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Shelley Akerman, LPC

Experienced mental health professional

Provides online counseling through BetterHelp

At a glance

Shelley 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 Shelley. View 35 reviews
Speaks English
Offers Telehealth visits
Licensed in Georgia

Recent reviews

Meeting with Shelley is my favorite time of the week! Truly I can't thank her enough for all of the help she's given me over the years. She's talked me through so many different life events, helped me work through trauma, and has made herself available for the unexpected troubles that pop up from time to time. She and I can laugh together and I always feel comfortable expressing any emotion to her, happy or sad.

Reviewed November 2024

In the past, I’ve had many counselors. Not every counselor is right for every person. But Shelley is definitely my style. She’s kind, listens really well, but gives practical advice and follows up with the goals that I would like to set. I like her because she is the type of counselor to help you graduate from counseling-she gives you life tools that you can apply in many situations. As well, she’s really timely about messaging back throughout the week and takes her time to really put in thought into her messages. With spending time with her, I’ve already seen lots of growth, and I enjoy the time I get to discuss life with her.

Reviewed December 2020

More about Shelley

  • 10 years' experience
  • Female
  • LPC

I am a professional counselor licensed in Georgia with 10 years of experience working as a therapist in both outpatient and hospital settings. I graduated with my Master's degree from Mercer University in Atlanta, GA in 2013 and have loved helping clients reach their goals ever since. I have worked with clients that range in ages from 4 years old to 92 years old of multiple ethnic and racial backgrounds, cultures, political affiliations , genders and sexuality, and spiritual beliefs dealing with a variety of concerns. I have experience working with clients presenting with issues concerning depression, grief, self-esteem, anxiety, trauma, abuse, relationship conflict, psychosis, self-harm, domestic violence, and addiction.

I am a firm believer in therapy and, having my own therapist, I know having someone to talk to where you feel comfortable, supported, respected, and accepted is so crucial. My counseling style is down-to-earth, laid back, and friendly. We all have our struggles and I am here to walk through it with you. I love working with my clients to come up with practical, creative solutions to the issues that brought them to therapy. I love helping people realize their potential and that they are beyond capable of being their best selves. I can't wait to work together to achieve your goals and become that happier, healthier, best version of yourself!

Specialties

Stress Anxiety Relationship issues Family conflicts Trauma and abuse Depression Addictions LGBT Grief Intimacy-related issues Parenting issues Anger management Self esteem Bipolar disorder Coping with life changes Compassion fatigue ADHD Abandonment Body image Cancer Caregiver issues and stress Chronic pain, illness, and disability Co-morbidity Codependency Commitment issues Communication problems Control issues Divorce and separation Domestic violence Emptiness Family of origin issues Family problems Fertility issues Forgiveness Guilt and shame Impulsivity Isolation / loneliness Jealousy Life purpose Midlife crisis Money and financial issues Mood disorders Multicultural concerns Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD Panic disorder and panic attacks Paranoia Post-traumatic stress Prejudice and discrimination Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Self-harm Self-love Sexual assault and abuse Social anxiety and phobia Women's issues Workplace issues Young adult issues

Treatment Approaches

  • Client-Centered Therapy
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Mindfulness Therapy
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Narrative Therapy
  • Solution-Focused Therapy
  • Trauma-Focused Therapy

Licenses

Shelley Akerman's National Provider Identifier (NPI) is 1104476639.

  • LPC · Georgia · LPC011117 · Expires September 2026

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, sometimes called teletherapy, refers to talk therapy delivered remotely through digital platforms, such as video calls, phone calls, or chat. It can be a great option for people who face barriers to traditional face-to-face therapy, such as those living in remote areas, individuals with mobility issues, or people with busy schedules that make it difficult to attend in-person sessions.

Teletherapy also offers greater convenience and flexibility, allowing clients to access care from the comfort of their homes. Research shows that the treatment outcomes with online counseling are often just as effective as with traditional therapy, providing a viable alternative for individuals seeking mental health support.

Reviews for Shelley Akerman

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

Overall rating:

4.5

35 reviews

5
4
3
2
1

Clients mention: Helped Listens Recommend Amazing Anxiety Great Incredible The best Comfortable Confident

Meeting with Shelley is my favorite time of the week! Truly I can't thank her enough for all of the help she's given me over the years. She's talked me through so many different life events, helped me work through trauma, and has made herself available for the unexpected troubles that pop up from time to time. She and I can laugh together and I always feel comfortable expressing any emotion to her, happy or sad.

Reviewed November 2024

In the past, I’ve had many counselors. Not every counselor is right for every person. But Shelley is definitely my style. She’s kind, listens really well, but gives practical advice and follows up with the goals that I would like to set. I like her because she is the type of counselor to help you graduate from counseling-she gives you life tools that you can apply in many situations. As well, she’s really timely about messaging back throughout the week and takes her time to really put in thought into her messages. With spending time with her, I’ve already seen lots of growth, and I enjoy the time I get to discuss life with her.

Reviewed December 2020

Shelley is such an incredible support for me. I’ve been working with her for a few years now and can truly say that she’s helped me through some of the most difficult times in my life, as well as celebrated some of my biggest successes with me as well! I look forward to my sessions with her weekly and recommend her and BetterHelp to everyone I know.

Reviewed September 2023

It’s been over a year and I still give her 5 stars. It’s great to have someone who’s extremely understanding, is honest enough to point out things I never think about, helps sort through my thoughts, gave me space for when I came out, and never makes me feel like my feelings aren’t valid making her an excellent listener. I could write a book on how she’s transformed my life over the past year because there’s so much I can say.

Reviewed June 2023

I LOVE working with Shelley! I trust her completely and my life has changed for the better since beginning to work with her almost 2 years ago now.

Reviewed February 2023

Shelley is the best! So sweet and helps me so Much. Really gives little tools to help work on problems in a manageable way.

Reviewed November 2022

Switching to Shelley was the best decision ever, she has never judged me, always made me feel comfortable to explain my issues, let out my emotions and even offer insight that I never knew I needed. I feel more confident to make my own decisions because of her help :)

Reviewed November 2022

Shelly is THE BEST!!!

Reviewed August 2022

best therapist slash health professional i have encountered in my life

Reviewed July 2022

Having Shelley as my therapist has been incredible so far, she not only listens to me, but gives me so many gems that I will take with me for the rest of my life. From the moment we first matched up, I knew this would be an incredible experience. She’s already given me so much to digest on & work through with different things I’ve been going through and reminds you to process things on your time or share things when you feel ready to. She doesn’t force anything out of you, is really inclusive and is relatable in a lot of ways. It feels like talking to a friend and I’d highly recommend her!

Reviewed June 2022

Shelley is very attentive and understanding. She has helped me process recent, difficult events in my life and helped me understand my role in those events.

Reviewed June 2022

Shelley’s guidance and kindness was the reason I signed on for a whole entire year with BetterHelp for 2022. She has helped me change my life for the better and having her as a resource and confidant is such a relief! I recommend all of my friends and family to BetterHelp because of my time with her.

Reviewed March 2022

Shelley is the best therapist I have ever had in my life and has changed my life. Better help is great.

Reviewed February 2022

I didn't really know what to expect going into therapy on Betterhelp's platform but Shelley Akerman has made this experience amazing. I got so much out of the first few sessions and I keep seeing improvement. Shelley Akerman is thoughtful, knowledgeable, empathetic, and supportive.

Reviewed January 2022

She listens to me, validates my concerns and helps me see things in a different light as needed. I feel supported, and more stable in my everyday life, as I get more confident in my ability to see through my cognitive distortion.

Reviewed December 2021

Shelley was my therapist last year through a different company. I connected instantly with her and she helped me through the most difficult time of my life. She moved on to BetterHelp and I later joined to have her again as my therapist. Not only does she fully listen, she doesn’t judge but makes me feel as if I can tell her anything. And I do. Big and small things. The connection I have made with her is one of trust and openness. I would recommend her to anyone ready to seek help or become more healthy.

Reviewed November 2021

Shelley has been amazing. She is a great listener and has helped me see the issues I'm facing in a way that I would not have been able to on my own. As a result, I'm very confident I will be able to move forward and improve as a person

Reviewed November 2021

I don't know where to shart. Shelley is absolutely incredible and so kind hearted. She's a very good Christian person and just has so much compassion and guidance. I started out struggling with anxiety and depression and she guided me, giving me the tools, resources as support to help me deal with these things. I really adore Shelley and i encourage you all to choose her as your therapist. Sincerely: Angie

Reviewed November 2021

Shelley is my most trusted confidant, and that's saying a lot! She makes me feel completely comfortable, confident, and even excited to have therapy sessions. I always feel like she goes above and beyond when she's working with me, and I consider myself lucky to have a therapist as compassionate, funny, and down to earth as her. My experience with her has inspired me to recommend BetterHelp to all of my close friends and family who have expressed interest in starting therapy.

Reviewed November 2021

She is fantastic! Best therapist I've ever had in my life. Changing my life.

Reviewed November 2021

Shelley has a wealth of experience that she leans on, on top of her knowledge and wells of compassion. Because of this, she is a delight to speak with, personable, takes the time to actually listen to everything even if it can turn into a rant. And then after all the ranting? She cuts through to the heart of the matter and then teaches the tools and methods of overcoming what was once crippling anxiety and combing through traumas that I didn’t even realize were overarching patterns that were not to my benefit. With her guidance, she teaches me to be gentle with myself, and I think most importantly, how to navigate the highs and lows of life to keep growing while also learning to believe in myself.

Reviewed September 2021

Shelly Akerman is amazing, supporting, and caring. She listens and communicates well. I am only a few sessions in but can already tell my sessions will be very life-changing.

Reviewed August 2021

She's just absolutely wonderful. I've gotten thru so much anxiety and problems I've been struggling with. She truly is a kind and gentle person. Can't brag enough about her. Shelley is fantastic

Reviewed July 2021

Shelly is an incredible therapist! I would highly recommend working with her. She is highly compassionate and always very validating. She’s a great listener. She always helped me to feel better, and to feel seen and heard. She regularly messaged me to check in on how I was doing in between sessions, especially if she knew I was having an extra hard time. She is an experienced and skilled therapist, yet also manages to feel down to earth and relatable. She’s friendly and enthusiastic and I always enjoyed and appreciated our sessions. She is timely both for sessions and how quickly she would reply to my messages. She has really helped me through a difficult year, and I’ve been able to make important life changes due to her support. I am very grateful for Shelley and the effort she puts into being a therapist!

Reviewed July 2021

From the moment I started communicating with Shelley, I knew she was the right fit for me. She has the same mindset as me. She is professional and kind and so helpful to me. I am truly grateful for Shelley and Better Help for making it simple and easy to get the right help that was especially picked for my needs. Thanks for all that you do Shelley! Love ya Girl

Reviewed July 2021

While Shelley is my therapist I really see her as a friend, as well, she manages to help me talk through my issues even if I end up going on a rant about something completely unrelated. It is really nice just having someone to sit down and talk to about my life and the things I am thinking, this allows me to get some perspective on things. I would highly recommend Better Help and Shelley to anyone who wasn't sure if therapy was for them.

Reviewed June 2021

I only just started with Shelley, but already know that this will be an amazing match. I was hesitant to begin therapy, but now have zero concerns after working with her! In fact, this is one of the things that I'm most excited for every day. Her kindness, empathy, humor, and ability to make any topic comfortable are all things that I admire. I'm definitely looking forward to all of the future sessions :)

Reviewed May 2021

Shelly is so easy to talk to and addresses all my concerns and needs therapeutically. It's like talking to a friend really! She's very open minded and has taught me ways to handle my SEVERE anxiety that nothing can put a dent in aside from occasional zannex. She has been so helpful and understanding and I don't feel judged at all like I have with other counselors. She's amazing I couldn't recommend her more. She is funny and sweet and has made a huge difference in my life.

Reviewed May 2021

Shelley Akerman is compassionate, knowledgeable and so wonderful to talk to. She has definitely helped me cope with my anxiety and depression.

Reviewed March 2021

She is a great person in general. Very nice, helpful, thoughtful, and experienced councilor. I felt much better after having her as a councilor. She listens to me and helps me to listen to myself and my thoughts and feelings. I'll continue with Better help because of her.

Reviewed March 2021

Shelley is an extremely sweet and nice person! She is very emphatic and considerate. Listens to your problems and helps to find a way to deal with it that works the best for every individual.

Reviewed March 2021

Shelley is a source of light and motivation in this journey. She truly listens to you , checks in if her analysis rings true to you and works with what you can handle . I completely believe her help and guidance will bring me closer to mental clarity !

Reviewed February 2021

I love her. She listens and makes me feel better.

Reviewed January 2021

Shelley Ackerman Is very compassionate listens,understands, wants better for me and goes beyond Shelley is so wonderful and awesome thank you so much

Reviewed January 2021

Shelley is a wonderful and empathetic counselor. We work really well together so far and I'm very happy with the services I receive from them.

Reviewed November 2020

How was your experience with Shelley?

Frequently asked questions

Does Shelley Akerman offer telehealth visits?

Yes. Shelley Akerman 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 Shelley Akerman speak?

Shelley Akerman speaks English.

How many years of experience does Shelley Akerman have?

Shelley Akerman has 10 years of experience.

Where is Shelley Akerman licensed to practice?

Shelley Akerman is licensed to practice in Georgia.

Does Shelley Akerman accept clients outside of the United States?

Yes, Shelley Akerman accepts 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 Shelley Akerman offer?

Shelley Akerman offers clients Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, and Trauma-Focused Therapy.

How can I communicate with Shelley Akerman?

Shelley Akerman 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 Shelley Akerman?

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.