Athens is known as the black eyed pea capital. There are definitely a lot of black eyed peas grown in the area. Southerners will tell you that black eyed peas are good luck when eaten on New Year’s Day. There are a lot of theories about what lies behind this tradition, but they all revolve around the Civil War and the freeing of the slaves.
While it can be debated whether or not black eyed peas are good luck, it is certain that luck will be on your side if you need help with mental or emotional strife. Athens-area counselors are available at all times to offer you assistance to improve your life, although it may take work rather than luck.
Brentom Jackson
Brentom Jackson holds a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts and a Master’s degree in counseling. He is a licensed professional counselor and supervisor, registered yoga instructor and award-winning performance artist in the North Texas area. His unique educational background equips him to take a creative, collaborative and eclectic approach to therapy. He combines techniques from CBT, Mindfulness, Sports/Performance Psychology, and Expressive Arts Therapy to help clients approach mental health and wellness holistically. Brentom’s employment experience as a school social worker, a community college counselor, and a private practice clinician prepares him to work with clients of various ages and presenting concerns. Whether you’re a teen struggling with self-esteem, a young adult trying to assert yourself in college or your career, an artist overcoming creative blocks, a service professional dealing with compassion fatigue, or if you have the everyday struggles of anxiety, depression and difficult relationships; Brentom ensures that each client develops the tools, techniques and knowledge to be successful in the classroom of life. Brentom works best with clients that are serious about the therapeutic process and currently seeking change. If you know there is more to you and life than your current mental health struggles and are eager for an opportunity to grow past them and into the new you in a mindful, creative and innovative way, Brentom’s calming personality, light humor and personal commitment to each client as an individual can help you on the path to transformation.
Dr. Kimberly Kerksiek
Hello and welcome! I am a licensed therapist with over 18 years of experience in the mental health field across private practice and community settings. I approach therapy from a systemic and client-centered perspective, and utilize a variety of approaches to tailor therapy to the needs of each client. I have been fortunate to work with a very diverse population of individuals and couples with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, life transitions, substance abuse/recovery, LGBT+ issues, and trauma. I have training in multiple methodologies, including narrative therapy, Gottman Method Couples Therapy, trauma-focused therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy. My therapeutic approach is collaborative and empowering. Throughout the therapy process, I strive to create an accepting environment so each client feels comfortable processing personal issues or concerns. This, in turn, helps each individual tap into his or her own strengths and achieve desired growth. Reaching out for help can be difficult, and the therapy process can often be challenging. Through working together, I believe you can achieve your goals, overcome obstacles, and ultimately thrive in your personal endeavors. I look forward to working with you.
Sharon Blue
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, licensed in the state of Texas with over 11 years of experience. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including anxiety and stress, depression, anger issues, grief, PTSD and addiction. My therapist style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating anyone with respect, being non-judgmental, patient and compassionate while developing a trusting relationship. I employ communications of active listening, open-mindedness and empathetic connection in a therapeutic setting. I am here to come alongside as you take steps toward change. I look forward to working with you!
Dr. Carey Vorholt
If you have known heartache, loss, confusion, and persistent worry, I am here to listen. If you are looking to find joy and fulfillment, I am here to help you dream and set achievable goals. If you are struggling with self-understanding, I am here to search with and understand with you. 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!
Thomas Hall
Hello, my name is Thomas Hall and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in Colorado and New Mexico. I have approximately 20 years of experience in mental health related work. I started off working with teens in the wilderness therapy field in the beautiful southwest United States. I have since worked in community mental health with youth, families and adults and more recently veterans. I also served youth from age 5-19 in the public education setting as a special education social worker. I have enjoyed working with various backgrounds and ethnicities, and always try to take cultural differences into account in my work. I believe in helping my clients find their own way with my guidance and support. I help my clients change their stress producing thoughts and find the direction they want to head in their relationships, careers, and goals whatever those may be, while teaching strategies to handle emotions and behaviors. Having a positive relationship with my clients is very important and I work on this from the beginning. I definitely come from a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy philosophy and subgroups related to this. I grew up in Ohio and attended Miami University of Ohio for my Bachelors Degree in psychology and after working for a period of time in the mental health field I finished my Masters in Social Work at New Mexico Highlands University in Las Vegas, New Mexico. I completed the necessary steps and obtained my clinical license in New Mexico and Virginia.
Asly Guevara
Hello! My name is Asly (Ah-zz-lee) and I am an LPC based in Texas with a little over 5 years of professional work experience. I have a Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health and Counseling. My experience in helping revolves around clients who experience stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse. A lot of the work in my sessions are built around mindfulness, motivation, self awareness, confidence and strength building perspectives. I collaborate with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Looking inward, stepping out of the mold and breaking cycles takes courage and I am proud of you for getting started! I am happy to jump on board with you in your mental health journey.
Hallie Behrens
I am licensed in Texas with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & 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.
Valerie Martin
I am licensed in Texas with 24 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & depression. I have both personal and professional experience with chronic illness, so I am well equipped to help individuals who are dealing with this. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Hector Soto
Dynamic Bilingual Social Work Therapist with LMSW, LCSW in Direct Practice with Child and Family. A highly skilled, compassionate, empathetic, and solution-oriented Social Worker dedicated to providing exceptional care and effective counseling for children and families, with a demonstrated track record of success working with diverse client populations in one-on-one and group settings. Effective motivator, communicator, and advocate with an inherent ability to manage all types of personalities, diffuse stressful situations, proactively resolve issues, and meet and achieve challenging goals and objectives. Innate ability to establish rapport quickly, build trust, and interact with and relate to individuals on all levels—interpersonal solid, organizational, and analytical skills. I have a demonstrated track record of success working with diverse client populations in one-on-one and group settings. I am licensed in Texas and have nine years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & anger management. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage, and I am proud of you for getting started!
Cynthia Scott
I am a licensed counselor in Texas with 20 years of professional work experience. I have written a book "When Anxiety Attacks" and have been a guest on both national and local television and radio shows to talk about my approach. This approach is based on my years of experience working successfully with clients to reduce their anxiety level. This includes both general stress and clients with depression and anxiety. I have worked with NASA Mission Control engineers to improve their performance and Mission Control continues to require this training of all incoming engineers. My private practice also includes working with clients on relationship issues and family conflicts. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I will enjoy working as a partner with you on your goals. I will tailor our time together to address 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 working on making that happen! I am here to support & offer you new tools that will impower you in that journey.
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 Texas. 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 Henderson, or in the greater state of Texas. 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 Texas 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 Texas 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, Texas 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 TX, 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 75751 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, Texas 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, Texas
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:
75751, 75752