Therapists for college students near Georgia State University

I enjoy helping others reach their goals using a personable, down-to-earth, and collaborative approach. Nothing is more rewarding than seeing clients succeed in reaching or exceeding their goals. My specialties include stress, anxiety, relationships, motivation, focus, and confidence/assertiveness. Holistic in scope, my approach takes into consideration the many facets of you as an individual, including one's physical health, interpersonal relationships, and spirituality (if desired). Having taught mindfulness now for over 20 years, I enjoy incorporating these skills, helping my clients to be more present and relaxed daily. I work collaboratively with clients helping them to skillfully move toward the change they are seeking and ultimately gain more personal freedom and resiliency in the face of life’s varied challenges. In addition to being a therapist, I am a Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional. This helps me to educate my clients on how diet, exercise, and lifestyle affect mental health. Disclaimer: Any health information is for educational purposes only and should not be seen as medical advice.

Educated and trained at Rutgers, Harvard, Savannah State, and the University of Pennsylvania, Michael Mack started his career over 25 years ago at the Philadelphia Child Guidance Clinic, where he focused in Structural Family Therapy (SFT) developed by Salvador Minuchin, a pioneer in child and adolescent therapy. In addition, he has been trained by the Beck Institute and Linehan Institute/Behavioral Tech in evidence-based interventions such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). Through the use of solution-focused techniques, insight-oriented therapies, and motivational interviewing, clients develop the coping skills to shift beliefs, change behaviors, and overcome negative past events. Clients learn new ways to improve their social interactions and personal development to reduce the impact of anxiety, depression, and other issues. Ultimately, it is about getting better and feeling better. It is about taking control of your life, or helping a loved one overcome the pain and suffering of a mental illness. If you have gotten this far, you're halfway there. As Dumbledore stated, “Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.”

Welcome to Healing Hearts & Minds, where healing begins with grace, compassion, and purpose. I believe therapy should be a place where you can come exactly as you are—without the pressure to have everything figured out or pretend you're okay. Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, relationship challenges, life transitions, grief, or simply feeling overwhelmed, my goal is to create a space where you feel safe, heard, and understood. I believe people are far more than a diagnosis or the hardest season of their lives. My approach is relational, collaborative, and practical. Together, we'll work to understand not only what brought you to therapy, but also the patterns, beliefs, and experiences that may be keeping you stuck. As trust develops, we'll gently challenge those barriers while building healthy coping skills, confidence, and resilience. My hope is that therapy becomes more than a place to manage symptoms. I want it to be a place where you rediscover your authentic self, learn to trust yourself again, strengthen your relationships, and move forward with confidence and purpose. Whether you're seeking support for a temporary life challenge or a longer healing journey, you'll be met with grace, compassion, and genuine care every step of the way.

As a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), my passion is helping individuals, couples, and families navigate life's challenges with care, understanding, and support. Whether you're facing relationship struggles, communication barriers, family dynamics, or simply seeking personal growth, I offer a warm, welcoming space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings without judgment. In individual therapy, I’m here to help you work through personal challenges like anxiety, depression, trauma, or self-esteem, guiding you toward effective coping strategies and a deeper understanding of yourself. For couples and families, I provide support in strengthening connections, improving communication, and resolving conflicts, so you can build healthier, more harmonious relationships. Using evidence-based therapeutic approaches tailored to your unique needs, I’m committed to walking alongside you on your journey toward healing, growth, and positive change. Together, we can create lasting, meaningful transformation in your life and relationships.

I believe counseling is about gaining a complete understanding of oneself to connect the dots of why we think, behave, and feel the way we do. Therapy can help one to see the connection and learn skills to change patterns of self-destructive behavior into life fulfilling achievements. Therapy is a safe space to explore the person you are and look at the negative experiences in your life to start the healing process. In therapy we can work together to understand yourself more fully and work towards the goals you determine. Life is not easy and seeking helping can be the first step to making lasting change towards the future you envision. I desire to help you gain the insight into you so that your future is brighter, and you are stronger in knowing who you are. Yes, we all think we have flaws but sometimes what we think are flaws are strengths hidden by biases and once we understand them a whole new perspective is unveiled. The first step is the hardest but after that I will be there for you each step of the process.

Are you a female college student feeling dissatisfied with your life and open to exploring the ways in which your thoughts and feelings drive behavior? Do you wish you had the skills to increase mindfulness and better stress tolerance or emotional regulation? Are you experiencing a major life transition—such as college or entry to adulthood or a change in relationship or career status or health—and need help making meaning of your experience or changing internalized narratives that aren’t working for you? I am a trained therapist and educator who takes a holistic approach to your health and how the mind, body, and spirit influence your overall wellness. With my help, we will challenge negative thoughts to identify distortions and triggers, establish boundaries, and avoid reactive behavior patterns to promote personal development. By teasing apart the accepted narratives, you will gain a better understanding of how this affects your behaviors, moods, and emotions and will empower you to change the way you think and operate in the world.

Are you a Black woman college or graduate student navigating perfectionism and the pressure to perform? Are you a student of Color who feels socially and culturally isolated on campus? Are you a first-generation college student feeling like you are caught between your new student identity and your family roles and dynamics? Are you a freshman or transfer student struggling to adjust to the academic and social demands of the new college environment? Are you a campus leader seeking balance between your academics, relationships, leadership roles, and other responsibilities? Are you a graduate level therapist-in-training who wants to give yourself the gift of therapy as you learn to provide it for others? If any of these examples resonate with you, then you have come to the right place. I have a passion for supporting college and graduate students and I would love to work with you!

Welcome! My approach to therapy starts with believing that change is in our control and, by working from that mentality, we can learn to accept & grow from what we cannot control in order to live our life in an more optimal way. Being in the LGBT community myself, some of my clients value having a therapist that can connect with that experience. In my therapy space, I value authenticity, safety, freedom to choose, connection to others as well as ourselves, & being challenged. My clients want a safe & comfortable space that can help them facilitate growth (that can sometimes be uncomfortable) & I love when I can provide that. I enjoy working with college students who are curious about themselves, desire change, & are interested in exploring issues or past trauma that they feel may be holding them back. I've completed EMDR Basic Training and use this along with other evidence based practices to help my clients reach their goals.

Are you finding the stresses of transition to university life to be more difficult than you thought? Do you feel lonely in the crowd, unseen? Do you feel that your worth as a human being depends on your academic success or other actions? Do you live in fear, guilt, or shame? Are anxiety and panic attacks a part of your life? Do you deal with trauma, past and/or present, and how it can intrude on life in unexpected ways? You're not alone. Life can be overwhelming. Emotions can be overwhelming. We are here to serve and support you in life's journey when you hit those hard seasons and help you regain your equilibrium. At The Abundant Life Institute, we look at the whole person: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. While our providers are Christian faith-based, we will meet you where you are and respect your wishes in the area of spirituality. We have offices in Athens and Winder, where we can meet with you in-person, or we can meet with you virtually through our Telehealth portal anywhere in GA. We also have a Pastoral Counselor/Christian Counselor and Life Coaches who can meet with you virtually anywhere in the country. Check out our website and meet our team. We would be honored to serve and support you in any way we can.

Life can often be difficult and emotions can feel overwhelming. Sometimes it feels as though the rug has been pulled out from underneath us. Maybe you're dealing with your own mental health, you have a loved one struggling with substance use, you're navigating infertility, or you're having a hard time setting boundaries. Whatever it is that has lead you here, I'm glad you are reaching out. I hope to provide a space to you that honors your story, facilitates personal growth and allows you to be authentic. I believe that each of us deserve to find healing and that includes you. Asking for help is one of the bravest things we can do. Life can often be difficult and emotions can feel overwhelming. Sometimes it feels as though the rug has been pulled out from underneath us. Maybe you're dealing with your own mental health, you have a loved one struggling with substance use, you're navigating infertility, or you're having a hard time setting boundaries. Whatever it is that has lead you here, I'm glad you are reaching out. I hope to provide a space to you that honors your story, facilitates personal growth and allows you to be authentic. I believe that each of us deserve to find healing and that includes you. Asking for help is one of the bravest things we can do. I enjoy using different approaches in counseling such as solution-focused and cognitive behavioral therapies. I believe that you are the expert of your life. I have 10 years of experience working with clients who have experienced trauma, relationship difficulties with intimate partners and family members, women's issues and general mental health concerns. I want to honor the courage it took for you to reach out and offer you a place that is welcoming and nonjudgmental. I value your story and the experiences that lead you here. I look forward to hearing from you. We all deserve a safe space where we can let our walls down, even if just for a little while.

Just like many other life transitions, the college and university experience can bring a mix of excitement and uncertainty. College students often face challenges with decision-making, adjusting to new environments, socializing, and managing increased responsibilities. These struggles can contribute to heightened anxiety, loneliness, and symptoms of depression, making it difficult to navigate this pivotal time in life. College-related anxiety can show up in many forms, ranging from mild, everyday stress to more extreme fears. The uncertainty of the future and what happens after college can trigger deep worries, even if those concerns aren’t based on personal experiences. You’re not alone—many students share these feelings as they face the unknown. As an anxiety therapist for college students, I take a unique approach to therapy. I work with you to uncover the root causes of your anxiety, and together, we create a treatment plan that suits your needs, whether you’re seeking short-term relief or long-term support. With an integrative approach that considers both mental and physical health, I help college students address their psychological struggles from every angle. Therapy is a collaborative process, where we’ll identify your specific concerns and develop personalized coping skills and techniques to guide you through these challenging times. Together, we’ll navigate your journey to mental wellness and help you build the resilience you need to thrive.

Jessica has worked in all levels of care including residential, inpatient, PHP/IOP, and outpatient. She currently owns Two Roads Therapy where she works with clients who struggle with anxiety, depression, addiction issues, self-harm, and overall family dysfunction. Jessica utilizes systems theory, solution-focused therapy interventions, and structural family therapy interventions. She enjoys working with clients who are seeking to better understand themselves and how they can be their most authentic selves.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

Seeking help is difficult and you have taken an important first step to get that support. My hope is to provide you with the support you need to make difficult times easier and to guide you through the process of change.

Life can feel heavy when past experiences, expectations, or constant pressures make it difficult to find joy in the present. Many clients begin therapy because they are feeling anxious, stuck in unhelpful patterns, or uncertain how to navigate big changes. I strive to create a space where you can slow down, feel heard, and start to untangle the weight you carry without judgment or pressure to have it all figured out. Together, we can work toward healing and reconnecting with the parts of your life that feel most meaningful. I hold a Doctorate in Professional Counseling and am a Licensed Professional Counselor with nearly a decade of experience supporting individuals and families across diverse mental health settings, including adult corrections, juvenile justice, residential treatment, outpatient clinics, schools, and private practice. My work is trauma-informed and draws from evidence-based interventions, but sessions always center on you as a person, not a diagnosis. You do not need to have the right words or a clear plan to get started. If you are curious about therapy or wondering whether this could be a good fit, I invite you to reach out and take the first step.

My approach is collaborative, practical, and grounded in evidence-based treatment. I primarily draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and integrate Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)-informed techniques. I believe therapy should be an active, empowering process that helps you develop insight and tools that actually work in your daily life. My style is warm, straightforward, and curious. I want you to feel both supported and understood as we work together toward your goals. My Experience I’m a licensed psychologist who provides therapy (ages 12+) and psychological assessment for adolescents and adults. I work with individuals navigating anxiety, mood disorders, OCD, identity and relationship concerns, and life transitions. I also have experience supporting clients in recovery from substance use and those within the LGBTQ+ community. Whether through therapy or testing, I strive to help clients gain clarity, confidence, and direction. My Education I earned my Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) degree from Marshall University. I completed my predoctoral internship at Valley Health in Huntington, West Virginia, and my postdoctoral training at Marshall Psychiatry/Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine. What to Expect from Me I bring a warm, authentic, and collaborative style to therapy. You can expect a space that balances compassion with curiosity—where you’ll feel heard and supported, but also challenged in ways that promote growth and insight. Together, we’ll identify what’s getting in the way of your goals and develop strategies that fit your life and values. I offer both in-person and telehealth sessions to make therapy accessible and flexible for your needs. Whether you’re seeking therapy, assessment, or consultation, I look forward to partnering with you on your path toward greater understanding and well-being.

Are anxiety, depression, or mood swings making it hard to feel steady in your daily life? I work with children, adolescents, and adults across Georgia who are navigating anxiety, major depression, and bipolar disorder. Whether you're feeling emotionally overwhelmed, stuck in low motivation, or struggling with intense highs and lows, therapy can help you build practical tools for emotional regulation, stability, and resilience. My approach is trauma-informed, collaborative, and focused on skill-building. Together, we’ll strengthen coping strategies, improve emotional regulation, and increase your sense of safety and confidence so you can manage symptoms more effectively and feel more in control. You don’t have to have everything figured out to begin. Therapy is a space to slow down, be heard, and develop a clear plan for the future. If you’re ready for structured, supportive care, I invite you to schedule a consultation.

Trauma impacts our relationships. It's that simple. If your sexual assault makes it hard to be touched, if events from your childhood leave you afraid to trust, if the way your ex treated you is ruining things for you now: you're experiencing that impact. It may feel like a lot, but having the type of relationships you want (laugh 'til you cry, hot sex, deep emotional connection, whatever!) is totally achievable. You don't have to feel embarrassed by what you've gone through or scared to speak it out loud. Vulnerability, authenticity, and healthy connection are waiting for you and you don't have to find them on your own. In addition to post-traumatic growth, I help individuals and couples who are managing sexual dysfunction, infidelity, or are experiencing general relationship issues. For those who identify as LGBTQIA+ and those in alternative relationship structures: my practice is affirming and inclusive. I serve these populations safely, competently, and joyfully. I look forward to being a "someone who gets it" in your life and meeting you in a space where nothing is considered too much information. In fact, TMI is my favorite kind of I! Just send me a message to set up a consult.

At Oconee Counseling, I specialize in working with college students who are navigating big transitions, anxiety, identity questions, and career uncertainty. Whether you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just unsure of who you’re becoming, I offer a space to slow down, sort things out, and start making sense of what matters most. My counseling style is warm, collaborative, and tailored to you. I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all therapy—because you’re not a one-size-fits-all person. I’ll help you explore your strengths, your story, and your next steps in a way that feels grounding and real. If you’re someone who thinks deeply, wants to grow, and could use some support figuring out your path, we might be a great fit.

Feeling Stressed, Stuck, or Just Overwhelmed? College is exciting—but let’s be honest, it can also feel like too much. Between classes, relationships, family expectations, and trying to figure out who you are and where you’re going, it’s easy to feel anxious, burnt out, or lost. Therapy can give you space to breathe, sort things out, and build tools that actually work for your life right now. You don’t have to wait until you’re “in crisis” to talk to someone—sometimes the best time to reach out is when you just need a place to be real without judgment. Whether it’s stress, identity questions, relationship struggles, or just feeling like you’re carrying more than you should, I’m here to walk with you. Your story matters, and your well-being matters. Let’s start where you are. Book a session today and give yourself the support you deserve.