Therapists for college students near 30303

Vesna earned her master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in May 2019. Vesna has experience working with people suffering from post-trauma symptoms, obsessive-compulsive disorders, addictions, eating disorders, and other impulse control issues. She believes that everyone - even those who feel out of control or "lost" in their symptoms - already have the knowledge and skills they need in order to work through problems. Vesna sees her primary task as guiding people so they can discover these abilities within themselves along with any other strengths and talents. She strongly believes in a collaborative approach.

Shanae Benito is a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor with a Master?s degree in Counseling: Clinical Mental Health from Adams State University, graduating with a commendable 3. 8 GPA. She holds the esteemed title of National Certified Counselor (NCC) and is a distinguished member of Chi Sigma Iota, the premier international academic honor society for counseling practitioners, educators, and students. Specializing in addressing a spectrum of mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, PTSD, mood disorders, trauma, and stress, Shanae focuses on serving minority women and men, couples, and adolescents but warmly welcomes individuals from all backgrounds. She finds fulfillment in working with both individuals and couples. Beyond her psychotherapeutic practice, Shanae leads the ?Leaders of Tomorrow? Initiative, an endeavor dedicated to educating young adults on mental health and eradicating associated stigmas by engaging with BIPOC schools and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

My nursing career started in 1980 from Nigeria, where I worked in all areas of nursing. Moved to the United States in 1984, I was in Los Angeles, California for 10 years, and in 1994 I relocated to Atlanta, Georgia. In 1997, I focused mainly on mental health conditions in our state psychiatry hospital, later transition to the Federal level at the Atlanta VA mostly with the adult populations. I consider myself a compassionate and caring individual with a special passion for those who serve our nation, as I am a mother of two Air Force Veterans. It is my greatest honor and passion to help others achieve mental wellness and stability with 39 years of dedicated service to assisting individuals overcome their fears, understand their options and get to a "better place sooner" through brief psychotherapy, mental health medication assessment, and management. I take delight in providing brief therapy, supportive and problem-solving consultations. Always ready to give the needed support to begin feeling like themselves again, I consider it a great pleasure to serve and advocate for mental healthcare and to play an integral role in reducing the negative stigma one patient at a time bringing hope and joy.

The Aguirre Center for Inclusive Psychotherapy (ACIP) is a space where your story matters, and your identity is celebrated. We specialize in culturally affirming, decolonized Individual, Relationship, and Group Therapy tailored to the realities of modern life. Our practice is dedicated to providing exceptional care for everyone, with a heartfelt focus on those in marginalized communities, including Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), and LGBTQ+ individuals. Our practice is anti-oppressive, anti-racist, sex-positive, trauma-informed, weight-inclusive, and affirming of folks from LGBTQ+, Kink, and Polyamory/Consensual non-monogamy communities. At ACIP, you’ll find a safe, affirming place to show up as your authentic self. We believe you deserve a therapist who gets it—who sees and affirms the beautiful complexity of your intersectional identities. Whether you're navigating life's challenges or simply seeking a space to grow, we're here to support you.

Hi, I’m Nikoleta! I’m an international doctoral student from Greece, and for the past seven years I’ve called the U.S. home—living in both the Northeast and the South. Before pursuing psychology, I was a Division I athlete, an experience that gave me first-hand insight into body image struggles and the stigma surrounding mental health across different systems and communities. I’m passionate about uplifting and centering voices that have historically been excluded, both within my own communities and beyond. My path into psychology began with recognizing how stigma shaped the lives of those I care about, and how systemic barriers have marginalized people for far too long. When we work together, you can expect a compassionate, non-judgmental space where we’ll explore your authentic self, replace fear and shame with self-acceptance, set healthy boundaries, and nurture deeper connections. Together, we’ll honor your intersecting identities, heal wounds of oppression, and strengthen your confidence so you can live with clarity, purpose, and self-worth. At my core, I’m guided by curiosity, compassion, and a genuine love for people. I strive to create spaces that feel safe, welcoming, and warm. I believe in the importance of balance—embracing the many roles and identities we carry—and in celebrating the richness of our multifaceted selves. My hope is that everyone I work with feels safe, seen, valued, and deeply connected.

My experiences as a queer, transgender man from the South inform how I move through the world and how I work with clients. I understand the challenges and inherent stress of navigating institutional, educational, and family systems that fail to make space for all identities and backgrounds. My approach is grounded in anti-oppressive and culturally affirming principles and I enjoy working with individuals of all backgrounds. I aim to create a warm, nonjudgmental, and collaborative space where clients can experience and examine themselves and experiment with new skills and perspectives. I collaborate with clients to co-create realistic goals and sustainable solutions that honor and encompass their unique identities, challenges, and strengths. I have experience working with a variety of backgrounds and concerns and I have particular expertise working with gender identity and sexuality (LGBTQIA+), trauma, individuals living in larger bodies, individuals in helping professions, life transitions, and young adults. My commitment to social justice and advocacy extends to my work as a researcher and counselor educator-in-training. My primary areas of research are improving counselor training concerning LGBTQIA+ and larger-bodied individuals, demystifying research for students from marginalized backgrounds, and combating cisnormativity in counseling research.

Many of the people I work with live in the “in-between” — between cultures, identities, roles, and expectations. Maybe you’re constantly navigating competing demands from family, community, and self. Maybe you feel caught between pride in your roots and the ache of not quite fitting in. That kind of in-betweenness can carry invisible grief, deep resilience, and stories that are layered and complex. Therapy with me is a place where all of that gets to exist. Where silence—once a survival strategy—no longer has to be your default. Where you don’t have to explain why you’re tired or tone yourself down to be understood. You get to show up as you are—messy, in progress, tender, whole. I offer a supportive, affirming, and nonjudgmental space to explore your thoughts, emotions, and life experiences with curiosity and compassion. My work is rooted in a trauma-informed, multicultural frame-work, because I know that our relationships—with family, partners, culture, and self—shape so much of how we move through the world. I’m especially passionate about supporting BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ folks, and anyone navigating the complexities of intersectional identities. Whether you’re wrestling with anxiety, navigating life transitions, working through relationship dynamics, or exploring identity, I’m here to help you reconnect—with yourself, your story, and your values. Together, we’ll look at the patterns that have helped you survive, even if they’re no longer serving you. We’ll unpack the unspoken “rules” you’ve been carrying, and gently build new ways of living that feel more aligned, grounded, and free. With individuals, our work might focus on: • Honoring your cultural and personal history while creating space for your own voice • Tending to the inner critic or survival modes that no longer reflect who you want to be • Cultivating emotional flexibility and self-compassion With couples and polycules, I use Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) to help partners move beyond the surface-level conflicts and into the deeper emotions underneath. Often, what looks like disconnection is really a longing—to be seen, to be safe, to feel understood. We’ll slow things down, make space for those vulnerable moments, and help you learn how to reach for one another in ways that build trust, not distance. This work can be especially powerful for couples navigating cultural differences, unspoken family dynamics, or intergenerational expectations. Whether you're seeking therapy as an individual or as part of a couple or polycule, our work will move at your pace and be centered around your needs. You don’t have to hold it all together here. We’ll make room for your full self—your questions, your emotions, your healing. One step at time.

Have you ever felt that forming and maintaining relationships, engaging in consistent self-care, or navigating everyday "adulting" feels more challenging for you than those around you? Do you struggle to “be yourself” or even understand what that truly looks like? Are you caught in the feeling of being either “too much” or “not enough?” Whether you’re in the early stages of exploring a potential neurodivergent identity, or processing a recent self or formal diagnosis, I’m here to support you. I’m passionate about working with clients on this journey, helping them navigate the complex emotions that often arise—excitement, curiosity, and validation in discovering more about who you are, alongside grief and anger for the time spent feeling othered or broken. This is a deeply personal journey, and together, we can create a path that honors your unique experiences and needs. In our work together, we will focus on helping you: • Find confidence in navigating healthy relationships • Learn how to self-advocate • Identify neurodivergent-affirming people and spaces • Break free from the cycle of high achievement and burnout • Become attuned to the needs of your nervous system and develop skills to better regulate its responses I work with individuals who are often left on the margins of traditional therapy models—BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and neurodivergent individuals who may have been made to feel that their identities or experiences don’t fit the mold. In our sessions, you’ll never be asked to minimize or hide any part of yourself. I believe in creating a space where all parts of you are welcome—your personality, culture, and lived experiences are integral to the work we do. My approach is both challenging and supportive, direct yet affirming. I’m committed to creating a therapy space that values your autonomy and centers your lived experiences, particularly if you hold marginalized identities. As a therapist, I weave lessons of self-advocacy and resilience into our work, always mindful of the broader oppressive systems we navigate. I encourage clients to provide feedback on our therapy relationship so that together, we can create a dynamic that serves you best without reinforcing harmful systems of power or control. I also believe that self-disclosure and authentic expression are crucial in our work together. Therapy is not just about following outdated rules of professionalism but about showing up fully as ourselves, both therapist and client. This authenticity allows us to build a stronger, more human connection, which is at the heart of meaningful healing and growth.

Navigating today’s world can be challenging enough—finding culturally competent therapeutic support shouldn’t add to that burden. I am committed to providing a safe, empathetic, and compassionate space where we can collaboratively explore and address your concerns. Using a relational, trauma-informed, and strengths-based approach, I strive to truly understand your unique journey and support your path toward health, wellness, and growth. As a therapist, I bring a social justice lens to my work, recognizing the impact that systems of oppression and marginalization can have on mental health. I am dedicated to offering culturally competent care that honors your identity and lived experiences. Together, we will explore how these dynamics influence your personal challenges, while also empowering you to navigate and resist these barriers with resilience and strength. I recognize that trust is at the core of an effective therapeutic relationship, and I am dedicated to earning your trust through genuine care, understanding, and respect for your lived experiences. Together, we will work to create a supportive environment where you can reflect on how these experiences have shaped your life. By building a foundation of psychoeducation, emotional tools, acceptance, and self-compassion, we can empower you to move forward with greater clarity and confidence. Taking the step to seek therapy is an act of courage, and I’m here to walk alongside you on this journey toward healing and self-discovery.

Starting therapy can feel intimidating and vulnerable—it takes immense courage to seek support, especially from someone you don’t yet know. My goal is to demystify and destigmatize the therapy process so we can walk together toward healing, growth, and self-discovery. In our work, we’ll explore the challenges you’re facing and identify what might be keeping you stuck. You’ll be met with warmth, curiosity, and compassion as we co-create a space that honors your full, intersectional self and empowers you to live more authentically. ​ I work with individuals across the lifespan, and I especially enjoy supporting children, teens, and families. For young children, I use play therapy as a developmentally appropriate approach that allows them to express feelings, process difficult experiences, and build coping skills through play. With teens and families, I offer a space to navigate identity development, life transitions, and family dynamics with empathy and cultural responsiveness. I also collaborate with parents and caregivers to strengthen relationships and promote emotional connection. In addition to individual and family therapy, I work with couples navigating communication difficulties, disconnection, and relationship challenges. I provide a supportive and affirming environment for partners of all backgrounds and relationship configurations to explore their needs, repair trust, and strengthen their bond. My practice is rooted in a culturally responsive, anti-oppressive framework that affirms the lived experiences of BIPOC, Latinx, LGBTQ+ individuals, immigrants, and others with marginalized identities. I’m particularly passionate about supporting clients who are navigating intergenerational trauma, racial trauma, and systemic oppression. I also deeply value working with men and masculine-identified individuals, especially those who have internalized messages that discourage vulnerability and emotional expression. Creating space for these clients to heal and grow has been one of the most meaningful parts of my work. ​Together, we’ll create a space where your experiences are seen and your story is honored—where you feel empowered to grow into the fullest, most liberated version of yourself.

College can be a difficult and potentially isolating time. I want to help you navigate any challenges, anxiety, or depression that might be preventing you from fully enjoying the experience. I work with young adults struggling with the stress and anxiety of college as well as any other life transitions during this period. I strive to meet my clients where they are while providing them with the support and skills needed to get to where they want to be.

I help students who feel stuck in anxiety loops reclaim their time, confidence, and sense of control. If your mind feels constantly “on,” you’re overthinking everything, avoiding situations you used to enjoy, or using substances just to calm down or get through the day , you’re not broken. Your nervous system has learned to protect you in ways that are no longer helping. I specialize in working with college and graduate students who struggle with: OCD (including intrusive thoughts, mental rituals, and “what if” fears) Panic attacks and fear of panic Social anxiety and fear of judgment Health anxiety and body-focused fears Skin picking / excoriation and other body-focused repetitive behaviors Trauma and chronically feeling "on guard" Anxiety-related substance use (using alcohol or drugs to cope, numb, or shut the mind off) My approach is structured, skills-based, and compassionate. We’ll focus on helping you understand how anxiety and OCD actually work, learn practical tools to respond differently to fear, and gently reduce avoidance, without forcing you to “just calm down” or relive trauma before you’re ready. I use evidence-based treatments like CBT, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Inference-Based CBT (I-CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and nervous-system regulation, while also paying close attention to how your past experiences shape how safe your body feels now. Students often tell me they appreciate that therapy with me feels: Clear and organized (you’ll know why we’re doing what we’re doing) Collaborative and non-judgmental Focused on real-life change, not just insight If anxiety, OCD, or panic is taking up more mental space than you want, or if substances have started to feel like the only way to cope, therapy can help you build safer, more sustainable ways to get through school and life. You don’t have to do this alone. Other Offerings available on my website: The Freedom from Panic Intensive is a focused, short-term program designed for students who are stuck in panic attacks or fear of panic and want relief sooner than weekly therapy allows. This intensive helps you understand what’s fueling panic, reduce fear of bodily sensations, and practice responding differently to anxiety so panic no longer runs your life. It’s structured, supportive, and grounded in evidence-based treatment for panic disorder. The Calm Mind is a self-paced online course for students who feel overwhelmed by anxiety, overthinking, or constant nervous system activation. You’ll learn practical skills to regulate anxiety, understand how your mind and body respond to stress, and build calmer, more flexible ways of coping, at your own pace. It’s a gentle starting point for students who want tools and insight, whether or not they’re ready for therapy.

Eric Brown is a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor in Georgia who has been practicing since 2022. He has a B.S. from Georgia State University and an M.S. from Mercer University Clinical Mental Health Program. As a therapist who embodies a multifaceted identity as a Black male with humor, intelligence, emotional intelligence, and articulate communication, Eric can offer a unique and empathetic approach to therapy. Eric includes relatability and understanding, empathy, cultural competence, guidance, and psychoeducation in his practice. He specializes in treating Depression, Anxiety, Self-Image/Self Esteem, Couples/Relationship Counseling, Family Counseling, Substance Use Disorders, and Attachment Issues. His approach uses Rogerian, CBT, DBT, and is simultaneously caring and empathetic while also being honest and direct, both guiding the client and allowing them to process and vent. Outside of work, Eric enjoys meditation, chess, yoga, and traveling.

Brenda Hailey, Therapist Brenda Hailey obtained her master's degree from Mercer University in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Her previous experience includes working at Metro Atlanta Recovery Residences. Brenda sees adolescents and adults individually as well as groups. She enjoys working with a wide range of behavioral health issues including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders, and substance use disorders. Brenda utilizes an integrative approach specially designed to meet each individual's needs and uses techniques from a variety of methods such as Cognitive- Behavioral Therapy, Dialectic Behavioral Therapy and Motivational Interviewing. She has 34 years of experience in several 12 step groups which has prepared her to work with clients with eating disorders, substance use disorders and codependency issues. Brenda has also worked in the education field for 35 years specializing in adolescents. Outside of work, Brenda enjoys 12 step recovery, walking, swimming, and croqueting.

I believe in addressing symptoms in a respectful and collaborative manner. I will use my experience as a mental health professional to provide you with several options for treatment while maintaining your safety, but you will always have the final say in what the next step is. I provide very detailed initial assessments. Let's work together to build the mindset needed to live the life you want!.

Ester Pulliam is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Georgia who has been practicing since 2013. Ester is passionate about her profession and is a good listener. Ester enjoys working together with clients and encourages them to actively participate in their care, as well as their key family members. Outside of work, Ester enjoys traveling to experience other cultures, reading, gardening, meditating, and taking long walks.

Aphroditise Edge is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Georgia who has been practicing since 2016. She obtained her Master's degree in Clinical Mental Health at Troy State University and her Undergraduate degree in Psychology from Columbus State University in Georgia. Aphroditise can help a client with their mental health issues with being understanding their individual differences. She keeps into account how different everyone is and use that to help create individualized treatment. Aphroditise's experience includes working with adolescents and adults who are struggling with mental health while in inpatient hospitalization, incarnation, and DBT therapy within their home. These previous experiences helped Aphroditise treat clients with an array of different mental health issues like anxiety, depression, personality disorders, and suicidal thoughts. Aphroditise uses different techniques to suit each client's needs like DBT, motivational interviewing, CBT, and solution focused therapy. Arts and crafts are fun for her as well.

Adaobi Ofoma, PhD., is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a National Certified Counselor who has been practicing since 2014. She graduated from Capella University with a doctoral degree in General Psychology and a concentration in Community Counseling from Argosy University. "? Dr. Adaobi believes that the overall wellbeing of an individual encompasses an inner sense of purpose, self-control, and a meaningful existence. She believes each client is unique and stives to provide guidance to help the client make better lifestyle choices. ""

Suwanne Sancko is a Licensed Professional Counselor in the state of Georgia. In addition, she is a Certified Master Addiction Counselor. She holds a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Argosy University. She obtained her Bachelor's degree in Psychology, Sociology and Women Studies from the State University of New York at Albany. Suwanne trained at an inpatient psychiatric hospital and substance abuse treatment facility. She has comprehensive experience with assessing and counseling adolescents and adults with co-occurring disorders. Suwanne is an energetic, caring, and open-minded therapist. Her goal is to instill confidence in her clients while using evidence-based techniques. She aids clients in developing their sense of self, self-awareness and assessing their own readiness for change and growth. Suwanne is nurturing, warm, and solution focused. She is great at getting to the root of difficulties/issues to help her clients process and heal. Outside of work, Suwanne loves cooking and listening to music at the same time. Her passion is traveling and trying new food wherever she goes.

Joseph is very passionate about his work and views the therapeutic process as collaboration between equals. Joseph believes that therapy is your time and he is just a guide to help you grow from your struggles, heal from your pain, and move forward to where you want to be in your life. Joseph strongly believes in the value of discovering and using our sources of enjoyment and other personal strengths to improve our ability to deal with life's various challenges. Joseph has worked with people from all walks of life and has extensive experience working with teens and young adults on variety of challenges including gender issues, self-esteem, depression, anxiety, life transitions, trauma, and loss. Joseph enjoys nature in all of its forms and spends much of his free time engaging in a variety of outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, and camping. He also enjoys reading history, sports, playing video games, and creative hobbies such as woodcarving and painting.