A new report from the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities reveals that suicide is the second leading cause of death for children ages 10 through 14.  Suicide is also the third leading cause of death for Georgians between the ages of 15–24. In 2023, at least 249 people under the age of 24 died by suicide in Georgia. For “Closer Look’s” series focusing on National Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month, host Rose Scott talked with several guests about the impact of suicide on Georgia’s youth and efforts to raise more emotionally resilient kids, teens, and young adults.

Guests included:

Dr. Chinwé Williams, a nationally recognized licensed therapist and author of the book, "Calm, Courageous, and Connected Kids: A Parent’s Guide to Raising Emotionally Resilient Children

Derrick Matthews, the director of research science for The Trevor Project

Dr. William Procter, the associate director of counseling services at Morehouse College

Marcy Stidum, the assistant vice president of student wellbeing at Kennesaw State University

 

You can reach the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. You can also reach counselors with The Trevor Project by phone at 1866-488-7386 or by texting 678-678.

*** Here are several free or low-cost mental health resources in the Atlanta / Fulton & DeKalb areas. Always call ahead to confirm eligibility, costs, and whether there are waiting lists.

*** Hotlines & Statewide Lines (available in Atlanta):

Georgia Crisis & Access Line (GCAL) — 24/7 crisis, referral, help connecting to local services. Call 1‑800‑715‑4225 

Open Path Collective – Atlanta — For a one‑time membership fee ($65), you can access therapy sessions priced $40‑$70 (or $30 for student/intern sessions). 

NAMI Georgia Helpline — Free support, information, and referrals (non‑crisis). (770) 408‑0625 

Mental Health Hotline (Atlanta, GA) — Free, confidential support 24/7: 866‑903‑3787 

*** Local Clinics & Sliding Scale / Free Options in Atlanta:

Fulton County Adult Behavioral Health Services - Therapy, psychiatric assessment, group counseling, etc. Free or sliding scale for uninsured adults. (For all of Fulton County (including Atlanta)

Grady Behavioral Health Center - Sliding scale fees based on income. - (404) 616‑4444

DeKalb Community Service Board (CSB) - Free or sliding-scale mental health services for low-income / uninsured individuals. - 23 Warren Street SE, Atlanta; (404) 370‑7474

Comprehensive Counseling Solutions - Services on sliding scale, or free for those qualifying. - 2636 MLK Jr Drive SW, Atlanta; (770) 933‑6289

Sage Center – STEP Program - Reduced fees (sliding scale) via supervised counseling interns / residents - Based in Atlanta; apply via their “STEP” process

Samaritan Counseling (Atlanta) - Sliding fee scale based on income & assets - (404) 228‑7777

NAMI Georgia Helpline - Information, peer support, resource referrals (non‑crisis) - (770) 408‑0625  

National Depression Hotline (for Georgia) - Free, confidential help for depression/anxiety - 866‑629‑4564 

*** Tips & Additional Options

- Universities’ training clinics / psychology programs – Many universities (e.g. Emory, Georgia State) have psychology or counseling training clinics where students provide therapy under supervision, often at reduced cost. (These are often listed under “low cost counseling in GA” overviews) 

- Faith-based / community organizations – Some churches or nonprofit groups offer free counseling or support groups. Ask around locally.

- Sliding scale private therapists – Use directories (e.g. Psychology Today, Open Path) and filter by “sliding scale / low cost” to find individual therapists in your ZIP who accept lower fees.

- Use GCAL or NAMI line – These hotlines can often help you find the nearest clinic that fits your income /

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