This is Nerissa Pratt Franklin's avatar and link to their profile

Nerissa Pratt Franklin

Clinical therapist offering therapy in GA, Ray City
Counselor License Type(s): MS, LMHC,LPC
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesSelf esteem
20 years of experience

Hello! My name is Nerissa Pratt Franklin and I am mental health counselor that is licensed in Florida,Georgia, Kentucky, and Arizona . I have been counseling for the past twenty years and during that time, I specialized in working with couples, adults, children, and families. I help my clients address a variety of issues including (but not limited to) military lifestyle issues, relationship issues, life transitions, depression, anxiety, LGBTQ issues, and grief. I am very passionate about helping my clients build strong relationships and coping skills through counseling. I will help you accomplish your therapy goals through person-centered therapy combined with cognitive behavioral therapy. I believe that these two therapeutic approaches will help to empower you and change the thinking/behaviors that are causing difficulties in your life. For your safety and due to my licensure states legal and ethical requirements, if you choose to work with me I will need a copy of your driver's license, contact information, and emergency contact information. Please be informed that anything in our sessions remains confidential unless you say you are going to harm your self or someone else. Congratulations on taking the first step towards becoming a better you! Remember to trust yourself and the process. I am here to help you. Let’s get started today!

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Christie Wakefield

Clinical therapist offering therapy in GA, Ray City
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesDepression
4 years of experience

I am a licensed Marriage and Family therapist in Georgia. I graduated from Mercer University School of Medicine with a Masters in Marriage and Family therapy. I have experience working with children, couples and families, especially as it relates to addiction, trauma and family relationship dynamics. I have worked as a Program therapist for community mental health programs, where I worked with addiction and mental health diagnoses that range from depression and anxiety to personality disorders. In addition to my clinical experience, I also teach trauma recovery groups and LGBTQ+ support groups. My expertise is in the area of depression, addiction, anxiety and trauma as well as gender and sexuality and relationship difficulties. I am EMDR trained and Gottman couples counseling level one and two certified. My approach is to meet each person where they are regarding their readiness to make changes in their life. I treat everyone I work with with compassion and the respect that they deserve. I provide a judgement free and safe space for you to feel free to be who you are while you share. It takes courage to take those first steps in seeking a more fulfilling and happier life and even more to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take those steps I am here to support and help you on that journey.

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Tameka Dean

Clinical therapist offering therapy in GA, Ray City
Counselor License Type(s): MA,LPC
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepression
17 years of experience

Welcome! My name is Tameka and I am a licensed professional counselor in the state of Georgia. I have 17+ years of experience working in the mental health field. I have worked in a variety of settings including inpatient, residential, partial care, outpatient, and in-home. Seeing my experiences can be a bit overwhelming, so I would like to break it down a bit more. I have the most experience working with clients experiencing Depression, Anxiety, Family Conflict, Self -Love, and LGBTQ+. It is my belief that you have everything you need within you to live your best life and be your best self, however, unhealed wounds can slow that timeline of seeing that manifest. It is my goal to guide, educate, support, and empower my clients on their way to healing. I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Client-Centered Therapy. I find great joy when my clients have that light bulb moment when they realize they in fact can be the captain of their healing/journey. I also understand that not everyone is of the mindset that they need healing and may require someone to help them build their personal road map of goals, I can also assist with that and would say I would serve in more of a coaching role for you. Lastly, picking the right therapist can be scary, I would like to share that I find the therapeutic alliance as a collaboration of communication, honesty, and mutual respect. If you feel I am a good fit for you, I would love to walk alongside you as you explore your inner challenges and develop long-term solutions to those challenges. Please note that I only see clients via phone or video sessions.

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Danielle Veader

Clinical therapist offering therapy in GA, Ray City
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefCoping with life changes
18 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Georgia with over 20 years of experience working with individuals, children, and families. I have worked with clients on a wide range of issues. I started my career working in child welfare where I worked along side parents to help them become the best versions of themselves as individuals and as parents. I am experienced in working with parents and teens and helping each person improve those familial relationships. For over a decade, I have had the honor of working in medical settings with individuals coping with and adjusting to a new chronic and/or terminal disease diagnosis and with their families as they grapple with their new normal. I have facilitated grief support groups for those that have lost a loved one. Processing grief is very important and looks different for everyone. I enjoy partnering with clients in finding their way back to joy and purpose after a loss. I use an integrated approach to therapy and try to meet each client where they are. I utilize evidenced based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), but ultimately work with the individual to construct a treatment plan that serves their needs best. It is a huge step to seek out therapy. I look forward to meeting you and helping you become the healthiest version of yourself. Please note that, at this time, I am only accepting clients that can be seen between the hours of 9:00am and 3pm EST. My afternoon/evening slots are currently full.

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Alexandra Pajak

Clinical therapist offering therapy in GA, Ray City
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
3 years of experience

Thank you and congratulations on your brave choice to seek support. Admitting to and seeking out extra support for difficult times is so important for our health and well-being. My approach to therapy is supportive and direct. My primary modality is Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). I am a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), with graduate degrees from the University of Georgia and Georgia Tech. My specialties include grief counseling, anxiety, depression, personality disorders, eating disorders, and substance use disorders. I look forward to working together.

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Tujuana Jallah

Clinical therapist offering therapy in GA, Ray City
Relationship issuesFamily conflictsParenting issuesSelf esteemADHD
15 years of experience

I am licensed in Georgia with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, parenting issues, & 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.

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Tami Brown

Clinical therapist offering therapy in GA, Ray City
Counselor License Type(s): LPC,LSSGB
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTFamily conflictsDepression
20 years of experience

I am licensed in Georgia with over 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in clinical depression, stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, lgbtq+ related issues, family conflicts, severe and persistent mental concerns, and more. I believe in treating everyone with dignity, respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I listen! I will tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Whatever works best for you to get you to where you want to be. 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.

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Julie Zemke

Clinical therapist offering therapy in GA, Ray City
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I am authentic and direct but a compassionate therapist who will work with you and assist in empowering you to move forward in meeting your goals. I have a particular interest in promoting healthy boundaries and giving voice to your needs in a more assertive manner. I believe a sense of humor is a critical coping skill. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self-esteem, confidence, depression, and navigating life changes. I am licensed in Georgia, Wisconsin, Washington, Oregon, and Arizona. I have 15 years of professional work experience. My clinical expertise is in adult mental health, substance use disorders, and trauma, having worked in a variety of settings to include inpatient, residential, jail, crisis intervention, and outpatient mental health clinics. I incorporate cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) treatment interventions. I have found great fulfillment in helping individuals better manage their emotions, improve their relationships, and overall functioning. I feel honored to listen and provide tools shown to improve overall quality of life. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started. I know that availability is a key factor in selecting a therapist that can meet your needs. I offer live chat/video/phone sessions on the weekends and weeknights only. I am very accessible via messaging.

This is Dwanne Clayton's avatar and link to their profile

Dwanne Clayton

Clinical therapist offering therapy in GA, Ray City
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
5 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Florida with 15 years of professional work experience, and I have been providing therapy for five of those years. I have experience helping clients with depression, stress and anxiety, relationship issues, couples counseling, family conflicts, self-esteem, motivation, and confidence. We all can experience times in our lives that involve dynamic changes requiring constant adjustment. Life isn't always easy, but getting the help you need can get you one step closer to a new you where you feel empowered and on a positive path for growth and well-being. You are the expert on your story and have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. I strive to help you uncover your true potential and ultimately reach your goals by implementing solution-oriented strategies for successful transformation. While we can't change difficult situations of the past, we can work together to better understand and resolve challenges in your life. My goal is to help you lead a well-balanced life that is purposeful and pleasing to you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage, and I am proud of you for getting started!

This is Sheila Kendrick's avatar and link to their profile

Sheila Kendrick

Clinical therapist offering therapy in GA, Ray City
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteem
17 years of experience

I am licensed in Georgia with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

How to find a therapist for counseling in Ray City

Finding the best therapist close by in Ray City 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 Ray City 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 Ray City. 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 Ray City, 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 Ray City 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 Ray City 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 Ray City 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 Ray City 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 Ray City, elsewhere in Berrien, 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 Ray City 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 Ray City 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 Ray City 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 Ray City 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 Ray City online therapy platform verified?

Therapists in Ray City, 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 Ray City 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 Ray City 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 Ray City 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 Ray City?

One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Ray City 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 Ray City 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 Ray City 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 31645 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 Ray City counselor?

Before seeing your Ray City 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. Ray City 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 Ray City 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 Ray City 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 Ray City, 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.

Ray City 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 Ray City, 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 Ray City 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 Ray City.

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

31645

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