Hi! I’m Dr. Roberta Ballard. Most people call me Bobbi.

Pronouns: She/her
As a psychologist, one of the most rewarding things I do is to work with creative professionals and artists who are burning themselves out. They often deal with chronic depression and anxiety; in addition, being true to themselves can feel like they’re swimming against the tide — and it can be exhausting.

If this sounds like you, then I can relate, and you are in the right place for help. I’m familiar with the grind of chronic depression and anxiety, and the important role creativity plays in coping with these struggles.

In fact, I don’t know what I’d do without my creative pursuits. At various times, I’ve been a drummer in post-punk bands, cellist, floral designer, painter, knitter, and jewelry maker. I currently make a lot of mixed media art, much of which resembles demented flower gardens.

My doctoral dissertation research studied musical performance anxiety in rock musicians. It was inspired by my own musical performance anxiety, as well as talking to other bands about their experiences with anxiety. If you deal with performance anxiety, I can help you develop skills and practices to do your best with less agony!

Being creative is a part of what keeps me healthy and thriving. I’m currently working on an art project that I’ll publish as a book. This project helped me process some strong feelings I have about my recent forensic work in the criminal legal system. (I’ll link to it when it’s ready.)

My favorite part of my work as a psychologist is connecting with people and helping them suffer less and experience increased creativity, joy and ease.

My office is in Marietta, Georgia, but I am authorized to see therapy clients in online counseling in 30 states.

Therapy with me is both deeply personal and highly actionable.

Feedback I’ve had from therapy clients is that I’m accepting, warm, and perceptive. I have a rich tool box of practical skills to share with clients, so that we alleviate your distress and give you new skills to use outside of session. 

I also pay attention to overarching themes and core patterns that tend to hold people back. In other words, we usually address both current challenges and long-standing issues. This is especially the case if there are lingering issues from growing up in an alcoholic, addicted, or dysfunctional home. Underlying my work with clients is encouraging greater self-acceptance, and supporting foundational health and lifestyle changes. 

Many therapists think it’s not okay to share their personal views, but that’s not me.

I am an LGBTQ+ ally, a feminist, antiracist, and a defender of racial and social justice. Personal work recognizing my own privilege and working through my own latent biases is challenging, lifelong, and humbling. As a therapist, I pay attention to the impact of systemic injustice, and the potential trauma that it inflicts, on my clients. I identify as a straight, cisgender woman. I am a fiercely protective and loving family member to two bi women.

Here are some nitty gritty details about my qualifications:

Credentials for Dr. Roberta Ballard

  • Licensed Clinical Psychologist in Georgia (GA#4181) and North Carolina (NC#6228)
  • Licensed Clinical Psychologist since 2001 (Oregon 2001-2018, Georgia 2018 to present, North Carolina 2022 to present)
  • Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT) granted by the PSYPACT Commission on February 9, 2022. APIT #10527 
  • Ph.D. Clinical Psychology, Kent State University, 1999  

I love working with creative people struggling with anxiety and depression. They tend to be intuitive and striving individuals, who accomplish so much once their energy is restored and channeled in a healthy way. I’m so grateful to have a job guiding people in the direction of health and fulfillment.

Let’s Talk! Schedule a free 15-minute phone call with me.

    Contact me for a free 15-minute phone consultation

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    I return inquiry emails within two business days, Monday through Friday. Inquiries received Friday afternoon are addressed on Monday. Check your junk mail or spam folder if you have not heard from me within that time frame.