A Licensed Master’s Social Worker (LMSW) is a clinician who has completed a Master’s of Social Work degree, taken and passed the ASWB Master’s Exam, and is licensed to practice under supervision in the state of Georgia. A Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) has taken and passed the ASWB Clinical Exam, completed 3 years & 3000 hours of post-master’s clinical experience, and completed 120 hours of direct supervision. LCSWs are licensed to practice independently and can diagnose mental disorders.

Both LMSWs and LCSWs practice from a psychosocial perspective, meaning that they recognize the uniqueness of each individual while understanding and examining the influence of systems that impact the individual.

Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTs) have a master’s or doctoral degree in marriage and family therapy, as well as at least two years of clinical experience. They are licensed to diagnose and treat mental disorders. LMFTs practice psychotherapy within the context of marriage, couples, and family systems.

Licensed Professional Counselors (LPCs) have a Master’s degree in clinical counseling, four years of supervised professional clinical experience, and have taken and passed the LPC exam. They are licensed to practice independently and diagnose. LPCs focus on the treatment of individual psychopathology.

Our front desk staff can help match you with a therapist based on availability, preferences, & style. The first 3-5 weeks of therapy will focus on assessment, which will enable both you and your therapist to determine “goodness of fit”. Our therapists are always happy to refer you to another counselor in the agency, or to an outside counselor, if you find that you are looking for something different.

Family Counseling follows the University of Georgia’s closure guidelines. If UGA is closed, Family Counseling will also be closed.

Business (front desk) staff keep all therapy schedules. Canceling or rescheduling appointments can be done without talking directly with your therapist. However, we require 24-hour notice to avoid a late fee.

Appointments are considered “no-show” if the client is late by 15 minutes or more.

Yes, everything you discuss with your counselor is confidential, with a few exceptions.

First, as mandated reporters, all counselors are required to report any current, ongoing child or elder abuse to DFCS.

Second, the counselor may break confidentiality if there is a concern of imminent danger to yourself or others. Many clients come to therapy due to suicidal thoughts or actions, and that does not mean that your counselor will immediately break confidentiality. Breaking confidentiality is a last resort in cases where counselors determine life-threatening emergency.

Finally, as a group practice, your therapist works at FCS amongst a team of professionals and participates in supervision. Our team consults with one another to ensure the best treatment is being provided. However, all staffings are also protected by confidentiality, so no information about you or your case will be shared outside of the consultation.

Our counselors are unable to provide 24/7 support. Crisis assessment of life-threatening situation, and referral to an emergency receiving facility, will be discussed in session if it becomes necessary during treatment.

In the event of an immediate crisis, please contact 911, 988 or GCAL (800-715-4225).