Who I Work With
Children & Parents
Even young children can carry big feelings and big behaviors — and the parents raising them often need support just as much as their kids do. I work with families to build the structure and understanding that help children thrive, whether that means time with your child directly, guidance for you as a parent, or both.
College Students & Young Professionals
Being in a college town means I see a lot of what this stage actually looks like — ADHD that finally can't be outrun by structure alone, homesickness, identity questions, the pressure to have life figured out. That pressure doesn't end at graduation — advanced degrees, early careers, and the transition into full adulthood often mean the stakes go up right as the built-in support disappears.
Adolescents and Teens
Middle and high school bring real pressure — identity, family conflict, school stress, first experiences with anxiety or depression. I offer a space that's theirs, not an extension of home or school.
Adults, Couples
& Families
Support for anxiety, depression, grief, relationship conflict, and the everyday and extraordinary things that bring people to counseling.
My Approach
Genuine, not performed.
I show up as a real person in the room, not a blank slate — because that honesty is part of what makes the space safe.
No judgment, no agenda.
You don't have to manage my reaction to what you share. I'm here to accept where you are, not steer you toward where I think you should be.
I'm trying to understand your world, not diagnose it.
My goal is to see things the way you see them — not to interpret you from the outside.
About Chaz Ripley
I'm a Licensed Associate Professional Counselor providing services to adolescents, college students, young professionals, and adults in Athens, GA. My approach is person-centered at its core — I trust that you already have real capacity for growth, and my role is to help create the conditions for that to show up, drawing on narrative therapy, ACT, IFS, CBT, existential work, and logotherapy along the way.
Ready to Work With a Counselor in Athens, GA?
Ready to Start? Reaching out is often the hardest part - and you've already found your way here. Send a message, and we'll set up a time to talk through what you're looking for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you accept insurance?
I don't bill insurance directly, and that's intentional — insurance companies can limit session length, number of visits, or even what we're allowed to work on together, based on a diagnosis rather than what you actually need. Working outside that system lets treatment be shaped entirely around you.
That said, I recognize this is a real financial consideration, and I don't want cost to be the reason someone doesn't get support. If my rate doesn't work for your budget, I'm happy to talk through a fee that does. I can also provide a superbill you can submit to your insurance for possible out-of-network reimbursement, if your plan offers it.
What are your rates?
Sessions are $150 for 50 minutes. If cost is a barrier, reach out — I offer a limited number of reduced-rate spots and I'm happy to talk through what could work.
Do you offer telehealth?
Yes — I offer both telehealth and in-person sessions, so you can choose whichever fits you better (or switch between them as needed).
How long and frequent are the sessions?
Standard sessions are 50 minutes long. Most clients start with weekly sessions to build momentum and establish a relationship, though we can adjust frequency as you progress and your needs change.
How do I get started
Reach out through the contact form, by phone at 706.521.4356, or by email at Chaz@Ripleycounseling.com, and we'll set up a first session. That first meeting is mostly about getting to know each other and figuring out if it feels like a good fit — there's no pressure to commit beyond that.
What can I expect in a first session?
I like to get right into what's actually going on for you, rather than spending the whole first session on intake questions. So expect the first session to feel like a bit of a brain dump — whatever's most present for you is where we start. I'll gather the background and context I need along the way, but from day one, we're already working toward what you actually came in for.