The city of Buford, Georgia was named after the railway line that connected Atlanta, Georgia with Charlotte, North Carolina in the late 1800s. As the city developed, it also became known as being the home of the largest mall in the state and several major tourist attractions like museums and outdoor recreational activities.

Buford is a splendid example of how you don’t have to feel pigeonholed and what can happen if you truly spread your wings and fly. Licensed mental health counselors in the area can help you embrace your destiny. Consider reaching out today.

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Dr. China Allen

Offering therapy in GA
License: PhD,LPC,CCHT
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
22 years of experience

Who am I? Where have I been? And, who am I today? In short, on a personal note I married after graduating from High School at 17, was Divorced by 19, yet determined to live my best life in deference to my start. So, I took my oldest son to college with me and graduated at the top of my class before developing into the proactive eternal optimist that I am today. Yes, my own developmental journey evolved from that divorced single parent that simultaneously lovingly transformed and developed 3 very successful children into adulthood who now hold advanced degrees and are living their own best life. Professionally, for over 17 years I have been practicing as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) after earning a Doctorate Degree in Counseling Psychology. I hold both state license and national board certifications as a psycho-therapeutic practitioner. Having demonstrated a career of clinical competence, I have specialized experience working in the areas of Behavioral Health and Wellness, Substance Use Disorders, Mind-Body Healthcare, and Life Coaching. I have acquired many years of grassroots field-based client experiences in a wide variety of clinical service delivery systems that have enabled and qualified me to practice independently as both a Psychotherapist and Transformational Life Coach. Always evolving, I am a business owner and solo-entrepreneur-- the poster child for Personal Growth and Development. I bring added value to my patients and clients by having the ability to facilitate therapeutic mind-body treatment modalities on a range of issues ranging from Sadness/Grief/Depressed Mood, Substance Use or Abuse, Chronic Pain, Insomnia/Sleep Issues, Anxiety/Stress Management, and Post-Traumatic Stress (PTSD), among other debilitating life-altering or quality of life issues. My counseling style is cognitive behavioral and solution-focused. Specifically, my clinical orientation incorporates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Motivational Enhancement Therapy (MET), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Mind-Body treatment interventions. Additionally, trained and certified in Clinical Hypnotherapy and other mindful-based practices (i.e. Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), etc.) I can help develop your self-care and personal development skills so that you are empowered and comfortable in using them throughout your life. Working with me you’ll quickly find that I respect you by recognizing that there’s no single one size fits all therapeutic approach, and will treat you as the individual that you are. I utilize an integrative cognitive behavioral wellness health approach to ensure that I work therapeutically with the whole person. Welcome to an unforgettable journey of life enhancing challenge! If you just need an outside perspective, want more satisfaction in your life, or mental wellness support, let me help you set goals and support you as your accountability partner towards achieving them. I can indeed assist you with strategies for navigating your difficult emotional life challenges. You are invited in advance to join me on an unforgettable journey of thought-provoking discourse, transformative sustainable self-care, and life-enhancing empowerment!

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Trevor Knight

Offering therapy in GA
License: MA,LPC,CPCS
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsSelf esteemDepression
15 years of experience

Welcome to the BetterHelp Counseling Platform. I do appreciate the trust and confidence you have demonstrated in coming to me for help. Having over twenty-five years in the counseling/helping field leaves me with no doubt that at this point in my career, I am more poised to be of help to anyone who wants to recapture a good sense of self, purpose, and fulfillment in their lives including their marriage and other human relatedness. I graduated from the College of New Rochelle with a bachelor's in Psychology and from Richmont Graduate University with a Masters in Professional Counseling. My approach in counseling takes into account the mental, social, emotional, physical, and spiritual components of the individual with an emphasis on “healing,” transformation, and restoration. I specialize in working with individuals, couples, and families using some of the most proven treatment orientations such as CBT, REBT, Solution-focused Therapy, Person-centered Therapy, and Structural Family Therapy. Additionally, working at various agencies and hospitals serving individuals with various mood disorders and psychological problems provided me with a broad range of experience in the helping field. As you can see, my passion is rooted in helping families and individuals recapture a sense of true purpose within a caring and professional atmosphere. As a Licensed Professional Counselor and someone with years of experience, I would like to have the opportunity to serve you and help you with the necessary skills to overcome the difficulties for which you are now seeking professional help.

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Raelynn Bass

Offering therapy in GA
License: LPC
AddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseIntimacy-related issues
11 years of experience

Okay, let's face it, therapy can be intimidating right? Especially if its your first time...well, the services I provide will definitely make you feel comfortable and relaxed, allowing you to gain full insight into your concerns. Are you struggling with depression? Relationship or marital problems? What about concerns of stress and anxiety? I have tools that will help you overcome your barriers and we work together toward change. I am passionate about what I do and enjoy working individuals from all different backgrounds and walks of life. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 11 years experience. Some of my specialty areas include Marital, relationship and family related concerns, sexual concerns, faith- based, Anxiety, Depression and other emotionally taxing concerns & behaviors. My practice is a new kind of counseling practice! I enjoy working with people to provide unique, creative and inspirational based tools while using various innovative approaches to meet your personal needs! Due to my experience and eclectic practice approach, I can offer a more unique support to your specific need(s). **Please note I offer very limited sessions at this time. If you specifically require evening availability, I may not be the counselor for your needs at this time. Schedule with me today, I look forward to working with you!

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Dominique Dew

Offering therapy in GA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepressionCoping with life changes
10 years of experience

I am licensed in Georgia with 10 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & depression. 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. I am a firm believer in the motto "Find A Way or Make One". 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.

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Marybeth Santoro

Offering therapy in GA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseGriefIntimacy-related issuesDepression
11 years of experience

My name is Marybeth Santoro. I am licensed in Georgia as a licensed professional counselor, LPC. I graduated with a Bachelors in Psychology from Valdosta State University and have a Masters in Counseling from Argosy University in Atlanta. I am licensed in Georgia with 11 years of experience helping clients with DEPRESSION, ANXIETY, BI-POLAR DISORDER, PTSD, SELF-ESTEEM, CO-DEPENDENCY, STRESS and many other Mental Health Issues. I believe in a mixed therapeutic approach, depending on the client's needs. In addition, I have a diverse clinical background and worked as a manager for an inpatient psychiatric hospital before going into private practice.

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Julia Waller

Offering therapy in GA
Trauma and abuseDepression
17 years of experience

I am licensed in California with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with trauma and abuse & 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.

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Tandy Mackey

Offering therapy in GA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
5 years of experience

I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Georgia. My experience comes from providing direct mental health and behavioral counseling for teens and adults with a variety of presenting issues, including anxiety, relationship and family issues, trauma, community violence, gender identity, and depression. I approach the therapeutic relationship with an acute sensitivity and respect for multi/cross-cultural factors. My clinical experience includes working with a diverse population which includes race, youth, families, and adults given my firsthand experience in navigating generational and cultural differences. Representation for minority groups in the broader world of mental health is still very small, and my own professional goals include creating more intersection between my personal knowledge of western cultures and professional experience in providing mental health support. My experience is varied and across settings, as I have provided individual and family therapy in community mental health agencies, school settings and day treatment facilities. I believe that we are all products of our closest relationships, our environment, our family systems, and every moment that leads to the present us. I strive to treat the therapeutic relationship, and you, with compassion, respect, and warmth. My therapy style and approach draws influence from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, Psychoeducation, and Structural systems. A top priority for me is to meet you where you are and calibrate treatment and my approach to what will work best for us as we work together to meet your goals. Whether you are working towards enlightenment and insight or symptom-relief and improved functions, my hope is that we can collaboratively work together to achieve it! It takes a lot of strength and will power to work towards a more fulfilling and happier life. If you are ready to take that step, I am here to support you and empower you.

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Tenethrea Buffington

Offering therapy in GA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changes
17 years of experience

I am licensed in Georgia with 17 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, anger management, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

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Alessandra Carvalho

Offering therapy in GA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

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.

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Sandra Snyder

Offering therapy in GA
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemCareer difficultiesDepressionCoping with life changes
30 years of experience

I am licensed in Georgia with 30 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage. I am here to support you in that process.

How to find counseling in Buford

Finding the best therapist close by in Buford 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 Buford. 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 Buford, 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 Buford 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 Buford 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 Buford, elsewhere in Gwinnett, 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 Buford area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Buford 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 Buford 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 Buford 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 Buford, 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 Buford 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 Buford 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 Buford 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:

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 Buford 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 Buford 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 30518 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 Buford 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 Buford 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 Buford, 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.

Buford 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 PinterestLinkedInInstagramTwitter, 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:

A woman meets with a therapist online in her home city of Buford.

Below are some of the zip codes served by BetterHelp therapists in Buford:

30515, 30518, 30519

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