Approach to Care

Greater Atlanta Family Counseling does not believe in a one size fits all approach to treatment.

We are a firm believer of meeting clients where they are, and we are fully prepared to align with clients - wherever that might be - on their journey towards change or healing.

Initial Contact and Fit Assessment

Before scheduling an appointment, clients will either complete a brief phone consultation or submit a questionnaire via email. This serves as a preliminary assessment to help determine whether we are a good fit for working together.

SCOPE OF PRACTICE

Please note that our practice operates within a generalist, non-intensive outpatient model—similar to the role of a family doctor in medical care. This means we typically provide services at a maximum pace of one to two hours per week. Because of this structure, we are likely not the most appropriate fit for clients who require more specialized or intensive support.

Initial Appointment and Assessment

If the client is determined to be within our scope of practice, we will move forward with scheduling an appointment. On the first session, clients will complete a comprehensive mental health assessment. Following this, personalized treatment recommendations will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Therapeutic Approach

We utilize a variety of evidence-based therapy models to support clients with a wide range of concerns. For more information, please see our Treatment Modalities page for details on the specific therapeutic approaches we may use.

Referral for Higher Levels of Care

When a client’s needs exceed the scope of our outpatient treatment clinic, we are ethically and clinically obligated to refer them to appropriate providers. We are typically not able to accommodate the following conditions:

  • Chronic suicidality

  • Recent and/or severe suicide attempts or ideation

  • Severe eating disorders

  • Severe psychosis

  • Severe addiction

  • Significant or escalating self-harm

Referral Network and Care Coordination

We are connected to a broad network of trusted professionals and treatment centers across Georgia. We are happy to assist clients in identifying and connecting with providers who are better equipped to meet their needs. Care coordination services are also available to support this transition.

Our Values

GAFC believes that it is imperative for healthcare providers to maintain an attitude that balances confidence with humility. We consider it an honor to work with clients and serve our communities. Furthermore, we are passionate about doing our part in challenging the notion that access to quality mental health care is reserved as a luxury for those who can pay hundreds of dollars per session. We are committed to assisting clients in finding ways to move past financial obstacles.

We believe that good ethics is also good for business, and our results speak for themselves; our practice grows each year, including the addition of two new locations in 2023, with clients representing the spectrum of socioeconomic status.

Our Agency’s Values:

  1. People Before Profit

    Create a culture that always prioritizes the health and wellness of our clients and clinicians while maintaining financial health and stability.

  2. Service

    Be a service to our communities. Become integral to the point where we are woven into the fabric of Georgia’s neighborhoods.

  3. Ethics

    “Good ethics is also good for business.” We will practice honesty, professional standards, transparency, fair pricing, and accommodations. All clients are welcome here.

  4. Embrace Education and Research

    Understand and embrace evidence-based practices and emerging research. Work with staff to become highly competent in implementing evidence-based models of therapy that are appropriate for our clinical scope.

  5. Diversity

    Create a culture that helps all clients feel welcome. Regularly participate in diversity training. Build teams that look like the communities we serve.

  6. Responsibility

    Understand and embrace our scope of practice as a non-intensive outpatient therapy clinic. Refer clients that demonstrate a need for a higher level of care to appropriate agencies. Prioritize safety, provide services, and administrate our practice in a responsible and organized fashion.