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Best Psychologists in Athens, GA (2026)

27 psychologists ranked by RP ScoreUpdated 0 paid placements in this rankingHow we rank →

The short answer

  1. 1

    Best overall in Athens: Gayer Harvey L PhD, RP Score 74/100; 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews.

  2. 17

    Most-reviewed: LifeStance Therapists & Psychiatrists Athens, 217 Google reviews at 4.3★, the most of 27 ranked; ranked #17.

Rankings can't be bought. Psychologists can't pay to change their rank or score. How we rank

27 Athens psychologists are ranked here by RP Score, from eight published factors. 1 open Saturdays and 1 open Sundays, based on posted hours. The median Google rating is 4.3★ across 27 rated practices.

Top 10 psychologists in Athens at a glance

Ranked by the RP Score from public listing data, not by treatment outcomes; Sponsored placements are shown separately and never change rank.

Top 10 psychologists in Athens at a glance
RankBusinessRP ScoreGoogle ratingBased inBest for
1Gayer Harvey L PhD745.0★ (4)AthensOverall
2Dr. Justin Shewell744.0★ (4)Athens—
3Sydney Felker-Ross, PhD733.7★ (3)Athens—
4Swagler Michelle A PHD733.7★ (3)Athens—
5Dr. John F. Grace, PSY.D732.6★ (8)Athens—
6Positive Outcomes Psychological: Harvey Gayer Ph.D and Alfred Hughes Ph.D721.0★ (3)Athens—
7Jessica Clark, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner704.6★ (21)Athens—
8Hopebridge Autism Therapy Center704.3★ (23)Athens—
9Apollo Behavior Center - ABA Therapy for Autism684.4★ (7)Athens—
10Jim Synan, Counselor685.0★ (4)Athens—

The 27 best psychologists in Athens, ranked

Ordered by RP Score, a 0–100 score from eight published factors. Paid placement never changes the order.

Ranked by the RP Score from public listing data, not by treatment outcomes; Sponsored placements are shown separately and never change rank.

  1. Ranked #1 in Athens

    #1 Gayer Harvey L PhD

    Based in Athens

    74/100RP Score

    Ranked #1 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews.

    Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews
    Address
    485 Huntington Road, Athens, GA 30606
    View profile for Gayer Harvey L PhD(706) 546-8440

  2. #2 Dr. Justin Shewell

    Based in Athens

    74/100RP Score

    Ranked #2 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 4.0★ from 4 Google reviews.

    Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.

    • 4.0★ from 4 Google reviews
    Address
    188 S Milledge Ave, Athens, GA 30605
    View profile for Dr. Justin Shewell(706) 425-2809

  3. #3 Sydney Felker-Ross, PhD

    Based in Athens

    73/100RP Score

    Ranked #3 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 3.7★ from 3 Google reviews.

    Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.

    • 3.7★ from 3 Google reviews
    Address
    1150 S Milledge Ave Ste 3, Athens, GA 30605
    View profile for Sydney Felker-Ross, PhD(706) 254-7194

  4. #4 Swagler Michelle A PHD

    Based in Athens

    73/100RP Score

    Ranked #4 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 3.7★ from 3 Google reviews.

    Based on 6 of 8 factors; recency and availability not yet collected.

    • 3.7★ from 3 Google reviews
    Address
    1160 S Milledge Ave, Athens, GA 30605
    View profile for Swagler Michelle A PHD(706) 548-6744

  7. #7 Jessica Clark, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

    Based in Athens

    70/100RP Score

    Ranked #7 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 4.6★ from 21 Google reviews.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 4.6★ from 21 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Tue 7:30 AM–5 PM · Wed 9 AM–5 PM · Thu 7:30 AM–5 PM · Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    745 S Milledge Ave Ste 1A, Athens, GA 30605
    View profile for Jessica Clark, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner(706) 498-9560

  10. #10 Jim Synan, Counselor

    Based in Athens

    68/100RP Score

    Ranked #10 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Tue 7:30 AM–5 PM · Wed 9 AM–5 PM · Thu 7:30 AM–5 PM · Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    745 S Milledge Ave Ste 1A, Athens, GA 30605
    View profile for Jim Synan, Counselor(706) 498-9560

  13. #13 A. Shayne Abelkop, Ph.D., PC

    Based in Athens

    68/100RP Score

    Ranked #13 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 4.3★ from 6 Google reviews.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 4.3★ from 6 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Thu 9 AM–5 PM · Fri 9 AM–12 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    1551 Jennings Mill Rd Ste 2200A, Watkinsville, GA 30677
    View profile for A. Shayne Abelkop, Ph.D., PC(706) 431-3711

  15. #15 Athens Neuropsychology

    Based in Athens

    67/100RP Score

    Ranked #15 because of specialty focus and its Google rating: listed on Google as “Psychologist”, 1.8★ from 5 Google reviews.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 1.8★ from 5 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    1 Huntington Road Ste 802, Athens, GA 30606
    View profile for Athens Neuropsychology(706) 548-0018

  18. #18 Tonya Delaney, Counselor

    Based in Athens

    57/100RP Score

    Ranked #18 because of its Google rating and proximity: 4.9★ from 15 Google reviews, based in Athens.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 4.9★ from 15 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Tue 7:30 AM–5 PM · Wed 9 AM–5 PM · Thu 7:30 AM–5 PM · Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    745 S Milledge Ave Ste 1A, Athens, GA 30605
    View profile for Tonya Delaney, Counselor(706) 498-9560

  19. #19 Cynthia Edins, Counselor

    Based in Athens

    56/100RP Score

    Ranked #19 because of its Google rating and proximity: 5.0★ from 7 Google reviews, based in Athens.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 5.0★ from 7 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Tue 7:30 AM–5 PM · Wed 9 AM–5 PM · Thu 7:30 AM–5 PM · Fri 8 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    745 S Milledge Ave Ste 1A, Athens, GA 30605
    View profile for Cynthia Edins, Counselor(706) 498-9560

  20. #20 Nile Sedgwick Psychotherapy

    Based in Athens

    55/100RP Score

    Ranked #20 because of its Google rating and proximity: 4.7★ from 12 Google reviews, based in Athens.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 4.7★ from 12 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Tue 11 AM–6 PM · Wed 11 AM–7 PM · Thu 11 AM–6 PM · Fri–Sun closed
    Address
    3651 Mars Hill Rd Ste 500B, Watkinsville, GA 30677
    View profile for Nile Sedgwick Psychotherapy(912) 660-6407

  22. #22 Lighthouse Neuropsychology

    Based in Athens

    55/100RP Score

    Ranked #22 because of its Google rating and proximity: 4.7★ from 12 Google reviews, based in Athens.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 4.7★ from 12 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon 9:30 AM–6 PM · Tue closed · Wed 9:30 AM–6 PM · Thu closed · Fri 9:30 AM–6 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    575 Research Dr Ste B, Athens, GA 30605
    View profile for Lighthouse Neuropsychology(706) 850-9339

  24. #24 Stephen Fleming, MD

    Based in Athens

    55/100RP Score

    Ranked #24 because of its Google rating and proximity: 4.3★ from 6 Google reviews, based in Athens.

    Based on 7 of 8 factors; recency not yet collected.

    • 4.3★ from 6 Google reviews
    Hours
    Mon–Fri 9 AM–5 PM · Sat–Sun closed
    Address
    745 S Milledge Ave Ste 1A, Athens, GA 30605
    View profile for Stephen Fleming, MD(706) 498-9560

All 27 psychologists

#1 to #25 are shown in full above. Here are #26 to #27, in RP Score order; each links to its profile.

psychologists in Athens, ranks 26 to 27
RankBusinessRP ScoreGoogle ratingDistance
26Athens Neuropsychology Dr. Matt Butryn543.1★ (7)In Athens
27UGA-Counseling and Psychiatric Services(CAPS)532.2★ (24)In Athens

Also serving Athens

20 more psychologists within 20 mi that we can't rank yet: too few reviews, or a specialty we couldn't confirm. Listed A to Z.

Unranked psychologists serving Athens
BusinessGoogle ratingDistance
Abigail S. Holbrook, MSW, LCSW, LLC4.6★ (10)In Athens
Advantage Behavioral Health3.0★ (100)In Athens
Athens Center for Counseling and Play Therapy4.3★ (6)In Athens
Boss Babe Counseling5.0★ (6)In Athens
Bridge Family Therapy5.0★ (25)In Athens
Bright Awakenings Counseling5.0★ (6)In Athens
Counseling Associates For Well Being4.6★ (9)In Athens
Five Points Psychiatry4.5★ (4)In Athens
Flanigan’s Counseling & Evaluation Services2.5★ (4)In Athens
Hines Steven MD4.7★ (29)In Athens
Lanie Mathis Counseling, LLC4.7★ (14)In Athens
Nancy Westmoreland, Counselor5.0★ (11)In Athens
Project Family4.2★ (29)In Athens
Psychiatric Professionals of Georgia, powered by Geode Health4.7★ (176)In Athens
River Road Counseling and Consulting Services4.7★ (13)In Athens
Scott Snyder PC4.4★ (13)In Athens
Stonegate Counseling5.0★ (7)In Athens
The Banyan Tree Center4.1★ (25)In Athens
The Center For Counseling & Personal Evaluation4.0★ (4)In Athens
The Olive Space Psychiatry LLC4.1★ (32)In Athens

How we ranked Athens psychologists

We scored 27 Athens psychologists on eight factors, weighted as shown. A practice is ranked when its specialty is confirmed and it has 3 or more Google reviews or a claimed profile. A practice with no Google reviews scores zero on rating, review volume and recency. Other unknown factors are left out, not counted as zero. Scores last refreshed November 9, 2026.

Paid placement never changes a rank or score. Sponsored businesses are paid, labelled, limited to 3 and shown above the ranking, outside it.

Read the full method: formula, sources and exclusions

RP Score factors and weights
FactorWeightComputed fromIn Athens data
Reputation25%Google star rating, adjusted for how many reviews back itMeasured
Review volume5%Number of Google reviews, compared with the most-reviewed practice on the listMeasured
Recency5%Share of Google reviews from the last 12 monthsNot yet collected
Availability10%Weekly open hours, Saturday, Sunday, and round-the-clock or same-day availabilityMeasured
Specialty focus25%How clearly the practice does this specialty (its Google category and name)Measured
Proximity15%Based in the city scores highest, less the farther away it isMeasured
Claimed profile10%The practice has claimed its Ranked Psychologists profile (free or paid earn the same)Measured
Partnered5%The practice links to Ranked Psychologists from its own website with our badge, checked periodicallyMeasured

How to choose a psychologist

  1. Check the license with the state or provincial board that issued it; most boards publish a free online lookup.
  2. Make sure they regularly work with clients who have your concern, and ask what approach they use and why.
  3. If you may need testing as well as therapy (for example for ADHD or memory concerns), ask whether the practice does assessments itself.
  4. Ask about fees, insurance and the cancellation policy before the first session. In the US, if you are uninsured or paying yourself, you can ask for a good faith estimate of expected charges.
  5. Check practical fit: in-person or online sessions, evening times, and how soon they have an opening.
  6. After a few sessions, ask yourself whether you feel heard. Changing to a different provider is common and fine.

Questions to ask a psychologist

  • Are you accepting new clients, and how soon could I start?
  • Which license do you hold, and in which state or province?
  • How often do you work with concerns like mine?
  • Do you offer psychological testing, or therapy only?
  • What do you charge per session, and do you take my insurance or provide a superbill?
  • Do you offer online sessions?
  • What is your cancellation policy?
  • What do you keep confidential, and when would you have to share information?

Terms explained

PhD / PsyD
Doctoral degrees in psychology. A PhD usually has a stronger research focus, a PsyD a stronger clinical focus; both can lead to a psychologist license.
Licensed psychologist
A person licensed by a state or provincial psychology board to practice psychology. The title is protected by law.
Psychological associate
In some states and provinces, a master’s-level practitioner licensed or registered by the psychology board, often with supervision requirements.
LPC / LMHC / LCPC
US licenses for professional or mental health counselors (the name differs by state). They provide counseling and therapy.
LCSW
Licensed clinical social worker: a master’s-level social worker licensed to provide therapy.
LMFT
Licensed marriage and family therapist: licensed to treat individuals, couples and families with a focus on relationships.
RP / RCC
Registered psychotherapist (Ontario) and registered clinical counsellor (British Columbia): Canadian titles for licensed therapy providers.
PSYPACT
An interstate agreement that lets psychologists licensed in a member state provide telepsychology to clients in other member states once they hold the required authorization.
Telehealth
Sessions held by secure video or phone instead of in person. The provider generally needs to be licensed where the client is located.
CBT
Cognitive behavioral therapy: a structured talk therapy that works on the links between thoughts, feelings and behavior.
DBT
Dialectical behavior therapy: a form of CBT that teaches skills for managing intense emotions and relationships.
ERP
Exposure and response prevention: a form of CBT used for OCD.

Psychologists in Athens: frequently asked questions

Who is the best psychologist in Athens?

By RP Score, the highest-ranked psychologist in Athens, GA is Gayer Harvey L PhD with an RP Score of 74/100. It has 5.0★ from 4 Google reviews. Dr. Justin Shewell (#2) and Sydney Felker-Ross, PhD (#3) follow. We ranked 27 psychologists on eight factors, last updated November 9, 2026.

How many psychologists are there in Athens?

RankedPsychologists ranks 27 psychologists serving Athens, GA. 27 of them are based in Athens; the rest serve it from nearby towns. Another 20 within 20 mi are listed but not ranked yet. Counts are as of November 2026.

What should I do if I need help right now?

In crisis or thinking about suicide? Call or text 988 (US and Canada), any time. In an emergency, call 911. This site cannot help in an emergency.

Which psychologists in Athens work on weekends?

1 of 27 ranked psychologists post Saturday hours and 1 post Sunday hours. The highest-ranked open Saturdays is Thriveworks Counseling & Psychiatry Athens (#16). Posted hours are office hours; many practices also offer evening or online sessions by appointment.

What Google rating do Athens psychologists have?

The median Google rating among 27 rated psychologists in Athens is 4.3★, with a median of 8 reviews. LifeStance Therapists & Psychiatrists Athens has the most, 217 reviews, and ranks #17. We adjust ratings for review count, so a few five-star reviews cannot top the list.

How does RankedPsychologists rank psychologists?

Each psychologist gets a 0–100 RP Score from eight published factors, led by reputation (25%), specialty focus (25%), proximity (15%) and availability (10%). A practice with no Google reviews scores zero on rating, review volume and recency; other factors we cannot measure are left out. Only practices with a confirmed specialty and 3 or more reviews, or a claimed profile, are ranked.

Do psychologists outside Athens count in this ranking?

Yes, if they are within 20 mi of the Athens city center, our service radius for psychologists. Each listing shows where the practice is based and how far away it is. Proximity is 15% of the RP Score, so a nearby practice gets a small edge.

Can psychologists pay to rank higher on RankedPsychologists?

No. The RP Score never reads payment status, and this ranking has 0 paid placements. Up to 3 Featured practices may appear above the list, labelled Sponsored and showing their honest rank.

How are psychologists in Athens ranked?

Each practice gets an RP Score from 0 to 100 from 8 published factors, including its Google rating, how clearly it focuses on psychology and how close it is. Sponsored placements are shown separately and never change rank. The score does not measure treatment outcomes.

What is the difference between a psychologist and a therapist?

“Psychologist” is a protected title: only people licensed by a state or provincial psychology board may use it. Most hold a doctorate (PhD or PsyD) and are trained in psychological testing as well as therapy. “Therapist” is a general word: licensed counselors, clinical social workers and marriage and family therapists also provide therapy under their own licenses.

Can I see a psychologist online?

Often, yes. Licensing generally follows where you are during the session, so the provider needs to be licensed or authorized there. In the US, psychologists in PSYPACT member states can offer telepsychology to clients in other member states; counselors and social workers have their own rules. In Canada, ask whether the provider is registered in your province.

What if I need help right now?

Do not wait for a consultation. Call or text 988 (US and Canada) if you are in crisis or thinking about suicide, at any time. In an emergency, call 911.

Update log for Athens

  1. November 2026: RP Scores recalculated for 27 psychologists serving Athens.

More psychologists and Athens pages