DBSA Metro Atlanta

Meetings Schedule

Calendar

Common Questions

General Information Regarding Speaker Series

All speakers will be at our Atlanta (Emory) Location, Health Center Building, 4th Floor, Wesley Woods of Emory University, 1841 Clifton Road, Atlanta unless otherwise noted.

Series takes place on either the 2nd or 4th Thursday of each month, September-April, 7:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted. For directions, click here.

On non-speaker Thursdays, a regular support group will take place at this location. Time permitting, a support group will occur after speaker presentations.

JOIN US FOR OUR 2011-2012 Speaker Series! Please note that we have speakers on the 4th Thursday in September and October and the 2nd Thursday in February, March and April. DBSA Metro Atlanta wishes to thank Vilda Brannen, M.S., NCC, LPC, founder and director of Trillium Springs Counseling, for her support in helping us orchestrate our Speaker Series.  Visit www.TrilliumSprings.com for more information.

September 22, 2011

Speaker: Julie Fortenberry, M.A., LAPC, LAMFT   Julie received her master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy with an emphasis on Sex Therapy from Richmont Graduate University (formerly PSI). She holds a bachelor’s degree from Auburn University in psychology.Julie provides therapy for individuals, couples, and families dealing with bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, sexual trauma, and spirituality. She runs weekly support groups for men and women diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Topic:  Finding Effective Therapy for Bipolar Disorder and Depression

October 27, 2011

Speaker: Judy Keappler, M.A., M.Ed., LAPC Judy received her Master’s degree in Professional Counseling from Richmont Graduate University. Additionally, she holds a Master in Education from Georgia State University, as well as, a Bachelor of Science degree in Early Childhood Education from Berry College. Judy is in practice at Trillium Springs Counseling under the direction of Vilda Brannen, M.S., LPC, in Atlanta, GA. Judy has successfully worked with children, adults and families as a teacher in the public and private school settings, and as a home school professional for numerous years. Judy enjoys her work with young adults, couples, and individuals of many ages. Judy believes that a strong therapeutic relationship with her clients provides a safe environment that allows each person to explore and determine their own goals for change. Her colleagues have noted that Judy displays unconditional acceptance, interest, and insight to her clients. She possesses a passion to help her clients gain hope to in the midst of their despair and suffering to experience real change, rather than solely learning to cope better with their circumstances. Judy believes strongly that transformation is possible for those who choose to pursue and work hard toward that change. Judy has been married to her husband for 25 years and is the mother to a 23 year old son and a 19 year old daughter. In her free time, she enjoys her friends, reading, hiking and travel. Topic: How Mood Disorders Impact Developing Healthy Relationships

November 2011

We will have a regular support group meeting on November 10th. Because of Thanksgiving, there will be no meeting on November 24th.

December 8, 2011

Happy Holidays! Cider, Cookies, Conversation and Cheer 7:00-9:00 PM* Note: 30-minute earlier start time. Also note: This is the last meeting of the year, as we will not meet December 22nd.

January 2012

We will have regular support group meetings on both January 12th and January 26th.

February 9, 2012

Speaker: Michael R. Lyles, M.D. Dr. Lyles is a graduate of the University of Michigan Six Year Premedical Medical Program. He completed his psychiatric residency and APA/NIMH Minority Fellowship at Duke University Medical Center where he was the recipient of the North Carolina Neuropsychiatric Association Resident of the Year Award. He was an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Associate Director of Outpatient Services at The University of Kentucky College of Medicine. He moved to Atlanta in 1986 to enter private practice and has served as the medical director of a partial hospitalization program, outpatient chemical dependency program and inpatient psychiatric units at three different facilities. He has worked in the private sector in a community mental health center, state psychiatric hospital and county, state and federal prisons. He is committed to raising the standard of care in the community by teaching gatekeepers such as clergy and primary care doctors, along with lay groups. He is a consultant to a variety of community organizations ranging from religious organizations to internet sites to professional athletics such as The Atlanta Hawks. He is board certified in Adult Psychiatry by The American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. His major areas of clinical activity are mood disorders, anxiety disorders and ADHD. He has published over 60 publications and videos and serves on the speaking and advisory boards for several pharmaceutical companies. Topic: The New Normal: Psychological Challenges with Bipolar Disorder

March 8, 2012

Speaker: Brian Thomas, M.D. Dr. Thomas is a child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist in private practice in Atlanta. He is also a clinical assistant professor at Emory University School of Medicine. He completed his residency training in adult and then child and adolescent psychiatry at Emory University School of Medicine. He attended medical school at Mercer University School of Medicine. He received his undergraduate degree at the University of Virginia. Dr. Thomas is also DBSA Metro Atlanta's Professional Advisor. Join us for this always informative session, back by popular demand! We'll take the entire time tonight for Q&A from you! Topic: Ask the Doctor

April 12, 2012

Speaker: Bethany B. Davis, M.D. Dr. Bethany Davis is a board certified psychiatrist currently in private practice providing both medication management and psychotherapy for men and women with a wide range of mood disorders, anxiety disorders, and psychotic disorders. Dr. Davis has a special interest in treating women who are planning on getting pregnant, are pregnant, or in the postpartum period. This is a challenging, but very rewarding, area of psychiatry that requires both dedication and patience. Each patient is given a thorough evaluation and educated about her treatment options in a supportive and compassionate environment. In addition to private practice, Dr. Davis has two other part time positions. She works the staff psychiatrist at Southern Polytechnic State University Career and Counseling Center. She also reviews psychiatric cases for Behavioral Medical Interventions. Dr. Bethany Davis graduated magna cum laude as a member of Phi Beta Kappa Honors Society from the University of South Carolina with a B.S. in Marine Science. She went on to earn her MD as a member of Alpha Omega Alpha Honors Society at the Medical University of South Carolina in 1999. Dr. Davis completed her Psychiatry Residency Training at Emory University in Atlanta, GA. She is a Diplomat of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Dr. Davis is published in peer-reviewed medical journals and has been in private practice since 2005. Topic: Depression: An Update on Treatment Options

DBSA Metro Atlanta does not specifically endorse any of our speakers. The views expressed are those of the individual speakers. Speakers and/or topics subject to change.