Mary Lee Palmer

Compassionate clinician blending practical strategies and empathy

LCSW, CSW Georgia

Experience: 41 years in practice
Focus areas: Addictions, Relationship, Family
Approaches: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Client-Centered Therapy
Languages: English

About Mary

Mary Lee Palmer is a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW, CSW) based in Georgia who draws on 41 years of experience to help clients navigate relationship difficulties, mood disorders, and life transitions.

Background and approach

She emphasizes cognitive-behavioral methods alongside client-centered and emotionally-focused approaches, tailoring care to each person's needs while blending mindfulness and psychodynamic perspectives when helpful. Her style is warm and interactive, often incorporating lightness alongside clear, practical strategies.

Palmer's background includes extensive work in psychiatric hospitals and independent practice, with roles leading child and adolescent groups and directing child and adolescent services. That breadth of settings informs her comfort working with a wide range of concerns, from addictions and trauma to anxiety, grief, intimacy-related issues, and chronic health challenges.

She frames therapy as a collaborative process, inviting clients to participate in developing treatment plans that reflect their goals and values. Committed to respectful, sensitive care, she avoids labels and focuses on helping people make meaningful changes.

Clients who are ready to take a step toward improved coping, clearer communication, or restored relationships are encouraged to connect and explore a path forward together.

Therapeutic Approaches and Online Care

Mary Lee Palmer uses cognitive-behavioral techniques to help clients identify unhelpful thoughts and develop practical coping skills for anxiety, depression, and stress-related problems. She also employs client-centered methods that prioritize empathic listening and collaboration, creating space for clients to explore values and personal goals. In addition, emotionally-focused ideas are used when relationship patterns and attachment dynamics are central concerns, helping partners and individuals better understand emotional responses and improve connection.

Choosing the right approach is a collaborative process. The therapist will discuss your goals, preferences, and life context to determine which combination of methods fits best, and she adjusts the plan as therapy progresses so it remains aligned with your needs.

Online formats offer flexibility for those balancing work, family, or health challenges. Video calls allow face-to-face conversation and visual cues, phone sessions provide an accessible option when video is not possible, and live chat or text-based messaging can support brief check-ins and ongoing reflection between sessions. These options make it easier to maintain continuity of care and fit therapy into a busy life.

Frequently asked questions

What concerns does this clinician address?

She works with a wide range of issues including addictions, relationship and family problems, grief, trauma and abuse, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, intimacy-related issues, parenting and sleep difficulties.

What therapeutic approaches are used in sessions?

Sessions draw from several approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Client-Centered Therapy, Emotionally-Focused Therapy, mindfulness techniques, and psychodynamic ideas to match the client's needs.

How much clinical experience does she have?

She brings 41 years of professional experience working in psychiatric hospitals and independent practice, including leadership roles in child and adolescent services.

What credentials and location are listed?

She is licensed as an LCSW and holds a CSW with the designation GA LCSW CSW000534 and practices out of Georgia.

Are sessions available in other languages or to international clients?

She provides services in English and accepts international clients as part of her practice.

Which session formats are offered?

Clients can meet via video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging depending on their preferences and scheduling.

How are costs and subscriptions handled?

Session costs vary with location and therapist availability; services are offered through a subscription model that can be canceled at any time.

What is the process to begin working together?

To get started, select the Start Therapy button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule appointments according to the therapist's availability.

Areas of expertise

Primary focus

AddictionsRelationship issuesFamily conflictsGriefIntimacy-related issues

Also works with

Stress, AnxietyLGBTTrauma and abuseSleeping disordersParenting issuesAnger managementSelf esteemCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderDepression Coping with life changes

Additional focus areas

AbandonmentAging and geriatric issuesBDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureBlended family issuesCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shame ImpulsivityInfidelityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisMood disordersNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCD Panic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPhobiasPolyamory / non-monogamous relationshipsPost-traumatic stressProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)Self-loveSex addictionSexual assault and abuseSexual dysfunctionSexualitySocial anxiety and phobiaTrichotillomaniaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic approaches

Client-Centered TherapyCognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)Mindfulness TherapyPsychodynamic TherapySolution-Focused TherapyTrauma-Focused TherapyInternal Family Systems

Experience

41+ years

Licensed

Georgia

Languages

English