Psychological Services

Choosing a Therapist

It is important to find a therapist who not only has experience helping people but is also someone you can feel comfortable with.

When choosing a therapist, it is helpful to know that as a psychologist, I have had 4 years of college, and then I received my Ph.D. (which can take 5-7 years) in an American Psychological Association approved clinical program which included practicums in assessment, psychological testing, and different types of therapy. I developed research skills in order to be able to evaluate which therapies are most effective, and completed a doctoral research thesis in an area in clinical psychology. Then, I completed a full year of clinical internship, had postdoctoral supervision, and passed a national licensing exam as well as a state oral exam.

After knowing the educational background, you must also find a psychologist that you feel comfortable with, whose approach is consistent with what you think works for you, and with whom you can share your expectations for the work you will be doing.

I encourage you to read about my background and experience, then call me to talk. I expect that our phone call will take some time so you will be able to feel free to share with me your concerns and your goals for counseling.

You should not hesitate to ask questions and talk about your expectations for psychotherapy. I will strive to answer your questions and help you understand as much as possible about my practice.

Services Provided

I am a licensed psychologist working with older adolescents, couples, families and individual adults in Atlanta, Georgia since 1979. I provide clinical evaluations, psychotherapy, consultation, collaboration with medical professionals, and assistance with referrals for medication, schools, camps, or to other professionals. I have received certification in psychoactive substance abuse from the American Psychological Association. In other clinical areas I have attended symposiums, seminars, and colloquia to increase my skills and competency.

I have been asked and have been honored to present and train many teams and groups as well as provide consultation and support.

I provide psychotherapy in the metro Atlanta area and telehealth in multiple states for the following areas:

  • Assistance for working with life transitions
  • Ways to increase resiliency and growth through stress, including Post Traumatic Growth
  • Psychotherapy for couples and marital issues including problems with sexual and intimacy issues
  • Family psychotherapy for problems within the family, including children and young adults who have failed to launch
  • Parent Management for children and adolescents
  • Adjustment to separation
  • Grief and loss
  • Divorce
  • Blended families
  • Families coping with Psychoactive substance abuse
  • Anxiety, including OCD, panic attacks and phobias
  • Depression
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Coping with trauma
  • Consultant for needed services for individuals with learning disabilities or attention deficit disorder, (ADD), Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD)
  • Executive Disorders

I also provide consultations to companies, schools, and organizations. I present on resiliency and recovery as well as trauma and developmental issues. I have specialized experience in helping individuals and organizations preparing for, responding to, and recovering from critical incidents and disasters. To reach me for a consultation, please call my Atlanta office at (470) 464-8494.

 

PLACES TO GO TO OBTAIN MORE RESOURCES; (If you have additional questions, Dr. Gard will help you navigate where you might be able to find additional assistance).
www.apa.org
www.gapsychology.org
www.nctsn.org
NAMI; https://namiga.org
Adult Mental Health Crisis Services
GreatNonprofits