Dr. Antonio Robinson
I specialize in MEN'S issues, with several years of experience providing mental health services, primarily to Men. I believe everyone has the potential for change when provided optimal psychoeducation, a space to be vulnerable, and individualized therapies that are driven by genuine warmth and support. Men historically do not seek mental health services because of stigma, fear of not being understood, and limited numbers of male therapists who "get" them. MEN’s issues can include mental health and wellness, self-care practices, relationship problems, healthy relationship skills, depression, stress, anxiety, crisis management, anger management, career exploration, and academic concerns. What makes an issue a “MEN’s issue” depends on how it was developed. MEN’s issues are developed within a context (such as family raised in, time period, culture, or geographical area). Such contexts have the potential to define behavior as something a man would or would not do. These definitions can be limiting and unhelpful. They can restrict the problem-solving ability of Men in situations that require more flexible and adaptive responses. Anger and irritability: Often, Men are taught to hide more vulnerable emotions such as hurt or sadness and instead express anger and lash out. This may be the only way they have learned to communicate they are hurting. However, anger can have disastrous effects on relationships. Learning how to communicate hurt and sadness effectively can facilitate an opportunity for repair and even strengthen relationships. Psychotherapy can help Men let go of problematic anger and express the vulnerability needed to have fulfilling relationships. Numbing or pushing away emotions: Some MEN may have been raised in environments where the very experience of emotion was unacceptable. This can result in attempts to avoid or control emotions. For example, ending relationships, devaluing the importance of loved ones, or keeping people at a distance can be ways to avoid uncomfortable feelings. Unfortunately, these attempts to control emotions can result in even more problems and even more difficult emotions. Therapy can help men identify, learn to deal with, and effectively express emotions in more adaptive ways and help preserve and strengthen relationships. Dr. Robinson earned his master's degree in counseling and practices as a Licensed Professional Counselor, Board-Certified National Counselor, and Board Certified TeleMental Health (BC-TMH) provider with various experiences from counseling adults, couples, and college students. He later went on to earn his Doctor of Education degree. I look forward to working with you!
Sasha McCraw
Welcome to Better Help! My name is Sasha, a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Grief Specialist. I am a genuine compassionate professional equipped with several years of experience to help you deal with difficult times, unexpected life changes and relationship struggles. I have provided therapeutic services to individuals, groups, and families in clinical, home, hospitals, and school settings. I specialize in dealing with issues such as anxiety, depression, stress management, grief & loss, relationship conflict, PTSD, and adjustment challenges. You do not have to walk through this alone. I will help you understand your situation, cope, and move through it in a productive way. I bring a unique, “no-judgement,” safe approach to help you navigate through life demands in order to achieve goals, heal, and grow. Additionally, my treatment methods are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Brief Solution Focused Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. I work to build a supportive and encouraging relationship with clients through empathy, genuineness, and unconditional positive regard while also challenging the way one thinks. As a counselor, it is my role to work with you to help you get back to a better quality of life that you desire and deserve. I am here to support you and work with you in determining which route is best for you. I look forward to meeting and working collaboratively to determine the best path for your journey!
Dr. Margaret "Betsy" Vonk
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Georgia with over 20 years of experience working as a counselor, and over 20 years teaching clinical social work to MSW students. I earned my MSW at Florida State University, and my PhD in Social Work at the University of Georgia. I have worked with people who have a wide variety of presenting concerns, including depression, anxiety, coping with life changes, retirement, aging, grief & loss, adoption, and family of origin issues. My counseling style is warm, nonjudgmental, and collaborative. I believe that everyone has strengths that can be identified within a respectful, supportive, and compassionate counseling relationship. I believe also that social-emotional skills can be learned and practiced within counseling, and then applied to real-life concerns. My early training was psychodynamic, but over the years I have relied more on the Strengths Perspective and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. Existential Therapy also can be an important part of people’s work, particularly when life meaning is at issue. Our work will be personalized to meet your needs. Making the decision to start counseling is a courageous step and I would be honored to work with you. I wish you the best on your journey! Margaret E Vonk, Member Calls Creek Counseling LLC
Dr. K. Joseph "Joe" Wittemann
Hi. Thanks for reaching out to me. Let me introduce myself. I'm Joe Wittemann, a licensed professional counselor who's been helping people for over 40 years. Those years have provided me with considerable insight, experience and skills. I'm an immigrant to this country, so I have a sense of what displacement and separation and assimilation means. I've been a single parent, so I understand the rigor of raising children alone. I've completed my formal education, so I understand what struggle and perseverance means. I've remarried, so I know what compromise and acceptance means. I have transitioned from one career to another and understand the potential for positive change. I've been unhappy. I've been frightened. I've been alone. I've felt the pang of depression . And I have grown through these trials. And when I couldn't do it alone, I sought professional help. My first career was teaching and working with students. That lasted almost 25 years. Early in that career, I helped establish the Teen Institute on Alcohol and Drugs in Ohio. That led me to a 40 year involvement with adults in addiction recovery programs. I continue that work today. In my second career, I worked with organizations and industries struggling through major change initiatives. In those settings, I've helped individuals facing forced separation, transfer, and loss. I've also mentored leaders who struggled with the changes that they had to enact. I'm a consultant to a crisis response group serving companies experiencing workforce disruption. I appreciate the courage it takes to pick up a phone and call for help, or to push the enter button on a computer to search for it. Bravo. Now I'd like you to consider some of my beliefs about the counseling relationship and my approach to working with people. I consider this relationship a sacred trust and protect it from outside influence. The time we spend together is solely for your benefit . I believe that each individual inherently knows what is good or beneficial for them. Together we affirm that. Rather than looking at life as a series of problems to be solved, we explore opportunities for growth and development. What we think about is crucial to the way we behave or act. So exploring your thoughts about certain issues will help us find solutions to them. All of us are concerned with security and privacy. The BetterHelp platform provides for both. To that I add, a personal commitment to honor your privacy while in session and afterwards. Only with your permission can any information be released, unless otherwise ordered by a court of law. HIPPA policies are always in effect to safeguard personal/private information. Counseling is considered conversation between you and me. My role is to help clarify the concerns you bring to the conversation to help find solutions to them. Early on in our discussion, I will ask for more clarification to the issue(s) you present so that together we understand the core and tangential concerns. Together we will endeavor to find practical solution. And, if needed employ the aid of other health care professionals should medications be considered. I use a pragmatic approach to therapy, which I find moves the process along comfortably for the people I work with. That means, education and goal setting are important elements in moving forward. Cognitive processing and mindfulness are two critical components in achieving continuing mental well-being. So I do focus on how thinking affects how we feel and act..I consider, with the patients with whom I work, how brain chemistry add to stress responses and teach my clients on how to better manage it. I typically schedule 45 to 60 minutes with my clients. That allows us to explore more fully the concerns that you bring to the experience and to spend time needed to work toward resolution. That does limit the number of clients I see in a weeks time so that appointments are usually schedule every other week. Also, being on the East Coast, can be a challenge for clients who live in different time zones. If you do choose to work with me, I will attempt to meet your needs as best as I can. At this point in time, I do not work in the evenings, but I do provide some opportunity on Saturdays. My appointment schedule is available for you to see so that you may make and informed decision as we go forward together. If you believe that I might be a good fit for you, please contact me. We will see how we can work together to help you meet your needs.
Dr. Garret Carlisle
***LIMITED AVAILABILITY - Mondays from 10am to 4:45pm*** I believe most people want to be good but struggle with making sense of their inner world and knowing how to wield the strength God has given them. This can leave us feeling frustrated, as well as those we're in relationship with. We know there's more to us, but we don't know how to access this more. And the weight and fear of these expectations often robs us of our ability to make an impact for good in the world. To be sure, our work and friendships, marriage, sex life, parenting, and the like all suffer when there's not peace in our inner world. I help individuals to better understand themselves and live with greater freedom, power, and love throughout their life and relationships. This is a deeper dive than most traditional therapies as the focus is on helping you to make sense of your inner world and grow from the inside-out. Couples are also welcome. Often we feel isolated, broken, and incompetent as we try to make sense of our life and relationships. But it doesn't have to be this way. I'm here to encourage you and challenge you as you seek to unlock the mysteries of your soul and rediscover the original glory God has given you to reveal. Start your journey by reaching out today!
Dr. Mary Ann Hensley
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Georgia with over 22 years of professional work experience. I have worked with children, teens and adults. My previous clients have been from diverse backgrounds with a wide range of issues including depression, anxiety, trauma, domestic violence and low self-esteem. My goal is to provide each client with tools to overcome obstacles or enhance the quality of life. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.
Carolyn Freeman Brown
I am licensed in Georgia with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. 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!
Kelly Dahlke
I am licensed as a LCSW in Georgia with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with depression and anxiety and those going through various 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. Theoretical approaches that I use include Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, and narrative approaches. I would like to help you see yourself with more compassion and work towards achieving your goals in therapy. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Alessandra Carvalho
I am a bilingual (Portuguese and English) holistic psychotherapist licensed in Georgia with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, depression, self-esteem, and self-confidence. I integrate holistic health, energy work, and mindfulness into talk therapy to help individuals regain clarity and enthusiasm. 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.
Jeffrey Henderson
I am licensed in Georgia with 25 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with addictions, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & bipolar disorder. 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.
How to find counseling in Avera
Finding the best therapist close by in Avera 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 Avera. 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 Avera, 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 Avera 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 Avera 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 Avera, elsewhere in Jefferson, 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 Avera area can be found below:
How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Avera 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 Avera 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 Avera 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 Avera, 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 Avera 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 Avera 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 Avera 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 Avera 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 Avera 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 30803 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 Avera 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 Avera 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 Avera, 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.
Avera 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 Avera:
30803