Therapists for college students near Atlanta, GA
Do you experience the feeling of loneliness, sadness, or fear of the future? Do these feelings affect your ability to do the things you normally enjoy? Helping people live a life that they love is my passion. Learning how to work through difficult relationships, process grief, set boundaries, or process going through a life transition. My goal is to help you learn how to work through these issues and live the life you've been longing for. I offer a welcoming space with in-person and virtual appointments to suit your schedule. As a therapist, I am here to listen and encourage the client, but the client has to want to do the work within themselves. It is so important for us to work as a team to establish achievable goals that you as the client can work towards. I am the guide, but it is up to the client to put forth the work and effort to heal and better themselves. I would love to hear about you and your story. I am passionate about helping others to feel listened to and acknowledging that we are not identified by our mental health issues. I want to be able to help you to work through your issues. I want to help you rebuild and reframe your thought processes so we can bring hope and light to your situation. I earned my Masters degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Penfield College at Mercer University in Atlanta, Georgia, and my undergraduate degree in Psychology from Young Harris College in Young Harris, Georgia. I am currently working under the supervision of Joel Baker, LMFT, and the clinical direction of Meg McLeroy, LMFT. Please do not hesitate to give me a call or connect with me via email!
As a psychotherapist, I create a safe space whereby building a relationship, unraveling issues, demystifying oneself, voicing hopes and dreams, and developing wisdom and insight, one can emerge from (and exist in) the forest that is life with a deeper understanding of how to navigate one's mind and the world around us. It is my philosophy that great psychotherapy not only addresses the issues on the table, but also guides one towards greater overall life fulfillment. I have extensive experience is CBT, ACT, psychodynamic and mindfulness approaches working with a variety of populations, mental barriers and social challenges. By developing together the skills of psychological flexibility, I aim to equip you with the skills to successfully endure future hardships on your own in an imperfect world where negative experiences and events are outside of our control. In turn, allowing you to live a life that is gratifying, authentic, rich, purposeful and well-adapted. Aside from my academic training, my psychotherapy approach is also informed by my own queer identity, my multicultural immigrant background, existential worldview, social justice, and the realities of people of working class and low socio-economic experiences. También hablo Español. Please visit francopsychotherapy.com for more information.
My practice is designed to support students who are feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, or the challenges of navigating new phases in life. Whether it’s the pressure of academic or family expectations, managing cultural tensions, or struggling with uncertainty about the future, I understand how these issues can make even day-to-day tasks feel heavy and consuming. Many of my clients find themselves caught in cycles of overthinking, self-doubt, or feeling stuck between different identities and responsibilities. As a first-generation immigrant and veteran, I bring both lived experience and clinical insight to the work I do. I specialize in supporting immigrants and children of immigrants who are balancing complex cultural dynamics while trying to succeed academically, socially, and personally. My goal is to help students like you break free from the weight of these internal and external pressures, and move toward a life that feels grounded and self-directed. Together, we’ll create a plan that is realistic, culturally responsive, and tailored to your goals. If you’re ready to explore new ways of coping, build confidence, and feel more in control of your path forward, I’m here to offer support, insight, and tools to help you thrive.
I have more than 20 years experience working with patients with eating disorders or eating problems and accompanying issues such as anxiety. I will meet you where you are and we can work together toward healthier thoughts and behaviors that promote a sense of well-being. As an Emory alum, I truly enjoy working with Emory students.
I view the soul as your mind, will, and emotions—the essence of who you are. Trauma can leave wounds that shape your view of yourself and the world, leaving fractures in your soul. Healing to me is not about ‘fixing,’ but about meeting yourself with compassion, understanding the protective patterns that once kept you safe, and reconnecting with the authentic self beneath them. I believe that every person carries an innate capacity for healing, even when pain and shame feel overwhelming. I trust that our wounds, when met with love and grace, can become openings to deeper wisdom, resilience, and growth. I also believe that healing is not a linear path—it unfolds gently, at your own pace, when safety and compassion are present. My work is rooted in the belief that wholeness is possible. "Grace softens the pain, love holds the wound, and compassion leads the healing.” The approaches I use are grounded in years of experience walking alongside survivors of trauma. Together, we’ll work with tools that go beyond surface-level coping and actually reach the root of what’s happening in your body and brain. Through Brainspotting, we can access and release the deep, unprocessed experiences that often drive anxiety and overwhelm. With trauma-informed DBT skills, you’ll learn practical ways to manage emotions, reduce shame, and build resilience. Using somatic approaches, we’ll gently reconnect with your body’s wisdom so that you feel more grounded and safe in your own skin. All of this work is held within a compassion-centered framework—because healing isn’t about fixing what’s ‘broken,’ it’s about meeting yourself with kindness and learning to trust your own inner strength. My goal is for you to leave therapy with tools you can carry with you anywhere—simple, effective practices that help calm your body, quiet your mind, and create space for peace.
We will work together to explore life’s challenges with the ultimate goal of healing. I utilize an integrative approach and specialize in depression, anxiety, trauma, relationship/family challenges, and new life transitions. I am passionate about working with young adults that are struggling navigate and adjust to all the nuances of adulthood. If you are ready to take that first step in your healing process, I am willing and ready to walk with you on your journey .
I was born in India, grew up in the Middle East, and immigrated to the United States at the age of eleven. Growing up in three countries taught me to appreciate the diversity of the human experience, but more importantly, helped me understand that deep down inside, many of us want the same things - safety, love, affirmation, and happiness. Following my graduation from Arizona State University in May 2007, I entered the field of mental health with a desire to work in spaces as diverse as the people I intended to help. I began my journey with an internship in private practice, where I developed the skills necessary to treat a wide variety of mood and trauma disorders. I graduated with a Masters Degree in Professional Counseling in May 2012 and spent the next four years working with Native American families on the San Carlos Apache Reservation. My time on the reservation was equal parts rewarding and formative, and it solidified my desire to work with individuals and families who have often been historically overlooked or mistreated in healthcare spaces. Upon moving to Atlanta in 2016, I began my ongoing work with members of local LGBTQ+ communities of color. I also returned to private practice at this time and began my work in daytime television. I was extensively involved with Divorce Court in on and off-camera capacities for several seasons before setting out to found a private practice of my own. The formation of Garuda Counseling is, in many ways, a culmination of my experiences as both a person and as a professional. I am excited to work with individuals for all walks of life, but my passion remains working alongside those who have felt unseen or unheard in traditional counseling spaces. Let’s talk soon - I know we can accomplish great things together.
My goal in the therapy process is to help create a safe and effective space for you. Change can be difficult and sometimes scary. It's important to have the right person "in your corner" to help you tap in to your inner wisdom and navigate the challenges that you're facing. I have experience working with many presenting concerns including substance abuse, disordered eating, body image concerns, women's issues and navigating life transitions. I also have personal experience with type 1 diabetes, and I work with clients navigating the disease and co-occurring mental health concerns. My goal as a therapist is to help you identify and utilize your strengths while also challenging you to try new approaches that can lead to different experiences. I believe in giving you a safe, supportive and non-judgemental space to explore what's really going on in your life. That starts with helping you develop insight around your struggles and patterns. We then work together to identify and practice ways to move forward and make real and meaningful changes towards the life you want to lead. I am able to be reached via email or phone for questions and appointment scheduling. I also offer free 15 minute phone consultations to help you determine if counseling with me is a good fit. The best way to schedule a phone consultation is via email. My practice offers both in person and virtual tele-health sessions to help accommodate busy schedules.
My goal is to provide a safe, understanding, and uplifting environment for my clients. Through a client-centered approach that prioritizes your personal goals, I will support you in your journey. I believe that true change necessitates a deep understanding of who you are, and I will work closely and supportively with you to create a dynamic and empathetic therapeutic environment. I provide specialized therapy for adolescents and adults, including Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), as well as comprehensive couples counseling, including premarital therapy. I work with folks dealing with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, trauma, grief, and relationship issues. For children ages 6 and up, I also provide play therapy and Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT), tailoring treatment to each child’s developmental needs. My ideal client is open-minded and willing to engage in self-reflection as consistently as is possible.
Jaime Stepansky (she/her) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Registered Play Therapist. Jaime is grounded in LGBTQIA+ affirming and neurodiversity-affirming practices and specializes in treating individuals who experience challenges related to their identity, as well as individuals who experience difficulties with emotional regulation, impulse-control, complex trauma, grief and loss, anxiety, mood disorders, and ADHD. Jaime Stepansky (she/her) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Registered Play Therapist. Jaime is grounded in LGBTQIA+ affirming and neurodiversity-affirming practices and specializes in treating individuals who experience challenges related to their identity, as well as individuals who experience difficulties with emotional regulation, impulse-control, complex trauma, grief and loss, anxiety, mood disorders, and ADHD. Jaime is an integrative and collaborative therapist, incorporating different approaches based upon the needs of individual clients. Jaime’s work is grounded in a strength-based, relational, and playful approach. Her treatment modalities include play therapy, sand tray therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), DBT and CBT techniques.
I am a therapist who integrates cognitive-behavioral techniques and systems theories into my clinical treatment of children, adolescents, and college students. Because I greatly value interdisciplinary work, I strive for successful collaboration with social workers, physicians, and educators in the provision of holistic behavioral healthcare for my clients. I have additional specialized training in trauma & behavioral sleep medicine. Being nationally certified in TF-CBT, I work with victims of childhood abuse, providing evidence-based treatment to promote healing & recovery. In my behavioral sleep medicine work I provide interventions to reduce sleep disturbances & improve daytime functioning for my clients. Further, in my work with college students I provide cognitive-behavioral interventions to address mood and anxiety symptoms, improve academic functioning, and enhance coping skills. I often operate from a feministic perspective, with the goals of empowerment, increasing self-esteem, and healthy boundary development.
If you feel worried or tense or stressed out much of the time I can help. Also, if you have trouble focusing or have ADHD, I'd love to work with you! College and grad school are times of a lot of pressure and a lot of change, but you can do it. I can help. Click on my website to schedule and appointment.
You deserve to feel well, live well, and be well. Reading this right now means there is a part of you that has hope that you can make a CHANGE. There is somewhere within you that knows you don’t have to do this alone. A part of you believes life can be DIFFERENT than it is right now. We are a practice specializing in wellness. Our highly trained therapists provide individualized therapy approaches tailored to your goals and strengths. We take into account your history, what you’re wanting from therapy, and what works best for you to provide PERSONALIZED care. If you are struggling with your eating or an eating disorder, anxiety, adjustments, depression, sleep, trauma, relationships, or body image Best Within You Therapy & Wellness is here to help.
Interesting fact: Many people come to therapy not because something is “wrong,” but because they want support, clarity, or a deeper understanding of themselves and their relationships. Therapy can be a space to slow down, take a breath, and talk things through without judgment. My approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded. I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Person-Centered Therapy, and Solution-Focused Therapy — but above all, I focus on creating a space where you feel safe, supported, and truly yourself.
I know what it feels like to hate your body, spend every waking moment thinking about food, constantly comparing yourself to others, and dealing with the sadness associated with not 'fitting in'. Throughout my experiences working with adults and children, I've witnessed entire transformations that come only as a result of addressing both physical needs and our individual psychological hurdles. I'll work with you to find solutions and tackle stressors, including those caused by low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, chronic dieting, or relationships. As a Body Love Coach and Licensed Professional Counselor, I work to equip women and girls with the knowledge, tools, and support they need in order to ROCK regardless of their weight or body image. **I'm in-network for Amerigroup, Blue Cross Blue Shield/Anthem, CareSource, Humana, and Peach State. I also provide therapy virtually and in the community.
Seeking balance? I am a Licensed Master Social Worker who works with women, men, couples, and adolescents. You may struggle with situations and issues in your life including but not limited to coping with emotions, thinking poorly of yourself, a traumatic event or experiencing frustration in relationships. Therapy, to me, is a collaborative process in which one is able to reflect on thought processes, emotional states, roles in a system, and ineffective behaviors while in a safe and secure environment. I try to create a collaborative alliance with my clients that allows them to understand themselves better and find balance. I use a mindfulness-based approach: the practice of being present in the current moment non-judgmentally of self. I may ask you to challenge yourself, reflect on perspective, or develop alternatives, but I will not push, judge, or tell you what to do. The power to heal is within you. I work with a wide range of clients, however I thoroughly enjoy working with women struggling to find balance, managing stress, and striving to identify themselves or their purpose. I believe that we go through milestones or moments in our lives that we must navigate. Sometimes we do so successfully using the tools that have worked for us in the past. Sometimes we feel stuck and need to learn new ways of coping and problem solving to overcome obstacles. I appreciate being present with clients who allow me to join in the journey of discovery. I am honored by it.
My practice focuses on helping clients address concerns related to anxiety, stress, depression, life transitions, and relationship concerns (i.e. communication issues, lack of trust, recent break-up, etc.). As a therapist, I am down to earth and relatable. I value taking a directive approach in effort to getting to the root of the issue while helping you identify and implement effective coping strategies to help you live a more fulfilling life.
Whether you are a traditionally-aged college student, returning to school, an international student, or perhaps even the first in your family to pursue higher education- college can bring a lot of stressors and life transitions. At Best Within You, our group specializes in seeing a wide variety of concerns and working with a diverse group of students. We also hold a specialty with eating disorders and body image work and also have registered dietitians on staff. Many of our staff have trained within college counseling centers across various states. Our clinicians take a variety of different approaches to understand your concerns and build a therapeutic relationship that is unique to you. We also take care to understand your concerns within your unique cultural context, identities, and systemic factors that may be impacting your life. We are committed to building a trusting and collaborative relationship.
Navigating college young adulthood brings a unique set of challenges. Through a collaborative approach, we will work together to process through your individual experiences. I strive to create a warm, welcoming environment to promote change. I am an LGBTQIA+ affirming therapist. I love working with highly sensitive individuals, clients struggling with anxiety, and navigating adjustments and life transitions.