Our staff consists of a team of licensed psychologists, licensed professional counselors, certified rehabilitation counselors, certified school psychologists and highly trained and specialized diagnosticians, each possessing a wide range of specializations and experience. Each of our services is individually tailored to meet your specific needs.

Individual Therapy

Individual therapy is a collaborative effort between you and your counselor. Our goal is to provide an open, supportive, and confidential environment for you to address the issues that are concerning you. Therapy often includes techniques to increase awareness and the capacity for self-observation, change behavior and cognition and develop insight and empathy. Therapy may address specific forms of diagnosable mental illness, or everyday problems in managing or maintaining interpersonal relationships or meeting personal goals.

During the first meeting with a counselor, you will be asked to describe your concerns and what you hope to gain from counseling. The number of sessions that someone meets with a counselor really depends on the issues he or she is addressing, the severity of the issues, and on the coping mechanisms of the individual. Sessions generally last 50 minutes.

To schedule your first appointment, call our office at (404) 474-7021.

Child Therapy

Counseling must be adapted to meet the developmental needs of children. Since children often do not have the ability to articulate thoughts and feelings, counselors use a variety of items such as crayons, paint, clay, puppets, toys and board games. In many cases the counselor may also work with the caretaker of the child, especially if the child is younger than age four.

To schedule an initial consultation, call our office at (404) 474-7021.

Couples Therapy

Therapy assists couples (whether they’re married or not) resolve conflicts and build a more enriched and satisfying relationship. Many couples come to counseling seeking more love and intimacy, better communication, and a more satisfying sexual relationship. Couples therapy helps to create a neutral space to explore charged issues in the relationship with the help of a therapist. Common issues include threats of divorce, communication problems, infidelity or cheating, sexual problems, issues with money, drug and alcohol use, work commitments, lack of emotional intimacy, power struggles, and parenting or family problems. Couples therapy may be as brief as 3 to 5 sessions, or continue for months. Many couples; however, can reach their goals and gain the tools they need for lasting change in as little as 8 to 12 sessions.

Premarital Counseling

Premarital counseling can be helpful for couples considering engagement, for couples who are already engaged, and for newly married couples. Premarital counseling at IPA typically lasts for 8 weekly sessions and addresses problem solving, conflict resolution, personality styles, family planning, effective communication, friends and relatives, finances, careers, home life, health habits, beliefs and values, and sexual intimacy. Counseling can be helpful for couples marrying for the first time, as well as those who have had previous marriages.

Distance Counseling/“Teletherapy”

Distance counseling is in great demand these days considering our hectic schedules. Instead of driving to the office, simply sit back in your favorite chair at home and enjoy the benefits of the 21st century. Also, it’s a viable alternative when time, finances, and travel barriers would otherwise restrict treatment. Distance counseling is especially helpful with stress management, family problems, wellness concerns, anxiety, depression, burnout, goal setting, plans of action, increasing energy and more. Distance counseling services are much like face-to-face counseling with licensed counselors or psychologists with years of experience, but with the assistance of modern technology. Sessions begin with an assessment of the problem including an exploration of your personal history.

To schedule your first appointment, simply call our office at (404) 474-7021.

Biofeedback and Neurofeedback

The effectiveness of biofeedback and neurofeedback has been well documented and offer individuals seeking a drug-free treatment alternative. Biofeedback and neurofeedback hold tremendous potential in performance applications to train the body and mind to work together. They have been successfully applied in the treatment of depression, anxiety, unresolved emotional issues and attention deficit/ hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) to name a few.

During neurofeedback sensors are placed on the scalp and then connected to sensitive electronics and computer software that detect, amplify, and record specific brain activity. During biofeedback, our precise instruments measure physiological activity such as heart function, breathing, muscle activity, and skin temperature. These instruments rapidly and accurately 'feed back' information to the user.

Resulting information is fed back to the client and clinician virtually instantaneously with the conceptual understanding that changes in the feedback signal indicate whether or not the client’s brain activity is within the designated range. Based on this feedback, various principles of learning, and practitioner guidance, changes in brain patterns occur and are associated with positive changes in physical, emotional, and cognitive states.

To schedule an initial consultation, call our office at (404) 474-7021.

Prescription Medication Consultation with Psychiatrist (M.D.)

We presently work closely with a couple of well-respected psychiatrists in the area including one at the Emory Clinic and another psychiatrist in private practice in Buckhead. If medication management becomes necessary, we believe that the exchange of information between one’s therapist and psychiatrist is essential and greatly benefits those requiring prescription medication interventions.

Psychological Testing/ Evaluations

We presently work with individuals and families in the greater Atlanta area. We also work with a number of community mental health agencies, including several CORE/IFI providers, the Georgia Department of Labor (Disability Adjudication Services and Vocational Rehabilitation Services) and the Department of Family and Children’s Services in various roles.

Our Specialty Areas:

Many factors are taken into consideration when determining what type of testing is required. The type of evaluation will determine the time required for the evaluation, as well as the cost. In some cases, testing requires two separate visits to our office. Testing usually begins with a diagnostic interview, when our clinician will attempt to get a detailed personal history, with an emphasis on whatever prompted testing. Depending on the presenting problem(s), you will likely be asked to fill out several questionnaires and when necessary, prior records (report cards, IEP records, previous psychological evaluation, and medical records) may be reviewed.

Once the results are interpreted, you will return to the office to discuss the findings and a written report will be provided with a diagnosis and recommendations, if applicable.

We can usually schedule an appointment within one week, sometimes sooner. For those wishing to use insurance, our office manager can check with your insurance provider to see how much of testing will be covered. If you do not have insurance and wish to self-pay, please inquire about our self-pay options. Generally, 50% is due at the initial appointment and the remaining balance is due when you receive your written report. To schedule your first appointment, called an initial diagnostic interview, call our office at (404) 474-7021.

Psycho-Educational Testing & Test Accommodations

(Pre-K, Elementary, Secondary, College, Graduate School)

Students are often tested to determine whether an individual has a learning disability, emotional-behavioral problem, and/or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), that may be interfering with their success at school. Many students are mistakenly labeled as “lazy” without a full understanding that their problem is likely related to a small area of difficulty. Testing can provide specific information about problem-areas, as well as areas of strength. Once specific problem areas are identified, compensatory strategies can be employed, while capitalizing on strengths. Also, our written evaluation will be useful at school. Teachers can use our information to provide appropriate classroom modifications including how they present material in class, how and where they test their students and what types of homework assignments maximize effective learning.

We can usually schedule an appointment within a week, sometimes sooner if we have availability. For those wishing to use insurance, our office manager can check with your insurance company to see how much of testing will be covered. If you do not have insurance and wish to self-pay, please inquire about self-pay options. 50% is due at the initial appointment and the remaining 50% is due when you receive your written report. To schedule your first appointment, called an initial diagnostic interview, simply call our office at (404) 474-7021.

Learning Performance Clinic

Inattention? Hyperactivity? Trouble Controlling Stress? Mind Going Blank? Trouble Learning? Lacking Motivation?

The Learning Performance Clinic at Intown Psychological Associates provides a comprehensive program for children, adolescents, and young adults who are experiencing academic difficulties within the school setting. We strive to help students reach and perform at their highest potential, by identifying individual strengths and weaknesses. Whatever one’s current level, we will design an individualized program that will allow them to advance at their own pace. With an emphasis on individualized learning, independence and self-reliance, we provide students the tools and techniques that motivate and propel them forward. Following each evaluation, a detailed report of evaluation results, which includes recommendations, is prepared by the evaluation team. Our clinicians can also assist with educational planning.

Our Learning Performance Clinic is staffed by a team of professionals including licensed psychologists, licensed professional counselors, certified school psychologists and highly trained and specialized diagnosticians.

This package may include a Diagnostic Interview, Psycho-educational Testing, In-Depth Review of Academic Records, Written Evaluation, Treatment Planning, Psychiatric Assessment, Nurses Assessment, Stress and Anxiety Reduction, Career Assessment and Counseling (ages 15+), Physical and Nutritional Assessment and Consultation, Neurofeedback and Biofeedback, Family Systems Assessment, Consultation with Care Takers, and Academic Tutoring. We can also assist with educational planning. In some cases, we can facilitate in-home family therapy, crisis intervention services and case management services

The lasting benefits:

We can usually schedule an appointment within a week, sometimes sooner if we have availability. For those wishing to use insurance, our office manager can check with your insurance company to see how much will be covered. If you do not have insurance and wish to self-pay, please inquire about our self-pay options. To schedule an appointment, called an initial diagnostic interview, simply call our office our visit www.intownpsych.com.

Career and Life Coaching

Observe anyone at the top of their game and the results will likely be the same; they've all had valuable guidance and direction. Personal fulfillment and success comes from living the life you were designed to live! If you desire more balance and to live a fulfilled life, you must take action and break the routine! Topics typically discussed may include:

To schedule an appointment, call our office at (404) 474-7021.

Professional Supervision (for Mental Health Professionals)

Dr. Gersh and Dr. Besses both offer individual clinical supervision and consultation to emerging therapists. Intown Psychological Associates is also an approved internship site for Georgia State University’s Professional Counseling and Rehabilitation Counseling programs.