This is Amber Johnson's avatar and link to their profile

Amber Johnson

Clinical therapist offering therapy in WV, Athens
Counselor License Type(s): LPC,MA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

Hello! I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Louisiana and West Virginia. I have nine years of experience working in the mental health field, specifically with counseling for the past five years. I have experience working with clients dealing with a vast array of issues including, but not limited to, depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, stress, abuse, trauma, addictions, emotional instability, career, relationship, and parenting issues. I use an eclectic approach to counseling, which means I use several different therapeutic approaches according to the needs of my client. Three approaches I use most often are derived from cognitive behavioral, solutions focused, and rational emotive. I provide individual, couples, and family counseling in order to help facilitate change, healing, and restoration. My ideal client is one who is struggling in life and willing to be open and honest. Every person has a story made up of different experiences that impact who you are. As your counselor I want to listen to you and learn about your experiences, so I can help you reach your goals and become the best version of yourself. Counseling is similar to life in that it is not always easy and painless, but as your counselor I will be here to support and walk alongside you in this journey. I want you to know that where you are now does not have to be where you stay, and that you are worth it! I’d like to give you a brief overview of myself and experience. I graduated with my bachelor's degree in Psychology in 2012 from Concord University in Athens, WV, at which point I began working as an in-home counselor for children and families involved with child services and/or the court system due to behavioral issues. After a year in that setting, I began pursuing my master's degree in clinical mental health counseling through Regent University. While pursuing my degree, I worked as a case manager for physically and developmentally disabled clients, and then I transitioned to a private practice setting for my internship. Since graduation in 2016, I have counseled patients in a mental health inpatient/outpatient facility, and then juveniles in a group home and detention setting. While I enjoyed the experience gained from both of those settings, in 2018, I decided to go back to private practice; I love the flexibility, the atmosphere, and ability to work with couples, which I am very passionate about. Also, client care is my priority. Through the years, I have acquired experience counseling individuals as young as six years old, couples, families, and groups. Thank you for taking the time to read my profile. I am here for you whenever you are ready. I look forward to hearing from you, and I welcome any questions or concerns you may have about this process.

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Meghan Morgan

Clinical therapist offering therapy in WV, Athens
Counselor License Type(s): PhD,LICSW,LISW-S
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefIntimacy-related issuesSelf esteem
15 years of experience

I am a licensed independent clinical social worker in both Ohio and West Virginia. I have earned a PhD in Human & Social Sciences. I currently reside in Florida and enjoy a sunny lifestyle. I have 15 years of experience working in a therapeutic role with clients and their families. I have worked with individuals with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy challenges, end of life planning, caregiver burdens, and coping with the stressors of every day life. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating individuals with respect, sensitivity, compassion, concern. I will tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek for a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards change. If you are ready to take that step I am here to support and empower you. I look forward to working with you!

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Olivia Shuttleworth

Clinical therapist offering therapy in WV, Athens
Counselor License Type(s): MSW,LICSW,ACSW
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefEating disordersDepression
33 years of experience

I have worked as a social worker since 1985. I have worked as a therapist since 1989 in inpatient psychiatric settings and outpatient, including day hospital and rehab programs in the VA system with veterans and in hospice. I have worked with all populations from children to geriatrics, including childcare worker at an emergency shelter for children , and DHHR-CPS worker, to therapist for seniors from inpatient to outpatient. Becoming a therapist is a humbling experience and has taught me we all have struggles and life events that sometimes overwhelm us. My clients have included those with eating disorders, severe mental health diagnoses, trauma clients, those with depression and anxiety, those dealing with life changes such as physical loss or the loss of a loved one, including pets. My toolbox includes using Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Motivational Interviewing and Mindfulness skills. One of the 10 elements of mental health recovery is support. We all need support, both formal and informal. I am here if you need formal support from a therapist.

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Ann Sumpter

Clinical therapist offering therapy in WV, Athens
Stress, AnxietyLGBTSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changes
7 years of experience

I am licensed in West Virginia with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, lgbt-related issues, eating disorders, & career difficulties. 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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Morgan Rudd

Clinical therapist offering therapy in WV, Athens
Counselor License Type(s): LCSW
Stress, AnxietyFamily conflictsGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

Welcome! Something in your life has led you to reach out for support and I'd like to help! Let me tell you a little about myself. I have a master’s degree in Social Work from North Carolina State University (2018) and am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in NC and WV. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, PTSD, cancer and other terminal diagnosis, grief/loss and major life changes including growing older and adjusting to new normals. My counseling style is warm, empathetic, integrative, and person-centered. I believe that a therapeutic relationship should be a collaborative one in which you and I work together to discover creative strategies, solutions and, even humorous insights to help you practice to help you reach your goals. My role is to be there to guide you, encourage you, maybe even challenge you if I feel you are unknowingly allowing obstacles to stand in your way. I draw on multiple treatment modalities to guide clients in identifying strengths and developing treatment plans that accomplish their goals. I would be honored to work with you as you navigate life's challenges.

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Samuel Johnson

Clinical therapist offering therapy in WV, Athens
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
11 years of experience

I am licensed in the states of Mississippi, Louisiana, Nevada and West Virginia with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, & 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. 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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Helen Farrah-McGrail

Clinical therapist offering therapy in WV, Athens
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefDepressionADHD
35 years of experience

I am a licensed clinical social worker and therapist with 35 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with a myriad of issues, but especially stress and anxiety, relationship issues, trauma and abuse, & anger management. 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!

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This is Caitlin Johnson's avatar and link to their profile

Caitlin Johnson

Clinical therapist offering therapy in WV, Athens
Stress, AnxietyGriefSelf esteemDepressionADHD
4 years of experience

Hi! My name is Caitlin and I am licensed in West Virginia as an Independent Clinical Social Worker with 4 years of professional work experience, though I have worked as a Social Worker for about 10 years. My experience comes from providing direct mental health and behavioral counseling for kids, teens, and adults with a variety of presenting issues including stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. You can read more about my background, education, experience and therapy approach by clicking on my name above our messages. I love to work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where they set their own goals and we work together to achieve them. I believe that each person has the right to determine how their life should be lived and that my role is to help them find what they consider to be the best version of themselves. I often use humor to form connections and believe that without a strong therapeutic relationship therapy is often unsuccessful. I generally check messages here once before noon and once after 7pm each day Monday through Friday and respond as quickly as I can. I do appreciate your patience when it takes a bit longer at times, as I may be tending to other clients or professional/personal responsibilities. I'm so glad that you have decided to take this step toward a more fulfilling and happier life. If you are ready to get to work, I'm here to support and empower you.

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Robert Kiser

Clinical therapist offering therapy in WV, Athens
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changes
18 years of experience

I'm Robert Kiser MT-BC, NCC, LPC, ADS, ALPS, EMDR-T, and I am a therapist licensed in South Carolina and West Virginia with many years of professional clinical experience involving children, adolescents and adults. I am the owner and founder of SuperPsyched Solutions, LLC, a private practice outpatient virtual mental health clinic that serves patients in South Carolina and West Virginia. I am very familiar in helping clients with stress and anxiety, depression, trauma/abuse & adverse experiences recovery and restoration, PTSD, phobias, grief, ADHD, parent behavioral training, motivation, worry, self esteem, and much more. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I will tailor your experience 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! Many clients have told me that I become quickly familiar, with a direct but laid-back, humorous and easy to interact with personality. In therapy, you'll be learning about YOU! A lot. Past, present, future. That's actually why this whole thing is going to work. You probably won't actually realize it's been like an hour when we talk, but probably will realize you learned new things between each session. Therapy can sometimes be mentally, emotionally and physically tiring, as well as energizing; but usually those are good signs of accomplishment! You know yourself the best, and are always in control of your treatment, and I respect that.

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This is Dr. Alicia Fahr's avatar and link to their profile

Dr. Alicia Fahr

Clinical therapist offering therapy in WV, Athens
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefSelf esteemDepression
18 years of experience

I am a licensed professional counselor in Virginia, District of Columbia, Maine, Minnesota, Wisconsin, California, Washington, and Arizona with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients manage chronic illness and chronic pain, trauma and abuse, grief and loss, post-partum anxiety and depression, women's issues, aging issues, loneliness, phobias, career changes, and lack of purpose or direction in life. I practice Existentialism, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Positive Psychology, Rogerian Counseling, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Psychoanalytic Therapy, and Rational Emotive Therapy in my counseling sessions depending upon the client’s needs, goals, and personality. 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!

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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 West Virginia. 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 Mercer, or in the greater state of West Virginia. 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 West Virginia 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 West Virginia 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, West Virginia 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 WV, 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 24740 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, West Virginia 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, West Virginia

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:

24712, 24740

Popular cities near Athens, WV

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