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Addiction therapists & psychiatrists in Atlanta, GA


Top addiction and substance use disorder therapists and psychiatrists in Atlanta, GA
In Atlanta, Headway helps individuals navigate addiction challenges through personalized talk therapy and medication management with providers trained in relapse prevention, 12-step facilitation, and dual diagnosis treatment. Many patients save 75% on sessions through insurance, with some paying as low as $0 per visit.
I have a passion for working with individuals and couples in the LGBTQ+ community. I enjoy providing individuals with support and guidance as they learn to understand and accept their gender and/or sexual identity. Additionally, I enjoy working with couples as they explore consensual non-monogamy and how to effectively navigate an open relationship.
I believe that therapy is most effective when clients feel genuinely seen, heard, and accepted. While evidence-based practices provide important tools for change, I believe the therapeutic relationship itself is the foundation for growth and healing. My goal is to provide a compassionate, collaborative space where clients can build insight, develop practical skills, and create meaningful change in their lives.
I have been counselling since 2007 and I specialized in working with people with depression, anxiety, trauma, psychosis, mood disorder, relationship.
When someone you love is struggling with mental health or substance use, it can take over your entire life. You may feel anxious, constantly on edge, and unsure what to do next. You might be asking yourself: Am I helping, or making things worse? When do I step in? How do I set limits without pushing them away? If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to figure it out by yourself.
I specialize in working with family members of individuals in crisis. While many providers focus on the person struggling, I focus on you—the parent, partner, or loved one trying to hold everything together. With over 10 years of experience in dual diagnosis treatment and clinical leadership, I help families understand what’s happening, respond more effectively, and create clear, realistic boundaries.
I work with clients ages 13 and up, couples, and families navigating grief, loss, PTSD, men’s issues, trauma, substance use, relationship stress, and seasons where life feels heavier than usual. Some clients come in after a specific loss or painful experience. Others are trying to make sense of anxiety, depression, identity questions, family patterns, or the pressure to keep functioning when things do not feel okay inside.
My background spans addiction recovery, group facilitation, crisis work, and private practice, so I am comfortable sitting with both everyday stress and the harder things people often feel they have to hide. My style is direct, engaged, and real. I use humor when it fits, show up as a full person, and genuinely care about helping you sort through what feels heavy, confusing, or stuck.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC). I have worked in the mental health field for over 17 years. I worked with I have worked with various forms of therapy techniques. I have experience working with clients who have trauma, substance use, bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, ADHD, and other mental health issues. I would love to assist you with your healing journey.
Many people spend years carrying anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, grief, addiction, or overwhelming emotions while continuing to show up for everyone else. On the outside it may seem like you're managing, but inside you feel exhausted, stuck, or unsure how to move forward. You don't have to navigate that alone.
As a Licensed Professional Counselor with more than 15 years of experience, I provide a supportive, compassionate space where you can feel heard, understood, and respected. My work often focuses on helping individuals navigating anxiety, bipolar disorder, addiction recovery, identity concerns, women's issues, and major life transitions. Together, we'll explore what's contributing to your struggles, build on your strengths, and develop practical tools that support healing, resilience, and long-term emotional wellness.
I’m Richshawna Sims, a Licensed Professional Counselor with over 20 years of experience supporting individuals, families, and couples through life’s most challenging moments. My approach is grounded in compassion, practicality, and a deep understanding that meaningful change happens when people feel both supported and empowered.
Throughout my career, I have worked across a wide range of behavioral health settings—from community-based services and managed care to leadership roles within national organizations. This experience allows me to bring a well-rounded, real-world perspective to the counseling process, blending clinical expertise with practical strategies that clients can apply in their daily lives.
In addition to counseling, I have extensive experience in training, program development, and care management, which enhances my ability to support clients with complex needs and connect them to meaningful resources.
As a practice owner, I am committed to providing services that are not only effective but also responsive to the unique needs of each individual and family I serve.
My goal is simple: to help you move forward with clarity, confidence, and the tools you need to create lasting change
Frequently asked questions


Find the right addiction counselor for you
Headway makes it easier to find support for overcoming addiction — from finding the right provider, to understanding costs, to scheduling with ease.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Addiction Therapist in Atlanta
Finding addiction therapists in Atlanta starts with matching the care to the concern you want support with. Addiction care can include support for alcohol use, substance use, behavioral addictions, relapse prevention, recovery maintenance, and co-occurring concerns like anxiety or depression. Look for a therapist whose profile lists experience with addiction, substance use, or alcohol-related concerns, along with approaches such as motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy for substance use, harm reduction, or medication-assisted treatment coordination. Some people may also work with a prescriber as part of their care team.
Atlanta has many therapists across neighborhoods like Midtown, Buckhead, Decatur, and the Old Fourth Ward, so the number of options can make it harder to narrow your search. Consider whether an in-person office fits your commute, parking needs, or MARTA access, or whether virtual appointments give you more scheduling flexibility. It can also help to look for therapists who are accepting new clients, offer appointment times that fit your calendar, and describe a non-judgmental approach to recovery. Reading bios before booking can show how a therapist talks about addiction care, whether they mention harm reduction, and what you can expect from sessions.
Therapy in Atlanta can be a significant investment without insurance. Using in-network insurance is one of the most reliable ways to reduce session costs and make ongoing care easier to plan for. Headway helps you search for addiction therapists who accept a wide range of insurance plans, see estimated out-of-pocket costs before booking, and choose from therapists offering in-person or virtual appointments. You can browse profiles, compare availability, and book directly when you’re ready.
If you or someone you know is experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms — especially from alcohol or benzodiazepines — talk to a medical provider or seek emergency care before starting outpatient therapy. If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction or substance use and is in a crisis, immediately reach out to:
* 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — call or text 988 * SAMHSA National Helpline — 1-800-662-HELP (4357), free, confidential, 24/7 * Crisis Text Line — text HOME to 741741
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