Supporting DFCS

Greater Atlanta Family Counseling understands many of the challenges facing both DFCS caseworkers and consumers. Our agency is committed to improving the mental health and systemic obstacles for Georgia’s children and families. We have always worked hard to make sure that parties involved with DFCS can feel that they can consistently turn to our agency for support. We feel that we are well equipped to fill vital roles, notably, through therapeutic services, behavioral analysis, adoption support, foster care support, and mediation. Many of our providers are aware of the court ordered aspects of the cases and how to be effective within that framework.

Most of our services can be completed virtually, which may be necessary, particularly for clients who may be prone to frequent changes in homes. We accept most health insurance, including Amerigroup.

Click HERE if you are a DFCS caseworker who would like to refer a client to our agency.

 

children and family services

  • Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is a model of therapy that is ideal for parents or caregivers who are working to reunify with their young children and/or learn to become more effective at their interactions with children.

  • Reunification Therapy: A structured, goal-oriented process that unfolds in phases—beginning with assessment, followed by therapeutic visitation, and progressing toward full family sessions as appropriate. Therapists collaborate closely with DFCS caseworkers, guardians ad litem, attorneys, and other professionals to ensure transparency, safety, and alignment with court-ordered goals.

    Sessions focus on healing disrupted attachments, improving parenting skills, and supporting the child’s emotional safety. Progress is documented regularly and shared with DFCS as needed. Our clinicians maintain a neutral, child-centered stance throughout the process, ensuring that therapy supports the long-term stability and well-being of the entire family system.

  • Family Therapy at Greater Atlanta Family Counseling is designed to support families working toward reunification or improved family functioning. Our therapists use evidence-based approaches to strengthen communication, rebuild trust, and create safe, nurturing relationships between parents and children. Sessions focus on repairing bonds, reducing conflict, and helping caregivers develop the tools needed for long-term stability and healthy family dynamics.

  • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) at Greater Atlanta Family Counseling focuses on helping children develop positive behaviors and essential life skills through structured, evidence-based interventions. While useful for many issues rooted in behavior (for example, oppositional defiance disorder), this approach is especially effective for children with developmental or behavioral challenges, including autism spectrum disorders. Our therapists work closely with families and caregivers to identify specific goals, reinforce healthy behaviors, and create consistent support strategies across home and community settings.

  • Play Therapy: Many of our providers utilize play therapy techniques for younger children.

trauma THERAPY

  • Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
    Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy at Greater Atlanta Family Counseling helps children, adolescents, and their caregivers heal from the impact of traumatic experiences. TF-CBT empowers both youth and caregivers to process difficult experiences, rebuild a sense of safety, and move toward resilience and recovery.

  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
    EMDR Therapy at Greater Atlanta Family Counseling is an evidence-based approach that helps individuals process and heal from traumatic or distressing experiences. This method reduces the emotional intensity of past events and promotes adaptive thinking and emotional regulation. EMDR is effective for children, adolescents, and adults who have experienced trauma, loss, or other overwhelming life events.

  • Trauma Assessments to assist DFCS caseworkers, legal teams, and other professionals in understanding a client’s psychological history and trauma impact. These reports are developed by licensed clinicians through thorough clinical interviews, validated assessments, and behavioral observations. Each report offers clear, trauma-informed insights into how past experiences may influence current behaviors, attachment patterns, and family dynamics—helping guide treatment, reunification, and case planning with compassion and clarity.

adoption and foster care support, mediation

  • Foster Care Support Group for Children and Teens
    Greater Atlanta Family Counseling offers a virtual Foster Care Support Group exclusively for children and teens in foster care. This group provides a safe, supportive space for young participants to share experiences, build coping skills, and connect with peers who understand the unique challenges of foster care. The virtual format ensures continuity and stability, even for clients who may move between placements, while helping participants develop resilience, emotional regulation, and a sense of community throughout their foster care journey.

  • Our clinical director is currently completing the Training for Adoption Competency (TAC) program at Georgia State University, which will further enhance our ability to offer trauma-informed, attachment-focused care tailored to the unique needs of adoptive and foster families.

  • Adoption Mediation Helping birth parents, adoptive families, and agencies navigate complex decisions with clarity and fairness. Our registered mediator facilitates open communication, resolves conflicts, and ensures that all parties’ perspectives are heard, while always prioritizing the best interests of the child. This supportive, structured approach helps reduce stress, prevent misunderstandings, and create collaborative solutions that lead to smoother adoption processes and stronger family relationships.

  • Placement Mediation: Helping caregivers, birth families, and agencies work through challenging decisions collaboratively. Our registered mediator provides a safe, structured environment to resolve conflicts, clarify goals, and facilitate agreements that prioritize the child’s well-being. Examples include resolving disagreements between parents, grandparents or other relatives, agencies, et cetera.