Recognizing that I needed a therapist was a great first step, but searching for a therapist near me was so challenging. I have experienced this first-hand trying to get connected to a mental health provider when I was dealing with my postpartum depression. Finding a mental health provider is such a challenge because there aren’t enough of them available. Furthermore, if you happen to find a therapist in your area, they might not be a great fit.

This post is sponsored by Ray of Hope Counseling Services.

Life can get so stressful sometimes. Between making sure everyone else has everything they need, taking care of the house, cooking meals and working full-time, it is hard to make time to care for yourself. Because of all of these other priorities, I was looking for a therapist near me who would be able to accommodate our family’s busy schedule. Personally, I like to be able to schedule my appointments online, have a virtual/telehealth or phone options for care, and see a therapist who has flexible hours. If you are looking for a therapist in Peachtree City or the Atlanta metro area, check out Ray of Hope Counseling Services. They check off all of the boxes so that you can fit therapy into your busy life.

Three Factors that are Important to Me

1. Convenient Online Scheduling

In looking for a therapist near me, I made sure that my provider would allow for online scheduling. Being able to schedule therapy appointments online is such a convenience. Apart from the initial phone consultation, Ray of Hope Counseling Services will allow you to schedule an appointment with a provider online. If you visit the website, at the top there is a link where you can click to schedule an appointment. It just streamlines the process so that taking the step to schedule an appointment when you are struggling with anxiety and depression can be as easy and stress-free as possible. From that link, you can scroll through all of the available providers in the area, filter schedules for available times that are convenient for you, and schedule your appointment.

2. Telehealth Visits

Although a therapist near me might have a physical location that is not too far from home, telehealth options are so much more accessible. Conveniently, Ray of Hope Counseling Services also has a telehealth visit option. Telehealth visits are completely secure and HIPAA-compliant. The first appointment is an in-person visit, but you can make an appointment for a video visit follow-up appointment with one of their providers. They do recommend that you periodically see your therapist in-person, but encourage you to come up with a schedule that works best between you and your provider. Most insurance plans will cover telehealth visits, as well, so this can be a great option if convenience is important.

3. Flexible Hours

If I’m looking for a therapist near me, they need to have flexible hours. Because I am a working mom, it is hard to find time during regular business hours to get things done. I prefer evening appointments so that I don’t need to take off from work to take care of my mental health. Later appointment times are also great for telehealth visits. It gives you some peace and quiet in the house to focus on your session. I love the convenience of an evening video appointment. After dinner is finished and the baby has gone to bed, I can mentally prepare for my session. This way, I can focus on my conversation with my provider. Ray of Hope Counseling Services offers morning, afternoon, evening and weekend appointments to help you fit your counseling sessions into your daily life. 

More Information about Ray of Hope Counseling

Ray of Hope Counseling Services is a group of psychotherapists who provide counseling in several areas, including Individual, Couples, and Family Therapy. These therapists are licensed and have additional training in their area of expertise. Additional services include Child and Adolescent therapy, Therapy Groups, DBT Groups and Psychological Testing. Areas of expertise include Christian Counseling, LGBTQ+ issues, Crisis Intervention, Stress and Anger Management, and several others. Check out their website to see more. Ray of Hope Counseling Services accepts all forms of insurance and Medicaid, and they have seven convenient locations in the Metro area, including Peachtree City, GA, Kennesaw, GA, Alpharetta, GA, Conyers, GA, Athens, GA, Canton, GA, East Cobb/Marietta, GA, and the surrounding counties.

Take Care of Your Mental Health

Your mental health is as important as your physical health. If you are struggling with stress, depression, anxiety, or you just need someone to talk to, find a therapist near you and schedule an appointment. Find out what factors are important to you. These can be cost, availability, flexible hours, or telehealth options. When you find a therapist that can accommodate your preferences, it makes it easier to continue working with them for the long-term. This way, you can develop the kind of relationship that will help you to reach your mental health goals. 

If you or someone you care about is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please call the Suicide Prevention Hotline: 800-273-8255.