This is Margaret Gibson Ellison's avatar and link to their profile

Margaret Gibson Ellison

Clinical therapist offering therapy in GA, Jacksonville
Counselor License Type(s): MS,EdS 2001
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issues
23 years of experience

Welcome! My name is Margaret "Gibson" Ellison. I have 23 years experience as a counselor, which has provided me with experiences necessary to assist clients with overcoming obstacles created by anxiety, depression, substance use disorders, trauma, relationship dysfunction, and societal pressures. I hold specialty certifications in chemical and sexual addiction, and am also certified as a Rainbow Advocate Educator. I have worked across a variety of settings: inpatient, outpatient, private practice and virtual platforms. I have been in private practice in Conyers, Georgia for the last 14 years. My focus is collaborative, client-centered and motivational. I have witnessed strong positive outcomes facilitated through the therapeutic relationship, listening objectively and pursuing goals that we build and set together. I believe a person's decision to enter counseling demonstrates courage and willingness to make positive changes. Together with my clients, we form a therapeutic alliance that facilitates personal growth and self-improvement. I enjoy working with adults 18 and over, and seeing them achieve their goals. I do not believe in a ,"cookie-cutter" approach to therapy, and am dedicated to providing an individual, personal counseling experience, unique to the specific needs of my clients. I enjoy providing a holistic approach to counseling, by focusing on each client as a whole person, comprised of beautiful parts within. I understand that no two people are the same, and am devoted to providing everyone who, "walks," onto my screen, with individualized care in order to meet your personal needs. I am excited to support you during this time of transformation, while respecting your independence. You have taken a momentous step forward by reaching out, and I am committed to taking this journey with you. If you have any questions, or would like additional details, please don't hesitate to message me. Thank you so much, I look forward to hearing from you. Gibson

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Emily McIver

Clinical therapist offering therapy in GA, Jacksonville
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW,MAC
AddictionsRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesAnger managementSelf esteem
19 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Master’s in Addictions Counselor with over 19 years of experience with counseling individuals, couples and families struggling with mental health, substance abuse, anger management and family violence issues. I have experience with individual and couples therapy and I have facilitated Family Violence Intervention Groups, Anger Management, and Substance Abuse treatment groups. I am an engaging, compassionate, thought provoking, change evoking counselor that believes that everyone has the ability to become better and greater. My approach is solution focused, client centered, and strengths-based drawing heavily from Cognitive Behavioral Theory. It would be my honor and pleasure to work with you as well as to assist you to move toward accomplishing your desired goals.

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Joanne Slatinsky

Clinical therapist offering therapy in GA, Jacksonville
Counselor License Type(s): MS,LPC
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issuesDepression
37 years of experience

I’m Joanne Slatinsky, a mental health counselor in the State of Georgia and licensed as a Professional Counselor since 1987. I have had the privilege of counseling hundreds of people through my long career in mental health. I believe I have a calling for helping people during difficult times. I approach life and my work with my clients with compassion and understanding. I work with adult individuals and couples with a variety of issues and conflicts. I have experience in working with a wide range of concerns and mental health issues, but a few examples are depression, anxiety, stress, emotional abuse, relationship issues and dealing with change. I am married for 40 years and we have 3 children and 5 grandchildren. I have a lot of life experience, probably have been through some struggles that are similar to yours and I bring a lot of education and training to assist you in every way I can. I look forward to meeting you.

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Tonya Parrish

Clinical therapist offering therapy in GA, Jacksonville
Counselor License Type(s): MA, LPC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
15 years of experience

I am a licensed professional counselor in the state of Georgia. I have over 15 years experience in the mental health and substance use field. I have worked with all age ranges but primarily adults throughout my career. I offer counseling services for a wide-array of areas such as depression, anxiety, trauma, bi-polar, stress, grief, parenting and relationship needs. My counseling approach is primarily person-centered, compassionate and solution oriented. I believe recovery is possible for everyone. We all need someone we trust to support, uplift and work through life events, family and individual needs and emotional challenges. Taking care of your mental health needs is a positive step in securing overall happiness, contentment and purpose in life. You are not a problem or a diagnosis. You are a person! I look forward to meeting you and walking this recovery journey with you!

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Christina Bullock

Clinical therapist offering therapy in GA, Jacksonville
Counselor License Type(s): M.Ed,LPC,NCC
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepressionADHD
14 years of experience

Hi there! Thanks for stopping in to check out my profile. Therapy might seem intimidating, but it is a great step toward improving yourself and your future. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), licensed in both Georgia and Arkansas, with more than 15 years of experience as a therapist. I am also nationally certified through the National Board of Certified Counselors (NBCC) and am a member of the American Counseling Association (ACA). I am originally from the West Coast but have lived in the South for over 20 years. I have a Master of Education degree in Counselor Education from Augusta State University. I've worked in the outpatient community setting, school settings, and in a group home. I have worked with clients from school age through geriatric populations, both individual and family therapy, with a number of topics including depression, mood disorders, anxiety, stress, interpersonal communication, grief, ADHD, and self-concept, among others. My theoretical orientation is primarily Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), but I can draw from a number of orientations depending on what is best suited for you and the situation. My therapy style focuses on working cooperatively with you to help you feel heard, to learn and gain more confidence with coping skills, and to work collaboratively to process and brainstorm new ways of viewing or reacting to the situation at hand, so as to become an advocate for positive change in your own life. We can work together to help you identify your goals and move toward a healthier, happier future, and a healthier, happier you! I hope we can work together soon!

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Felice Edwards

Clinical therapist offering therapy in GA, Jacksonville
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsSelf esteemDepression
7 years of experience

I am licensed in New York and Georgia with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I also have experience working with depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Dr. Mary Ann Hensley

Clinical therapist offering therapy in GA, Jacksonville
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementSelf esteem
23 years of experience

I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Georgia with over 22 years of professional work experience. I have worked with children, teens and adults. My previous clients have been from diverse backgrounds with a wide range of issues including depression, anxiety, trauma, domestic violence and low self-esteem. My goal is to provide each client with tools to overcome obstacles or enhance the quality of life. 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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Shelly Allen

Clinical therapist offering therapy in GA, Jacksonville
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
8 years of experience

I am licensed in Georgia with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & 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. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

This is Michelle  Burns 's avatar and link to their profile

Michelle Burns

Clinical therapist offering therapy in GA, Jacksonville
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteem
18 years of experience

I am licensed in Georgia with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, parenting issues, & anger management. 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!

This is Jennifer Logan's avatar and link to their profile

Jennifer Logan

Clinical therapist offering therapy in GA, Jacksonville
Self esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

I am licensed in Georgia with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, & coping with life changes. 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 Jacksonville

Finding the best therapist close by in Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville. 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 Jacksonville, 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 Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville, elsewhere in Telfair, 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 Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Jacksonville, 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 Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville 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 31544 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 Jacksonville counselor?

Before seeing your Jacksonville 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. Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville, 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.

Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville, 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 Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville.

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

31544

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