Get Started

So glad you are here!

Your first step is to fill out the form on this page to let me know a little bit about what is going on with you at this time.

I also offer a free 15-minute phone consultation.

Next, we will set up an appointment for our first meeting, and I will send you some forms to fill out before our first session.

At our first session, we will go through the intake process. I have created an intake form that we will go over together. This form will include questions about your presenting issues, and questions about your current emotional, physical, and spirtitual well-being. We will discuss what your personal goals are and how I can best support you.

Individual session fees: $110

At Athena Counseling for Women, I am committed to providing the highest quality care tailored to your individual needs. For this reason, I operate as a private-pay practice and do not work directly with insurance companies. I believe this approach allows me to provide the best possible experience and outcomes for my clients.

Out-of-Network Reimbursement

While I do not accept insurance directly, some clients may be eligible for out-of-network reimbursement, depending on their insurance plan. I am happy to provide you with a receipt, also known as a “superbill,” which you can submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement. I recommend checking with your insurance provider to understand your out-of-network benefits and coverage.

The Benefits of Private Pay Counseling

1. Flexibility in Treatment
When working with insurance companies, therapists are often restricted by the limitations imposed by a plan. This can affect the type of therapy, the number of sessions allowed, and the duration of treatment. By operating on a private-pay basis, we can tailor the approach entirely to your needs without these external constraints. Your wellness should not be limited by insurance policies.

2. Confidentiality and Privacy
Insurance companies often require detailed records of your diagnosis and treatment in order to approve coverage. By choosing private pay, your personal information stays between you and your therapist, ensuring maximum confidentiality and privacy. Your therapy remains completely private, with no third-party involvement in your care.

3. Personalized, Client-Focused Care
Without insurance restrictions, we can take a more holistic and individualized approach to your therapy. This means we can spend more time focusing on your unique concerns, using a wide range of therapeutic techniques that may not be covered by insurance but are most beneficial to your healing journey.

4. No Diagnosis Required
In order to submit claims to insurance, therapists must provide a mental health diagnosis. Many individuals seeking therapy don’t necessarily meet the criteria for a formal diagnosis but still benefit greatly from counseling. By choosing private pay, you can receive support without the requirement of a diagnosis, allowing you to seek help for a wide range of concerns that may not be covered by insurance policies.

Telehealth is a great alternative for those who don’t live in the Athens area or find it more convenient to do therapy from the comfort of their home.

We can discuss how you would like to conduct your sessions at our initial contact.

Office location:

598 S. Milledge Ave. Ste. D

Athens, Ga. 30605

My office is housed within another counseling space(Adult & Child Counseling Services).

Hours:

Monday: 9 am- 8 pm

Tuesday: 10 am- 7 pm

Wednesday: 12 pm - 6 pm

Thursday: 8 am - 2 pm

When we schedule an appointment, we are both committed to spending that time together. We all have emergencies from time to time, and if you and/or your child are sick, I do not expect you to keep your appointment. However, when you have other scheduling needs (baseball practice, family in town, big school project, etc.), please give at least 24 hours’ notice if you cannot keep your appointment. If you do not show up for your appointment or do not give 24 hours notice, you will be charged for your appointment. Please note that there is no cancellation fee if you choose to change your appointment from in-person to virtual.