Lisa May
Hello, my name is Lisa May. First thing to know about me is I am a very down to earth but a professional counselor and will take your issue serious. I have been working in and around the field of therapy since 2002 and before that I worked in Social Work since 1996. I am originally from Kentucky where I had my own private practice for a couple of years before moving to Tennessee. I have worked with a variety of different issues such as grief, anxiety, depression, trauma, addiction just to name a few, however those are the issues I feel I work best with and have the most experience with. I love what I do and will probably do this until I retire. I enjoy becoming part of a person's journey to healing and watch as they grow into a brighter and better future for themselves and their loved ones. If you are interested in knowing more about me please click on my name above your message. I look forward to working with you.
Tiffany Marks
Hi, I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, I have worked in our community for over 15 years with a diverse population. I have worked with individual and couples trying to figure out how to move forward. Sometimes we feel stuck and have a hard time trying to figure out our life's struggles. I enjoy working with individual's and couples on making decisions that can change their lives through counseling. I have worked with individual's and couples who struggle with personal and professional issues. Dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, communication, and learning to express their thoughts and feelings is just some of the topics we have focused on. Some of the therapeutic treatments used are cognitive-behavior therapy, behavior modification, trauma-focused CBT, and solution focused therapy. It is important to help identify individuals’ strengths, needs and goals to create opportunities that will empower and guide individuals through self-growth. I am a professional that is caring, a good listener, compassionate and nonjudgmental. It’s my hope to provide an environment that demonstrate professionalism and respect for all individuals and couples I meet. Thank you for reaching out and making one of the best decisions you can make in changing your life!
Sepideh Pourhassani
I am a licensed therapist in the state of Tennesse and I have experience working with adults and adolescents struggling with addiction and also with children and adolescents struggling with emotional and behavioral difficulties. Throughout these experiences, I have learned that trauma, anxiety, depression, grief, and many more are common throughout all age groups. It’s common to walk through life and be too busy to think about and focus on yourself. Sometimes other life events can take priority over taking care of ourselves. I have found my passion to be working alongside individuals from all walks of life to overcome obstacles in their lives and strive to provide a safe environment to allow healing and growth. I encourage individuals to take the first step in taking care of themselves and enhancing their life needs and satisfaction. Sometimes, we don’t know where to start to make improvements in our lives or what steps to take to make a change, I believe that counseling is the first step in taking control of your life and to fulfilling your true self.
Thom Barry
Clients don’t come to me with their problems- they come to me with solutions that have not been working and/or not working as well as expected. Research indicates that a key factor in effective therapy and the client accomplishing their therapeutic goals, is the working relationship between the client and therapist. I will do whatever is I can to hold up my end of the bargain, accommodate your needs/wants and make this process as stress free (and enjoyable) as possible. At this point of the bio I can start throwing out many different treatment modalities that I use, explain my theoretical framework or use catchy phrases like 'unconditional positive regard, client centered treatment' however, I find that to be effective in my role I need to explain things in ways that they can easily be understood. I imagine that we all have an invisible bucket we carry around with us on a daily basis. Sometimes we add things (stressors) to our bucket and sometimes those around us dump some of their things in our bucket also. When our bucket has become overfilled, this is when problems begin to develop in our day to day lives. My goal is to give you a safe place to empty your overflowing bucket and learn ways to keep it from getting overfilled. We will explore your issues, help you to articulate what you're feeling/thinking and strategize on how to make meaningful, lasting change (as a bonus, I might even make you crack a smile or laugh on occasion.) Being human, it is hardwired in us to seek comfort and predictability. We gravitate to what is familiar. It is not an easy thing to actively work against that hardwiring, choosing to take effective action rather than maintaining status quo. The personal growth and insight that can occur from our sessions is much like learning and preparing to do a backflip for the first time. It is not easy but it is simple. So are you ready to learn to do backflips?
Alison Crane
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with many years of experience working with a wide variety of individuals. I have over 18 years of experience working with older adults and their families through the transition of life stages, and have quite a lot of experience with the challenges that come with being a caregiver. I also have many years of experience working with adults who are transitioning from college or from home into the next phase of their life, as well as with adults who are struggling with depression, anxiety, and other persistent mental health challenges. My counseling style is warm, supportive and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I will never judge you. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral and solution focused counseling. We will be collaborative partners in identifying your own goals and strengths so that you can start feeling like your best self. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you.
Jodi Herrera
Welcome to Better Help! You've taken the first step, and I'm sure you're wondering how this works and whether it's the right fit for you. My name is Jodi Herrera and I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the State of Tennessee. I earned my Master's of Social Work degree from the University of Buffalo in New York . I've worked in many different settings with individuals and families who have a variety of personal issues such as depression/anxiety, stress, family problems, trauma/abuse, self-esteem, relationships/parenting, coping styles, aging, grief, cancer and much, much more. Over the past 10 years as a social worker, my experience has taught me that the most important aspect of counseling by far is the connection and comfort you feel with the person you choose to share your personal struggles. I believe we can all grow through challenging experiences by increasing our self-awareness. Sometimes another person, one who isn't in our immediate circle, can offer a perspective or additional support, that give us movement on a difficult situation when we feel stuck and feel that we can reach healthy relationships within ourselves and with others. It would be my privilege to be that person for you. We all want to be able to share our personal truths and be accepted and understood. I believe it's very important to be open-minded and non-judgmental when someone shares their personal story or experiences with me. Our relationship with our self and others has worth and is useful to explore in counseling. My counseling style is warm, interactive, holistic and supportive as the client controls the pace and focus of the work. My approach combines person centered, cognitive behavioral therapies, solution-focused and motivational interviewing styles. Realizing that no two people are alike, I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet the client's unique and specific needs. It takes great courage to ask for help and it's where counseling begins. I honor your bravery and your decision to find your yourself. I am dedicated to helping you with your life's journey.
James Slaton
Greetings! I am James K. Slaton and I have been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) since 2015. I graduated from Western Kentucky University and my previous experience in mental health includes working at a State Mental Hospital, Community Mental Health Crisis Unit, and Child Protective Services as an ongoing worker and investigator. I started providing mental health counseling/therapy in 2012 working with children and their families. My experience includes implementing management strategies for depression, anxiety, substance abuse, relationship issues, and effects of trauma to name a few. My overall approach is based in Reality Therapy. I am trained in several modalities and utilize them interchangeably to create an environment where my patients are/or become an expert on themselves and can teach me how to help them. I bring my own expertise to the session shaped and formed through life experiences, the search and acquisition of knowledge, and taking an empathetic approach to all situations. Passing judgment, discriminating, following social norms, or utilizing sympathy as a tool is not a part of treatment I deliver. My approach is straightforward and solution focused. If you feel that no one ‘gets’ you or that no one has been there, you may be correct but I believe that can change so give me a try! I make no promises, but I also tell no lies; if you possess the stamina we will win the race! If stamina is lacking, we will condition and win the race anyway!
Bruce Theobald
I am licensed in Tennessee with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, abuse, and depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many qualities that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy takes courage and I am proud of you for getting started! I believe that all of us have suffered from feeling that we are not in control of our lives. When that experience persists, then our instinct to protect ourselves can push us into patterns of behavior that range from bad habits to behavior that damages relationships and threatens our physical and mental health. I help people by focusing on their strengths rather than their weaknesses, to build supportive relationships with themselves and others, and to help them see themselves as unique and worthwhile persons. We do this together through a therapeutic relationship.
Kristena Partridge
I am licensed in Illinois with 2 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, intimacy related issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Amy Crabtree
Hello! My name is Amy Crabtree and I am licensed in Tennessee with 15 years of professional work experience. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology and a Master's Degree in Social Work. I completed requirements for my LCSW in 2012. I worked for 12 years in community mental health as an outpatient therapist. I have seen a large variety of ages and clients with different diagnoses, including working with substance abuse treatment programs. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & depression. My treatment approach focuses on how our thoughts can impact our feelings and behaviors. I believe in treating everyone with respect and compassion. Expect to be met in our sessions without judgment. Our sessions will be focused on goals YOU choose to set for yourself. I think it is important for a therapist to meet you where you are. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for reaching out!
How to find a therapist for counseling in Athens
Finding the best therapist close by in Athens 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 Athens 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 Athens. 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 Athens, 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 Athens region and in the state of Tennessee. 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 Athens 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 Athens 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 Athens 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 Athens, elsewhere in McMinn, or in the greater state of Tennessee. 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 Athens 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 Athens 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 Athens 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 Athens may not take health insurance, some in the state of Tennessee 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 Tennessee 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 Athens online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in Athens, Tennessee 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 Athens 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 Athens 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 Athens 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 Athens?
One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a Athens 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 Athens 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 Athens 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 TN, 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 37371 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 Athens counselor?
Before seeing your Athens 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. Athens 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 Athens 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 Athens 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 Athens, Tennessee 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.
Athens 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 Athens, Tennessee
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 Athens 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 Athens:
37303, 37371