Dr. Nicole Jones
Hello, I am a Clinical Mental Health Counselor with multiple state licenses. I am a member of the America Psychological Association and the American Counseling Association. These organizations keep me abreast of the current trends and research to better support my clients. I have over 18 years of experience utilizing an array of skills and theoretical orientations, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Reality Therapy. I have worked extensively with clients who experience anxiety, depression, ADD, parenting and relationship issues as well as career counseling. My therapeutic style is attentive, supportive and empathetic. I do not ascribe to "labels" that may further alienate or stigmatize clients. I am an advocate for physical and mental health awareness and well being. I have many community resources to support your journey into a positive direction for your betterment specifically tailored to your individual and unique needs. I am glad that you are seeking support and I will work with you to empower you in learning new and effective ways to process life's challenges. I look forward to working with you. N. A. Jones, PhD
Karen Bryans
Hello, and thank you for taking a few minutes to learn more about me and my therapeutic approach to counseling. My name is Karen and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor practicing in the state of Georgia. I have worked in the mental health field for over 10 years and as a therapist for the past five. During this time I treated adults, adolescents, and children both in individual and small group settings on a variety of issues such anxiety, depression, stress management, anger management, grief and loss, and coping with life changes. I understand how challenging life can be and that sometimes it feels as though you are alone with no one to talk to or share your problems with. Talking about those problems is very cathartic and often times people find that just opening-up and talking about it makes them feel so much better! As a therapist, I put a lot of emphasis on establishing a trusting and comfortable connection with my clients. I understand that it can be difficult for some people to open-up and share their personal thoughts and struggles with other people. That is why my therapeutic approach is warm, compassionate, and non-judgmental as we begin processing your thoughts and feelings and identifying root causes of your problems. We will work together to establish therapeutic goals that you would like to accomplish during the counseling process. If you are tired of living your life feeling anxious, unhappy, and unfulfilled, let’s talk. Even if your friends and family are tired of listening to you and you just need someone to vent to about an issue, that is okay too. I will meet me you wherever you are emotionally and we will start from there! Don’t let fear or uncertainty stop you from living the happy and fulfilled life that you deserve!
Brenda Atkinson
I am an experienced Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over twenty years’ experience. Much of my expertise is in working with individuals struggling with mood disorders, depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, relationship issues, parenting concerns, blended families, substance abuse and career challenges. My most prolific area of expertise is assisting individuals who want to grow emotionally and spiritually through all of life transitions such as early adulthood, middle age and later life. My education was in Psychology and Social Work completed at the University of Louisville with an emphasis on Family Systems Theory. My approach in therapy is sensitive to individual needs and goals as well as structured in cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic theories, mindfulness, humanistic and existential therapies. I believe that the individual and therapist relationship is foundational in that I strive to be genuine and compassionate to offer you the best opportunities for growth and healing. I admire your strength and courage for reaching out for assistance and hope to be a part of your growth and success!
Evalee Smith
Hello, my name is Evalee and I am a licensed clinical social worker in Georgia and South Carolina with over 20 years of experience working in mental health and social services as a counselor. I graduated from Savannah State University with a Master's degree in Social Work with a clinical concentration. I have worked in a variety of settings with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, Bipolar disorder, relationship issues, parenting problems, life changes, OCD, ADHD, ODD, anger management skills, LGBTQ related issues, intellectual disabilities, women's issues, and caregiver stress. I also helped many people who have experienced trauma and abuse. My counseling style is warm and interactive. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I don't believe in stigmatizing labels. My approach to therapy combines cognitive-behavioral, dialectical behavioral, mindfulness, solution focused, psycho-education, and psychodynamic counseling. I approach therapy from a person centered and strengths based perspective. Your treatment plan will be individualized to meet your unique and specific needs. It takes courage to seek improved mental health. It is brave to take this step, and I am here to support you in a safe and understanding environment to empower you. I am able to work with children, youth, teens, adults, older adults and couples. I look forward to working with you!
Mark Wagemaker
I work with anyone that really wants to create change in their life! Anyone that is choosing to move on to a more fulfilling life, it doesn’t matter where that motivation comes from! It could be from deep inside them or someone else helping them to see the need. I use Accelerated Resolution Therapy and hypnotherapy as primary tools for trauma, PTSD, and adverse childhood events (ACE). I have practiced for over 18 years helping people with issues that are disrupting their lives. My specialty is PTSD/trauma, with the unexplained anxiety, depression, and body issues that have no clear physical cause. The accumulation of ACE that may not seem to rise to the level abuse to others or even the person in pain. We can get through this crisis together! I view each client as unique and on their own path in life, it is my job to help you find your own way. All of us have had negative experiences in our lives, some don’t seem to go away, I have some excellent tools that quickly move them out of our lives. My work is informed and focused from my training, life experience, education, and Christian roots.
Gwendolyn Scrutchins
I am a mental health counselor licensed in Georgia with over 8 years of experience working as a mental health counselor for incarcerated offenders. I work with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, psychological disorders. substance abuse, social skill building and medication awareness, OCD and ADHD. I also helped my clients who have experienced physical trauma or emotional abuse. My counseling style is showing empathy and active listening. I believe in treating my clients with respect and compassion. I do not believe in stereotyping my clients. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic, reality and rational-emotive counseling. I am experienced in processing administrative reports, treatment plans, and progress notes surrounding therapeutic care for my clients’ specific needs. I look forward to working with you! Certificates: • Motivating Behavior Change (Spectrum Health Systems, Inc.) • Dealing with juvenile sex offenders • Thinking for a Change • The Adverse Childhood Experiences Study • PREA: Behavioral Health Care for Sexual Assault Victims in a Confinement Setting • Effective Communication Motivational Strategies • Communicating Effectively and Professionally with LGBITI Offenders • Multicultural Awareness • Master Clinician Series The Adverse Childhood Experiences Study • Working with Difficult People: How to work with Manipulative People • Evaluation and Treatment of Sexual Assault • Tele-Mental Health Practice Today: Comprehensive Training for Mental Health Professional
Scott Wetherhold
As a licensed therapist in Florida,Georgia, Colorado and Virginia, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My approach centers on helping clients develop resilience, self-understanding, and meaningful personal growth. I have extensive experience addressing challenges like depression, anxiety, trauma, and life transitions, with a particular focus on men's mental health and spiritual well-being. My therapeutic practice is grounded in compassionate, evidence-based strategies that honor each individual's unique journey. I work collaboratively with clients to explore underlying patterns, build healthy coping mechanisms, and reconnect with personal strengths. Whether you're struggling with social anxiety, processing past experiences, or seeking greater life purpose, I'm committed to creating a supportive, non-judgmental space for healing and transformation. Drawing from a Christian-informed perspective, I aim to integrate spiritual insights with professional clinical approaches. My goal is to help you develop deeper self-love, improve communication skills, and move through challenging life phases with greater confidence and clarity.
Herman Bunn
For more than two decades, I’ve sat with people in some of their most vulnerable moments—times when life feels heavy, confusing, or painfully uncertain. I’ve witnessed how depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, and self‑doubt can quietly shape a person’s world, and I’ve also seen the strength that emerges when someone finally has a space where they don’t have to carry it alone. My work is rooted in the belief that every person’s story deserves to be met with respect, curiosity, and compassion. Clients often come to me during major life transitions or when relationships feel strained or overwhelming. Others arrive feeling isolated, unsure of their purpose, or disconnected from their own voice. Together, we slow things down. We make room for emotions that have been pushed aside. We explore patterns that once protected you but now keep you stuck. And we build the resilience needed to move toward a life that feels more aligned and grounded. Culturally responsive care is central to how I practice. I honor the identities, histories, and lived experiences each client brings into the room. Whether you’re navigating workplace stress due to the trauma of individual or institutional racism , ageism, healing from relational wounds, or searching for deeper self‑understanding, my intention is to offer a steady, empathetic presence as you find your way forward. This is a space where you don’t have to perform, please, or pretend. You get to be fully human—and fully supported—as you grow.
Sydney Adams
I am licensed in Georgia with 18 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, 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. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Tracey Nolen
I am licensed in Georgia with 14 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, coping with grief and loss, parenting issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Deanna Dillard
I am licensed in Georgia with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience helping clients with anger management, stress and anxiety, coping with addictions, 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. 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.
Thelizia McElroy
I am here to support you in that process. I am licensed in Georgia. I have 20 years of professional work experience in the helping profession. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, & trauma and abuse. I teach psychoeducational skills to assist you with managing your mental health. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage.
Susan Sturdivant-Miles
I am licensed in Georgia with 12 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & parenting issues. 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, happier life, and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.
Brenda King
I am licensed in Georgia with 22 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, trauma, abuse, motivation, self esteem, & confidence. I also have experience working with depression. 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!
*BetterHelp insurance availability, coverage, and cost may vary by state, plan, provider network, therapist availability, and deductible status.
Find a therapist near you in Columbus, Georgia
Finding a therapist near you in Columbus, Georgia starts with matching to a licensed professional who fits your needs, schedule, and goals. Georgia is home to people with diverse mental health needs across urban, suburban, and rural communities, which can make it challenging to find care. BetterHelp connects you with a licensed therapist through tailored matching, so you can begin care from home or wherever works for you.
The network includes over 30,000 licensed therapists globally, and over 4 million people have used BetterHelp to find support through online therapy. During matching, 93% of user preferences are met, which helps you connect with a therapist suited to what you are looking for. Whether you are searching for help with anxiety, trauma, affordable or insurance covered therapy, weekend or flexible scheduling, or virtual sessions, you can find a therapist and get started when you are ready.
Why work with a licensed therapist near you?
Working with a licensed therapist near you gives you access to professional mental health support from someone trained to help you understand and manage what you are going through. A licensed therapist can offer evidence-based approaches, a steady space to talk, and guidance tailored to your situation. In Georgia, online therapy can make that care more accessible, since sessions happen from home or wherever you are, without the need to travel to an office. This can help if your schedule is full, if travel is difficult, or if you simply prefer a more discreet setting. You can learn more about what a therapist does on the therapist role page.
Online therapy can be especially helpful for people living across Georgia, where access to in-person mental health care may vary by location.
What concerns can therapists help with?
Therapists can help with a wide range of concerns, including anxiety and stress, depression, trauma and PTSD, self-esteem and identity, people-pleasing and fear of rejection, insomnia and racing thoughts, workplace stress and burnout, substance use, parenting and co-parenting stress, grief and loss, and relationship and family challenges. Therapists on BetterHelp may draw on approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), depending on your needs and goals. You can explore support for specific concerns on pages such as generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and eating disorders.
Please note that therapists on BetterHelp do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses.
Online therapy vs. in-person therapy in Georgia
Online therapy and in-person therapy both connect you with a licensed professional, and the main difference is how you meet. In Georgia, online therapy through BetterHelp lets you have sessions by phone, video, or in-app messaging, so you can meet from home or on a schedule that fits your life. In-person therapy takes place at an office and may involve travel and set appointment windows. Online therapy may be more accessible for people with busy schedules, limited transportation, or a preference for a more discreet setting. Both formats can support meaningful progress, so the right choice often comes down to what fits your life.
Finding a therapist that accepts insurance in Georgia
BetterHelp accepts insurance through many major insurance plans. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability, and deductible status. Eligible members' average copay is $23 per session.
You can check your in-network status on the BetterHelp site through the sign up flow. If you prefer to pay without insurance, BetterHelp subscriptions range from $70 to $100 per week, billed as an alternative way to access the same care, and you can use HSA and FSA funds toward the cost. For a full breakdown of how BetterHelp works with insurance plans, see BetterHelp insurance coverage.
How BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in Georgia
BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in Georgia through personalized matching that considers your needs, preferences, and goals. After you answer a few questions during the sign up flow, you can be matched with a licensed therapist from a network of over 30,000 professionals, and 93% of user preferences are met during matching. The search and location matching cover common near-me needs, including anxiety, trauma, affordable or sliding-scale support, weekend or flexible scheduling, and virtual sessions. If your first match is not the right fit, you can switch therapists at no extra cost. When you are ready, you can get started and begin the process.
Therapists near you in Georgia
Below, you’ll find licensed therapists authorized to provide online therapy to adults across Georgia, including residents in Columbus.
Each provider meets state licensing requirements and has experience supporting clients with a wide range of mental health concerns using evidence-based therapeutic approaches.
Please note: Therapists on BetterHelp in Georgia do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses.
Frequently asked questions about finding a therapist near me
How much does therapy cost near me?
Therapy costs near you can vary by provider, format, and payment method. With BetterHelp, subscriptions range from $70 to $100 per week, and you can use HSA and FSA funds toward the cost. BetterHelp also accepts insurance through many major insurance plans, and eligible members' average copay is $23 per session. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability, and deductible status.
Does BetterHelp accept insurance?
Yes. BetterHelp accepts insurance through many major insurance plans. Insurance availability and coverage may vary by state, plan, provider network, and therapist availability. Eligible members' average copay is $23 per session. Check your in-network status on the BetterHelp site through the sign up flow. For a full breakdown of how BetterHelp works with insurance plans, see BetterHelp insurance coverage.
Is online therapy effective?
Online therapy can be an effective way to receive licensed mental health care for many common concerns. Research suggests that online therapy may support progress in ways comparable to in-person care for concerns such as anxiety and depression. On BetterHelp, you connect with a licensed therapist who can use evidence-based approaches such as CBT and DBT, and you can meet by phone, video, or in-app messaging.
Do I need a diagnosis to see a therapist?
No, you do not need a diagnosis to see a therapist. Many people begin therapy to work through stress, life changes, relationships, or personal growth without any diagnosis. Please note that therapists on BetterHelp do not provide psychiatric medication management or formal diagnoses. If you are looking for a starting point, personalized matching can connect you with a licensed therapist suited to your goals.
How quickly can I start therapy?
You can often start therapy within 24 to 48 hours of signing up with BetterHelp. After you answer a few questions during the sign up flow, personalized matching connects you with a licensed therapist, and you can schedule your first session once you are matched. This process is designed to help you begin care at your own pace, without a long wait.
Can I switch therapists if it’s not the right fit?
Yes. If you feel your therapist is not the right match, you can request to be matched with another licensed provider at no additional cost. You are able to do so through the BetterHelp user portal and select switch therapists if needed.
Is online therapy discreet?
Online therapy with BetterHelp offers a discreet setting where you can connect with a licensed therapist from the comfort of your home. Sessions take place by phone, video, or in-app messaging, so you can meet without going into an office. Your account and sessions are protected with strong safeguards, and you choose how and where you attend. This can make therapy feel more comfortable for people who prefer a discreet way to get support.
Find a Therapist in Columbus, Georgia
Ready to begin? BetterHelp can match you with a licensed therapist serving Columbus and the surrounding GA area. When you are ready to take the next step, get started.