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.

Before I became a counselor, I was a university professor, so I have a very clear sense of the pressures that students face and the support that they need during this critical period of their lives. Young people want to build lives worth living, but things can get in the way: intense emotions, reliance on substances (or sex or spending or gaming) to cope, confusing relationships, paralyzing uncertainty or self-judgment. Counseling can help. I want to listen, and I want to do what works. I am trained in evidence-based modalities, particularly Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). I am always learning, so that, if what we’re doing isn’t working, I’m ready to pivot. For young men in particular, counseling might seem like it's "not for people like you," but I will meet you where you are. My goal is not to keep you in therapy forever, but to assist you in becoming freer, more independent, and more hopeful about your life. If that sounds good to you, reach out. As I work toward full licensure, I practice under the supervision of Nia Baker, LPC, CPCS, SEP.

At Ash Tree we have therapists that utilize a trauma informed and strengths based approach to meet the needs of our clients. We have therapists that specialize in working with complex trauma and PTSD, anxiety, ADHD, and other life transitions.

Do you struggle with heightened anxiety and feel overwhelmed by life? When life feels overwhelming and high pressure exists to manage personal issues, I work with clients in therapy to minimize the distress and overcome obstacles in a safe and nonjudgmental environment. Since it can be scary and painful to reveal vulnerability, I strive to build a trusting therapeutic relationship in which my clients feel comfortable to explore personal experiences. The therapy sessions are tailored to each client. Treatment can be on a short or long term basis depending on the client’s needs. I specialize in helping teenagers and adults who experience persistent self-criticism, depression, anxiety, ADHD, chronic stress, OCD, and complex interpersonal relationship issues.

Are you an undergraduate or graduate student struggling with anxiety, self-doubt, or non-stop overthinking? You might feel overwhelmed by academic pressure, social or relationship stress, internship/job searching, or family issues. Therapy can give you a space to make sense of it all and actually start feeling relief. My style is warm, thoughtful, and direct. Together, we’ll explore how your experiences shape your thought patterns while building practical strategies to manage difficult thoughts and emotions so you can navigate life with more clarity, confidence, and ease. Visit my website or contact me via email to for a free 15 minute phone consultation or to schedule an appointment.

In working with my clients, I strive to help them find a healthy balance in every part of their lives; whether it is work, relationships or health. Finding a balance is important. Balance does not allow one area in our lives to become too extreme, pulling all of our focus. In session we will develop personalized strategies that can help you feel more in control, making your concerns feel more manageable. Once we work together to find that balance in your daily life, you are able to live at your happy, healthy baseline. You begin to thrive.

Who would you be if you believed you actually could? If you knew you already are? My approach to therapy centers on the belief that “healing is making whole.” Whether dealing with issues of addiction, depression and anxiety, self-knowledge and self-worth, sexual orientation and gender identity, trauma or relationship concerns, life transitions attention is, therefore, given to the whole of the individual – heart, mind, body and soul. So many of us feel stuck, repeating patterns of behavior we consciously experience a desire to let go of. What keeps us doing what we believe we don’t want to do is that we are disconnected from the places within us where our actions come from. In my work with clients I care most about helping others uncover their truth – without judgment. I see psychotherapy as an invitation and permission to reveal, explore and practice embodying the wholeness of who we are, in order to develop a greater sense of fullness, choice and empowerment in our lives. And I very much see psychotherapy as a partnership and a journey, one which I am repeatedly humbled and grateful to be allowed to accompany others on. In addition, as a certified yoga instructor, the teachings of classical yoga inform my psychotherapy work with both individuals and couples. Yoga ‘on the mat’ may be a possible element of our work for interested clients, but more often this takes the form of our exploring how to live and practice the principles of yoga ‘off the mat.’

I am a dedicated therapist with a deep belief in the transformative power of relationships. My practice is centered around helping individuals and couples navigate their unique journeys towards healing and growth. With a warm and empathetic approach, I strive to create a safe and supportive environment where clients can explore their inner worlds and cultivate meaningful connections with themselves and others. My therapeutic toolkit is enriched by specialized training in IFS, EMDR, and EFT. Together, these modalities enable me to offer a comprehensive and tailored approach to each client's unique needs. IFS allows me to guide clients in understanding and harmonizing their internal parts, while EMDR is instrumental in addressing and resolving trauma. EFT provides a framework for enhancing emotional bonding and resolving conflicts within relationships. Ultimately, my goal is to empower clients to build resilience, foster healthy relationships, and achieve lasting change. Whether working with individuals seeking personal growth or couples aiming to strengthen their bond, I am committed to supporting you on your path to healing and fulfillment.

Anxiety is taking up more space in your life than you’d like. On the outside, things look successful—people rely on you, and you generally handle what’s in front of you. But internally, it can feel very different. Your mind replays conversations late at night. You hold yourself to impossibly high standards. That critical inner voice is quick to point out what you should have done better. Even when you accomplish something meaningful, it rarely feels like enough. You may be someone who was labeled “gifted” or high-achieving early on. You’re thoughtful, capable, and used to performing well under pressure. Yet the constant drive to get it right can leave you exhausted. You might notice tension in your body that never quite goes away, difficulty truly relaxing, or moments when your reactions feel stronger than they should. You understand your patterns—you may have even done therapy before—but insight alone hasn’t fully created the change you’re looking for. In our work together, we move beyond simply talking about the problem. I integrate EMDR and somatic-informed approaches to help your nervous system process experiences that may still be driving anxiety, perfectionism, or emotional intensity beneath the surface. When the body has a chance to settle, the mind often follows. Therapy becomes less about “figuring it out” and more about creating meaningful, embodied change. Our sessions are collaborative, focused, and respectful of your time and intelligence. I provide a calm, professional space where you can slow down without losing momentum. Together, we clarify what matters most to you and work toward a life that feels grounded, balanced, and genuinely fulfilling—not just successful on paper. If you’re ready for therapy that goes deeper than insight alone and supports lasting change, I’d be glad to connect. I invite you to schedule a free consultation through my website.

I work with clients to help them cope, feel better and pursue their goals. Visit my website for more detailed information.

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.

Life can sometimes be difficult, and stressful when you are going to college and preparing for your future. I am passionate about listening to you share your concerns, and helping clients find solutions to a wide range of life stressors. As a client, you can expect to be supported every step of the way on your recovery journey. You can expect to receive compassionate, confidential support, and develop practical tools for lasting recovery and life transformation.

Lauren Shemain, LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the states of Georgia and New York. She graduated with a Master in Social Work from New York University’s Silver School of Social Work. Lauren is the owner of New Perspectives Psychotherapy, LLC. She specializes in providing individual therapy to young adults, adults, and older adults. Lauren is skilled in working with clients to address issues related to anxiety, depression, grief and loss, life transitions, stress management, and relationship and familial conflicts. Lauren’s approach is eclectic and integrative and introduces techniques from multiple theoretical orientations including but not limited to Psychodynamic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Emotional Freedom Techniques, Mindfulness Practices, Interpersonal Psychotherapy, Trauma Informed Therapy, and Strength-based Interventions. These interventions are tailored to meet the needs of the individual client. Lauren Shemain, LCSW, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the states of Georgia and New York. She graduated with a Master in Social Work from New York University’s Silver School of Social Work. Lauren is the owner of New Perspectives Psychotherapy, LLC. She specializes in providing individual therapy to young adults, adults, and older adults. Lauren is skilled in working with clients to address issues related to anxiety, depression, grief and loss, life transitions, stress management, and relationship and familial conflicts. Lauren’s approach is eclectic and integrative and introduces techniques from multiple theoretical orientations including but not limited to Psychodynamic Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Mindfulness Practices, Interpersonal Psychotherapy, Trauma Informed Therapy, and Strength-based Interventions. These interventions are tailored to meet the needs of the individual client.

A licensed psychologist, I received both my Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology and my M.S. in Professional Counseling from Georgia State University. When faced with difficult situations, we often feel discouraged. I believe that a safe, supportive environment is key to growth, and I offer plenty of encouragement. I help clients gain perspective through empathic exploration. We’re all doing the best we can in life, but sometimes we get in our own way. As much as I’m comfortable with deep emotions, I also believe in the importance of bringing laughter and humor into the room!

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!