If life has been more difficult lately due to stress or anxiety that you just cannot control, you may have an anxiety disorder that needs treatment. Luckily, there are dedicated mental health professionals in and around Decatur who are experienced in treating these and other mental illnesses. 

Decatur is a lovely town that thrives on the arts and festivals. Every year, the community gathers for the Decatur Arts Festival, Decatur Wine Festival, Craft Beer Festival, Decatur Maker’s Faire, Decatur Book Fair, and the Blues & Bluegrass Festival. If you have an anxiety disorder, going to any of these events may not be on your list of things to do, because crowds and large events can be stressful. However, if you talk to a Decatur area therapist, you can get back to doing things you enjoy again.

This is Veleisha "Leisha" Benjamin 's avatar and link to their profile

Veleisha "Leisha" Benjamin

Offering therapy in GA
License: LPC
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementBipolar disorderDepression
20 years of experience

My name is Leisha Benjamin. I'm a Licensed Professional Counselor with 20 plus years of experience working with a variety of mental health populations in various settings. I have a Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology and a Bachelor's Degree in Rehabilitation Psychology. I'm challenged each day to incorporate the best clinical strategies I've come to learn and master over the years. I possess the ability to establish rapport quickly; build trust; interact and relate to individuals. I find that CBT-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; DBT-Dialectcal Behavioral Therapy (s) when engaging in therapy with clients are the most effective forms of clinical strategies, and are the two I most often use. These are evidenced based practice Treatment Modalities, and can be applied to a variety of issues such as depression; anxiety; stress management; PTSD etc. I've attended many workshops over the years to gain valuable knowledge and tools to utilize these Modalities effectively, and I'm confident in my ability to employ them. I also utilize Mindfulness techniques and strategies to address anxiety, stress and sleep issues.

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Dr. Margaret "Betsy" Vonk

Offering therapy in GA
License: MSW,PhD,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefDepressionCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

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

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Tondala Gass

Offering therapy in GA
License: MRC,MSW,LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesTrauma and abuseDepressionCoping with life changes
23 years of experience

I am currently a Child Welfare Program Specialist. I have a Master of Social Work degree and a Master of Rehabilitation Counseling degree. I am also licensed as a clinical social worker. For the past twenty-three years, I have worked with some of the following issues: anxiety, depression, relational issues with couples, abuse issues with children and adults, sleeping disorders, anger management issues, work-life issues, and family conflict. Through my many years of training, I utilized cognitive-behavioral therapy, solution-focused therapy, trauma-informed therapy, client-centered therapy, mindfulness, and meditation techniques.. I believe in empowering clients to implement coping mechanisms to manage and/or overcome their issues. Life brings us hurdles at times and we must develop tools to go through them. The biggest step is acknowledging you need help or support. Then, you work through it to develop tools to manage your issues. I look forward to working with you! Best Regards, Tondala

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Shari Grizzle

Offering therapy in GA
License: LCSW
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuseDepression
8 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 7 years of experience working with children, teens, adults and end of life. I am licensed in Indiana, Georgia and Florida. I have extensive knowledge and experience using the following interventions; trauma focused CBT, CBT, dialectical behavior therapy, play therapy, solution focused and brief therapy. I believe in meeting you where you are at and building on your strengths. I enjoy teaching clients how thoughts, feelings and behaviors are connected and how to change those unwanted thoughts and behaviors while embracing the good in your life. I thoroughly enjoy working with individuals who have endured trauma, faced with depression, anxiety and PTSD. My favorite is behavior modification and management to correct the maladaptive "unwanted" behaviors displayed in individuals.

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Leslie Sakow

Offering therapy in GA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepressionCoping with life changes
20 years of experience

Hi. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, I provide telehealth mental health therapy to Georgia residents. I have more than 20 years of direct professional practice helping individuals cope with life difficulties [i.e. stress and anxiety, emotional events, internal conflict, grief and loss]. Through a combined process known as Expressive Arts and Mental Health Action Planning, elements of Positive Psychology, Supportive Counseling, Radical Acceptance and Mindful Cognitive Therapies are individually tailored to specific needs and goals. Taking the first step toward a healthier quality of life takes courage. I am here to support you and guide you through this life changing process.

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Sally Clanin

Offering therapy in GA
Relationship issuesSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
15 years of experience

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), in the State of Georgia with 15+ years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with depression and anxiety, life change and coping issues, obsessive compulsive disorder, self esteem and confidence issues and other personal challenges. 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.

This is Bonnie McClurd's avatar and link to their profile

Bonnie McClurd

Offering therapy in GA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsDepression
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, coping with addictions, relationship issues, & family conflicts. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! "We never know which lives we influence, or when, or why." -Stephen King

This is Lucretia DuBose's avatar and link to their profile

Lucretia DuBose

Offering therapy in GA
Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesGriefDepressionCoping 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, coping with grief and loss, & depression. I also have experience working with coping with life changes. My specialty is helping the aging community and families care for loved ones with dementia. 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. 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.

This is Anim Aweh's avatar and link to their profile

Anim Aweh

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

I am licensed in Georgia with 16 years of professional work experience. I have experience helping clients with stress and anxiety, trauma and abuse, motivation, self-esteem, and confidence, & depression. I am passionate about holding space for the BIPOC community. 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. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps toward change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

This is Sheila Conyers's avatar and link to their profile

Sheila Conyers

Offering therapy in GA
Stress, AnxietyParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCoping with life changes
5 years of experience

I am licensed in Georgia with 5 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, parenting issues, anger management, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. 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 Decatur

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

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed Decatur 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 Decatur 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 Decatur 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 Decatur, 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 Decatur 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 Decatur 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 Decatur 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 Decatur 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 Decatur 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 30036 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 Decatur 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 Decatur 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 Decatur, 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.

Decatur 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 Decatur.

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

30030, 30031, 30036, 30037

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