Networking Possibilities In Georgia For Mental Health Professionals

You may remember that I’ve put out calls for each of you to share face-to-face and online networking opportunities for mental health professionals in each of your geographic locations.

My goal is to be able to provide a list of networking opportunities for every state. And, for those of you who live outside of the United States, I’m happy to add your networking opportunities, too!

Kim Openo, in Georgia, was the first reader to send in info.  Her email was so kind that I decided to post the entire thing . . . .

Hi, Tamara

I am a student in mental health counseling with Capella University.  I am a former molecular biology researcher who had a 2nd love of psychology throughout school.  So, when spinal cord injury in early 2006 kept me from doing my research job anymore putting me on federal disability, I chose to go back to school using an online format. Luckily, through surgeries and technology (including medications and implants), my pain is controlled better and my mobility & stamina are better than ever.

I actually think that working at least 30 hours a week will be a definite possibility in the future.  Also, I am about to turn 40, and this is my 2nd major career after being a researcher from age 20 & being in grad school a 2nd time.  I am only one course away from practicum & internship & am now working to get a field site to begin in January.  It is my hope to be finished this time next year and taking the NCE toward licensure and job searching.

I came across your wonderful website & help for those wanting private practice someday through the COUNSGRADS listserv.  You have also helped me with answering a couple of questions, too.  So, giving back is easy when you have given so much of yourself to help counselors all over the country/world!  I hope these sites are what you are looking for.

That all being said, there is a group called the Metro Atlanta Therapists Network and another group that I have not checked out as much called the Georgia Therapists Connection.

Both have been quite helpful in giving me ideas for getting internship sites that I would never have thought of as useful before.  Also, it gives me hope for having a great networking connection when I am attempting licensure and getting jobs in the future.  There are great reasons to be part of networks when one is in a business of helping the problems of others.  We need support ourselves to keep our sanity, yes?

Thank you again for your great supportive site.  Having private practice is what most of us hope for when we are in school – usually because we have seen a private practice therapist for one reason or another in life.  But, there are definite pitfalls that most of us do not know about that your site helps tremendously with.  I just wanted to give back and help you as you have helped so many others, even students.

-Kim Openo
Capella University student
Mental Health Counseling
w/ Certification in Marriage & Family Therapy

Thanks, Kim, for taking time to share your resources and your story with us!  I’m hoping that some of our online community here might have leads that they can, in turn, share with you to help you secure an awesome internship!

[If you would like to connect directly at Kim, you can reach her at KimOpeno@comcast.net.]