Our Highly Trained Therapists

Paul “Skip” Cole, LCSW is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Skip received his undergraduate degree in Psychology at Bethany College and completed his Master of Social Work degree at the University of Georgia. He is knowledgeable and skilled in a variety of therapeutic approaches including Solution Focused Therapy, Strategic Interventions, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, as well as spiritually grounded paths to health and wellness. Having expertise in individual, marital and family modes of therapy has enabled him to facilitate change from a variety of perspectives. Skip specializes in diagnosing and treating anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, behavior disorders, child and parent conflict, anger issues, and stress. During his long career as a psychotherapist, he has had the opportunity to help children, teenagers, adults and seniors experience emotional healing and reconciled relationships. To reach Skip call the StressCare office at (706) 552-0706 ext 206. (Athens Office)

Marty Plog, LPC is a Licensed Professional Counselor counseling full time since 1985 working with individual and family issues such as discipline problems, anger management, communication problems, marital difficulties, divorce recovery and depression. He has extensive experience working with single parents, teenagers and adults, especially in the Christian community, and provides individual, group and family therapy. He received his bachelor’s degree from Geneva College in 1983 and his master’s degree in 1985 from Georgia State University. To find out more about Marty visit his website. To reach Marty call or text (678) 316-9806. (Jefferson & Winder Offices)

Erica Dell Erica is a Licensed Professional Counselor and National Certified Counselor and has been providing counseling services in private practice and behavioral healthcare settings since 2013. Her passion is to provide a safe space for adolescents, adults and couples to explore how their relationships and life experiences impact who they are and the direction they desire their life to lead. Her aim is to provide a therapeutic relationship that is collaborative and personal to each client’s needs and goals by considering all aspects of their life including physical, emotional, mental and spiritual well-being. Her specialties include individuals who are struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, family of origin issues, grief and loss, conflict resolution, identity, and relationship and marriage concerns. To request a complimentary 10-minute phone consultation or an appointment with Erica visit her website. You can also text or call (706) 247-5264. (Athens Office)

Chris Williams, LCSW is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker whose approach focuses on relationships and is client-centered in order to empower you to take steps towards the healing and growth that you desire. He trusts you to be the expert in your life as you and he walk together towards achieving your goals. In his work, he uses an eclectic blend of techniques from Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical-Behavioral Therapy (DBT), mindfulness, and Internal Family Systems (IFS) to best meet your needs. Common reasons for coming to counseling with Chris include, depression, anxiety, trauma and post-traumatic stress, couples working through conflict and looking for improved communication, infidelity and other marriage/relationship difficulties, pre-marriage/pre-engagement counseling and building a healthy relationship, school/work stress, college and other life transitions, and spiritual/faith challenges or traumas. To schedule an appointment with Chris call or text (404) 580-2697 or email chris@restfulcare.org. (Athens Office)

Douglas Duke, LPC is a veteran counselor with over thirty years of professional practice experience. He loves working with couples (Marriage) families and individuals. He works with adolescents and adults who struggle with anxiety and depression and other stress management issues. To reach Doug call or text (706) 296-4166 or email ddukelpc@gmail.com. (Athens & Jefferson Offices)

Meredith Payne, M.S., APC, NCC is an Associate Professional Counselor and National Certified Counselor and has experience working in agency-like settings as well as private practice. Meredith enjoys working with children (ages 3-11), teens, and young adults with anxiety, ADHD, behavioral issues, and life transition issues. She has experience working with children and adults of all ages. Her goal is to create a welcoming and accepting environment, built on safety and compassion for you or your child to connect, discover, play, and heal. She believes therapy can be fun and is passionate about helping her clients discover healthy coping skills to navigate life’s transitions and struggles. She works collaboratively with her clients to consider all aspects of their world. When appropriate, Meredith enjoys working with clients who wish to integrate faith into sessions. Meredith tailors her approach to each individual client to meet their needs, temperament, and personality. To schedule an appointment with Meredith call (678) 807-9116 or email meredith@honeyandhealingcounseling.com (Athens Office)

Whitney Beeland, APC is a licensed Associate Practicing Counselor. She received her Bachelor’s degree from Georgia Southern University in 2020 and her Master’s degree from The University of North Georgia in the spring of 2023. Whitney has experience assisting clients who are struggling with a number of life’s challenges, including but not limited to grief, anxiety, anger management, life transitions, and addiction. Whitney’s goal as a counselor is to provide a safe and accepting environment to facilitate the achievement of the client’s goals and growth. Whitney primarily works with older adolescents and young adults. To schedule an appointment with Whitney email whitneybeelandcounseling@gmail.com or text or call (706) 395-8561. (Athens Office)

Katie Hayes is a graduate-level intern working towards her master’s degree in Counseling, with training in addiction, from the University of North Georgia. She is anticipated to graduate in May of 2024. Katie graduated with her undergraduate degree from the University of North Georgia in 2019. She worked as a pediatric nurse for fifteen years and followed her passion for helping and healing into the field of therapy. Katie counsels using a strengths-based, person-centered, approach while appreciating each client’s uniqueness. Her goal is to empower and motivate clients to discover their strengths in an environment that feels safe and non-judgmental. She believes that all people have the ability to discover who they are and what potential they have to become their best self. She values the importance of mental wellness and how it relates to all other aspects of our wellbeing. Katie primarily works with adolescents and adults in an individual counseling format. To schedule an appointment with Katie email katie.stresscare@gmail.com or text or call 404-444-8818. (Athens Office)