Life is sweet for us in the peach state, especially in the small town of Winder. But not all of us is tasting the sweetness that life has to offer because mental health issues are standing in the way.
If you're struggling to overcome personal challenges in your life, and you seem to be having more sour days than sweet ones, consider reaching out to a Winder-area mental health professional today. Whether you're struggling with mental illness, loss, trauma, relationship problems, or other issues, doctors and certified therapists can give you the support you need to cope with these issues and get back to tasting the sweetness of life again.
Sandra Johnson
Hello! My name is Sandra Johnson, and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor as well as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, possessing over 20 years of experience in the mental health profession. I hold the belief that events in life occur for a reason; thus, the path you have taken to arrive at this point is indicative of your journey toward wellness. I am committed to creating an environment of holistic care, which I hope will facilitate your discovery of a state of well-being. I am equipped to address a variety of issues that may hinder current functioning, including, but not limited to, anxiety, depression, anger, stress, abuse, neglect, grief and loss, trauma, inadequate parenting skills, relationship challenges, and boundary issues. I approach counseling from a cognitive-behavioral perspective, in which I examine the patterns of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors that disrupt present functioning. Additionally, I incorporate various other perspectives and strategies tailored to the unique issues and needs of each client. It is important to recognize that wellness is an ongoing process. Regardless of where you find yourself along this continuum—whether in the phase of prevention, recovery, or any stage in between—there is always an opportunity for a wellness assessment. I am here to assist you in evaluating, addressing, and fostering the intricate journey toward your optimal self. I look forward to the opportunity to meet you and to collaborate with you as you progress on your journey to wellness. Thank you.
Phaciealeethas (PJ) Chandler
I’m not perfect and don’t have all the answers. But I believe most people already hold what they need—we just have to dig a little. As your therapist, think of me as a tour guide. I’ll walk with you, point out what needs attention, and help you build tools to handle what life brings. I’m honest, fair, consistent, and present. I won’t give fluff or false promises, but I will challenge and support you. I’ll offer insight, but the pace and depth of the work will be yours to lead. I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor in Georgia with over 10 years of experience. I earned my Master’s in Counseling with a focus in Clinical Mental Health from Delta State University. I’ve worked with clients ages four through older adulthood, across concerns like anxiety, depression, trauma, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and life transitions. My experience includes outpatient, inpatient, crisis response, community work, and telehealth. My style is person-centered, blending CBT, humanistic, rational choice, psychoeducation, and expressive techniques when helpful. You should also know the first session with me is a space to feel things out. It serves as a consultation—your opportunity to decide if I feel like the right fit. Your comfort on this journey matters most, especially as we dig into insight that can sometimes feel hard to hear.
Dr. Denise Finney
I hold a Doctorate Degree in Counseling Studies and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor practicing in South Carolina and Georgia. I am a member of the National Association for Mental Health Counselors and the American Counselors Association. For the past thirty years, my experience in the counseling field includes individual and group counseling. I address concerns such as anxiety, depression, anger management, and stress management. My primary therapeutic approach is Cognitive Behavior Therapy which looks at an individual’s beliefs and behaviors. I utilize multiple approaches to therapy to allow me to tailor therapy to fit each client. My passion for counseling is my belief that each person has a personal story to share and the power of the listening ear should never be underestimated. I will utilize my experienced listening skill to assist you in feeling empowered outside of counseling sessions. I look forward to working with you!
Jeff Fry
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. I have been working in the field for over 30 years. In my career I have worked in many different settings with many different populations. I have come to believe that most of us struggle in life due to our environment not fitting us. We do also have a history and that is relevant and critical to where we are at this point in our lives. How we navigate the world we find ourselves in at the present is critical. To be plain we all need to understand our nature. Each one of us has strengths and weaknesses. Depending on the setting sometimes what is a strength in one area becomes a weakness in another. And of course the reverse is also true. I jokingly tell people that we all need to figure out what is our ice cream flavor. I see no reason to contribute to peoples feelings that they have something wrong with them. Or that they are not normal. We simply are healthy in our lives or we feel unhealthy in our own lives. My goal is to help people figure out what will make them healthy. Most answers are right in front of us and they make sense when someone help us see them. My style is straight forward, but hopefully not rude or cruel. I strive to help everyone feel hopeful and empowered. I will explain in as much detail as desired about why I think the way I do about any issue. People want to feel progress so I attempt to help them move forward as quickly as possible. There is no magic. If whatever i say doesn't make sense then challenge me. My goal is to simple help you meet your goal. My primary intervention style is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. I borrow from many other styles when i feel it is appropriate, but I find that CBT is the most logical framework to best help people. My areas of expertise: ADHD Depression Anxiety OCD Relationship Issues Parenting issues Grief Behavioral Problems Other areas of experience include: I also work a great deal with LGBTQ issues, Work place issues, PTSD, Military and Veterans Issues. I also work with anger issues, divorce issues, and co-parenting problems. I have seen a lot of things in 30 years. If someone wants to find out if I have worked with their issue and I am comfortable helping them I welcome them contacting me to ask.
Donna Baynes
Hello. My name is Donna. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Georgia with over 15 years of experience working with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, and multicultural issues. I also have experience working in the educational setting with young adults and with parents of special needs students. My counseling style is warm, open and non-judgmental. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. My approach combines cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, motivational interviewing and solution focused counseling. Together, we will develop a treatment plan to to meet your specific needs. I realize that it takes courage to seek help. Congratulations! You have taken an important first step. If you are ready, I am here to support and encourage you on a journey to a more peaceful and joyful life. I look forward to working with you!
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
Kelly James-Fraser
I am a counselor licensed in Georgia with over 10 years of experience working as a psychotherapist primarily with children, young adults, and veterans suffering from PTSD. I have worked with clients with a wide range of concerns including depression, anxiety, relationship issues, parenting problems, career challenges, severe and chronic mental health issues, and military related issues. I have worked extensively with many individuals who have experienced physical trauma and/or emotional abuse. My career history includes working inpatient with chronic pervasive mental illness, working inpatient with children in crisis, working inpatient on a forensic unit with patients who have been court ordered and found not guilty by reason of insanity, working for The Department of Corrections providing therapy and parole evaluation, and working in a group private practice servicing primarily children, adolescents, young adults, couples, and the veteran population. My therapy style is person centered and solution focused. My approach is an eclectic mix and I will tailor our dialogue and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. I look forward to working with you!
Shante Shipp
I am licensed in Georgia with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, parenting issues, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. 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!
Freddie Wilson
I am licensed in Georgia with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, intimacy related issues, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & career difficulties. I 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. I am here to support you in that process.
Dr. Jan Ligon
I am Dr. Jan Ligon, a licensed therapist (LCSW) for 33 years (MSW, PhD, University of Georgia). I work exclusively with couples (joint sessions with both people present). My approaches include cognitive behavioral (CBT), motivational (MET), as well as task and solutions-focused methods. While it is possible for people to develop insight into their issues and concerns, my focus is on acknowledging the past while concurrently looking to the future. This can best be accomplished by developing goals that help move couples forward more quickly. I view this process as a partnership between the couple and the therapist - a team approach. Please note that I do not have evening or weekend appointments, but both people can be in different locations for joint sessions.
Julie Allen
I am licensed in Georgia, USA with more than 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship conflicts, trauma/sexual assault, & mental illness, and recovery. 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! You deserve hope, healing, and growth. I am a person of Christian faith- and I am also comfortable with spiritual people or those with no faith nor religion at all. I also have specialized through work experience with LGBTQ individuals.
Dr. Natalia Kuzmina
My name is Dr. Natalia Kuzmina. I hold a Ph.D in Couple and Family Therapy. I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a Certified EMDR therapist. My work centers on people who feel stuck in painful relationship patterns—survivors of narcissistic abuse, childhood trauma, experiencing trauma bonding, or relationships where they’ve been used, manipulated, or made to feel small. Many of my clients come to me exhausted from always being the “strong one,” the peacekeeper, the fixer. They say yes when they want to say no. They feel guilty for setting boundaries, or they’ve never had the chance to build them in the first place. They’re people-pleasers, and chronic caregivers who keep ending up with partners or family members who take far more than they give. I help you break that cycle. With EMDR and other science-based approaches, we work at the root—not just on the symptoms. We target the wounds and experiences that trained your nervous system to accept too little, tolerate too much, and abandon yourself to stay safe. My style is direct, grounded, and compassionate. I will challenge you when it helps you grow, and I’ll support you without judgment. My goal is for you to build a solid sense of self—one that doesn’t collapse around other people’s needs. One that knows how to say no without guilt, how to choose partners who respect you, and how to walk away from relationships that damage you. If you’re ready to stop repeating old patterns and start building a life where you feel safe, valued, and in control, I’m here to walk that path with you.
William Wheaton
I have been clinically licensed approaching seven years in Georgia and Florida. I have been in the Social Work profession for twenty-three years. Throughout that time I have worked with diverse as well as marginalized populations at various phases of life. I have clinical experience with Active Duty Military, Veterans, Healthcare Professionals, and the General Public. I am veteran, as well as former Law Enforcement Officer. I have used every opportunity to be a resource to my community. My approach is simple. Strength based, trauma informed, and goal oriented. I have been away from Telehealth for a few years working directly in my community. I look forward to the opportunity to now support you along this journey.
Christopher Norris
I am a licensed professional counselor in Georgia with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with addictions, parenting issues, anger management, motivation, self-esteem, depression, anxiety and phase of life problems. 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. Reaching our infinite impossibilities through the art of enhancing our knowledge of self through empowerment of self.
Find a Therapist Near You in Winder , Georgia
Finding a licensed therapist near you in Georgia can be an important step toward improving your mental health and overall well-being. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, stress, or major life changes, working with a qualified mental health professional can offer meaningful support.
Georgia is home to people with diverse mental health needs across urban, suburban, and rural communities. Online therapy makes it easier to connect with a therapist near you without being limited to nearby offices. BetterHelp connects you with licensed therapists authorized to practice in Georgia, allowing you to attend sessions online from the comfort of your home.
Why work with a licensed therapist near you?
Working with a licensed therapist near you ensures that your provider meets state licensing requirements and professional standards in Georgia (GA). Licensed therapists use evidence-based approaches to help individuals manage emotional challenges, develop coping skills, and work toward personal goals.
People seek therapy for many reasons. Some are navigating ongoing mental health concerns, while others want guidance during stressful periods or major life transitions. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to work with a therapist. Many individuals seek therapy to improve communication, strengthen relationships, manage stress, or gain greater self-awareness.
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 on BetterHelp support adults across Georgia with a wide range of mental health concerns and life challenges, including:
- Anxiety and stress
- Depression and mood-related concerns
- Trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Grief and loss
- Relationship and family challenges
- Life transitions and adjustment concerns
- Self-esteem and confidence
- Job stress and burnout
- ADHD-related challenges
- Sleep concerns
- Parenting stress
- Eating disorder support
Therapists use approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and other evidence-based methods tailored to individual needs.
Online therapy vs. in-person therapy in Georgia
When searching for a therapist near me in Georgia, many people compare online therapy with traditional in-person care. Online therapy offers several potential advantages:
- Greater accessibility: Attend sessions from anywhere with an internet connection
- Reduced wait times: Many people are matched in as little as 24-48 hours, faster than typical in-person availability
- Flexible scheduling: Sessions that fit around work, family, or school commitments
- Expanded provider options: Access licensed therapists across Georgia, not just nearby offices
Research shows that online therapy can be effective for many mental health concerns. Online therapy may also reduce barriers such as transportation challenges, long commutes, or limited local availability, especially in larger or more rural counties across Georgia.
Finding a therapist near me that accepts insurance
Many people looking for a therapist near me in Georgia want to know whether insurance is an option.
Many providers on BetterHelp now accept major insurance carriers in select states. In many states, certain therapists on BetterHelp may be in-network with specific insurance plans. Coverage depends on your plan, provider, and therapist availability.
When sessions are covered, insured members typically pay an average copay of about $19 per session. Coverage varies by state and provider availability, so it’s important to check your in-network status directly on the BetterHelp site.
If insurance coverage is not available, BetterHelp’s flexible subscription model remains an option, with online therapy typically costing $70 to $100 per week, billed weekly or monthly. Additional discounts or financial aid may also be available for a lower price.
How BetterHelp helps you find the right therapist in Georgia
BetterHelp simplifies the process of finding a therapist near you in Georgia without requiring you to search through tons of profiles on your own.
Here’s how it works:
- Complete a brief questionnaire about your needs, preferences, and goals
- Get matched with a licensed therapist authorized to practice in Georgia (GA)
- Begin online therapy sessions through video, phone, or live chat
BetterHelp works with one of the world’s largest networks of licensed therapists, with over 30,000 qualified providers globally. Many members are matched in as little as 24 to 48 hours, and 93% of user preferences are met during the matching process.
You can request a new therapist at no additional cost if your needs or preferences change.
Therapists near you in Georgia
Below, you’ll find licensed therapists authorized to provide online therapy to adults across Georgia, including residents in Winder.
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 vary depending on provider and location. In-person therapy sessions may cost $100 to $200 or more per session. BetterHelp offers online therapy subscriptions that typically range from $70 to $100 per week, billed weekly or monthly, depending on factors such as location, source, preferences, and therapist availability. Additional discounts or financial aid may also be available for a lower price. BetterHelp now accepts major insurance plans in select states and members pay an average copay of $19 per session. Coverage varies by plan, provider, and therapist availability. You can check coverage on the BetterHelp site.
Does BetterHelp accept insurance?
Yes. Many providers on BetterHelp now accept major insurance carriers in select states. In many states, certain therapists on BetterHelp may be in-network with specific insurance plans. When sessions are covered, insured members typically pay an average copay of about $19 per session. Coverage varies by plan, provider, and therapist availability. You can check coverage on the BetterHelp site.
Is online therapy effective?
Yes. Research shows that online therapy can be effective for many mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress, and relationship challenges. Online therapy allows you to connect with a licensed therapist without commuting to an office.
Do I need a diagnosis to see a therapist?
No. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to seek therapy. Many people work with a therapist for stress management, relationship concerns, grief, life transitions, or personal growth.
How quickly can I start therapy?
Many people are matched with a licensed therapist in as little as 24 to 48 hours after completing the initial questionnaire. Match times may vary based on preferences and therapist availability.
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 private and secure?
Online therapy through BetterHelp allows you to communicate with your therapist in a discreet setting through video, phone, or messaging tools.