Therapists for college students near Atlanta, GA

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Overwhelmed with college life and academics? Struggling with relationships? Come learn how to manage your stress and the balance between the social and academic aspects of your college life. Call today for a free 15-minute phone consultation.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Hi, I'm Madeline! At the heart of my work is a deep belief in the power of authentic, meaningful human connection. From a person-centered, trauma-informed approach, I strive to meet each client exactly where they are, with empathy, gentle care, and acceptance. As a fellow creative, I love incorporating play, art, and expressive tools into the therapy process. With specialized training in play therapy and expressive arts approaches, enjoy using creative, personalized interventions to empower clients as they express themselves, explore and gain insight into emotions and experiences, and build on their unique strengths. I believe therapy should be a safe, developmentally appropriate space where you can feel truly seen, heard, and supported. I also value collaboration, partnering with families to offer helpful resources and build a strong support system rooted in trust that nurtures growth and healing. Before joining the team at Early Connections, I worked with children, teens, and young adults in a community mental health setting, offering individual and family counseling to those navigating anxiety, mood disorders, ADHD, suicidal ideation, childhood trauma, school challenges, and adjustment. I’ve also supported undergraduate college students through social, emotional, and academic challenges in a university setting. Over the past few years, I’ve had the privilege of working as a research assistant, focusing on suicide prevention in vulnerable populations. These valuable experiences have all shaped my heart for this work. I’m especially passionate about supporting others through anxiety, depression, stress, life changes, trauma, grief and loss, and issues related to emotional regulation, identity, and self-worth. I earned my Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Psychology from the University of Georgia, where I also studied Human Services and Human Development and Family Science. I received my Master of Science (M.S.) in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Georgia State University. I am an Associate Professional Counselor (APC) and a National Certified Counselor (NCC), working towards full licensure as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and pursuing my Registered Play Therapist (RPT) credential. I’m also an active member of the American Counseling Association and Association for Play Therapy. As an Associate Professional Counselor, I will be working under the supervision of Lauren Brown, LPC, NCC, RPT-S, the owner of Early Connections Child and Family Counseling. Outside of the counseling space, I’m someone who recharges through creativity and connection. I enjoy a good art project, playing guitar, reading, exploring new coffee shops, and spending quality time with my loved ones. I’m so glad that you are here. I’d be honored to connect with you and walk alongside you on your journey!

Human life is full of distractions and failures, and treatment, either psychological or physical, is likewise. We will have moments of perceived failure and distractions. That is OK…. new ways of thinking take time and practice. A trusting relationship between client and therapist is the most important factor in therapeutic success. I work hard to earn and keep your trust. I operate from a positive psychotherapy framework and provide a warm, compassionate, and non-judgmental, safe place. I build this safe place so you can explore your concerns, learn about what is preventing you from living the life you want, or search for your preferred future. My counseling style is kind, caring, and built on relationships. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and non-judgment. Admitting to yourself that you can not do everything alone and reaching out to a professional for help are the first steps towards living your preferred future. The way in which we live is greatly influenced by how we see the world. Asking for help, and getting a new perspective is often the most profound step towards your preferred future. The more support you gain, the more able you will be to heal and grow. Therapy is an investment in yourself and is ALL ABOUT YOU. I am part of the Path referral network, which means that when you reach out, my team will get back to you quickly to schedule our first session. Through Path, I am in-network for most commercial insurances, and the average cost of a session for clients who use their insurance is less than $30.

I think it can be normal to find therapy awkward, uncomfortable, or anxiety provoking, especially at first, and so it is really important to me to help create a space that can be tailored to support you as much as possible. I collaborate with you to uncover what you value, the person you would like to move towards being, and together we create a path that helps you move in the direction you would like to go. I use an integrative, client-led and trauma-informed approach that blends complementary therapeutic modalities to hold space for both your mind and body in sessions. The heart of which is a desire to understand you, to invite in curiosity, and to help support you in embodying your potential. Empathy and compassion play a big role in this as well as a little laughter. I will also lean into activation, discomfort, and challenging you at times. This is done with the explicit understanding this is your place to let me know when it is too much, when it is a “no”, or when I’ve mis-attuned. I use a feedback-informed approach to learn how to better support you. Feel free to visit my website to learn more about my specialties and the therapeutic approaches I use. I'm happy to answer any questions. I look forward to connecting!

Occasionally we all struggle to stay "on top" of things, or have a hard time keeping up with everything we need to do in a day. For some of us, it's a little more than that. It's constant scrolling through social media to give your brain a break, and that break turns into an hour. Or procrastinating simple tasks like finishing an assignment, or sending an email. Maybe you're having a hard time just waking up and getting out of bed in the morning. It's distressing to feel like you're struggling and not know how to fix it. If this sounds like you, just know: things can get better! Anxiety and depression don't have to rule your life. I'd love to work together with you on topics of general anxiety, self-confidence, identity issues, relationship issues, faith/religious questioning, perfectionism, and depression (and more!). As a CBT therapist, I help you identify areas of difficulty in your routine so we can build skills like self-awareness, coping mechanisms, and self-esteem. We are all learning how to do this thing called Life. And you can learn how to live happily and authentically! I aim to provide a calming space where we can slow down, and work together to better understand and accept the person that you are, and the person you want to be.

Let’s be real — asking for help feels hard. We’ve been taught that being the “strong one” means doing it all alone. That needing support somehow makes us weak, messy, or not put-together enough. Whether it’s from family, culture, or social media… the pressure to look like you’ve got it all figured out is exhausting. But here’s the truth: asking for help is a power move. It means you’re self-aware enough to know when something's off — and brave enough to do something about it. Healing doesn’t make you broken. It makes you real. It makes you whole. As your therapist, I’m not here to “fix” you — I’m here to help you find yourself again. Together, we’ll unpack what’s been heavy, rewire some patterns, and create space for you to breathe, grow, and show up as her — the version of you that’s confident, grounded, emotionally free, and fully in her power. Struggling with anxiety or overthinking? Tired of toxic relationships or feeling like you’re never enough? Burning out trying to keep it all together? It’s time to choose you. Not the perfect version. Not the polished mask. The real you — in progress, healing, and glowing. Let’s do the inner work, set the boundaries, and walk in purpose. Because the goal isn’t perfection. It’s progress.

Please call and leave a voicemail if sending email. I'm a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Georgia, with over 33 years of experience in the mental health field. I like to collaborate with and help clients with Anxiety, Depression, Eating Disorders and/or disordered eating, Trauma, PTSD, Relationship and family of origin concerns, Bodily Focused Repetitive Behaviors, Chronic Pain, Chronic Medical Problems, Grief and Loss, Life Transitions, and Caregiver stress. I began Telehealth therapy via HIPAA compliant video sessions during COVID. However, video sessions may not always continue to be covered by all insurance plans and may not always be preferable for certain clients. When you’re not experiencing COVID or any other contagious symptoms, I offer Telehealth Monday-Thursdays, and in-person psychotherapy sessions on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays in the Decatur?Scottdale, GA area. Our office (house) is located not far from Emory University, Agnes Scott College, and Decatur. We offer free parking in a wheelchair accessible building. Please see my profile in Psychology Today for more information, and feel free to call me for a phone consultation. Phone calls generally work best, as I occasionally miss emails, so if you email me, please follow up with a phone call. I look forward to speaking with you - let’s see if I would be a good match for your needs! INSURANCE NOTE: I do take Aetna Student Health insurance, however I'm not a CORE provider (Tier 1). I am an In-network (Tier 2), preferred provider with Aetna, and Aetna Student Health Insurance will have a different rate/copy, &/or coinsurance amount for Tier 2 providers than for CORE providers. Although I may be able to explain potential differences in coverage, I encourage you to check your insurance benefits for the differences between in-and out-of-network providers and the difference between core and non-core providers, whether your deductible has been met, and the required copay/co-insurance information for the cost of the session prior to making an appointment.

You’re someone who’s trying to keep it all together while juggling responsibilities, relationships, and the expectations you place on yourself. Maybe you feel anxious, distracted, or unsure of your next steps. You want to understand yourself better, feel more balanced, and start showing up in life the way you know you can. My practice is a dedicated space for those who experience the world with intensity, whether through deep hyper-focus, or the persistent "what-if" loops of intrusive thoughts. Together, we work toward clarity, calm, and confidence, building tools that help you navigate everyday life with more intention and ease. I specialize in helping and adults in or around Atlanta, GA manage ADHD and OCD while improving self-awareness and relationships. My approach blends curiosity, mindfulness, and practical strategies to help you feel more organized, present, and in control. Therapy becomes a space for growth, not just problem-solving. You don’t have to figure it all out alone. Therapy is a space to feel understood, supported, and challenged in ways that help you grow. Whether you’re navigating focus struggles, overwhelm, or self-doubt, we’ll work together to help you feel grounded and confident again. If you’re ready for things to feel lighter, I’d love to help you get there!

Ebony is a caring, compassionate, and understanding professional. She utilizes a holistic perspective, with the belief that healthy mind, body, and spirit are essential to achieving total wellness. Ebony serves as a collaborative partner, and allows each client to be the "expert" of their own life. Ebony developed a passion for helping others as an adolescent, and has continued along that path. She has over 10 years of experience in the social services field, and has worked with various populations. Ebony is most fulfilled by helping clients identify their strengths, clarify goals, and make positive changes. She maintains a nonjudgmental and optimistic attitude, while valuing the diversity of others. Ebony is a Licensed Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor, and Certified Professional Counseling Supervisor. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Emory University, and Master of Science degree from Georgia State University.

I am a clinical psychologist and sub-specialize in couples and family therapy. I help couples and individuals deal with a variety of issues that may be interfering with relationships such as depression, anxiety, infidelity, poor communication, constant fighting, lack of motivation, or feelings of disconnection. My goal as a therapist is to give my clients the tools to achieve the kind of control that lets them be in charge. This is the only true path to a happy and fulfilling relationship. I also help parents deal with children who may be unmotivated, anxious, depressed, or oppositional. I believe parents need to be strategic with troubled children. Sessions focus on empowering parents with tools to reduce parent-child power struggles, stop self-defeating behavior and improve self-esteem and motivation to succeed. Clients leave my office having a clear idea of what they need to do to improve their circumstances. I aim to achieve positive change in the briefest time possible. I have had success with many clients that have seen multiple previous therapists.

JoJo Nelson, MS, M.T.S., APC JoJo is an Associate Professional Counselor (APC007262) specializing in working with anxiety, self esteem, relationship challenges, divorce recovery, grief/loss, depression, and life stage transitions such as motherhood, midlife, and empty nest transition. She desires to offer clients a “safe container” where they can show up as their authentic selves while they explore difficult feelings related to such topics as family of origin, self concept, and identity. JoJo brings the wisdom of her own lived experience into her therapy practice. Having faced various life challenges in her own life, JoJo understands the courage it takes to move forward into healing and freedom.

My style is warm and compassionate. I work with people who are struggling and want to learn and grow from their life experiences, good and bad. I am skillful and successful at supporting people face adversity and move forward with improved skills and tools to succeed.

Melissa Light holds a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Emory University. She received her Master's Degrees in Elementary Education from Southern Connecticut State University and in Mental Health Counseling from Georgia State University. Melissa completed her practicum and internship at Ray of Hope, providing play therapy for children and individual and couples counseling for adults. She has worked with individuals to address mood and anxiety disorders, grief, and relationship issues. In addition to private practice, she has provided therapy in a university counseling center and at an outpatient recovery center for opioid addiction. As a counselor at the recovery center, she led a Women’s Self-Care group which addressed issues of physical and emotional well-being, co-dependency, healthy boundaries, and parenthood. Additionally, Melissa has served as a guest speaker for a support group for new mothers in the Atlanta area. Melissa sees her role as being a guide to help clients gain understanding of themselves. In doing so, clients can address barriers and learn how to live at their full potential.  She works from an eclectic approach, using Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) to explore thought and behavior patterns and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to help clients better manage their emotions and relationships. Clients come to therapy with their own goals and individual strengths and Melissa partners with her clients to navigate personal growth in a supportive, nurturing environment.

At Emerald Integrative Therapy Services, we provide in-person therapy in Sandy Springs and virtual sessions across Georgia and Florida. We support individuals, teens, and couples facing anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, and major life transitions. Our integrative approach combines neuroscience, talk therapy, and mindfulness-based practices to create personalized paths toward healing. Whether you’re starting therapy for the first time or returning after a break, we meet you with authenticity, compassion, and curiosity—because your experience is yours alone, and it deserves care that fits.

Created2Empower Counseling Services believes in providing a safe, warm and non-judgmental environment for clients. We are dedicated to empowering teens, adults, couples and families to learn how to cope with anxiety, stress, work related issues, work/life balance, pre-marital counseling, relationship and family issues, mental health symptoms and addictive behaviors. We provide insight combined with a skills-based approach. We provide structured treatment to adolescents, adults and families with mental health challenges and uncontrollable drug cravings, along with compulsive drug seeking and use that persist even in the face of devastating consequences. We also place emphasis on developing the skills to manage your co-occurring disorders by: developing a social support network, implementing necessary lifestyle changes, obtaining educational, vocational, social and interpersonal skills. Treatment is provided in a safe environment to which clients can work through their co-occurring behaviors with optimism, reassurance, trust, competence, and self-compassion. Call today for an appointment! Remember that “We are Empowered to Create!!”

In our sessions, I'm learning about you and working as a guide to help you to make connections between your unique experiences and make sense of what you're experiencing. I use a Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) modality, in which we focus on patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and how they impact each other. I also incorporate Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills to help clients feel more in control of their emotions and their lives in general. Each session is tailored to the individual, as every person has different needs. We will work together to figure out what is most important to you and the best way for you to create the life you want.

Sarah has experience working with clients struggling with issues related to anxiety, trauma, eating disorders, disordered eating, body image concerns, depression, mood dysregulation, substance abuse and relationship issues. College is a uniquely challenging time and Sarah is passionate about helping students to navigate the struggles they may be facing during this time. Sarah has experience working with clients from a wide range of backgrounds, ethnicities, religions, genders, immigration statuses, sexual orientations, ages, body sizes, etc, and welcomes the opportunity to work with any human being. She has also had the opportunity to live abroad in various countries, she recognizes the importance of cultural sensitivity. Sarah believes that all humans, and all bodies deserve respect, and practices from the philosophy of Health at Every Size (HAES).

We help people who look happy on the outside actually feel that way on the inside. It's exhausting trying to keep it all together. Most of us expend a huge amount of effort to make it look like our life is perfect; especially on social media. Some of us even relate to the dreaded Imposter Syndrome. While our accomplishments may be lengthy, our relationships and fulfillment are lacking. We understand, and our approach reflects just that. Creating a connection is core to our approach to counseling. We work from a multitude of theoretical frameworks including person-centered, positive psychology, cognitive behavioral, family systems, and solution focused. Much of our experience has been helping people find balance in their lives and re-focus their energies on values important to them.