Therapists in Athens, GA

So many obstacles can hinder a person from experiencing a vibrant, peaceful, and satisfying life. My goal is to provide a safe and compassionate space to process your experiences, cope with distressing emotions, and promote healing in whatever way feels best for you. I’m drawn to working with young adults, women, and individuals who are experiencing anxiety, depression, life transitions, recent or past trauma, PTSD, and relationship issues.
So many obstacles can hinder a person from experiencing a vibrant, peaceful, and satisfying life. My goal is to provide a safe and compassionate space to process your experiences, cope with distressing emotions, and promote healing in whatever way feels best for you. I’m drawn to working with young adults, women, and individuals who are experiencing anxiety, depression, life transitions, recent or past trauma, PTSD, and relationship issues.

Teresa Cipriana Ruiz
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC, NCC, CFRC, EMDR
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Athens, GA 30605
Waitlist for new clients
Feelings of depression, fear, anxiety, confusion, anger, grief, trauma, and other struggles beset us all at times. I believe creating an environment where everyone can feel safe and heard is vital, and cultivating a therapeutic alliance to be alongside individuals as a nonjudgmental support in the journey to wholeness and independence. I listen for unique needs and preferences and utilize an eclectic and integrated approach to working with the whole person. With empathy and compassion I will also ask challenging questions to explore ideas, new ways of thinking and understanding, and guide intuitive discovery for meaningful change.
Feelings of depression, fear, anxiety, confusion, anger, grief, trauma, and other struggles beset us all at times. I believe creating an environment where everyone can feel safe and heard is vital, and cultivating a therapeutic alliance to be alongside individuals as a nonjudgmental support in the journey to wholeness and independence. I listen for unique needs and preferences and utilize an eclectic and integrated approach to working with the whole person. With empathy and compassion I will also ask challenging questions to explore ideas, new ways of thinking and understanding, and guide intuitive discovery for meaningful change.

I have over 25 years of experience working with client in a variety of settings that include inpatient and outpatient mental health services. I've also worked with adolescents, teenagers, and adults on issues that range from anxiety to thoughts of self-harm (non-suicidal). I have also worked with individuals with a variety of different SES backgrounds ethnicities. I am trained in Marriage and Family Therapy and currently Licensed as a Professional Counselor.
I have over 25 years of experience working with client in a variety of settings that include inpatient and outpatient mental health services. I've also worked with adolescents, teenagers, and adults on issues that range from anxiety to thoughts of self-harm (non-suicidal). I have also worked with individuals with a variety of different SES backgrounds ethnicities. I am trained in Marriage and Family Therapy and currently Licensed as a Professional Counselor.

My name is Kirsti and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Athens, Ga. I am the program director at a recovery center from 6am until 1pm and doing private practice in the afternoon. I spent my twenties working in film and television, then spent my thirties working as a birth activist and midwifery advocate. A dear friend suggested that I return to school to get my MSW because she said I was already doing social work and I may as well get paid to do it!
My name is Kirsti and I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Athens, Ga. I am the program director at a recovery center from 6am until 1pm and doing private practice in the afternoon. I spent my twenties working in film and television, then spent my thirties working as a birth activist and midwifery advocate. A dear friend suggested that I return to school to get my MSW because she said I was already doing social work and I may as well get paid to do it!

Hello! I am Melissa McKinney and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in both Georgia (my home base) and Texas. I obtained my Doctorate in Applied Clinical Psychology in 2013 and have been practicing for the past 10 years. As someone with their own lived experience, I assist my clients in learning and utilizing skills to help manage their anxiety and depression in a trusting and nonjudgmental environment.
Hello! I am Melissa McKinney and I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in both Georgia (my home base) and Texas. I obtained my Doctorate in Applied Clinical Psychology in 2013 and have been practicing for the past 10 years. As someone with their own lived experience, I assist my clients in learning and utilizing skills to help manage their anxiety and depression in a trusting and nonjudgmental environment.

Linda Clofine
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Athens, GA 30605
Waitlist for new clients
With 40 years experience in counseling, I have dealt with a wide range of problems and situations and continue to love the challenge! With respect and gentle guidance I will walk you through your process. I see individuals and families of all ages and gender. I am comfortable with severe mental illness as well as situational depression and anxiety.
With 40 years experience in counseling, I have dealt with a wide range of problems and situations and continue to love the challenge! With respect and gentle guidance I will walk you through your process. I see individuals and families of all ages and gender. I am comfortable with severe mental illness as well as situational depression and anxiety.

People come to me feeling overwhelmed, confused, frustrated, and worn out. My goal is to provide compassionate support to my clients during painful transitions, help them gain clarity, develop coping tools, and improve communication skills. Couples come to me feeling disconnected and resentful. I help partners learn new, effective ways to communicate. I build on couples' strengths to help them find a fun, passionate, and intimate way of living. Parents come to me feeling heartbroken and confused by their interactions with their children. I help parents heal their own childhood wounds so that they can parent in a loving way.
People come to me feeling overwhelmed, confused, frustrated, and worn out. My goal is to provide compassionate support to my clients during painful transitions, help them gain clarity, develop coping tools, and improve communication skills. Couples come to me feeling disconnected and resentful. I help partners learn new, effective ways to communicate. I build on couples' strengths to help them find a fun, passionate, and intimate way of living. Parents come to me feeling heartbroken and confused by their interactions with their children. I help parents heal their own childhood wounds so that they can parent in a loving way.

Tikita Ficklin is a Licensed Professional Counselor for the State of Georgia, and a National Certified Counselor who specializes in different modalities that fit the needs of the client; however, she specializes in cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) because she believes that once you conquer the battle within your thoughts, controlling your emotions and behaviors will be easy.
Tikita Ficklin is a Licensed Professional Counselor for the State of Georgia, and a National Certified Counselor who specializes in different modalities that fit the needs of the client; however, she specializes in cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) because she believes that once you conquer the battle within your thoughts, controlling your emotions and behaviors will be easy.

I have served Athens and surrounding communities since 2007. Through training and experience, my specialities include trauma, family relationships & conflicts, anxiety, self esteem, LGBTQ+, and life (college, marital etc.) transitions. Making a decision to begin mental health care is an important decision and my hope is to help you meet your emotional and mental health needs. I accept patients 14 years old through adulthood.
I have served Athens and surrounding communities since 2007. Through training and experience, my specialities include trauma, family relationships & conflicts, anxiety, self esteem, LGBTQ+, and life (college, marital etc.) transitions. Making a decision to begin mental health care is an important decision and my hope is to help you meet your emotional and mental health needs. I accept patients 14 years old through adulthood.

Elizabeth Thacker
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Athens, GA 30606
Not accepting new clients
I have experience working with people with a range of challenges including anxiety, family concerns, trauma, grief, and life transitions like starting or leaving college, job or career changes, etc. I find it particularly rewarding working with those who have experienced sexual abuse or assault and are working to recover, thrive, and live well. I see clients in-person in Athens, GA or virtually across the State of Georgia. I offer individual counseling services to adults (18+). I see clients from 9-5 M-Th, 9-1 F.
I have experience working with people with a range of challenges including anxiety, family concerns, trauma, grief, and life transitions like starting or leaving college, job or career changes, etc. I find it particularly rewarding working with those who have experienced sexual abuse or assault and are working to recover, thrive, and live well. I see clients in-person in Athens, GA or virtually across the State of Georgia. I offer individual counseling services to adults (18+). I see clients from 9-5 M-Th, 9-1 F.

Welcome to Hope and Healing Psychotherapy, LLC! It takes great strength to reach out for help when you need it, and I am honored to be part of that journey with you. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) I am committed to helping adults move forward in life and heal from trauma. I specialize in trauma-informed therapy for individuals and groups. I have worked with a variety of presenting issues including depression, anxiety, ADHD, post-traumatic stress, and complex trauma.
Welcome to Hope and Healing Psychotherapy, LLC! It takes great strength to reach out for help when you need it, and I am honored to be part of that journey with you. As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) I am committed to helping adults move forward in life and heal from trauma. I specialize in trauma-informed therapy for individuals and groups. I have worked with a variety of presenting issues including depression, anxiety, ADHD, post-traumatic stress, and complex trauma.
Meet Our Therapists

At the Georgia Center for OCD and Anxiety, our mission is to help individuals struggling with OCD and anxiety symptoms to overcome the very debilitating nature of the disorders. Our center strives to provide knowledge and skills to individuals in order to help facilitate change. Our hope is to be a consultant and encourager to those on the journey to reclaim their life. We see children and adults.Georgia Center for OCD and Anxiety fosters personal growth and relationships through proven research-based techniques in a quiet, warm, and comforting practice located in historic Athens, Georgia.
At the Georgia Center for OCD and Anxiety, our mission is to help individuals struggling with OCD and anxiety symptoms to overcome the very debilitating nature of the disorders. Our center strives to provide knowledge and skills to individuals in order to help facilitate change. Our hope is to be a consultant and encourager to those on the journey to reclaim their life. We see children and adults.Georgia Center for OCD and Anxiety fosters personal growth and relationships through proven research-based techniques in a quiet, warm, and comforting practice located in historic Athens, Georgia.

Open for new individuals and couples. Relationships are vital to our wellbeing.As social creatures, human beings need connection to thrive. This is what makes relational work so important to me. Whether repairing a connection that is broken or improving communication to prevent issues, a trained Couples counselor can help to provide the tools for success. A little about me-I have over 20 years experience in the medical field in which I gained experience in dealing with life transitions, grief, loss and other life changes good and bad.I bring this perspective into my approach. I offer a space that is judgment free and supportive.
Open for new individuals and couples. Relationships are vital to our wellbeing.As social creatures, human beings need connection to thrive. This is what makes relational work so important to me. Whether repairing a connection that is broken or improving communication to prevent issues, a trained Couples counselor can help to provide the tools for success. A little about me-I have over 20 years experience in the medical field in which I gained experience in dealing with life transitions, grief, loss and other life changes good and bad.I bring this perspective into my approach. I offer a space that is judgment free and supportive.

Recovery is an ongoing process that begins far before we see it. Whether you are an individual or family beginning to explore options for treatment, or several years into sobriety or healing and feeling overwhelmed, it can feel impossible to find help. Active addiction and patterns we have learned through our disease, our depression, and our anxiety are extremely hard to shake. It is scary to consider life a different way but doing nothing is scarier. It is overwhelming to think we may need to put our trust in others to help us formulate a new path. I have been where you are now.
Recovery is an ongoing process that begins far before we see it. Whether you are an individual or family beginning to explore options for treatment, or several years into sobriety or healing and feeling overwhelmed, it can feel impossible to find help. Active addiction and patterns we have learned through our disease, our depression, and our anxiety are extremely hard to shake. It is scary to consider life a different way but doing nothing is scarier. It is overwhelming to think we may need to put our trust in others to help us formulate a new path. I have been where you are now.

Balanced Behavioral Counseling Services, LLC
Master Social Worker, LMSW, MAC, CAMSII, E-CADC
Verified Verified
Athens, GA 30605
Many people today face complex problems related to employment, money, tragedy, mental and physical health, relationships, habits and addictions. The inability to cope with these added pressure and stresses of life sometimes interferes with our desire to be happy and live a satisfying life. While some may be able to make the needed adjustments on their own, others may need professional guidance to get their life back on track.
Many people today face complex problems related to employment, money, tragedy, mental and physical health, relationships, habits and addictions. The inability to cope with these added pressure and stresses of life sometimes interferes with our desire to be happy and live a satisfying life. While some may be able to make the needed adjustments on their own, others may need professional guidance to get their life back on track.

Meet Amy Davis, a Georgia native, and a heart for helping others. She has always had a passion to be a voice for the voiceless. Amy provides ABA therapy to individuals with special needs between the ages of 2-18 years of age. Some areas that can be targeted during therapy are increased communication (through words, pictures, signs, or augmented communication devices), daily living skills, social skills, and behavior replacement strategies to reduce hitting, yelling, running away, and more. Amy works with caregivers and the client to increase their quality of life.
Meet Amy Davis, a Georgia native, and a heart for helping others. She has always had a passion to be a voice for the voiceless. Amy provides ABA therapy to individuals with special needs between the ages of 2-18 years of age. Some areas that can be targeted during therapy are increased communication (through words, pictures, signs, or augmented communication devices), daily living skills, social skills, and behavior replacement strategies to reduce hitting, yelling, running away, and more. Amy works with caregivers and the client to increase their quality of life.

There’s probably plenty that works about your life, parts that you want to protect - and you still know that you’re really effing far from okay. For adults with ADHD, therapy can provide relief and steps forward, from you putting words to your pain and letting it be heard by someone who believes you, from learning how your brain works in patterned ways, and from turning toward things you’ve been running from. How your brain works may not be typical, but I'm here for it, with experience, realistic options, compassion and appreciation. You can live, not just keep fighting with your thoughts and feelings.
There’s probably plenty that works about your life, parts that you want to protect - and you still know that you’re really effing far from okay. For adults with ADHD, therapy can provide relief and steps forward, from you putting words to your pain and letting it be heard by someone who believes you, from learning how your brain works in patterned ways, and from turning toward things you’ve been running from. How your brain works may not be typical, but I'm here for it, with experience, realistic options, compassion and appreciation. You can live, not just keep fighting with your thoughts and feelings.

My focus is on helping your child understand and express their emotions while providing them with the tools they need to thrive. With a strength-based framework, I strongly believe understanding my clients – their strengths, interests, needs, and learning styles. Communication styles vary widely, and I acknowledge and incorporate non-speaking communication methods for those who prefer them. I am here to empower individuals to understand how their minds work and navigate the world in a way that suits them best.
My focus is on helping your child understand and express their emotions while providing them with the tools they need to thrive. With a strength-based framework, I strongly believe understanding my clients – their strengths, interests, needs, and learning styles. Communication styles vary widely, and I acknowledge and incorporate non-speaking communication methods for those who prefer them. I am here to empower individuals to understand how their minds work and navigate the world in a way that suits them best.

Markala C. Resby
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd , LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Athens, GA 30606
Having someone to walk alongside you in your journey to psychological/emotional health can move you from surviving into thriving. Navigating life can be stressful, overwhelming, and at times painful. Dealing with difficulties like life transitions, stress, managing depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, or making seemingly impossibly difficult decisions, all the while trying to maintaining positive self-esteem and finding helpful ways to cope with life demands, is a really hard thing to do. Feeling close to the people we love can feel hard when we struggle to find the ability to be vulnerable in a tough world.
Having someone to walk alongside you in your journey to psychological/emotional health can move you from surviving into thriving. Navigating life can be stressful, overwhelming, and at times painful. Dealing with difficulties like life transitions, stress, managing depression, anxiety, relationship challenges, or making seemingly impossibly difficult decisions, all the while trying to maintaining positive self-esteem and finding helpful ways to cope with life demands, is a really hard thing to do. Feeling close to the people we love can feel hard when we struggle to find the ability to be vulnerable in a tough world.

People often seek counseling when they're grappling with overwhelming emotions, stress, or a sense of uncertainty about the future. My goal is to create a relaxed, comfortable, come as you are space that is free of judgment to talk through whatever challenges are impacting your life. My approach is client-centered and focuses on relationships to empower you to take steps toward the healing and growth that you desire. I trust you to be the expert in your life as we walk together toward achieving your goals. In my work, I use a blend of techniques from EFT, IFS, CBT, and mindfulness to best meet your needs.
People often seek counseling when they're grappling with overwhelming emotions, stress, or a sense of uncertainty about the future. My goal is to create a relaxed, comfortable, come as you are space that is free of judgment to talk through whatever challenges are impacting your life. My approach is client-centered and focuses on relationships to empower you to take steps toward the healing and growth that you desire. I trust you to be the expert in your life as we walk together toward achieving your goals. In my work, I use a blend of techniques from EFT, IFS, CBT, and mindfulness to best meet your needs.
See more therapy options for Athens
How does your Therapist compare?
Number of Therapists in Athens, GA
400+
Average cost per session
$125
Therapists in Athens, GA who prioritize treating:
91% | Anxiety |
83% | Depression |
67% | Self Esteem |
66% | Trauma and PTSD |
66% | Coping Skills |
60% | Life Transitions |
59% | Relationship Issues |
Average years in practice
10 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
82% | Aetna |
78% | Cigna and Evernorth |
66% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
How Therapists in Athens, GA see their clients
54% | In Person and Online | |
46% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
82% | Female | |
16% | Male | |
2% | Non-Binary |