Trauma and PTSD therapists & psychiatrists in Athens, GA

I was born and raised in one of Nigeria’s vibrant and bustling cities, where I learned the values of community, resilience, and compassion from an early age. Inspired by a deep desire to make a difference in people’s lives, I pursued my education in health care. This journey has been a blessing and a privilege, allowing me to work in health care and provide care for the people I love and serve.

My family and I have built a home filled with love and laughter. They bring joy and inspiration to my life every day. I'm excited to support my clients in bringing that same love and joy and laughter back into their own lives.

I help people of all ages- children, teens, and adults - who are survivors of complex trauma and PTSD. I am passionate about empowering survivors to loosen the chains of trauma and move forward. I use EMDR, DBT, CPT and play therapy to help clients to overcome the inner pain of trauma and build a life that is safer and more grounded. I enjoy helping children through the use of Child Centered Play Therapy and Playful EMDR to support children through challenges like self-esteem, bullying and other school- related problems. With 25 years spent as an educator, I have stood in those hallways and know what kids face. Additionally, I enjoy working with parents to navigate the everyday challenges that arise in parenting in this digital age. I enjoy walking with adolescents and teens who struggle just to get up and go to school each day because I remember what that felt like when I was a teenager. I also enjoy walking with students who self -harm, struggle with suicide ideology, bullying, and navigating peer and parental relationships. I consider it an honor to walk along with Trauma Survivors as a certified Traumatologist. I have supported people in healing from sexual assault, traumatic accidents, profound grief, and many other life-altering events. I feel deeply honored to care for firefighters, police officers, and first responders impacted by they have seen on the job. I offer Animal Assisted Therapy with her French Bulldog, Zoey, who is especially comforting to all of the clients that I see.

As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I believe prioritizing mental health is key to happiness and stability in life. Seeking help can be one of the hardest parts, so congratulations on taking that step! I’ve been practicing for 15 years.

I believe that therapy is most effective when clients feel genuinely seen, heard, and accepted. While evidence-based practices provide important tools for change, I believe the therapeutic relationship itself is the foundation for growth and healing. My goal is to provide a compassionate, collaborative space where clients can build insight, develop practical skills, and create meaningful change in their lives.

Hi there, I’m glad you’re here. As a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and Certified Eating Disorder Specialist-Consultant (CEDS-C), I support teens and women in managing anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and emotional overwhelm so they can feel grounded, confident, and healthy again. Reaching out for support is a brave step, and I respect the strength it takes to start this journey.

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with adults and teens facing substance use, mental health challenges, trauma, and family reunification. I bring both professional training and lived experience to the work. I’ve worked in residential treatment, community mental health, reentry programs, and private practice, serving people from many different backgrounds. Clients often say I’m easy to talk to, direct, and relatable. My goal is to create a safe, honest space where you feel supported, understood, and empowered to change your life.

I'm a licensed counselor and scholar-practitioner with more than 29 years of experience providing behavioral health care across a wide range of settings. In 2009 I founded BSmith Consulting Group, LLC, where I work with individuals navigating adjustment issues, mental health disorders, and co-occurring (dual diagnosis) concerns. Alongside my clinical work, I provide employee assistance support to individuals, professionals, and organizations, and I contribute to the field through clinical supervision, training of fellow mental health professionals, and presenting at local, state, and national platforms. My goal is always to meet you where you are and support your long-term wellness.

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a therapeutic approach and consulting practice grounded in the belief that healing begins when we learn to see ourselves through a clearer, more empowered lens. As a Nigerian-American woman, my heritage deeply informs my understanding of identity, resilience, spirituality, and community. These values shape the way I hold space for clients and guide them toward alignment with their highest embodiment of self.

My professional background includes years of experience in community mental health, trauma-informed care, and culturally responsive practice. I have supported women, youth, and BIPOC communities through therapy, support groups, and mental health trainings. I am also influenced by Womanist Psychology, which honors the lived experiences, wisdom, and strength of Black women and communities.

My work integrates Western therapeutic approaches with cultural insight, African wisdom, and a holistic understanding of healing. I believe that our lenses or our “vue" are shaped by our stories, our lineage, and the environments that raised us. Through SelfVue, I help clients shift their perspective, reconnect with their inner strength, and cultivate a grounded sense of self-worth.

Whether through individual therapy, consultation, or organizational support, my goal is to create a warm, intuitive, and culturally attuned space where clients feel seen, affirmed, and supported in their journey toward self-actualization.

Hi, I’m Shanae Benito, a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and National Certified Counselor (NCC) dedicated to helping individuals navigate life’s challenges with support, compassion, and practical tools for change. I work with adolescents and adults experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship concerns, stress, and life transitions. My approach combines evidence-based practices including TF-MCBT (Trauma-Focused Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy) while creating a space where you feel heard, understood, and seen. I believe healing is not about having all the answer. It's about taking the next step forward together.

I am a National Board Certified Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Clinician Counselor Supervisor, and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional based in Atlanta GA. My areas of expertise include Veterans, depression, and complex trauma. I have a passion for working with clients experiencing anxiety, low self-esteem, complex trauma, career/life transitions, PTSD, and depression. I received my B.S. in Psychology from the University of Georgia and MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Mercer University.

I am an LCSW with a mission to untangle trauma and transform lives.

I've observed that many are unaware their struggles stem from unresolved childhood trauma. I focus on addressing core beliefs formed during these transformative years.

As I too struggled with unhealthy patterns of my past. Hitting rock bottom was my turning point. I immersed myself in retreats and inner child work, finding strength in spirituality. Healing myself and paying it forward to help others heal too.