This is Tanya Lorenzi's avatar and link to their profile

Tanya Lorenzi

Offering therapy in GA
License: LPC
LGBTRelationship issuesIntimacy-related issuesParenting issuesCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

Pronouns – she/her I think every therapist has a story about how they got into therapy. Mine is a lot like many others. After having my youngest child prematurely, I had my first kidney transplant about 8 months later. I fell into a deep depression that made it difficult for me to do anything. A therapist helped me find my way back to the light. When it became clear that because of my transplant, my dream of being a medical doctor was not going to happen, I had to find another way to give back – and landed in counseling. My mission as a therapist is to help individuals and couples claw themselves out of their current pit. Nothing makes me happier than when I close services with someone, because it means they are back together stronger than ever before. I have been very fortunate in my life to have a supportive husband and children who stood by me while I earned two Master’s degrees in counseling. I just completed my sex therapy certification course, which I believe makes me uniquely qualified to help a broad range of clients of all ages. My two children have long since flown the nest and are scattered now. I am originally from New York City but have lived in Augusta since 2012. I consider it my home now. I also share my home and love with three massive dogs. And I just recently welcomed my first granddaughter. I look forward to hearing from you, and congratulations on taking the first step back to you!

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PJ Chandler

Offering therapy in GA
License: M.Ed.,LPC, RPT
Stress, AnxietyAnger managementSelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changes
12 years of experience

I am not perfect, nor do I have all the answers. But it is my belief that the answer is within everyone I service. As a counselor, I want you to consider me your tour guide. Along the journey, I will be present with you and point out important things. During the process, I will help equip you with the proper tools to improve your current state and overall quality of life. As a counselor, I am fair and consistent. I am authentic, sincere, and honest. I believe in humanism and being transparent. I want you to be able to trust me in the process and with your information. I promise to always be present during our time together. I will make suggestions, but ultimately the progress will govern the time we spend together. My approach is always person-centered but combines cognitive-behavioral, rational choice, humanistic, psychoeducation, and play techniques. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Georgia. I have over 10 years of experience working as a counselor. I obtained my Masters of Education in Counseling with a concentration in Clinical Mental Health from Delta State University. I have worked with clients ranging from ages 4 to geriatric. In that time, I have worked with an array of individuals with a variety of concerns including depression, anxiety, adjustment difficulty, self-esteem, ADHD, Schizophrenia, and Bipolar to name a few. I have worked with former offenders, Veterans, those with a history of neglect, abuse, and trauma. My experience also includes crisis services, adjustment disorders, substance abuse, in-patient, telehealth, in-home, and community-based services. You have taken the first step to improve your quality of life. When you are ready, I will be there to provide the encouragement and support needed along the path of establishing and achieving goals. Thank you and I look forward to working with you.

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Christie Wakefield

Offering therapy in GA
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsLGBTRelationship issuesDepression
4 years of experience

I am a licensed Marriage and Family therapist in Georgia. I graduated from Mercer University School of Medicine with a Masters in Marriage and Family therapy. I have experience working with children, couples and families, especially as it relates to addiction, trauma and family relationship dynamics. I have worked as a Program therapist for community mental health programs, where I worked with addiction and mental health diagnoses that range from depression and anxiety to personality disorders. In addition to my clinical experience, I also teach trauma recovery groups and LGBTQ+ support groups. My expertise is in the area of depression, addiction, anxiety and trauma as well as gender and sexuality and relationship difficulties. I am EMDR trained and Gottman couples counseling level one and two certified. My approach is to meet each person where they are regarding their readiness to make changes in their life. I treat everyone I work with with compassion and the respect that they deserve. I provide a judgement free and safe space for you to feel free to be who you are while you share. It takes courage to take those first steps in seeking a more fulfilling and happier life and even more to take the first steps towards a change. If you are ready to take those steps I am here to support and help you on that journey.

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Darius Entesary

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

I AM A PROFESSIONAL COUNSELOR LICENSED IN STATE OF GEORGIA WITH OVER 20 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE. I HAVE WORKED WITH CLIENTS WITH WIDE RANGE OF CONCERNS INCLUDING DEPRESSION, ANXIETY, ANGER, RELATIONSHIPS, CAREER CHALLENGES AND MID LIFE TRANSITIONS. I HAVE ALSO WORKED WITH MANY CLIENTS WHO HAD EXPERIENCED PHYSICAL, SEXUAL AND EMOTIONAL TRAUMAS. MY PASSION IS TO HELP INDIVIDUALS AND COUPLES TO CONTINUE TO IMPROVE THE QUALITIES OF THEIR LIVES AND RELATIONSHIPS AND HENCE LIVE THEIR LIVES WITH MORE ENERGY. JOY, AND FULFILLMENT. MY COUNSELING/THERAPY STYLE IS FOUNDED ON THE HUMANISTIC THEORY WHOSE MAIN PRINCIPLE IS UNCONDITIONAL POSITIVE REGARDS TO EACH AND EVERY CLIENT WHO IS SEEKING HELP. I AM AN ECLECTIC COUNSELOR USING CT, CBT, DBT, EXISTENTIAL AND MINDFULNESS TECHNIQUES IN MY COUNSELING AND THERAPY. IT TAKES COURAGE TO SEE A MORE FULFILLING AND HAPPIER LIFE AND TO TAKE THE FIRST STEPS TOWARDS CHANGE. IF YOU ARE READY TO TAKE THAT STEP, I AM HERE TO SUPPORT AND TO EMPOWER YOU. I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO WORKING WITH YOU.

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Annabelle Moore

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

I am licensed in Georgia with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, family conflicts, & trauma and abuse. 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.

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Monique Darnell

Offering therapy in GA
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepressionCoping with life changesCoaching
8 years of experience

I am licensed in Georgia with 8 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, eating disorders, depression, & coping with life changes. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started! Check out my website https://www.mrdcasolutions.com/

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Jessica Gerstein

Offering therapy in GA
License: MS, LPC, LCADC
Stress, AnxietyAddictionsTrauma and abuseBipolar disorderDepression
10 years of experience

I often say, "Therapists are not a one size fits all," and that it can be difficult to find a therapist that suits your needs, let alone choose the right therapist by reading a description of them. If you're like me and enjoy the facts, here are mine: I graduated from Monmouth University with a Masters of Science in Mental and Clinical Health Counseling. I am currently a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in three states as well as, a Licensed Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC) in the state of New Jersey. I also am a National Certified Counselor (NCC), HIV Certified Counselor, and Disaster Response Crisis Counselor (DRCC). I have about ten years of experience working in various levels of care with mental health, substance abuse, and dual diagnosis clients. During sessions I utilize primarily cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy however, I believe that each client is unique and tailor my approach to be client centered. I am certified in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and enjoy utilizing EMDR skills in session. I focus on finding solutions, building strengths, and improving negative thought patterns. The therapeutic process can be overwhelming, but I pride myself on working side by side with my clients every step of the way and being an extremely strong advocate for each client. My passion for helping humans developed at an early age and only continued to grow as I observed people around me struggle with various issues in life. Over my years in the mental health and substance abuse industry, I have noticed a pattern. It has occurred to me that the stressors of every day life have become unmanageable for human beings and people have forgotten that, “We repeat what we do not repair.” In a world that is constantly changing, lets work together to make changes to improve yourself and your life. Everyone has a story. What’s yours?

This is Courtney Chandler's avatar and link to their profile

Courtney Chandler

Offering therapy in GA
Stress, AnxietyTrauma and abuseAnger managementDepressionADHD
9 years of experience

Courtney Chandler is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Georgia. Mrs. Chandler obtained her Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Mercer University. She also has extended education in the areas of marriage and family systems, addictions, trauma, and play therapy. Courtney’s specialty is helping people that are dealing with anxiety, anger, depression, trauma, ADHD, Autism, Bipolar, as well as many other things. Courtney has a systemic, integrative approach pulling from theories such as person centered, existential, reality, and play therapy perspectives to assist clients in their journey. She looks at clinical situations from a holistic lens regarding the client’s mental health. While Courtney has experience working with all age groups, her best work is with adolescents and adults. She has an empathic and genuine ability to connect with people, especially angsty youth. During her free time, Courtney enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband, doggie daughter Jade, and reconnecting with nature and animals of all kinds. She has a love of all music and going to concerts.

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Inez Nagbe

Offering therapy in GA
GriefSelf esteemCareer difficultiesCoping with life changesCompassion fatigue
23 years of experience

I am licensed in Georgia with 23 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with coping with grief and loss, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, career difficulties, & coping with life changes. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

This is Mona Gordon's avatar and link to their profile

Mona Gordon

Offering therapy in GA
Stress, AnxietySelf esteemDepression
6 years of experience

I am licensed in Georgia with 6 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, motivation, self esteem, and confidence, & depression. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. 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 East Ellijay

Finding the best therapist close by in East Ellijay 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 East Ellijay. 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 East Ellijay, 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 East Ellijay 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 East Ellijay 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 East Ellijay, elsewhere in Gilmer, 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 East Ellijay area can be found below:

How does the cost of in-person counseling compare to the cost of BetterHelp with a licensed East Ellijay 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 East Ellijay 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 East Ellijay 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 East Ellijay, 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 East Ellijay 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 East Ellijay 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 East Ellijay 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 East Ellijay 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 East Ellijay 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 30536 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 East Ellijay 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 East Ellijay 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 East Ellijay, 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.

East Ellijay 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 East Ellijay.

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

30536, 30539, 30540

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