You are your own unique person, and it can be hard to remember that. Sometimes, it can be hard to stand amongst the crowd, especially if you have your own problems such as depression or anxiety. In a situation such as this, who can help you? One person who can is a counselor based in Albany.
Albany’s motto is “There is only one Albany, Georgia.” They know they're unique, and you should realize that too. A counselor can help you with all of life’s problems and teach you how you can stand out when the crowd wants to bring you down.
Busola Adegunwa
Welcome! It takes a lot of courage for us to ask for help and to seek therapy, and often times when we do, it's the beginning of the healing process. Life can be tough at times, with various life transitions, from becoming a new parent to transitioning from high school to college, or just feeling stuck personally and professionally. Life isn't easy, but as we navigate through different life challenges, sometimes we need a little help and that is ok. I have been a Licensed Professional Counselor for several years in the state of Georgia. I have a passion for people and to help them find healing and hope for the future. I respect everyone's journey and I believe that compassion, respect, and sensitivity are all important in building a healthy therapeutic relationship. I have worked with people who have struggled with issues such as depression, anxiety, stress and major life transitions. I have also worked in psychiatric hospitals with people who struggle with severe mental illnesses. My approach to therapy is holistic, which means physical and spiritual health is a huge component in feeling whole again. My therapeutic approach is integrative and based on my client's specific needs. Everyone's circumstances and situations are different, so my approach would be tailored to you and your goals. 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 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, I'm here to support you. I look forward to working with you!
Dr. Latasha McIlwaine
Hello, I am Dr. Latasha McIlwaine, a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor (LPCS) in the states of South Carolina and Georgia and also a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor Supervisor (LCMHCS) in the state of North Carolina. I am also have a license and certification in Addictions (LCAS/CCS) and I am certified in Domestic Violence. I earned my graduate degree in Mental Health Counseling and went on to study Counseling Psychology to earn my Doctorate degree (EdD). I have been in practice for over 18 years across North and South Carolina and Georgia. I have extensive training in a range of modalities including, person/client-centered, brief solution focused, reality, family and cognitive behavioral therapies. I also have experience in Anger Management and Marriage and Family Therapy. I am an educator too with undergraduate, graduate and doctorate students who are pursuing their goal of becoming a therapist. I am also an author and my first book is Fragile Brokenness: The Unspoken Secrets That Shaped A Pretty Unprotected Girl Into A Practicing Clinician And Therapist. My book speaks to my experiences with life and mental health issues and how I coped and learned to deal, made pivotal moves and developed plans for successful overcomes. My book also speaks to how I found my calling to become a clinical therapist helping and teaching others. I have extensive experience providing quality services for adults, children, couples as well as families on a wide range of areas including depression, anxiety, behavioral issues, relationships, interpersonal dynamics, communication, self-esteem, school/career issues, anger management, stress management, parenting and addictions. I am also in private practice providing tele-therapy, Insightful Options, PLLC. I have two websites: https://www.insightful-options.com and https://www.drlatashamcilwaine.com; https://www.greenemcilwainefoundation.org I look forward to working with you!
Talia Auslin
Hey! I'm Talia Auslin and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Atlanta, Georgia. A little bit more about me; I am a School Counselor at a K-12 school and have over 8 years of experience working in the mental health field. I have my Bachelors in Psychology with a minor in Substance Abuse as well as my Masters in Professional Counseling from the University of Georgia. Most of my counseling expertise includes working with individuals suffering from anxiety, depression, mood disorders, ADHD, family/relationship issues, life transitions, and self-esteem. In addition to my counseling profession, I am also very passionate about social justice and LGBTQ+ rights, and I myself identify within the community. In times where you might be feeling alone, helpless or hopeless, it is vital to have a safe-space to be able to share your thoughts, feelings, and emotions with someone that is willing to help, support, and validate your current reality – and if that is what you’re looking for, then I am your person. When working with you, my goal is to meet your individual needs by using a non-judgmental, person-centered, multicultural, and holistic approach. I primarily use evidence-based techniques including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Solution-Focused Counseling, and Mindfulness. I consider myself to be a very open-minded, progressive, supportive, and empathetic individual that wants to genuinely understand you. Through our collaborative partnership, I’m here to help you each step of the way to becoming you again, or re-discovering who you want to be in this world. It’s an ongoing journey for all of us, but through the right support, the process is worth it. You got this! In this with you, Talia Auslin, LPC, M.Ed, NCC
Dell Lawson
My name is Dell Lawson, and I am a licensed professional counselor in the state of Georgia with over 20 years of counseling experience working with individuals, families, youths and adolescents. I have experience working with a variety of diagnosis that include anxiety, depression, parenting issues, grief, PTSD, Autism, and many others. In my many years of practice, I have worked in different community counseling facilities, and private practice. The modalities that I incorporate include client-centered, dialectical behavior, mindfulness, and solution-focused. Our relationship will be a collaborative one to establish the treatment approach based on your specific needs and preferences. I believe it is important to create a safe place where you will feel comfortable to express your feelings and to be treated with respect, compassion, and sensitivity. I welcome the opportunity to help you along your journey in therapy. I am dedicated to providing you support while achieving your desired outcome. I look forward to hearing from you soon!
Kay Saunders
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with experience in both in patient and out patient counseling. I offer individual counseling and enjoy working with anyone who is motivated and ready to make changes in their life in order to gain more control over their circumstances. I provide a holistic approach by considering my clients mental, physical, spiritual, social and educational needs. My approach to therapy integrates several theoretical paradigms. I am first and foremost a client-centered therapist. I incorporate a variety of techniques grounded in Cognitive Behavior Therapy, solution-focused, mindfulness and psych-educational approaches. I believe I can be an effective agent of change for my clients because I listen, validate and empower with the goal of helping them find hope, healing, and growth in order to live a more meaningful life.
Dr. Thomas (Tom) Morgan
I am licensed in Georgia with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. 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.
Alisa Price
I am licensed in Georgia and Alabama with 15 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, bipolar disorder, & 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Sabrina Hudnall
I am licensed in Georgia with over 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, depression, substance use disorders, low self-esteem, job related stressors, parenting issues, family conflict, trauma and abuse, helping aging or caring for sick loved ones & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and joyful life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process as you find a renewed sense of tranquility and happiness.
Jacinta Wills
I am licensed in Georgia with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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 seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Casandra Hagman
I am licensed in Georgia with 8+ years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with relationship issues, family conflicts, life stressors, motivation, self esteem, and confidence. 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 sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
How to find counseling in Albany
Finding the best therapist close by in Albany 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 that work best for you in order to begin your personal journey towards emotional healing.
Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist in Albany. Perhaps you're interested in narrowing your search for a psychotherapist that can offer psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, provide group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy. Each type of therapy can offer various benefits and address or treat different disorders. If you're still unsure or are new to counseling in Albany, 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. 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 to treat individuals and couples counseling, and sometimes children, in any type of therapy. Find a therapist under any of these distinctions and know that the sessions they offer can provide a safe place to heal.
Mental health professionals working through their own in- person therapy practice in Albany or online may assist clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, or change in negative thinking patterns. They may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain. Verified providers 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 Albany area in different types of therapy, including:
- CBT
- DBT
- Substance use therapy
- Couples therapy
When you're ready to start your search and find therapists, have in mind what type of therapy 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 Albany, elsewhere in Dougherty, or in the greater state of Georgia.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Some other commonly asked questions on therapy with a licensed counselor and BetterHelp serving the Albany area can be found below:
How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Albany therapist?
The average price of an in-person therapy session in the US is $100 to $200 per hour. These prices may be higher in Albany due to a higher cost of living. 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 Albany may not take health insurance, some in the state of Georgia may work on a sliding scale, meaning they'll factor in your income and charge what you can afford per session. With BetterHelp or clinicians throughout the state of Georgia you can expect significantly more affordable options, with sessions ranging from $65 to $100 per week (billed every four weeks).
How is a licensed therapist on this online therapy platform verified?
Therapists in Albany, Georgia 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. They 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, they 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 psychiatrists to prescribe a drug as treatment, or perform psychological assessments.
How does working with a counselor in BetterHelp online therapy sessions work?
BetterHelp clinicians treat clients online across the United States (individuals and couples) through life transitions, inner child exploration, long term depression or anxiety, and more. An online mental health professional, including the therapists in Albany 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 lead by a therapist in Albany helping individuals on topics including managing life transitions, symptoms affecting sexual health, behavioral health, coping skills for anxiety or depression, trauma, stress, marriage counseling, and more.
What mental health issues can psychotherapy address?
BetterHelp's verified Albany 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.
Specialties on BetterHelp include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Behavior therapy
- EMDR therapy
- Talk therapy
- Depression
- Anxiety disorders
- Stress
- Eating disorders
- Grief
- Attachment therapy
- Relationships
- Children, adolescents, and teens
- Addiction (substance abuse)
- Divorce
- Trauma or PTSD
- Bipolar disorder
- Psychodynamic treatment
- Career counseling
- Alcohol use disorders
- OCD
- ADHD
- Mood disorders
- 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 Albany therapy provider through BetterHelp's sister platform, ReGain, which is dedicated to couples and spouses worldwide.
How do I know if online counseling is right for my family?
One of the potentially rewarding aspects of working with a 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 are trained to respond to various concerns, symptoms, and mental health conditions.
A psychologist 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 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 Albany 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 lot of people in GA, providers may be booked out with clients. Through the list of profiles 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 31704 or the surrounding zip codes, consider others available through the BetterHelp site. No matter if you are seeking help in your area or beyond, online therapy can be a great option.
How should I prepare for my first therapy session with a Albany counselor?
Before seeing your therapist, prep for your session by reading to understand the therapy 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, let them know if you have any concerns about therapy or feel unsure about what to talk about. They may help guide you with open-ended therapeutic questions. 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 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 therapy entails. Although psychologists often support people with mental health conditions, you do not need a diagnosis or condition to attend therapy. You can discuss grief, relationship concerns, stress, or life changes and ask for general feedback and advice. A Albany 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 through therapy 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.
Is mental health care and therapy worth it?
Therapy 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 professional 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 Albany, Georgia 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.
Albany has many clinicians who practice person or client-centered individual therapy in-person and through online therapy 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?
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
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 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 through the contact page or send an email to contact@betterhelp.com.
If you’re ready to sign up for online therapy, consider signing up with a platform like BetterHelp and get matched within 24 to 48 hours.
If you are experiencing a crisis or emergency, don't use this site's online services. If you are in life-threatening danger, call 911. If you require support for a crisis, reach out to the hotlines below:
- National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
- Veterans Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-8255 (and press 1) or text 838255. For support for the deaf and hard of hearing community, please use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 1-800-273-8255.
- Trevor Lifeline (LGBTQ Lifeline): (866)488-7386
- SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Use): (800)662-4357
- National Eating Disorder Association Helpline:1-800-931-2237 (M-Th: 9 AM-9 PM EST, Fri 9 AM - 5 PM EST)
- Child Help Hotline: Call 1-800-422-4453 or use the online chat feature
- National Anti-Hazing Hotline for young adults, adolescents, and adults: 1-888-NOT-HAZE (1-888-668-4293)
- Physician Crisis Support Line: Contact 1-888-409-0141 if you are a first responder or medical provider experiencing crises related to Covid-19
- Sexual Assault Hotline: Call RAINN at 1-800-656-4673
Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Albany:
31701, 31702, 31703, 31704, 31705, 31706, 31707, 31708, 31721