There are plenty of professional counseling options available if you’re looking for a therapist in Athens, GA. Online therapy with a platform like BetterHelp offers treatment from the comfort of your home at a time that works for your schedule. Although BetterHelp does not offer psychiatric services, you can work with a qualified therapist to find a treatment approach that works for you.
At therapist can help you learn to cope with many of life’s challenges. With BetterHelp, you can find more than 30,000 providers with advanced training, including licensed clinical social workers, psychologists, and more. Using a holistic approach to treatment, a therapist can help you learn to manage symptoms of mental health conditions, like anxiety and depression, or deal with the psychological effects of a terminal illness or chronic illness. Therapy can also be an excellent place to explore personal growth and work on your overall well-being if you’re feeling stuck in life.
If you live in Athens, counseling services are readily available. Connect with a BetterHelp counselor below to learn more.
Dr. Magna Porterfield
I am a psychologist who is licensed in both the states of Alabama and Georgia and I have had the opportunity to work in the field of psychology for several years. I have worked in the both university settings (as a teacher and counselor) as well as in private practice. I have also had the opportunity to travel and share my knowledge through lectures and workshops. I have the most experience in helping people who struggle with unipolar (but NOT bipolar) depression and anxiety. I also have a considerable amount of experience in working with individuals who have problems with managing stress and managing their emotions. I do not work with issues such as eating disorders, addictions, relationship problems or sexuality concerns. My counseling style is warm, but also straightforward and honest. I consider myself to be a kind person. and I truly desire to help those who are hurting. In my work with people, I do not spend much time processing the past (i.e., childhood experiences, past trauma, etc.). I believe that true healing comes when individuals take active steps in the therapy process and focus on what they can do in their "present" situation to address their challenges. In my work with clients, I focus on helping them understand how their thoughts impact their emotions and their behavior - principles from the field of cognitive behavior therapy. I also look at the impact of lifestyle habits - diet, rest, exercise, etc. - on mental/emotional health. In addition, I sometimes utilize concepts and strategies from the area of positive psychology, which helps people identify and enhance their strengths (as opposed to merely focusing on people's weaknesses "abnormalities," so to speak). Do you need a helping hand? I would love to be that "hand" and help you make those changes. Working with me will take commitment and will require you to not be just a "passive participant," so to speak, in your healing and recovery. If you are willing to do your part, I am here for you and would love to work with you. All it takes is that first step and you can make that step today!
James Clifton
As a licensed therapist in multiple states with more three decades of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals navigating complex emotional landscapes. My approach centers on understanding each person's unique journey, with particular expertise in addressing depression, anxiety, stress management, and life transitions. I offer compassionate support for individuals struggling with various emotions, communication challenges, isolation, and distorted thinking. My practice focuses on helping clients develop worth, worth, value, and dignity while discovering meaningful life purpose. I have experience supporting veterans, individuals facing discrimination, and those working through many of life's challenges. My therapeutic style is collaborative and adaptive, drawing from years of professional experience to create a supportive environment where clients can explore their emotions, develop healthy coping strategies, and move towards personal healing and empowerment. I welcome individuals from all backgrounds and belief systems, committed to providing respectful, personalized care.
Barnetta Young
As a licensed therapist in Georgia, I bring over two decades of compassionate, culturally-responsive mental health experience to my practice. My approach centers on understanding and supporting individuals through complex life challenges, with specialized expertise in addressing depression, anxiety, relationship dynamics, and trauma. I am deeply committed to creating a supportive, affirming therapeutic environment that honors each client's unique identity and lived experiences. My background includes extensive work supporting women, individuals navigating workplace challenges, and those experiencing social isolation, relationship conflicts, and multicultural concerns. My therapeutic style integrates evidence-based practices with a holistic, person-centered approach. I strive to help clients develop meaningful coping strategies, build emotional resilience, and cultivate personal growth. Whether you're struggling with mood disorders, life transitions, or seeking support through difficult experiences, I'm dedicated to walking alongside you with empathy, respect, and professional guidance.
Dr. Karla Sapp
Dr. Karla is a Georgia Licensed Professional Counselor-Supervisor (LPC-S), New Hampshire Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC), a Florida Licensed Mental Health Counselor-Supervisor (LMHC-S), and a 500 hour Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT-500) along with Registered Children Yoga Teacher (RCYT) and 200 Hour Experienced Yoga Teacher (ERYT-200), with a strong background in mental health counseling and well-being practices. With a genuine passion for helping individuals, she works with clients who are seeking to transform themselves into their best versions by focusing on their mental health, lifestyle, and overall wellness. Dr. Karla's primary goal is to create a safe and supportive environment for her clients to explore their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Through effective counseling techniques, she guides them through various challenges they may face, such as managing stress, overcoming anxiety or depression, improving relationships, and developing coping strategies. One of Dr. Karla's key strengths lies in her ability to tailor treatment plans to fit each client's unique needs. She takes a holistic approach to mental health and emphasizes the importance of lifestyle and wellness practices. This may include incorporating techniques and strategies like mindfulness, relaxation exercises, yoga techniques, nutrition guidance, exercise routines, and self-care routines into the therapy process. Dr. Karla believes in the power of personal growth and transformation and is dedicated to supporting her clients on their journeys. Through her expertise, genuine empathy, and non-judgmental approach, she helps individuals explore their inner selves, identify strengths, overcome obstacles, and develop healthier mindsets and behaviors. With her extensive knowledge and experience as a mental health counselor and lifestyle and wellness practitioner, Dr. Karla is well-equipped to guide clients on their path to becoming their best selves.
Maxine Douglas
Hello and welcome! I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Georgia with over 20 years of experience as a therapist and educator. I’ve worked with individuals facing challenges such as depression, anxiety, stress, relationship and parenting issues, multicultural concerns, and addiction. I also support clients healing from trauma and emotional abuse. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and client-centered. I believe in treating everyone with respect and empathy—without judgment or labels. I draw from several approaches, including cognitive-behavioral, humanistic, psychodynamic, and family therapy, to create a plan that fits your unique needs and goals. It takes courage to reach out for support and take steps toward a more fulfilling life. I’m here to walk alongside you, offering guidance, understanding, and practical tools for growth and healing. I look forward to working with you!
Bethany Dollar
I am Licensed Clinical Social Worker who is licensed in the state of Georgia with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients for many years of all ages with a realm of mental health issues and diagnoses. Some of the issues I focus on within my many years of practice are stress and anxiety, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence, depression, & coping with life changes. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion. I am extremely open minded regarding your own beliefs, background, and what contributes you to you believing you are a wonderful human being. I will always be here to reinforce your strengths, overcome your fears, and I will tailor our dialog and treatment plan to meet your unique and specific needs. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you through the therapeutic process.
Nyree Williams
As a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Professional Counselor Supervisor, I bring over 28 years of expertise in behavioral health, addictions, crisis intervention and prevention, and intellectual developmental disabilities. I am a suicide expert offering crisis intervention and prevention services/resources. My counseling approach integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Polyvagal, emotional regulation, and solution-focused techniques, emphasizing active listening, empathy, and transparency. My counseling style is nonjudgmental and interactive. I believe in building a positive rapport through trust, authenticity and compassion. I will assist you in developing a treatment plan that is individualized to the needs you want to address. I will creatively challenge you to think outside of the box. I provide real life solutions to real life problems. We will work in collaboration to empower you to achieve the best results for your recovery! Thank you for your "YES" to being open to becoming the best version of YOU! I will be your greatest fan and your biggest cheerleader. Together, we will conquer your goals. I look forward to working with you!
Kimberly Hines
In this journey called life, we often deal with unexpected crises such as job loss, death of a loved one, aging family members, health issues and ongoing life transitions. Welcome to Life University where often we are never prepared for the lessons being taught. That's where I come in to help with providing coping skills and resources that assist with managing the unexpected. Many of the technique I use are: Mindfulness, Cognitive-Based and Strength-Based therapies and Solution Focused. I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has served in the field of social work for the past 15 yrs. My background includes working with foster care and adoptive families, HIV/AIDS population, LGTBQ+ communities, BIPOC communities, medical social work and end stage renal and kidney transplant patients , hospice, palliative care and older adults. I would love to help you on the journey to gaining tools and resources that can help with restoring balance in your life. Response submitted will be addressed within 24 hours of submittal.
Walter Holloway
As a licensed therapist in Georgia, I bring over 15 years of dedicated experience supporting individuals through life's complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on helping clients navigate challenges related to depression, anxiety, stress, and self-esteem, with a compassionate approach that honors each person's unique journey. I specialize in supporting individuals working through communication difficulties, feelings of isolation, and personal growth. My therapeutic approach is rooted in understanding and empowering clients to develop stronger self-love and effective coping strategies during significant life transitions. Drawing from extensive clinical experience, I create a supportive environment where clients can explore their emotions, develop resilience, and cultivate meaningful personal transformation. My work is particularly focused on providing culturally responsive care that respects individual experiences and backgrounds. I am committed to walking alongside my clients, offering guidance, understanding, and professional support as they move toward healing and personal empowerment.
Kyeda King
Kyeda is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has over 20 years of experience, specializing in working with individuals who have experienced depression, anxiety, chronic illness, domestic violence, and an overall inability to thrive. Kyeda is passionate about helping people realize their full potential and to assist them in taking the steps necessary to reach purposed living. She uses an eclectic approach to achieve a space of wellness. Kyeda earned her Bachelor of Arts and Master of Social Work degrees from Clark Atlanta University.
Janelle Clarke-Evers
I have been licensed in Georgia for 8 years and am experienced in helping clients with stress, anxiety, relationship issues, motivation, self esteem, 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 sign up for therapy requires courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Ashley Maloy
I am licensed in Georgia with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & coping with life changes. I also have experience working with compassion fatigue. 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.
Farah Southwell
As a licensed therapist in Georgia with three decades of experience, I specialize in supporting individuals through complex emotional landscapes. My practice centers on addressing depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, and life transitions with deep compassion and cultural sensitivity. I bring extensive expertise in helping clients navigate communication difficulties, social anxiety, trauma recovery, and multicultural concerns. My approach honors each person's unique journey, particularly supporting women, young adults, and individuals experiencing significant life changes. My therapeutic work focuses on creating affirming spaces where clients can explore healing from challenging experiences like isolation, family conflicts, chronic pain, and interpersonal trauma. I'm committed to understanding each client's individual context and supporting their path toward emotional wellness and personal growth. Drawing from years of professional practice, I offer nuanced, empathetic guidance that respects diverse experiences and backgrounds. My goal is to empower clients to develop resilient coping strategies and meaningful insights into their emotional well-being.
Akeesha Robinson
I am licensed in Georgia with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & 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!
Find a Therapist Near You in Athens , 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 Athens.
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.