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Brenda Atkinson, LCSW

Experienced mental health professional

Provides online counseling through BetterHelp

At a glance

Brenda is an experienced, licensed Mental Health Professional who specializes in affordable online therapy offered through our partner, BetterHelp.

4.5 stars
Clients are very satisfied with Brenda. View 93 reviews
Speaks English
Offers Telehealth visits
Licensed in Georgia and Virginia

Recent reviews

Brenda is a wonderful therapist!

Reviewed November 2024

I can honestly say this has been the best experience by far. She listens and let's you talk without interruption. Always pleasant and punctual, if I could give 100 stars I would.

Reviewed November 2024

More about Brenda

  • 31 years' experience
  • Female
  • LCSW

I am an experienced Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over twenty years’ experience. Much of my expertise is in working with individuals struggling with mood disorders, depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, relationship issues, parenting concerns, blended families, substance abuse and career challenges. My most prolific area of expertise is assisting individuals who want to grow emotionally and spiritually through all of life transitions such as early adulthood, middle age and later life.

My education was in Psychology and Social Work completed at the University of Louisville with an emphasis on Family Systems Theory. My approach in therapy is sensitive to individual needs and goals as well as structured in cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic theories, mindfulness, humanistic and existential therapies. I believe that the individual and therapist relationship is foundational in that I strive to be genuine and compassionate to offer you the best opportunities for growth and healing.

I admire your strength and courage for reaching out for assistance and hope to be a part of your growth and success!

Specialties

Stress Anxiety Relationship issues Family conflicts Trauma and abuse Depression Addictions LGBT Grief Intimacy-related issues Parenting issues Anger management Self esteem Career difficulties Bipolar disorder Coping with life changes Compassion fatigue Abandonment Aging and geriatric issues Antisocial personality Attachment issues Blended family issues Caregiver issues and stress Co-morbidity Codependency Commitment issues Communication problems Control issues Coping with natural or human-caused disaster Dependent personality Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD) Dissociation Divorce and separation Drug and alcohol addiction Emptiness Family of origin issues Family problems First responder issues Forgiveness Guilt and shame Hospice and end-of-life counseling Impulsivity Infidelity Isolation / loneliness Jealousy Life purpose Midlife crisis Mood disorders Narcissism Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD Panic disorder and panic attacks Paranoia Personality disorders Phobias Post-traumatic stress Prejudice and discrimination Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling) Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Self-harm Self-love Social anxiety and phobia Trichotillomania Women's issues Workplace issues Young adult issues

Treatment Approaches

  • Attachment-Based Therapy
  • Client-Centered Therapy
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
  • Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)
  • Existential Therapy
  • Jungian Therapy
  • Mindfulness Therapy
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Psychodynamic Therapy
  • Solution-Focused Therapy
  • Trauma-Focused Therapy
  • Internal Family Systems

Licenses

Brenda Atkinson's National Provider Identifier (NPI) is 1083070304.

  • LCSW · Georgia · CSW004649 · Expires September 2026
  • LCSW · Virginia · 0904015906 · Expires June 2025

About online counseling

Affordable.
Pay a low flat fee.
Convenient.
Do it at your own time and at your own pace. Communicate whenever you feel it's needed.
Available now.
There is no waiting list and no calls to make. Simply fill out a short questionnaire and send your first message.

Online counseling, also known as teletherapy, is a method of delivering mental health services through digital means such as video conferencing, phone calls, or messaging platforms. It can be an ideal option for individuals who have difficulty accessing traditional therapy due to geographical distance, time constraints, or personal preferences like privacy and comfort. Many people find it easier to open up from the familiarity of their own space.

Teletherapy has been found to be highly effective, with studies showing that it can produce similar outcomes to in-person therapy, particularly for issues like anxiety, depression, and PTSD. The flexibility and accessibility it offers make it a valuable alternative to conventional therapy settings.

Reviews for Brenda Atkinson

All reviews have been submitted by clients after seeing the provider.

Overall rating:

4.5

93 reviews

5
4
3
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1

Clients mention: Great Helpful Helped Recommend Wonderful The best Easy Understanding Amazing Listens

Brenda is a wonderful therapist!

Reviewed November 2024

I can honestly say this has been the best experience by far. She listens and let's you talk without interruption. Always pleasant and punctual, if I could give 100 stars I would.

Reviewed November 2024

Brenda is amazing and I'm so grateful for her

Reviewed November 2024

I love Brenda. I love I’ve been able to have the same therapist for like 2 years and that she responds quickly she’s really really compassionate too

Reviewed November 2024

Brenda is kind, understanding and a wonderful support. I really enjoy talking with her and feel she has a lifetime of experience and the personality to help anyone!

Reviewed September 2024

I really was encouraged by my first meeting with Brenda Atkinson’s . She was a good listener and was able to give me a few view points on issues that I had not thought about. I’m eager to work with her to bring some clarity and little peace to some very stressful situations in my life.

Reviewed July 2024

Responsive.

Reviewed July 2024

Great listening!

Reviewed July 2024

Brenda is an excellent therapist who listens and provides professional solutions to my feelings and helps me grow.

Reviewed July 2024

Brenda is an excellent therapist who made me feel right at home. She is respectful, calming, and gives great guidance. Her gentle guidance led me to some revelations about myself that have truly helped me on my healing journey. I would recommend Brenda to anyone.

Reviewed June 2024

Brenda listens to my concerns and is very open minded. As someone who identifies as a lesbian, being open minded was important to me. Brenda is a sweet southern woman with a mama bear personality. She is non judgemental and I appreciate that I am able to completely unmask and say exactly how I'm feeling. I also appreciate that she knows she can brash with me when I need to hear it, even though I don't think she'd be this way with more sensitive people, she knows that I need a "straight shooter" to get through to me, and I appreciate her being so genuine and transparent in her approach with me specifically. She's always a joy to talk to, and even if I spend the whole session just venting, she listens and supports me and remembers things I've talked about, and I feel seen and understood by her. I talk to everyone I know about Brenda and I couldn't be happier!

Reviewed May 2024

Brenda has been there with me for the past 3+ years. Her experience and expertise has been such a gift to me. I joined BetterHelp when I was drowning in anxiety, unable to function. Brenda helped me learn how to manage my anxiety and build up my tools in my toolbox. Brenda also helped me find a new career that I love and am learning so much about. I cannot thank Brenda enough for her help and support!

Reviewed April 2024

We’ve only had one meeting, but so far, I think she’s done very well relating to me

Reviewed April 2024

Brenda is very kind and understanding. She makes you feel very seen in your experience, whatever that may be. We have only had 2 appointments, but I am feeling hopeful and looking forward to our future sessions together.

Reviewed March 2024

Brenda is very relaxed in her approach which made me instantly comfortable. She is not judge mental at all which helped remove stigma with sharing my story. She seems tk genuinely care about me and seeing my personal growth.

Reviewed February 2024

Brenda is the best therapist I’ve ever had. So grateful for her

Reviewed January 2024

Brenda is a great listener, very empathetic, and it is evident that she loves her job! If you are looking for someone who truly cares, choose Brenda. I could never tell if she was taking notes or not because she was so engaged but she still had great recall about my life even after a few weeks of not meeting.

Reviewed July 2023

Very caring, respectful, and kind. I don't know how she makes telling my junk enjoyable!!

Reviewed July 2021

Better Help is blessed to have Brenda as one of their therapists. Her years of experience, coupled with her listening skills, make her a very effective therapist. Her kind and gentle approach makes her so easy to talk to. She provided me valuable input about my situation which helped me to see things more clearly. I am thankful Brenda was brought across my path, and I highly recommend her.

Reviewed January 2024

Brenda is an empathetic and calming presence. She has shepherded me in understanding things about myself. She strikes the balance of helping you to make discoveries without being heavy handed about it. I trust Brenda, and I would recommend her to anyone.

Reviewed December 2023

I highly recommend Brenda. She is very friendly and a good listener and asks good questions and makes good recommendations.

Reviewed December 2023

She is the best. I love Brenda, I call it having a " Brenda". I suggest it to a lot of people

Reviewed November 2023

Brenda is a strategic and empathetic therapist with the expertise you’re looking for. Thank you Brenda!

Reviewed November 2023

Brenda is immensely empathetic and guides me with a gentle hand to impactful realizations and realities I may be blocking out.

Reviewed August 2023

I really enjoy my talks with Brenda. She is very helpful.

Reviewed August 2023

I haven't been with her long but Brenda is great and has been there for me when needed. Highly recommend!

Reviewed May 2023

I highly recommend Brenda as a therapist. She is a wonderful listener and is so patient.

Reviewed April 2023

Brenda has been such a steady, trustworthy presence in my life. I have gone through major transitions in my life over the last year and my sessions with Brenda have been vitally important during that time.

Reviewed April 2023

Brenda has been such a support when I experienced high anxiety and change in life. She provided a safe space, reassurance, and a listening ear. As a mental health professional, talking to someone like Brenda, who understands the obstacles one faces while working in the mental health field, was helpful to my own work. I highly recommend Brenda's services!

Reviewed March 2023

I like working with Brenda, she is very down to earth and easy to talk to.

Reviewed March 2023

Brenda has been a godsend for me these last several months. I

Reviewed March 2023

Brenda provides a safe and secure space to talk about my concerns. She listens and is empathetic, and I truly feel heard. What has been most helpful is her extensive experience in the mental health field, especially since I am also a mental health professional.

Reviewed March 2023

Brenda is a wonderful therapist who really helped me challenged intrusive thoughts and be mindful to manage my anxiety.

Reviewed February 2023

I had my first session with Brenda. It was terrific and I felt very comfortable opening up to her. Looking forward to our sessions to come. A+

Reviewed January 2023

Brenda is an amazing therapist who truly cares about her patients. She has a great personality and makes you feel heard.

Reviewed January 2023

MS. Brenda is spot on, friendly and knowledgeable

Reviewed December 2022

I've never felt more at home and comfortable than with Brenda. She helps me see the things that I couldn't identify before. Shes personable and very sweet. I love how she always sounds so intrested in the little things. It doesn't feel like I'm talking to a therapist at all. I'm talking to a friend.

Reviewed November 2022

Brenda is the therapist I’ve been waiting for. She is kind, warm and is an excellent listener. I feel like I’m talking to an understanding family member when I speak with her. She never makes me feel rushed in my thought processes or judged. She is like a warm hug. I very much enjoy my sessions with her.

Reviewed November 2022

She’s been amazing!

Reviewed November 2022

She is taking her time to get to know me so she can offer me the best support.

Reviewed November 2022

Great listener, and wonderful advice.

Reviewed September 2022

I highly recommend Brenda! She is an amazing and reliable therapist. I look forward to our sessions.

Reviewed August 2022

Brenda is the best. She is a great listener, thoughtful, intuitive, and insightful. I can’t say enough. I’m so grateful to have Brenda as my therapist.

Reviewed August 2022

Brenda is absolutely phenomenal. 100% recommendation! Very happy in our work together.

Reviewed August 2022

Brenda is great! Very compassionate and empathetic. She is skilled in her approach and very good at therapeutic communication.

Reviewed August 2022

Brenda is a wonderful, kind and understanding therapist. She is so wise and affirming, having her guidance in these last years has helped me learn to love myself more and make it through many challenging transitions in my life.

Reviewed August 2022

Brenda has the best personality! She’s uplifting but not fake. She supports me and laughs with me. She celebrates with me and I feel like she hurts with me. She’s the best!

Reviewed July 2022

She is helpful

Reviewed June 2022

Brenda I think you are absolutely amazing. I have never felt so comfortable with a therapist. I truly believe out of all of the therapists I have seen you were the one that truly could have helped me. However I cannot financially afford to continue with Betterhelp. I am so grateful to have met you.

Reviewed May 2022

In over 15 years and several different therapists, I’ve finally found the best match for me in Brenda. She knows what she’s doing and can say the appropriate words in the most concise manner while maximizing impact. I’ve worked with Brenda now for nearly two years and made incredible progress with her support. I can speak the facts of my life as well as how I’m interpreting and processing them and she enables me to stay focused without pushing me into feeling embarrassed and exhausted. Instead, I feel encouraged, energized and even empowered. Brenda helped me understand the time that makes up my life is valuable and therefore, my decisions are valuable even without perfection. She really keeps me going, even when life is presents seemingly insurmountable challenges.

Reviewed May 2022

Brenda is extremely professional and dedicated. She has a lot of compassion and understanding. Brenda knows how to ask the right questions to really get me thinking. Plus she lets me come to conclusions on my own which really helps in my therapeutic processing. Getting matched with Brenda was a godsend!

Reviewed March 2022

Ms. Brenda is very kind and attentive. She’s made my healing journey a very validating experience.

Reviewed March 2022

I highly recommend Brenda! She definitely helped me get my mind unstuck. She met me where I was at and offered help and encouragement in a very nonjudgemental and hopeful way. She's a great listener, she's encouraging, and she's very compassionate. I always left our conversations feeling built up not deflated!

Reviewed March 2022

I've only met a few times with Brenda so far, but she has is kind and insightful and I have enjoyed my sessions so far and found them to be helpful.

Reviewed January 2022

I am so grateful for Brenda. She is so easy to talk to and has a gift with guiding me where I need to go. Every time I leave a session I feel so much better. Even on days I don’t feel like I have anything to talk about to start with we end up having good and productive sessions. She is the best!

Reviewed January 2022

Brenda is terrific. It's quite obvious that she's a professional. My only complaint is I wish our chat sessions could be longer. This is because preference is chat over video or call. We don't get to cover much in 45 minutes of typing back and forth.

Reviewed January 2022

Brenda is so kind and caring, very easy to talk to. She also has a ton of experience and wisdom, and gets back to you quickly. Very thankful to have found her.

Reviewed January 2022

So far the experience has been great. I’ve been struggling with a lot lately and she really respects how I feel. I can appreciate her not taking over the sessions with her personal opinions or feelings. She allows me to open up, express how I feel, and gives me professional advice. I feel like we are working out great!

Reviewed December 2021

Brenda is amazing! She listens and asks insightful questions and is so validating about some of my experiences. 10/10!

Reviewed December 2021

She is attentive and offered advice based on personal and professional experience.

Reviewed November 2021

Brenda is incredible and has been a blessing in my life!

Reviewed November 2021

I would absolutely recommend Brenda. She is amazing. I love her approach and I always leave feeling more clarity than I started with. I am so excited to continue this journey with her.

Reviewed November 2021

strongly recommend

Reviewed November 2021

I have started my therapy. Mrs. Brenda Atkinson so far is very understanding and she is giving me insight on myself

Reviewed November 2021

Brenda Atkinson is probably the best therapist I've ever had. She really understands me and what I need. Shes always there for me and makes me feel seen and heard and valid. She is exactly what I was looking for. Wonderful therapist.

Reviewed November 2021

Brenda is very considerate and caring and offers great advice.

Reviewed November 2021

So far Brenda has been warm, reassuring and listens well. It has been easy to speak with her.

Reviewed August 2021

Best therapist I’ve EVER had!

Reviewed August 2021

Brenda is awesome.

Reviewed August 2021

Brenda is a caring compassionate soul. She was there for me during one of the darkest moments of my life and helped me make lifestyle changes to cope with my depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms. Because of Brenda I was able to change my perspective on the events of my past that haunted me. Those memories and the people that hurt me no longer have a hold on my life. I found so much joy and freedom out of my despair and I couldn't have gotten through it without her support. I highly recommend her to anyone struggling with depression as I was in the depths of despair when I found her. She is an angel to me, and I know is will continue to be a blessing to others.

Reviewed July 2021

I have found our relationship quite helpful

Reviewed July 2021

Even though we've only had 2 sessions she is definitely the best therapist I've ever had she really makes me really feel heard and the first therapist that's really made me feel valid

Reviewed July 2021

Brenda is very knowledgeable and supportive. I have really enjoyed working with her so far.

Reviewed June 2021

Wonderful counselor!! Very understanding & great listener!!!

Reviewed May 2021

Brenda is very genuine and really takes the time to listen. I find her to be easy to talk to and always feel comforted by her words of support and encouragement.

Reviewed May 2021

Brenda is so kind and capable. Her help made all the difference in my life and mental state when I really needed help.

Reviewed April 2021

Brenda is such a genuine and compassionate soul with a very calming nature. She is a wonderful listener and offers logical and wise solutions to issues that seem so very complicated - until you talk them through with her. She has a way of getting to the root of an issue quickly and helps you discover new ways to look at the things - not to mention some sound advice on how to proceed. She has been enormously helpful in helping navigate through some family "drama" and I look forward to our next session!

Reviewed April 2021

Brenda is awesome! Very compassionate and kind , great listener! Thank you brenda!

Reviewed April 2021

she is very helpful...great listener

Reviewed April 2021

It has been a wonderful experience to work with Brenda. It has been very helpful for healing things that I wasn’t quite sure how to tackle.

Reviewed April 2021

I absolutely love Brenda. She has been so helpful. I would 100% recommend her and BetterHelp!

Reviewed March 2021

Brenda has been a tremendous help to me! She has really helped me take som big steps toward healing and battling my anxiety! I really look forward to our time together each week and am super thankful for her encouragement, help, and expertise!

Reviewed February 2021

I have greatly enjoyed working with Brenda. Very insightful, knowledgeable, and helpful.

Reviewed February 2021

Brenda is a wonderful soul! She is such a joy to talk to and hold a conversation with while also providing really good insight and advice to any situation.

Reviewed February 2021

I have felt very comfortable opening up to her, which is what I have found out is needed to identify the areas that require my attention. She has helped me to discover what is important and the actions that I need to take to find the solutions I desire. I wish I had started counseling way before I began trying to figure out the world on my own!!! Everyone should have someone.

Reviewed January 2021

Brenda is a kind and compassionate listener. I felt heard and respected.

Reviewed January 2021

Ms. Brenda is so helpful and knows exactly how to guide the conversation.

Reviewed December 2020

I have only been working with Brenda a few weeks now but instantly felt a connection. She is warm, encouraging, thought-provoking, and offers great assurances that though the work we are doing is difficult, it is pertinent in my healing process. Being able to connect with her from my home has been wonderful.

Reviewed November 2020

Very helpful and easy to talk to.

Reviewed November 2020

Brenda is very kind and patient. She is reassuring towards the progress I’ve made. I’m saddened to have to switch counselors due to her personal concerns, but I do believe she was a great fit for me. Brenda is very personable and accepting. Best wishes, Brenda :)

Reviewed September 2020

Very honest and very kind. Advocates for healing and not just problem solving but to get to the root of triggers and learned behaviors.

Reviewed September 2020

Brenda is very helpful. She makes me feel listened to and she comforts me. I'm glad she was chosen as my therapist.

Reviewed September 2020

This was our introduction. Brenda is very easy to talk to. We had a good rapport. I look forward to speaking with Brenda again and see the direction and or depths we reach with our next appointment.

Reviewed September 2020

How was your experience with Brenda?

Frequently asked questions

Does Brenda Atkinson offer telehealth visits?

Yes. Brenda Atkinson works with clients by exchanging messages, chatting live, speaking over the phone, or video conferencing based on what works for the client at that particular time.

What language(s) does Brenda Atkinson speak?

Brenda Atkinson speaks English.

How many years of experience does Brenda Atkinson have?

Brenda Atkinson has 31 years of experience.

Where is Brenda Atkinson licensed to practice?

Brenda Atkinson is licensed to practice in Georgia and Virginia.

Does Brenda Atkinson accept clients outside of the United States?

No, Brenda Atkinson does not accept clients outside of the United States.

Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?

Numerous studies support the effectiveness of online platforms in facilitating life changes. For instance, research published by JMIR Publications, conducted by teams from the University of Berkeley, UCSF, and SF General Hospital, found that "users of BetterHelp experienced significantly reduced depression symptom severity after engaging with the platform."

What treatment approaches does Brenda Atkinson offer?

Brenda Atkinson offers clients Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Existential Therapy, Jungian Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy, and Internal Family Systems.

How can I communicate with Brenda Atkinson?

Brenda Atkinson can be engaged in any one of four ways: (1) Exchanging messages, (2) chatting live, (3) speaking over the phone, or (4) video conferencing. You can use different ways at different times as you wish, based on your needs, availability, and convenience.

How do I get started with Brenda Atkinson?

Just tap the CHAT NOW button or tap here: A new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation. Please note: It can take up to a few days to be matched to a therapist.

Mental health conditions are real, common, and treatable.

And recovery is possible.

Messaging
Live Chat
Phone
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When you tap CHAT NOW a new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation. Please note: It can take up to a few days to be matched to a therapist.