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The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Atlanta  

Family Life Office

phone: 404-888-7819
fax: 404-888-7832
680 W. Peachtree St. NW
Atlanta, GA 30308

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Professional Marriage and Family Counseling

It may be helpful to seek professional counseling with a qualified therapist who both respects the importance of your marriage vows and has experience and training in marriage therapy. Not all therapists have training and experience in marital therapy.  And not all marriage therapists believe in the importance of supporting a couple's original commitment to their marriage.  But any good therapist will be happy to answer your questions about their training, experience and values before you make an appointment.  If your spouse is unwilling to attend, it might still be helpful to see a therapist individually.

If you have children, they may benefit from individual or family therapy, especially if they have shown marked and sustained changes in their usual behavior or ability to perform at their usual level in school or other settings. 

For couples who are separated or divorced, some therapists or family mediation professionals can help you and your ex-spouse to help your children, provide them a safe and stable environment, and coach you on how to co-parent even if there are many unresolved issues between you. 

Your pastor or clergy are often able to refer you to some local therapists they know and trust.

The Village of St. Joseph Counseling Services is another resource.  The main office is located at Suite 600, One Georgia Center, Atlanta.  Some therapists see clients at various parish locations.  For help in English call 404-733-3527.  For help in Spanish call 404-733-3528.  Confidentiality is respected, and all faiths are welcome.  A sliding fee scale is available.

Helpful Information About Therapy

How Do I Know If I Need Therapy?

There are several ways to determine if you need therapy:

  • If you hear close friends, a teacher, guidance counselor or parish priest encouraging you to consider therapy, it is probably wise to listen to their advice.
  • If you begin to see patterns of behavior that interfere with relationships, work performance or goal achievement, consider a consultation to determine if further therapy is needed.
  • If you are experiencing intense feelings that cause you or others disturbance, it is usually beneficial to check out what is happening with a competent therapist.
  • If you are experiencing a difficult time in your life and feeling that you have reached a plateau and are unable to make a decision, it is a good time to consider therapy.
  • If you know that something in your past or family has caused you great distress and has not been resolved, therapy can be a helpful solution.
  • If you keep on doing the same thing but get the same undesirable results with nothing working out the way you planned, it is time to see a therapist.

Suggested Questions to Ask before Selecting a Therapist

  • What level of education does the therapist have?
  • What kind of licensure does the therapist have?
  • What kind of experience does the therapist have with my specific issue?
  • Is the therapist a male or a female? Does this matter to me?
  • Is language an issue?
  • Is the therapist's approach compatible with my spiritual values and the teachings of the Catholic Church?
  • If the treatment is for a child or a teen, will the therapist include the parents in the process?
  • What provisions are made for emergency situations during the night, weekend and off-hours?
  • How many sessions are typical/expected in this type of case?
  • What is the fee structure? Does the therapist accept insurance reimbursement?
  • Is there a sliding scale to determine fees?

Mental Health Professionals in Georgia can be fully licensed or an associate of a fully licensed therapist. Associate licensees must work in a setting in which they are paid (W-2 form given) and supervised.

Full Licenses:

  • Licensed Psychiatrist (M.D.)
  • Licensed Psychologist (Ph.D.) and Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)
  • Licensed Professional Counselor (L.P.C.)
  • Licensed Clinical Social Worker (L.C.S.W.)
  • Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (L.M.F.T.)

Associate Licenses:

  • Licensed Associate Professional Counselor (L.A.P.C.)
  • Licensed Associate Marriage & Family Therapist (L.A.M.F.T.)
  • Licensed Master Social Worker (L.M.S.W.)

Certified Addiction Counselors (CAC) are not licensed so the consumer/client has no guarantees or protection. CACs are very effective in the field of addiction. Only a licensed therapist (as mentioned above) can deal with issues other than addiction. A licensed therapist may, in conjunction with a CAC, work with the client if he/she is addicted. No direct referral to a CAC should be made by anyone other than a licensed professional.