Licensed to practice in 2 states and accepts 55 insurances. Specializes in LGBTQ, Life Transitions, Peer Relationships
Stacy Helton
(he/him)
I am Dr. Thomas “Stacy” Helton, a licensed psychotherapist dedicated to serving LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies. My work centers on direct, conversation-driven therapy that helps clients navigate identity, relationships, transitions, and the complex emotional landscapes that come with them. I bring years of clinical experience, a deep understanding of LGBTQ+ lived realities, and a commitment to providing affirming care grounded in compassion, clarity, and psychological insight. At Polari Counseling, my focus is helping clients move toward stability, self-trust, and a stronger sense of who they are.
Get to know me
In our first session together, here's what you can expect
During our initial session, my primary goal will be to ensure you feel comfortable and safe in a confidential environment. This first meeting is all about setting the stage for our work together: we'll explore the goals you've set for yourself and identify your strengths, including those qualities others might recognize in you that you might not be fully aware of. This foundational step is crucial for building a collaborative and effective therapeutic relationship.
The biggest strengths that I bring into our sessions
I approach my work with a deep commitment to non-judgment and openness, creating a space where you can freely discuss anything holding you back from living your best life. My therapeutic approach is a blend of Conversational Therapy, Reality Therapy, Carl Rogers' person-centered counseling, Adlerian Therapy, Conversational Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), allowing me to tailor my methods to meet the diverse needs of my clients. I take Virginia Satir's wisdom to heart: "The most basic human need is the need to understand and be understood. The best way to understand people is to listen to them." This philosophy guides my practice, ensuring I listen with empathy and genuine understanding. By doing so, I strive to offer support that is not only effective but also deeply compassionate.
The clients I'm best positioned to serve
As a dedicated therapist passionate about serving diverse communities, I specialize in providing compassionate care to individuals aged 18 and above, mainly focusing on LGBTQ+ individuals and allies across the state. With a strong foundation in Social Psychology, my PhD with a specific emphasis on understanding and supporting this population. I am committed to creating a safe and affirming space where you can explore, grow, and thrive.
Specialties
Top specialties
LGBTQ
Life Transitions
Peer Relationships
I identify as
Man
White
Serves ages
Adults (18 to 64)
Elders (65 and above)
Licensed in
Georgia
Oregon
Accepts
Aetna
Aetna - ASR Health Benefits
Aetna - Allied Benefits
Aetna - Luminare
Aetna - Medicare
Aetna - Moda
Aetna - WebTPA
Aetna – HealthEZ
All Savers
Ambetter Health
Amerihealth Administrators
Amerihealth NJ Medicare Advantage
Anthem
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Independence Blue Cross
Independence Administrators
Arlo
AvMed
Regence
Blue Cross Blue Shield - Medicare
Regence - Medicare
Independence Personal Choice 65 PPO
Independence Keystone 65 HMO
Cash - $80 per session
Centivo
Cigna
Cigna - HealthEZ
EAP:Cigna
EAP:Evernorth
EAP:UnitedHealthcare/Optum
Evernorth
GTEB
Golden Rule
Harvard Pilgrim/UnitedHealthcare
Humana - Medicare
Humana Dual (Medicare & Medicaid)
Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Northwest
Kaiser Northwest - Medicare
UnitedHealthcare/Optum
Optum
OptumHealth Complex Medical Conditions
Oscar
Oxford
Regence Group Administrators
Surest (formerly Bind)
Tufts Health/Cigna
United Medical Resources
UnitedHealthcare Dual (Medicare & Medicaid)
UnitedHealthcare Life Insurance
UnitedHealthcare Shared Services
UnitedHealthcare StudentResources
UnitedHealthcare/Optum - Medicare
UnitedHealthcare Complete Care (C-SNP)
WellCare of Georgia
Location
Virtual
My treatment methods
Reality Therapy
Reality therapy, developed by Dr. William Glasser, focuses on helping individuals take control of their lives by addressing their current behaviors and choices rather than delving into past experiences. This approach encourages people to identify what they want, assess how their current actions align with their goals, and make practical changes to improve their situation. By emphasizing personal responsibility and active problem-solving, reality therapy empowers individuals to make effective decisions, enhance their relationships, and achieve greater life satisfaction. It benefits those motivated to make positive changes and prefer a straightforward, action-oriented approach.
Person-centered (Rogerian)
Rogerian Person-Centered Therapy, developed by Carl Rogers, is a counseling approach that emphasizes understanding and empathizing with clients. The main benefit of this therapy is that it creates a safe and non-judgmental space where individuals feel valued and heard. Focusing on the client’s perspective and providing unconditional positive regard helps clients build self-esteem and gain insight into their own feelings and behaviors. This supportive environment encourages personal growth and helps clients develop a stronger sense of self and confidence in their ability to handle life’s challenges.
Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a highly effective approach for improving mental health by helping individuals identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. It teaches practical skills to manage stress, anxiety, and depression by breaking down complex problems into manageable parts and developing coping strategies. CBT empowers individuals to challenge unhelpful thoughts, engage in more positive behaviors, and build healthier ways of thinking and reacting to life's challenges. This therapy is structured and goal-oriented, making it a practical option for lasting improvements in mental well-being.
Adlerian
Adlerian therapy, developed by Alfred Adler, offers several benefits for individuals seeking personal growth and improved mental health. It focuses on helping people understand and overcome feelings of inferiority and encourages them to develop a sense of belonging and purpose. Adlerian therapy promotes self-awareness and personal responsibility by exploring one's early life experiences and understanding their influence on current behaviors. This approach fosters positive change by emphasizing goal setting, social interest, and the importance of contributing to the community, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and balanced life.
2 ratings with written reviews
December 10, 2025
Stacy is great in his specialty area and highly recommended.
Verified client, age 35-44
May 28, 2025
Stacy helped me find my way out of a very dark place, and I know how cheesy and generic that sounds and I don't care. He's a great guy and an incredibly helpful therapist whom I would highly recommend.