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.

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Maxi Malone-Deese

Clinical therapist offering therapy in TX, Athens
Counselor License Type(s): LPC, LPHA,M S
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
8 years of experience

“Courage doesn’t happen when you have all the answers. It happens when you are ready to face the questions you have been avoiding your whole life.” ― Shannon L. Alder I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in the State of Texas. I have been aiding individuals, couples and families towards better mental health for the last 7 years. I work with individuals with a wide range of concerns such as marriage/couple/family counseling, depression, anxiety, stress, self-esteem, family conflict, and relationship issues. I specialize in marital and relationship issue. My approach is unique to each client and one that is committed to working together to ensure you accomplish your goals. I use a mixture of Person Centered Therapy and Solution Focused Therapy and I execute these modalities through a client centered method that includes snippets of life coaching. As a woman of color, I would be a great match for interested in a counselor of color with no judgment that provides a safe space for all individuals. Life is full of surprises and obstacles. My goal is to aid you with tangible and practical solutions, tools, and techniques that can be applied to all areas of your life. I am passionate about assisting you with resolving various life problems by encouraging and promoting positive and healthy mental health, as well as, healing and changing. Therapy is a collaborative process. Working with me you’ll quickly find that I respect you by recognizing that there’s no single one size fits all therapeutic approach and will treat you as the individual that you are. My hope is that you will take the next steps so that we can begin the process of bringing about healing and change to your situation. As your therapist, I can’t promise you the work will be easy, but it will be fulfilling. I will work with you in processing difficult feelings and emotions, and setting goals that are important to you, and help guide you as you work through them. If you're ready, let me know how I can support you. ________________________________________ SPECIALTIES • Relationship issues • Family conflicts • Life Transitions • Depression and grief • Spirituality • Self Esteem Years of Experience: 7 I also have experience in anxiety, peer relationships, stress, and anger management

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Paola Garcia

Clinical therapist offering therapy in TX, Athens
Counselor License Type(s): M.S.,LMFT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
7 years of experience

Please read below prior to booking - At this time, I am currently offering live video, phone and livechat sessions. I also offer the daily messaging option for clients that may feel more comfortable with only that option OR a mixed options of live sessions and messaging as needed in between live sessions. *Communication turnaround time via the messaging-only option is contingent on my availability based on live sessions and available time in between sessions and day of the week (Sat and Sun I am least available). More info about myself: I'm an English and Spanish speaking Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist from Dallas, TX, where I grew up. I currently reside in Austin, TX. I received my Master of Science in Psychology with a certification in Psychological services for Spanish Speaking Populations at Our Lady of the Lake University in San Antonio, Texas. I have experience working with survivors of sexual/physical/emotional abuse, children of divorce/separation, reunification counseling, women's issues, LGBTQ individuals, individuals with correctional histories, substance use/abuse concerns. I work from a solution-focused approach from which I was trained in but I also incorporate a lot mindfulness-based, client-centered and existential approaches. I hope to provide every client that I meet with an open, inviting and calming space to explore and reflect within themselves how they would like to grow, release, and share their experiences with me. I will tailor your shared experiences and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I look forward to working alongside with you on your continuing journey through a reflection of self, awareness and inspired change.

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Georgina Espinoza

Clinical therapist offering therapy in TX, Athens
Counselor License Type(s): LPC-s
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseParenting issuesDepression
17 years of experience

My name is Georgina Espinoza, I am a License Professional Counselor in the state of Texas. I have been providing counseling for 17 years and I love my profession. I have experienced in a variety of settings including psychiatric hospital, residential facility. outpatient clinics and private practice. While working in these settings I have learned to help people with different kind of diagnosis, day to day problems and trauma. I have worked with children, adolescence and adults struggling with depression, anxiety, major diagnosis such Bipolar disorder and Schizophrenia, sexual, emotional and physical abuse. I have learned that us as human being we need to learn to be happy and to see our problems with different lenses, that happiness is not a given, we need to work at it everyday. I wound like to help you to make sense of your struggles and feel better about you and your life.

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Betty Cousins

Clinical therapist offering therapy in TX, Athens
Counselor License Type(s): LICSW,CCM
Relationship issuesFamily conflicts
5 years of experience

I am a clinical social worker with experience working with clients who have a broad range of issues such as depression, anxiety, and self-confidence issues. I have a passion to help others overcome issues that hinder the life they desire. I emphasize partnership with clients to assist with resolving challenges and achieving goals. During the therapeutic process, I assist clients in discovering their strengths. I completed my Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Social Work at the University of Southern Mississippi. I have over 15 years of experience across a variety of settings with clients from all backgrounds.

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Mary Markos-Jian

Clinical therapist offering therapy in TX, Athens
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
22 years of experience

I am licensed in Texas with 22 years of professional work experience. I have worked in a large, urban high school setting assisting students grades 9-12 with personal issues, post secondary educational, and vocational needs, as well as social and behavioral concerns. My main focus is on grief and trauma. The students with whom I work come from diverse backgrounds. Many are refugees who have experienced trauma and need help processing all they have endured. Other families are undocumented, and need assistance with immigration and college admissions. I am bilingual and serve families whose first language is Spanish. Additionally, I have clinical experience, and am proficient in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbt-related issues, relationship issues, & family conflicts. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. I incorporate a variety of modalities based on the individual needs and goals of the client. Modalities include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Gestalt Therapy, Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy, and Solution Focused Brief Therapy. I conduct individual as well as family and group therapies. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

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Dr. Joan Ellason

Clinical therapist offering therapy in TX, Athens
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCompassion fatigue
29 years of experience

I am licensed in Texas with 29 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping adult and teenaged clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I also work with couples and help with communication and relationship dynamics. 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. 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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Monique Randle

Clinical therapist offering therapy in TX, Athens
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW
Stress, AnxietyLGBTRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesCoping with life changes
14 years of experience

*I AM ONLY ABLE TO PROVIDE TELEHEALTH SERVICES TO INDIVIDUALS IN THE STATES OF ARKANSAS and TEXAS* Hi, I'm Monique Randle, LCSW and certified sex therapist (CST). Do you often find yourself lying awake at night, replaying conversations and wondering why your relationships feel so draining? Maybe you feel like you're always the one giving more, or perhaps you're struggling with the nagging feeling that you don't quite fit into the traditional molds expected by society. If you're wrestling with anxiety that keeps you second-guessing your worth or actions, you're not alone. In our sessions, we'll dive into the heart of these emotional and cognitive storms. Are you constantly on edge, anticipating conflict or misunderstanding even in calm situations? Do you find yourself pulling away just when things start to get close, or maybe you keep attracting partners who just don't seem to 'get' you? These patterns aren't just habits; they're cries for understanding and change, and I hear them loud and clear. Together, we will explore these feelings and behaviors, focusing solely through individual therapy—because sometimes, the most profound growth happens one-on-one. We'll craft a space where you can explore your thoughts and emotions safely and confidentially, without the pressure of conforming to anyone else's expectations. Let's uncover the roots of your distress and journey towards a more authentic and fulfilling life. I'm here to help guide you through self-discovery and beyond, building resilience and joy along the way.

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Jeffrey Holt

Clinical therapist offering therapy in TX, Athens
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
15 years of experience

I am licensed in Texas with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbtq+ related issues, trauma and abuse, & coping with grief and loss. 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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Liza Lal

Clinical therapist offering therapy in TX, Athens
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
19 years of experience

I am licensed in California and Texas with 19 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, & depression. 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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Claiborn Hailey

Clinical therapist offering therapy in TX, Athens
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsParenting issuesDepressionCoping with life changes
17 years of experience

I am licensed in Texas with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, parenting issues, & depression. 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.

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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 75752 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:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of Athens.

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

75751, 75752

Popular cities near Athens, TX

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