

Athens residents deserve accessible mental health care. Headway's network of 2,526 providers serves Five Points, Normaltown, Epps Bridge and beyond, offering virtual and in-person sessions covered by insurance. Start your journey with a free intake call today.
I want you to feel truly seen, heard, and understood. I will provide a safe and non-judgmental space for you to explore your thoughts and feelings so that you can move forward towards your life goals.
I received my master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from Western Carolina University. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Georgia, and a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC) in North Carolina.
I have worked with individuals from diverse backgrounds across inpatient settings, emergency services, nonprofit organizations, and military environments. These experiences have shaped my approach to counseling to meet clients with compassion, respect, and understanding. My goal is to create a safe, supportive space where clients feel heard, valued, and empowered especially during times of stress or transition.
Tonya Watts believes people are unique and complex beings; thus, the approaches taken with you are based on the information you provide. Cognitive behavioral therapy and a biopsychosocial approach of mind, body, and spirit in working with the whole individual are the basic theoretical foundations of Tonya’s work. She offers tools to assist you in gaining the ability to thrive!
Clients should know that I provide a supportive, non-judgmental space while also being direct and goal-oriented. I understand that many individuals come to therapy during difficult or uncertain times, and my role is to help you gain clarity, stability, and direction.
I have extensive experience working with individuals managing complex life stressors, including legal involvement, trauma, and mental health challenges. I also have a strong background in working with clients who may need additional structure, support, or guidance in navigating systems and life transitions.
My approach is collaborative—I meet you where you are while also helping you move forward with practical tools and strategies. I value honesty, consistency, and building a therapeutic relationship that feels both safe and productive.
I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), National Certified Counselor (NCC), and Certified Professional Clinical Supervisor (CPCS) with over a decade of experience working with adolescents, adults, couples, and families. I earned my Master’s in Counseling Psychology and have built my career serving individuals navigating trauma, relationship challenges, life transitions, and high-pressure environments.
In addition to providing therapy, I serve as CEO of Success Brand Behavioral Health, where I lead a team of clinicians and continue to provide direct care. I’ve also worked extensively with youth and families involved in foster care and the juvenile justice system and currently teach graduate counseling students as an adjunct professor.
What this means for you: you’re working with a clinician who understands both complex clinical presentations and real-world stress. I’m structured, experienced, and deeply committed to helping clients move from insight to action.
Welcome, and congratulations on taking this step towards improving your mental health.
I strive to provide a safe and non-judgmental environment in which you can explore the challenges you may be facing, increase awareness, and work towards self-improvement.
In person sessions are available by appointment.


Headway makes it easy to find support for your mental health — from finding the right provider, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.
Finding the right therapist in Athens, GA starts with getting clear on what you're looking for. Think about the concerns you want to address — whether that's anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, or something else — and consider whether you'd prefer a therapist, counselor, or psychiatrist. Therapists and counselors (such as LPCs, LCSWs, and LMFTs) primarily provide talk therapy, while psychiatrists are medical doctors who can diagnose conditions and prescribe medication.
From there, practical details matter. Look for a licensed provider who specializes in your area of concern and offers appointment times that work for your schedule. Many providers in Athens offer both in-person and virtual sessions, so you can choose the format that fits your life. Reading a provider's bio before booking can help you understand their approach and decide if they're a good match.
Therapy in Athens can be expensive without coverage, but using in-network insurance is one of the most reliable ways to reduce what you pay out of pocket. On Headway, you can enter your insurance details to see estimated session costs before you book, and many patients pay as low as $0 per visit. Nationally, Headway partners with over 100 insurance plans, making it easier to find a therapist who fits both your needs and your budget.
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