Therapists for college students near Georgia State University

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.

I work primarily with young men in college and graduate school who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected. You may be struggling with substances, pornography or sexual behaviors, gambling, relationships, trauma, anxiety, depression, or problems with motivation and direction. As a former university professor, I understand the pressures of academic life a. I offer compassionate, direct, evidence-based therapy to help you understand what's happening, build practical skills, and move forward.

I work best with people who are carrying a lot at once, whether that’s anxiety, relationships that keep hurting them, substance use that feels out of control, or old experiences they’re finally ready to look at. They usually appear fine on the outside but feel worn down on the inside. What they share is knowing something needs to change and being ready to do the hard work to shift old patterns. If that sounds like you, I’d love for you to reach out!

I specialize in working with college and graduate students, young professionals, and couples, empowering them to develop skills to manage anxiety, stress, relationship challenges, and explore their self-identity. I also work with first generation and children of immigrants and am committed to maintaining a culturally-informed practice that honors the different ways that people experience and think of their identity. Navigating the complexities of life can be challenging, especially when you’re dealing with things like anxiety, relationship issues, and major life transitions. Maybe you're struggling with the pressure of classes, or with adjusting to your new environment and building relationships. Or you might feel like you’re always anxious about getting things right or not knowing what's going to happen, and worry is becoming exhausting. Perhaps you're at a point where you want to learn more about the impact of your cultural background on your identity and explore the experiences you've had. Going to therapy can be a courageous step towards personal growth and self-reflection to develop the tools needed to manage symptoms and align ourselves more with our goals. Whether you're navigating major life transitions, managing work-related stress, or facing challenges in your relationships, my practice provides a supportive space to help you build resilience. By incorporating evidence-based interventions such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy with compassion and mindfulness focused models, I provide a non-judgemental and empathetic environment in my work with clients. For couples therapy, I utilize the Gottman method to help couples improve their relationships. I am licensed in the state of Georgia as a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC015213). I earned my M.S. in Counseling with an emphasis on Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Johns Hopkins University, and a B.A. in Psychology, English, & Classical Studies from Emory University. I provide both in-person and virtual sessions to make therapy accessible and convenient for clients in the Decatur area and beyond. Whenever you’re ready to take a step towards therapy, I would be happy to speak with you and answer any questions you may have about the therapeutic process over an initial consultation. Please visit the link below to schedule a free consultation.

Please visit my profile to learn more about my services.

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!

I work with individuals and couples in Georgia who are seeking support for various mental health challenges. Many of my clients have difficulties related to anxiety, depression, and past trauma that get in the way of enjoying life and thriving to their fullest potential. I also work with people who are diagnosed with schizophrenia, bipolar disorders, and related conditions. The foundation of my therapy is a collaborative relationship based on warmth and acceptance. I look beyond the mental health “condition” and seek to understand you as a person, influenced by your identities and past experiences. I will work collaboratively with you to develop goals for therapy and a plan to attain those goals. I provide a tailored therapy experience by utilizing a variety of evidence-based approaches, including CBT, acceptance and commitment therapy, dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), interpersonal therapy, emotion-focused couples therapy, and the Gottman Method. Overall, I seek to empower you with the skills to live a meaningful life based on your personal goals and values. Whether you are interested in individual therapy or couples counseling, I am looking forward to connecting with you and working together to create the change you are seeking. Feel free to visit my webpage to learn more about me and my work!

A therapy space for Black women (LGBTQ allied) who have been feeling a heaviness and burdened by the traumas and the difficult challenges of just being a human being on this society. These women are educated, career driven and leaders of their families but, there is a heaviness that they cannot escape. In this place you are seen and heard without judgement. All parts of you are welcomed, even the parts you do not particularly like. In this space you can tell your story and begin to be in touch with the “self”, you. You will being to trust again or for the first time. You will learn that this part of you was there all of the time.

I enjoy working with relationships and relational problems, self-esteem and self-hate, trauma and recovery, identity concerns (including but not limited to sexuality, diversity in gender, atheists and other types of secular individuals), and veterans. I also have worked in a VA CBOC outpatient clinic and have an extensive history of work with young adults (specifically in collegiate mental health). I utilize a collaborative approach grounded in interpersonal process. My theory of practice is guided by the needs of the client, using a mix of cognitive and psychodynamic theories alongside elements of feminist and relational theories. I have experience working within varied mental health settings, including veterans and interdisciplinary treatment teams. Lets work together and begin to figure out the answers to the questions and struggles you face. I welcome clients of all ages, all backgrounds, all identities. My practice is affirming of all genders, all sexual orientations, all ethnic identities, all religious identities, and inclusive and welcoming of all intersections therein.

I specialize in working with students who have emotion regulation challenges, Anxiety, Depression, ADHD, Autism, and Life-threatening behaviors. The treatment modalities I use are: Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Lifespan Integration (LI)

Life can feel overwhelming, and it’s okay not to have all the answers. I offer a supportive space to explore your story and take steps toward meaningful change. I work with those navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, relationship challenges, perfectionist tendencies, and life transitions. I’m especially passionate about supporting current and former athletes as they rediscover identity beyond sport(s). Using an empowerment-based, CBT & DBT techniques, Adlerian, and family systems approach, I help clients build resilience, find clarity, and move forward with confidence. I help high achievers of all facets explore how they became who they are today, understand how their mindset & perfectionistic tendencies impact their daily life, & learn healthier ways to navigate pressure, performance expectations, and the world around them. Across all areas, I seek to help clients foster resilience and empowerment in their lives. Reaching out for support takes courage, and it’s normal to feel uncertain about where to begin. My goal is to offer a safe, nonjudgmental space where you feel understood and supported. Together, we can work toward building resilience, discovering strengths, and moving forward with greater clarity and confidence.

The process of starting or reentering counseling can be overwhelming but a brave step towards improving your wellness. I honor that step by committing myself to meet you where you are, sit with you in whatever emotion arises, and offer you a safe and relaxed environment to discuss your concerns. As your therapist, I will work with you to collaboratively create a road map to greater health using our alliance and therapeutic tools along the way. We will work together to identify your goals, beliefs, and assets; process life stress; and empower your life for greater wellness, however you define this. I offer Cognitive-Behavioral, Mindfulness, Exposure (ERP), Strength-Based and Person-Centered services for adults and young adults, addressing symptoms of anxiety, OCD, stress, life transitions, relationships, and ADHD. Through my Masters and Doctoral work as well as my background teaching and supervising Master's level clinicians, I have created a therapeutic approach that is not only centered around YOU, the client, but incorporates practices that are backed by scientific evidence. It is my greatest desire to use what I know to see you grow and live the life you want.

Have you experienced a trauma or life-changing event? Are you feeling stuck and struggling with anxiety or depression? Or are you just trying to figure out who you are or find a purpose? I am passionate about helping those who are working to find balance in their lives and those in need of finding that mind-body connection to promote health and well-being. I am experienced in working with Trauma, LGBTQ+ community, relationship and family concerns, and college students struggling to balance the demands of academics and daily living. I offer a holistic approach focusing on interpersonal relationships, mind-body connection, and how past experiences can influence our current thought processes, emotions, and behaviors. I am certified in Cognitive Processing Therapy and skilled in various techniques that can help those suffering from PTSD and various types of trauma, anxiety, and depression. Choosing to begin therapy can be very difficult, so I am offering free 15 to 30 minute consultations to help you determine whether we are a good match, and to give you an idea of what working with me will be like.

Hello, my name is Mallory Warner. I have a Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Antioch University. I am an APC Mental Health Counselor in the state of Georgia. I have a passion for working with many populations including trauma, addiction, anxiety, OCD, substance use recovery, as well as with people who simply want to become the best version of themselves. I know in my heart that we all hold the key to our happiness. We just need to take the time to devote to ourselves in order to unpack the stories we tell ourselves that may no longer serve us. I hope to speak to you soon!

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.