“The good life is a process, not a state of being.
It is a direction, not a destination.”

- Carl Rogers

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy comes in many forms with a wide variety of interventions that can be adapted to meet any client’s needs. Many mental illnesses can be managed using psychotherapy alone, few need an added psychiatric intervention.

Common Mental Health Illnesses

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition, is the current manual clinicians are using to diagnose mental health disorders in the United States. This manual outlines symptoms and qualifying criteria for currently recognized mental health disorders. If you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health disorder and do not meet all diagnostic criteria, you are still able to seek treatment.

Depression
Approximately 16 million adults in the US reported a major depressive episode in a year.

Common Symptoms

  • Social Withdrawal

  • Changes in Appetite, Sleep Pattern or Mood

  • Suicidal Thoughts or Attempts

Anxiety
Anxiety disorders impact 40 million adults in the United States every year.

Common Symptoms

  • Feeling nervous, restless or tense

  • Trouble focusing

  • Increased Heart-rate, Hyperventilation,
    Trembling

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
PTSD Impacts 7.7 million adults in the US each year.

Common Symptoms

  • Intrusive Thoughts

  • Avoidance of Possible Triggers

  • Flashbacks/Nightmares

Self-Care

  • Go on a walk

  • Create a happy playlist, and a coping playlist

  • Forgive someone or yourself

  • Eat a snack

  • Take your medication on time

  • Take a day off social media and the internet

  • Reach out to your support system

  • Volunteer

  • Take a nap

Safety Planning

  • Recognize your personal warning signs

  • Use your own coping strategies

  • Socialize with others who may offer support for or a distraction from the crisis

  • Contact family members or friends

  • Contact mental health professionals or agencies

When to Call for Help

  • If you wish to harm yourself

  • If you plan to harm yourself

  • If someone you know wants to hurt themselves or someone around them

  • If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted

  • If you or someone you know feels unsafe or is in immediate danger

Suicide Prevention Hotline: 800-273-8255

Sexual Assault Hotline:
National: 800-656-4673
Local: 770-503-7273

SAMHSA Helpline: 800-662-4357

NAMI, Support & Education: 800-950-6264

Local Resources

AVITA Community Partners
915 Interstate Ridge Dr. G, Gainesville GA 30501
Walk In Services 678-207-2900
Crisis Stabilization 678-960-2700

Brenau Center for Counseling & Psychological Services
423 Brenau Avenue, Gainesville GA 30501
770-297-5959
Income-based fees offered, insurance accepted

Children's Center for Hope and Healing
226 Main St SW, Gainesville GA 30501
770-532-6530
Free services for victims of sexual abuse, Spanish-speaking services offered.

Good News Clinic
810 Pine St, Gainesville GA 30501
770-503-1369
Fees based on income, some free services offered.

UNG Community Counseling Clinic
199 Choice Ave, Dahlonega GA 30533
706-867-2588
Free services offered