Find a Therapist in Athens, AL

Jill Gernert, MSW, is a compassionate therapist dedicated to supporting individuals of all ages, from children and teens to adults and the elderly. With a specialization in addressing pressing issues such as depression, trauma, and anxiety, Jill employs a diverse range of therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Trauma-Focused therapy, to create a safe and nurturing environment for her clients. Her expertise extends to navigating complex challenges such as bipolar disorder, relationship issues, and stress, making her a versatile ally in the therapeutic journey. Jill believes in the power of a person-centered and multicultural approach, helping clients explore their identities while fostering self-esteem and resilience. Whether working with individuals, couples, or families, Jill's commitment to understanding and compassion guides her work, ensuring that every client feels valued and empowered on their path to healing.

Nancy McDonald, LICSW, is a compassionate psychotherapist who believes in the inherent ability of individuals to overcome adversity. Her goal is to empower clients to discover their own strengths and develop the tools necessary for fulfillment and success. With a robust foundation in cognitive behavioral therapy, Nancy also draws on psychodynamic approaches to address the unique needs of each individual. She works with clients facing a wide array of challenges, including depression, anxiety, serious mental illness, behavioral issues, and personal growth, tailor-making her approach to meet their specific requirements. Nancy has specialized training in trauma recovery, utilizing evidence-based modalities such as EMDR and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. As a Registered Play Therapist, she has extensive experience working with children and families. Nancy prioritizes creating a supportive and comfortable environment for her clients, ensuring a safe and private space for them to navigate their life challenges. Her commitment to providing a holistic approach to healing supports her guiding philosophy that successful treatment outcomes are attainable for all.

Warnie Robertson, LICSW, is a highly skilled therapist with over thirty years of experience working with individuals and families on a diverse range of issues, including grief, addiction, and relationship challenges. Holding a D.Min in Family Therapy, Warnie utilizes various therapeutic techniques such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), EMDR, mindfulness for stress reduction, and the Gottman Method to enhance communication and reduce conflicts within couples. Additionally, they offer culturally sensitive approaches and Christian counseling, ensuring that each client's unique needs are met. Warnie’s commitment to continuous learning and effective practice is evident from their training at the esteemed Gottman Institute, where they have mastered research-based techniques designed to foster healthier relationships and emotional healing.

Leslie Smith is a dedicated and compassionate Licensed Professional Counselor, certified by the Alabama Board of Examiners in Counseling. With a B.S. in Psychology from Athens State and an M.A. in Community Counseling from the University of North Alabama, Leslie brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her practice. Her professional journey includes working with individuals at Riverbend Center for Mental Health, Bradford Health Services, and Alabama Psychiatric Services. Leslie's impactful experiences also extend to serving as a missionary in the 9th Ward of New Orleans for five years and in Bangkok, Thailand for nine years, which deepened her understanding of diverse life challenges. Passionate about guiding those affected by addiction, trauma, and PTSD, she provides a nurturing space for healing. Leslie's counseling philosophy underscores the fundamental human needs for connection, forgiveness, kindness, growth, and purpose. She believes in empowering individuals on their journey toward self-discovery and fulfillment. With expertise in methods such as EMDR, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Person-Centered approaches, Leslie is committed to providing culturally sensitive and integrative support to her clients, making her an invaluable ally in their pursuit of well-being.

Patty Wilkes is an experienced therapist with over 40 years of dedicated practice in the field of psychiatric social work, specializing in helping both adolescents and adults. She focuses on treating a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, mood disorders, and relationship issues. With her background in Attachment-based therapy and her qualifications from Wayne State University, Patty is well-equipped to assist her clients in navigating their personal challenges. Her flexible practice model accommodates the busy schedules of her patients, ensuring they receive the support they need at times that work for them. Patty values confidentiality and operates on a fee-for-service basis, providing her clients with peace of mind about their privacy. Passionate about fostering a compassionate therapeutic environment, she is committed to collaborating effectively with other professionals, such as physicians and attorneys, to ensure comprehensive care. Patty Wilkes stands ready to support individuals through their journey of healing and self-discovery.

Merrilie Rackham, LMFT, understands that life is filled with challenges and that many individuals struggle to navigate through them. She believes that during these tough times, people often lack the necessary skills to cope effectively. Merrilie’s goal is to guide clients through their life challenges by listening with empathy, helping them recognize their strengths, and equipping them with new skills. She has a particular expertise in working with children and teens facing issues such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, anger, grief, substance abuse, and trauma. With a mission to support families in enhancing their relationships, Merrilie emphasizes that while relationships are essential, they can also be challenging. Together, they will work to cultivate strong family bonds. As a trauma-informed therapist, Merrilie also specializes in assisting individuals in overcoming trauma and firmly believes in the transformative power of EMDR. By collaborating, clients can effectively reprocess their trauma and no longer allow it to dictate their lives.

Delia Reeves is a compassionate Licensed Professional Counselor dedicated to supporting teens and adults who often feel alone, misunderstood, or burdened by negativity. She understands that many individuals struggle to articulate their feelings and believes that it may be time to reach out for support. Delia offers LGBTQ+ affirmative therapy and is trained in EMDR, incorporating Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to tailor sessions to meet the unique needs of each client. Being bilingual allows her to extend her services to Spanish-speaking patients and their families, creating a more inclusive therapeutic environment. In her sessions, Delia collaborates with individuals to identify their challenges and reassess their priorities, assuring them that they will have a reliable ally by their side, listening and assisting on the journey to achieving their highest potential.