Bipolar disorder therapists & psychiatrists in Valdosta, GA

Welcome, and thank you for considering me as a partner in your wellness journey! My therapeutic style is warm, gentle, and supportive, while also being direct and accountability focused. I believe meaningful change happens when compassion and honesty work together. In our time together, we will explore what’s getting in the way of your well-being and identify practical, sustainable ways to improve your daily functioning and overall quality of life.

With over a decade of experience in the mental health field, I bring a grounded, steady presence to the therapeutic space. I support clients through life transitions, emotional challenges, and periods of feeling stuck, always meeting you where you are while helping you move toward where you want to be. Therapy with me is collaborative, intentional, and centered on your goals, your values, and your lived experience. Together, we’ll work toward clarity, resilience, and growth at a pace that feels both supportive and empowering.

Finding a therapist who truly gets your life can feel like a long search. One who sees more than a diagnosis, who doesn't need you to explain yourself before you can get to work. If you're part of the LGBTQ+ community, that search often comes with an extra layer: the quiet work of figuring out whether this therapist is actually safe, or whether you'll spend your sessions educating them. With me, you won't have to do that work.

I'm a licensed therapist with more than 22 years of experience in mental health and addiction treatment. I've worked in community mental health centers, psychiatric hospitals, correctional settings, and private practice. I've sat with people in some of the hardest moments of their lives and know how to meet them there without flinching.

My primary focus is LGBTQ+ individuals and couples. That includes navigating identity, coming out at any stage of life, relationship dynamics unique to queer and same-sex partnerships, internalized stigma, minority stress, and everything that comes with living authentically in a world that doesn't always make that easy. I also work with anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD, substance use and dual diagnosis, men's issues, and stress and burnout.

I am a native of Coastal Georgia. He attended St. Leo University, where I obtained my undergraduate degree in Human Resources. I went on to obtain two Master’s degrees: one in Public Administration, from Columbus State University and the other in Clinical Counseling, from South University.

I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who works with adults and teens facing substance use, mental health challenges, trauma, and family reunification. I bring both professional training and lived experience to the work. I’ve worked in residential treatment, community mental health, reentry programs, and private practice, serving people from many different backgrounds. Clients often say I’m easy to talk to, direct, and relatable. My goal is to create a safe, honest space where you feel supported, understood, and empowered to change your life.

Sometimes the hardest part of therapy is showing up before you even know what you want out of it. If you're feeling stuck, frustrated, or like something needs to change but you can't quite name what, that's exactly where we start. I work with teens, adults, and older adults navigating anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, anger, and the kind of life experiences that feel too big to sort out alone. You don't need to come in with clear goals. We'll figure that out together.

Talking about your feelings, thoughts, and experiences with anyone can be challenging, especially with a complete stranger. I strive to provide a safe, comfortable, and judgement free space for you to reflect and navigate through the various seasons of your life.

Whether you have specific goals or simply need a listening ear, I utilize a variety of approaches to assist clients in accomplishing their goals and navigating difficult situations. I use a holistic and collaborative approach, providing encouragement, accountability, and direct feedback to assist clients with their individual needs. Some of my areas of expertise include depression, anxiety, trauma, and interpersonal communication skills.

I hope to use my training and experience to help you overcome obstacles, identify your strengths, manage stress, and learn helpful coping skills to propel you forward. Like many things in life, therapy can be uncomfortable and scary at first, but I'd be honored to walk with you and encourage you along this journey.

Recovery doesn't happen all at once. Whether you're struggling with substance use, anxiety, trauma, or the emotional weight of life's challenges, taking the first step can feel overwhelming. You may be tired of feeling stuck, carrying guilt, or wondering if lasting change is really possible. You don't have to navigate that journey alone. For more than 20 years, I've partnered with individuals experiencing substance use and addiction and anxiety, helping them rebuild confidence, strengthen resilience, and create healthier, more fulfilling lives. I believe meaningful healing begins with feeling understood, supported, and empowered, and my goal is to provide a compassionate space where lasting recovery and personal growth can take root.

Jami Rieffel, LMFT

Founder & Therapist, CoAuthored Therapy

I believe therapy is most powerful when it feels like a story we write together. I bring a collaborative, narrative-based approach to working with individuals, couples, and families. My goal is to create a space where clients feel both supported and empowered to re-author the stories that shape their lives.

I earned my Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from National University, where I focused on systems theory and narrative practice. Over the years, I’ve worked with diverse populations supporting clients through challenges such as relationship transitions, trauma recovery, and identity exploration.

I’m a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), National Certified Counselor (NCC), and Certified Professional Clinical Supervisor (CPCS) with over a decade of experience working with adolescents, adults, couples, and families. I earned my Master’s in Counseling Psychology and have built my career serving individuals navigating trauma, relationship challenges, life transitions, and high-pressure environments.

In addition to providing therapy, I serve as CEO of Success Brand Behavioral Health, where I lead a team of clinicians and continue to provide direct care. I’ve also worked extensively with youth and families involved in foster care and the juvenile justice system and currently teach graduate counseling students as an adjunct professor.

What this means for you: you’re working with a clinician who understands both complex clinical presentations and real-world stress. I’m structured, experienced, and deeply committed to helping clients move from insight to action.