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Online Counseling

Online Counseling

Meet with our Athens-based counselors from anywhere in Georgia, in the comfort of your home. Schedule secure online or telephone counseling sessions here.

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Online Counseling Across Georgia

The Banyan Tree provides HIPAA-compliant online counseling to clients located anywhere in Georgia. Research consistently shows online therapy is as effective as in-person sessions for most concerns including depression, anxiety, trauma, and relationship issues. Many clients find the convenience and privacy of online sessions are exactly what they need to make therapy fit their life.

Sessions take place over secure, end-to-end-encrypted video — not consumer apps like FaceTime, Zoom personal, or Google Meet. The same legal confidentiality protections that apply to in-person therapy in Georgia also apply to your online sessions with our counselors.

When Online Counseling Is a Great Fit

Online sessions work well for clients who:

  • Live in Athens but have a schedule that makes in-person sessions difficult
  • Live elsewhere in Georgia and want access to a specific Banyan Tree therapist
  • Travel often for work and want consistency wherever they are (as long as they’re in Georgia)
  • Have caregiving responsibilities or mobility concerns that make leaving home hard
  • Find it easier to open up in their own space
  • Want to combine online and in-person sessions depending on the week

When We Recommend In-Person

Some types of work benefit from being in the same physical room — psychological testing, certain trauma approaches like EMDR (though we offer it both ways), play therapy with younger children, and any client whose home environment isn’t private enough for honest work. Your therapist will discuss this with you during intake.

How It Works

Connect

Complete our contact form or call us at (706) 850-7041 to speak directly with one of our local intake coordinators. We will help pair you with the right counselor and invite you to our online platform.

After scheduling your appointment, check your email and follow the link provided by your counselor. Our online portal will direct you to review and sign intake paperwork with just a few clicks.

Chat

On the day and time of your appointment, find a comfortable and private space with a good internet connection. Log in to our online portal using the email link we sent. Your counselor will be there waiting for you. If you need any help, our local support staff are available — just call the main number at (706) 850-7041.

Our Approach

Online counseling at The Banyan Tree is the same evidence-based, individualized care our Athens clients receive in person — just delivered via secure video. Your therapist will be Georgia-licensed and trained in your specific area of concern.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about online counseling at The Banyan Tree.

What is online counseling?

Online counseling — also called telehealth or virtual therapy — is licensed therapy delivered via secure video session instead of an in-person office visit. The Banyan Tree provides online counseling to clients throughout Georgia, using HIPAA-compliant video platforms so you can attend sessions from anywhere private with a stable internet connection.

Is online counseling as effective as in-person?

Research consistently shows online therapy is as effective as in-person sessions for most concerns including depression, anxiety, trauma, and relationship issues. The Banyan Tree therapists work with you whether you're across Athens or anywhere in Georgia. Some clients prefer the convenience and privacy; others split between online and in-office sessions.

What do I need for an online counseling session?

You need a device with a camera and microphone (phone, tablet, or computer), a stable internet connection, and a private space where you can speak openly. The Banyan Tree sends you a secure video link before each appointment. We recommend headphones for privacy and a quiet location free from interruptions.

Can I do online counseling from outside Georgia?

Our therapists are licensed in Georgia, so by law our online counseling clients must be physically located in Georgia at the time of session. If you split time between states or travel often, we can discuss what's possible. If you're not in Georgia, we'll help you find a qualified therapist licensed in your state.

Is online counseling private and secure?

Yes. The Banyan Tree uses HIPAA-compliant, end-to-end-encrypted video platforms — not consumer apps like FaceTime, Zoom personal, or Google Meet. Sessions are not recorded. The same legal confidentiality protections that apply to in-person therapy in Georgia also apply to your online sessions with our Athens-based therapists.

What types of therapy can be done online?

Most counseling work translates well to video — including individual therapy, couples counseling, anxiety and depression treatment, grief work, life transitions, and some trauma approaches. The Banyan Tree therapists in Athens, GA may recommend in-person sessions for certain modalities like EMDR or psychological testing, where the in-room setup matters.

What if my internet connection drops during a session?

It happens occasionally. Your Banyan Tree therapist will have your phone number on file and will call you to continue the session by voice. If the connection is unfixable, we'll reschedule. For ongoing connectivity issues, we can discuss using a phone-only format or switching some sessions to in-person at our Athens office.

Can children and teens do online counseling?

Many teens engage well with online counseling — they're often more comfortable opening up on screen than in an office. Younger children may struggle to focus on video; in those cases your Banyan Tree therapist may recommend in-person sessions or shorter, play-based virtual sessions. We assess fit during your first intake conversation.

Still have questions? We're here to help.

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Why Choose The Banyan Tree Center?

At The Banyan Tree Center, we know it takes courage to seek help. We've created a warm, supportive environment where you can share openly. Our caring professionals are here to guide you toward lasting wellness.

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