Dorian Ellis
I have a master’s degree in counseling from Alabama State University and 15 years of counseling experience. To bolster my counseling skills, I got licensed as a Professional Counselor in Georgia and certified in Anger Management Treatment, Clinical Trauma, Professional Counselor Supervision, School Counseling (Georgia, K-12), and Telemental Health. Continuing education is a must so that I stay well-informed and practice counseling professionally, proficiently, and ethically. My life and professional experiences allowed me to build relationships with people from various backgrounds. I served over four years in the U.S. Army, honorably discharged, and then started working as a counselor for the Department of Juvenile Justice in Georgia. After six and a half years with the Department of Juvenile Justice, I have worked as a school counselor and started a counseling practice. I was born to be a counselor. I love listening and helping others to use their unique strength(s) or gift(s) to face life challenges and live productive lives. Active listening, unconditional positive regard, empathy, and genuineness are essentials in my work with clients. My preferred therapeutic approach is person/client-centered therapy. My goals are to place myself into the individuals’ world, be nonjudgmental, ethical, build rapport and create positive therapeutic relationships. I want my clients to feel comfortable, accepted, open, and free to talk about any experience without reservation. I believe in self-disclosure to humanize the counseling experiences and share common life events for client growth. We are in this together.
Dr. Alfred White, Jr.
With over 26 years of experience, I work with everyday people on everyday life issues and challenges. My purpose is to assist individuals identify and work towards living the lifestyle that brings them the most joy and fulfillment. My philosophy is that at each individual's core exists knowledge of one's ideal self for every life area, relationship involved, and role played. Through consultations one's ideal selves and desired lifestyles are identified,, as well as both the obstacles and paths associated with the attainment and maintaining of the identified ideal selves and desired lifestyles Consultations are a collaborative team effort. As a "Life Consultant" my role is to ask the questions that assist in the reflection, awareness, and identification of the client's desired lifestyle and ideal self for every life area, the acceptance of who and where they at this moment in life, and the feedback, support, and encouragement needed for success. Life areas in which Consultations may be engaged include relationships with family, friends, significant others, and individuals in various community venues, to include work, school, neighborhood, and one's community at large. Questions, challenges, and issues concerning, self-identity, purpose, spirituality, career, and an array of everyday human concerns are welcomed for consult. With regard to my formal education and training, I received a Masters in Counseling from the University of New Orleans in 1994 and my Doctorate in Counseling in 1999. In the state of Louisiana I and licensed as both a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. In addition, I am Board Approved in the State of Louisiana as Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Supervisor. With over 26 years of experience, I work with everyday people on everyday life issues and challenges. My purpose is to assist individuals identify and work towards living the lifestyle that brings them the most joy and fulfillment. My philosophy is that at each individual's core exists knowledge of one's ideal self for every life area, relationship involved, and role played. Through consultations one's ideal selves and desired lifestyles are identified,, as well as both the obstacles and paths associated with the attainment and maintaining of the identified ideal selves and desired lifestyles Life areas in which Consultations may be engaged include relationships with family, friends, significant others, and individuals in various community venues, to include work, school, neighborhood, and one's community at large. Questions, challenges, and issues concerning, self-identity, purpose, spirituality, career, and an array of everyday human concerns are welcomed for consult. With regard to my formal education and training, I received a Masters in Counseling from the University of New Orleans in 1994 and my Doctorate in Counseling in 1999. In the state of Louisiana I and licensed as both a Licensed Professional Counselor and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. In addition, I am Board Approved in the State of Louisiana as Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor and a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Supervisor.
Ayana Lewis
Hi there! I’m Ayana. I’m a Christian therapist specializing in helping Black and African-American women struggling with Anxiety and Depression. There are times when we find ourselves on auto-pilot, in a state of being that is mundane, overwhelming, and monotonous. If you are feeling stuck and want more out of life, I'm here to assist with setting goals, overcoming limited beliefs, and developing appropriate coping skills that will propel you forward in life. I use a combination approach that includes mindfulness practices, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), solution-focused and person-centered therapies. These techniques help with grounding and appreciating the present moment while identifying belief patterns that are a hindrance. I want you to know that you've already taken the right step by seeking out a qualified therapist. In this very moment, you are making a life-changing decision to improve your overall mental well-being. I'm here for you!
Dominique Dew
I am licensed in Georgia with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & 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. I am a firm believer in the motto "Find A Way or Make One". 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.
Theresa Fillingim
Hello, I hope you are able to find the right counselor to help you at this present time. Finding a counselor takes a lot of courage to be open to share with someone you don't know and work on developing trust. Each time we meet, I will humbly work on earning your trust while teaching you new skills and tools to help you reach your goal. I've been a counselor in Georgia for 15 years. I have a BA in Theology/Philosophy from St. Joseph's College of Maine, Masters in Counseling and Psychology from University of West Alabama, and a Master in Divinity Pastoral Care from Mercer University Atlanta. I love helping others help themselves and practice a client-centered approach. I practice having a non-judgmental presence, unconditional positive regard, and empathy as the foundation for counseling. Focusing on a holistic and integrative approach which helps me understand your overall wellness physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. I have experience in helping others with anxiety, depression, substance use, trauma and abuse. My specialities are working with co-occurring disorders (more than one thing going on at the same time like trauma and anxiety or substance use/addictions and depression). I'm a certified addiction counselor, CACII since 2007. My goal is to help you find simple, measurable, and achievable ways to create goals in a timely manner to live a fulfilling and happier life.
Kelly Dahlke
I am licensed as a LCSW in Georgia with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with depression and anxiety and those going through various life changes. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Theoretical approaches that I use include Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and narrative approaches. I would like to help you see yourself with more compassion and work towards achieving your goals in therapy. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Amy Wallins
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Georgia with 17 years of professional experience. I am experienced in helping clients who are coping with grief and loss, stress and anxiety, depression, family/relationship conflicts, as well as LGBTQ+ specific concerns. I have worked in the hospice field for many years and have developed a wealth of knowledge surrounding grief and loss in all aspects of life. I have also worked with those living with HIV/AIDS and understand the unique set of challenges faced by this community. My varied work and life experiences give me a sincere and empathic lens which I use to help my clients as they embark on their therapeutic journeys. I believe that this sincerity comes across with each person with whom I have worked. My therapy style is warm, engaging, and interactive. My therapeutic approaches vary based on each specific client and their unique needs. I am also trained in Motivational Interviewing which gives my clients the tools to be able to take charge of their lives. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment and I believe in treating everyone with respect and compassion. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage and I am here to support and empower you in that process. I look forward to working with you!
Lucretia DuBose
I am licensed in Georgia with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. My specialty is helping the aging community and families care for loved ones with dementia. 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.
Dr. Lateshia Woodley
I am licensed in Georgia with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with trauma and abuse, parenting issues, career difficulties, & coping with life changes. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Lonja Jones
I am licensed in Georgia with 11 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, career difficulties, & 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. 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 Ideal
Finding the best therapist close by in Ideal 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 Ideal 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 Ideal. 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 Ideal, 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 Ideal 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 Ideal 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 Ideal 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 Ideal 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 Ideal, elsewhere in Macon, 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 Ideal 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 Ideal 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 Ideal 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 Ideal 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 Ideal online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in Ideal, 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 Ideal 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 Ideal 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 Ideal 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 Ideal?
One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Ideal 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 Ideal 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 Ideal 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 31041 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 Ideal counselor?
Before seeing your Ideal 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. Ideal 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 Ideal 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 Ideal 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 Ideal, 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.
Ideal 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 Ideal, 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 Ideal 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 Ideal:
31041