A dirt path in a dense forest with trees on both sides and exposed roots along the trail.
A woman with sunglasses on her head smiling and hugging a black and tan puppy with a pink harness outdoors on a sunny day.
Stylized orange owl illustration.

Hi! I’m Dr. Emily Garai, an Atlanta-based therapist providing in-person and telehealth counseling sessions.

I value all people as unique, dynamic individuals, and I seek to help people identify their strengths and value their weaknesses. This translates into treatment that is both compassionate and change-oriented. My Therapeutic Approach to treatment will teach you tangible, specific skills backed by science that you can use to transform your life.  

In terms of the actual process, I begin by conducting a thorough assessment of the reasons that you are coming to treatment. Then, I work with you to develop an individualized treatment plan that addresses your goals and concerns. We have the freedom and flexibility to create sessions of the frequency and duration that works best for you practically and therapeutically. 

Generally, I provide cognitive-behavioral therapy, integrating many specific interventions such as mindfulness, DBT skills, and exposure. 

Close-up of a owl's wing feathers, showing detailed pattern and colors.
Two women lying on grass, one with striped sweater and glasses, the other with black sweater and white sunglasses, engaging in conversation.
Close-up of a tangled mass of tree roots with some green ivy leaves growing amongst them.

Areas of Expertise

  • Therapy for older children, teens, and adults

  • Trauma-related disorders (PTSD, anxiety, depression)

  • Functional medical conditions

  • LGBTQ+ affirming care

  • WPATH Member (World Professional Association for Transgender Health)

Learn more about my specialties → 

Education & Experience

Wood carvings of two owls inside a hollowed-out tree trunk, outdoors on the ground.

  • I graduated from Wesleyan University with a BA in English. Realizing that my interest in literature stemmed from curiosity and passion about individual's stories, I spent the next two years gaining knowledge and experience in clinical psychology before beginning a Ph.D. program at the University of Vermont.

  • As a graduate student, I completed clinical work with people of all ages and various mental health concerns including ADHD in children and adults, anxiety, depression, behavioral disorders in childhood, and PTSD. My research focused on preventing and treating anxiety and depression in children and refugee populations.

  • I completed my internship at the Medical University of South Carolina and the Ralph H. Johnson VA in Charleston, South Carolina. There, I enhanced my skills working with trauma-survivors at the VA and National Crimes Victims Center.

  • In the years since completing my internship, I have conducted psychological evaluations and provided treatment for children, teens, and adults in the Atlanta area. During that time, I have built upon my skills treating trauma-related conditions and implementing cognitive-behavioral treatments for children and adults with functional somatic symptoms and chronic medical conditions. I have worked in medical settings since 2017, gaining a lot of experience working with caregivers and patients around the impact of complex medical conditions. I also developed expertise working with issues related to emerging sexual and gender identities and providing informed and compassionate care to LGBTQ+ families and parents of LGBTQ+ youth.

  • Currently, I maintain my private practice and am Clinic Lead for the Functional Neurological Disorders Clinic at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. I am ABPP Board Certified in the area of Child & Adolescent Psychology and have extensive experience working with individuals across the lifespan.

  • I enjoy spending time outside with my partner and my two sons, running just about anywhere (but especially in the mountains), doing yoga, playing with my dogs, reading, and drinking coffee in a quiet spot.