Macon-Bibb County has approximately 30 clinical psychologists and over 120 therapists and counselors serving a community with significant mental health needs. Bibb County’s poverty rate and associated socioeconomic stressors contribute to above-average demand for mental health services, while the region faces the same therapist shortage affecting much of rural and mid-sized Georgia. The Psychiatric Center on Macon’s campus has provided psychiatric care for over 40 years under the guidance of Dr. Sarah Graff, making it one of the longest-operating practices of its kind in Central Georgia. Mercer University’s psychology program produces graduates who sometimes remain in the area to practice. Atrium Health Navicent provides inpatient psychiatric services and crisis stabilization. Telehealth has expanded access significantly since 2020; practices like LifeStance Health maintain approximately 15 psychologists who serve Macon patients through a mix of in-person and virtual appointments. Therapy costs in Macon generally range from $100 to $140 per session according to TherapyDen data, lower than Atlanta rates. Many practices operate on sliding scales, and Piedmont Counseling Services accepts Medicaid waiver programs and county funding, addressing a critical gap for lower-income residents. Robins AFB military families and Mercer/Wesleyan students add to the demand for therapy services.
Top-Rated Psychologists in Macon, Georgia
The Psychiatric Center
1020 Second St, Macon, GA 31201
tpcmacon.com
Operating in Macon for over 40 years, The Psychiatric Center is led by Psychiatrist Dr. Sarah Graff, MD. The practice provides holistic, patient-centered psychiatric treatment for adults, including medication management and therapy. The staff includes licensed therapists (LMFT Kathryn McGehee), nurse practitioners, and psychiatric residents from the Piedmont program. New patients need a referral from their primary care provider. Teletherapy services are also available for remote sessions.
Piedmont Counseling Services
3565 Wheeler Rd, Macon, GA 31204
pcsgeorgia.com
A CARF International-accredited counseling practice based in Macon, Piedmont Counseling Services (PCS) provides outpatient mental health services with a family-centered philosophy. The practice employs five fully licensed therapists and three with specific addiction treatment credentials. PCS accepts Wellcare, Amerigroup, traditional Medicaid, and county funding for eligible clients, addressing access barriers in Macon’s lower-income communities. Services include individual therapy, family therapy, Intensive Family Intervention (IFI), and outpatient addiction services.
LifeStance Health – Macon
3535 Northside Dr, Suite 400, Macon, GA 31210
lifestance.com/provider/psychologist/ga/macon
LifeStance Health maintains approximately 15 psychologists serving Macon-area patients through offices in the North Macon corridor and telehealth appointments. The practice offers psychological testing, evaluations, and psychotherapy. Dr. Carmen Savelli specializes in ADHD and Specific Learning Disorder diagnosis, while Dr. Matthew Bochner (a former active-duty Navy psychologist) brings experience treating veterans and military families. LifeStance accepts most major insurance plans and offers both in-person and virtual sessions throughout Georgia.
Psychologists in Macon: Common Questions
How much does therapy cost in Macon, GA?
Therapy sessions in Macon generally range from $100 to $140 per session without insurance, lower than the $150 to $200 range common in Atlanta. Many therapists offer sliding scale fees based on income. With insurance, co-pays typically range from $20 to $50 per session. Piedmont Counseling Services accepts Medicaid and county funding for qualifying clients. Contact individual providers for current rates and verify your insurance coverage before scheduling.
Does Macon have crisis mental health services?
Atrium Health Navicent provides inpatient psychiatric services and crisis stabilization through its emergency department. River Edge Behavioral Health, headquartered in Macon, is the region’s designated community service board and operates a 24-hour crisis line and crisis stabilization units. The Georgia Crisis and Access Line (GCAL) at 1-800-715-4225 provides 24/7 access to mental health crisis support and can connect Macon residents with local services.
How long is the wait for a new therapy appointment in Macon?
Wait times for new patients vary widely depending on the provider and your openness to seeing a licensed therapist (LPC, LCSW, LMFT) rather than a psychologist specifically. Psychologists who provide testing and evaluation may have longer waits (2 to 6 weeks). Licensed therapists often have shorter availability. Telehealth options through LifeStance Health and other practices can reduce wait times, as virtual appointments offer more scheduling flexibility than in-office visits only.
Can I find a therapist in Macon who works with military families?
Several Macon therapists have experience serving the Robins AFB military community. Dr. Matthew Bochner at LifeStance Health previously served as an active-duty Navy psychologist. TRICARE covers outpatient mental health services with authorized civilian providers, and many Macon therapists accept TRICARE. Military OneSource also provides free short-term counseling to service members and families. Contact TRICARE for a list of network providers in the Macon area.
Does Mercer University or Wesleyan College offer counseling services to the Macon community?
Mercer University’s Tift College of Education operates counseling programs, but campus counseling centers primarily serve enrolled students. Community members seeking therapy should look to private practices, Piedmont Counseling Services, or LifeStance Health. However, Mercer’s clinical training programs occasionally offer reduced-cost therapy sessions provided by graduate students under licensed supervision. Contact Mercer’s Department of Counselor Education directly to inquire about availability.