Shirley Chambers
Hello! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the metro Atlanta area with over 12 years of experience working as a therapist. I have worked with a diverse group of clients of all ages with a wide range of concerns, including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, family issues, parenting problems, veteran specific issues, career challenges and anger issues. I have also worked with clients who have experienced various types of trauma, specifically veterans. I combine different therapeutic approaches based on clients presenting concerns, goals and motivation such as Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Brief Solution Focused Therapy and Mindfulness. My counseling style is warm, inviting and helpful. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity and compassion. I believe in providing a safe space for all individuals. My goal is to provide you with practical solutions and tools that you can utilize to help move you to a healthier place in life. Therapy is a collaborative process and I look forward to helping you make positive, productive and meaningful changes in your life so that you can experience a more fulfilling life. Thank you for taking the first step toward a healthier you. I look forward to working with you!
Zoe Segers
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Georgia and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida with over 20 years total in the mental health field. I like working with individuals, couples and families and helping all to achieve their greatest self. I specialize in the areas of women's issues, relationship issues, gender/sexuality concerns, depression, stress/anxiety management, death and dying and trauma/abuse. I primarily use reality therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy but also incorporate dialectical behavior therapy. I work to identify communication styles and build rapport so that the therapeutic process and outcome and maximized. I will assist in identifying strengths and opportunities in each dynamic and examine total wellness as it contributes to mental health. Counseling is a tool to be used in learning to live your best life as the healing can begin when you feel motivated to make the change. I look forward to walking with you on that journey!
Jacqueline Caskey-James
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor since 2005 in Georgia. I received my Certified Professional Clinical Supervisors Certification in 2007. I retired June 1, 2023 as The Director of Student Health and Counseling for Fort Valley State University; Fort Valley, Georgia for 18 years. And I own CJ Hope Professional Counseling, LLC. (HOPE)HELPING OTHER PEOPLE EVOLVE I am very passionate about helping others to raise their levels of functioning from onset of Mental illness, depression, anxiety, self-esteem rebuilding, conflict resolution, just sometimes having a bad day. We all have them in one way or the other sometimes. We all have different individual lives in my opinion, and my goal is to help others develop and maintain healthy thoughts, feelings. I was appointed by the Peach County, Georgia County Commissioners to serve on The Department of Behavioral Health Developmental Disabilities and Mental Health Community Service Board as a voting member with 3 years terms. We are compassionate, yet that additional layer of support that always helps when pursuing greatness for our clients. To see one client improve on a consistent routine is super fantastic. I was also appointed by the Fort Valley State University's President to serve on the University Systems of Georgia Board of Regents Mental Health Task force as a voting member. " We must always be kind to others and to ourselves with good self care". This is my recipe to helping others. I am proud to be a Licensed Professional Counselor in the great state of Georgia. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic and rational-emotive counseling. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I prefer that my style meet needs of the client. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. Due to the pandemic times have changed that extra bit of comfort and consoling as we work through models with the sad and depressed. But I have learned to be creative encouragement for the client, create a calm safe space and begin your working relationship .
Dr. Arline Edwards-Joseph
Greetings! I am honored that you have taken the time to visit my page. I applaud you for taking steps toward becoming your optimal self. I look forward to hearing about you and working with you on your unique life experiences. My name is Dr. Arline Edwards-Joseph, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in the state of Georgia. I also am a licensed school counselor, and a National Certified Counselor (NCC). I have experience working with children, adolescents, and adults both nationally and internationally, giving me the opportunity to work with clients of diverse cultural backgrounds. Working with different cultural backgrounds has given me the experience to help clients explore their thoughts and emotions about their life experiences such as trauma, depression, anxiety, grief, and loss, from their cultural vantage point. Having been in the counseling field for over 25 years, I strive to make sure that any client under my care gets the best services they deserve as they work on becoming their best selves as we build and develop a therapeutic, working relationship. I foster an environment that is built on trust and mutual respect, allowing for a space where the client can be comfortable and grow, drawing on the fact that you are the expert of your own story. I have experience working with elementary, middle, and high school students to help solve problems and address goals in the educational, career, and social-emotional domains. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, client-centered, and psychodynamic therapy. I also consider my client’s individual needs and work to ensure that I meet them where they are in their life’s journey, exploring their needs. SPECIALTIES • Stress, Anxiety • Parent/Child relationships/Parenting issues • Depression • Grief and loss • Multicultural issues • Immigration issues Also experienced in: Relationship issues, Family conflicts, Intimacy-related issues, Parenting issues, Anger management, Self-esteem, and Career difficulties. Clinical approaches: Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing
Dr. Melissa Chovan
I am an individual and family therapist with 19 years of experience in this field and 13 years as a therapist. I have experience in many areas of mental health and family and social issues including, but not limited to: generalized anxiety disorder, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, Oppositional Defiance Disorder, PTSD, parenting problems, domestic violence, sexual assault, and trauma. I have some experience working with gender dysphoria. I have worked in the areas of domestic violence, sexual assault, at risk youth (alternative education and a residential program), therapy for child protective services cases, community mental health, state prison, private practice, and teaching (online and in person). I am working towards specializing in trauma. I have learned three different types of trauma therapies this past year (Brainspotting, CPT, and Accelerated Response Therapy) and am working on getting certified in all three. Each of these therapies has it's place in an individual's abiity to overcome trauma. However, I deal with more than just trauma and I have more tools (i.e., CBT, motivational interviewing, reality therapy, family systems therapy, and DBT - to name a few). My therapy style is warm, respectful and interactive. I believe therapy is individualized (every person is different with different needs) and the therapy styles. Hope, empowerment, a good relationship and education are things I feel are integral to a successful therapeutic experience. If you want to be heard, learn, and work towards bettering yourself, I am here to support and assist you in this endeavor. I look forward to meeting you.
Naomi Boothe
I am licensed in Tennessee and Georgia with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse. 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.
Julie Perez
I am licensed in Georgia with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, anger management, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Rita Barnhardt
I am licensed in Georgia with 24 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 work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
Adrianne Beach
You found my page, so you must be looking for someone to help you navigate the stormy seas of life. Perhaps you have experienced trauma or an event in your life you just can't seem to 'get over.' Perhaps you feel ashamed, depressed, anxious, disconnected, or stuck. My passion is to help people just like you - people who want to move forward in their journey toward hope and healing. You have courageously taken the first step, and I would be honored to walk along side you as you progress in your journey. I want to help you learn to connect with others and yourself in a way that moves you forward and motivates you to create the life you envision, and begin to heal the things in your life that have led to feeling disconnected. This can take a variety of strategies and techniques, but they all start with a foundation of feeling heard and understood. The counseling relationship is the basis by which you begin to experience greater connection with others and yourself. For some, a specific technique or "theory" is important; however, for most, it is knowing that the person with whom you work cares and is able to make that connection with you. I have my Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Liberty University, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Virginia. I have experience working with a vast number of mental health concerns and diagnoses, but I am passionate about helping people reconnect with themselves, others, and resolve any trauma (or events, attitudes, behaviors, or beliefs) that may hinder someone from true authenticity and the ability to connect.
Barbara Larsen
I am licensed in Georgia with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, relationship issues, family conflicts, & coping with grief and loss. 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 Macon
Finding the best therapist close by in Macon 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 Macon 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 Macon. 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 Macon, 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 Macon 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 Macon 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 Macon 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 Macon 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 Macon, elsewhere in Bibb, 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 Macon 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 Macon 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 Macon 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 Macon 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 Macon online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in Macon, 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 Macon 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 Macon 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 Macon 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 Macon?
One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Macon 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 Macon 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 Macon 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 31201 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 Macon counselor?
Before seeing your Macon 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. Macon 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 Macon 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 Macon 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 Macon, 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.
Macon 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 Macon, 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 Macon 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 Macon:
31201