston, so much so, that it might be hard to see a way out. Like the famous tunnel in Folkston, the other side is often hidden from our view unless we have someone to guide us out. Thankfully, Folkston has mental health professionals who are trained to do just that! All you have to do is reach out.

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Jeanie Witcraft-Shiau

Clinical therapist offering therapy in GA, Folkston
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
17 years of experience

Welcome! I’m glad you’re here today. I believe that you can get better. I believe your relationships can get better. I believe you care deeply about the people in your life. In short, I believe that with the proper tools, you can change how you function in your life. I thank you for your courage and trust in reaching out to me for help. My past clients have seen improvement in their relationships, increased ability to cope with depression, anxiety, peer pressure, and substance/process addiction. Many of them have reported feeling supported and cared for while in a therapeutic relationship with me, as well as set up for success upon termination. Perhaps most of all, they are able to find their way back to themselves in a world which demands they perform with no off switch . It can be crippling when there’s a misfit between you and your family, your job, or the expectations you have of yourself. You’ll get a safe, supportive environment to challenge the thinking and behavior patterns which no longer serve you well. At the end of our time together, you’ll have a better understanding of yourself and why you’ve headed down this path to begin with. I use a mix of experience based and cognitive behavioral therapies in my work, as well as helping you develop excellent physical and mental health habits. My compassion and fascination with emotions, psychology, and the human body led me to complete my undergraduate and graduate social work degrees at the University of Oklahoma. I have been practicing as a clinical social worker since 2007 in a mix of settings: residential substance abuse center, private practice, and community based mental health centers. I've had training from a wide variety of experts in couples work (emotionally focused therapy), family work (brief strategic family therapy), as well as various mood disorders and their effects. Most recently, I primarily works with folks growing their families. I’m here to guide you through this messy stage of life where everything you thought you knew disappears.I’ve been there as a mama– I know exactly how the hormonal changes can throw you for a loop and understand how this can make you doubt yourself. Add in lack of sleep, heavy bleeding, likely poor diet, and bam! Everything feels like it’s falling apart. In addition to expertise on anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders, I help you build a foundation of practical self-care so you can better weather what life throws at you. I offer prenatal and postpartum coaching for out of state folks as well as prenatal, postpartum, and family therapy for Georgia residents.

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Dr. Crystal Russell

Clinical therapist offering therapy in GA, Folkston
Counselor License Type(s): EdD,LPC/S,LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefDepression
20 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Georgia and South Carolina and Licensed Professional Counselor/ Supervisor. I have been in the mental health profession for over 20 years. I have experience working with a diverse population providing quality services to children, adolescents and their families, adults and geriatric clients. My area of treatment include depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, anger management, self esteem, grief and loss, career challenges, OCD and ADHD. My theoretical approach is eclectic in nature inclusive towards humanistic, cognitive-behavioral, psychoanalytic/psycho-dynamic, and client centered. My counseling style is warm, engaging and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, compassion and nonjudgmental. I will individualized our dialog and help guide and meet your specific needs. Additionally, emphasis is placed on developing a therapeutic relationship to help build trust and fostering a healthy and open communication platform. It takes Strength to seek help and want to change and live a more fulfilling and happier life. Let's work together to make it happen. I look forward to working with you!

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Shirley Watkins

Clinical therapist offering therapy in GA, Folkston
Counselor License Type(s): LPC
Stress, AnxietyGriefAnger managementDepression
10 years of experience

Hello, my name is Shirley and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Georgia. I have been working in the mental health fields for about eight years. I have worked with individuals who experience a variety of issues to include depression, anxiety, stress, anger, grief and many more. I chose to work in this area because I believe that those who need support and understanding should be heard as they strive to better themselves. I attended GCSU where I received my undergraduate degree in Psychology and my Masters from Troy University majoring in Counseling and Education. The client approach I like to use is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness. CBT helps you to replace negative and unproductive thought patterns with more realistic ones. Mindfulness coupled with CBT will help you better understand and manage your thoughts and emotions in order to achieve relief from distress. I would describe myself as an individual who is open-minded and caring. I believe it is important to find healthy coping skills that will work for you. It would be an honor to work with you on this journey to help you accomplish your goals.

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Melanie Barefield

Clinical therapist offering therapy in GA, Folkston
Counselor License Type(s): MA,LPC,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteem
8 years of experience

I am a counselor with 7 years of experience working with a range of clients. Having received a Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, my focus has been on helping to heal relationships while also working with individuals learn to cope with stressors that spring from family of origin issues. It has been a honor to walk with those struggling with past traumatic experiences as well and this has been where the majority of my experience lies. I have worked in different environments including residential treatment centers, in-home counseling, and also church-based and hospital settings. My approach to counseling is to help the person or family I am working with identify where they would like to be by first listening and then working collaboratively with the person or system to achieve the desired outcome. I am trained in Prepare-Enrich and have worked with couples to strengthen their marriages. With individuals, I have worked mainly using techniques from CBT and Trauma-Focused CBT when indicated. Having been trained in family therapy, I use Family Systems Therapy approaches to help families learn about how they currently operate and to help them make changes to improve their dynamics in how each person relates to other members. The first step to getting to where you would like to be is taking the time to reach out for help. I would be honored to walk alongside you and provide the support you need to make your tomorrow better than today!

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Jennifer Fuller

Clinical therapist offering therapy in GA, Folkston
Counselor License Type(s): MA,LPC,NCC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepression
10 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor licensed in Louisiana, Missouri, and Georgia. I have worked in various areas including substance abuse, co-occurring, and general practice counseling centers for over 9 years now. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, OCD and ADHD. I also helped many people who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach is cognitive-behavioral therapy. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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Janis E. Yates

Clinical therapist offering therapy in GA, Folkston
AddictionsRelationship issuesSelf esteem
6 years of experience

Hello, I am licensed in the state of Georgia with 5 years of professional work experience. My background includes experience helping clients who are coping with substance addictions, relationship issues, motivation and self-confidence, and self-esteem issues. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that we all have strengths that will assist us with overcoming our challenges. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey toward change and self-love.

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Pamela Barrigar

Clinical therapist offering therapy in GA, Folkston
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepressionCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with extensive experience working with individuals of all ages. I am licensed in Illinois, Missouri, Florida, Georgia and Arizona with over ten years of experience in helping individuals of all ages with depression, stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, anger management, PTSD, self-esteem, relationship issues and parent/child issues. I use a variety of modalities, for example, client centered therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy. I practice as a Christian Counselor, however, I work with individuals from all faith backgrounds with a non-judgmental approach. I know that taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage. I am proud of you for taking this step and look forward to walking along side of you on your journey.

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Sharon Bryant

Clinical therapist offering therapy in GA, Folkston
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsGriefSelf esteemDepression
30 years of experience

I am a licensed professional counselor in Georgia with 30 years of experience. I identify myself as a cognitive behavior therapist with an emphasis on helping my clients focus on their strengths and resources. I have experience in helping clients with depression, anxiety, addictions, grief and loss, and self esteem and confidence issues. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Na-Amau Tahiru

Clinical therapist offering therapy in GA, Folkston
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
3 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social worker with over 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma, and abuse. 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 seek a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Dr. Spring Myers

Clinical therapist offering therapy in GA, Folkston
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesDepression
23 years of experience

I am licensed in Georgia with 23 years of professional and clinical work experience. As a military mental health provider and combat veteran, I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & intimacy related issues. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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How to find a therapist for counseling in Folkston

Finding the best therapist close by in Folkston 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 Folkston 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 Folkston. 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 Folkston, 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 Folkston 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 Folkston 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 Folkston 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 Folkston 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 Folkston, elsewhere in Charlton, 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 Folkston 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 Folkston 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 Folkston 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 Folkston 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 Folkston online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Folkston, 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 Folkston 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 Folkston 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 Folkston 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 Folkston?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Folkston 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 Folkston 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 Folkston 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 31537 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 Folkston counselor?

Before seeing your Folkston 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. Folkston 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 Folkston 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 Folkston 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 Folkston, 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.

Folkston 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 Folkston, 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 Folkston 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 Folkston.

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

31537

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