Dr. Laura Riss, PsyD

Licensed Psychologist

Specialties: ages 16+, eating disorders, body image, relationships, trauma, grief, anxiety, health concerns, and depression

It takes much strength and courage to seek therapy and bring voice to difficult truths. My goal is to provide a warm and empathetic connection and to understand your experiences. I believe that our early years inform who we are and the narratives that we hold about our strengths as well as areas where we struggle. It is with this lens that I will work with you to understand what you are seeking through therapy and collaborate with you to set goals for the therapeutic process.

I have over 15 years of experience as a Clinical Psychologist. I have worked in a range of treatment settings from medical centers, inpatient, counseling centers, and private practice. I have also provided training and supervision to behavioral health clinicians. I have specializations in the areas of eating disorders (from restrictive patterns to overeating, emotional eating, and binge eating as well as bulimia and body image disturbances) and survivors of abuse and trauma. In addition, I provide psychotherapy for teens and adults dealing with symptoms of depression, anxiety, relationship difficulties, developmental or health concerns particularly related to the college student population, diversity and LGBTQIA+ issues. I am passionate about helping people of all sexual orientations, lifestyles, and self identification. It is our differences and unique perspectives that can bring the greatest healing.

The goal for therapy is to help support the changes that you wish to make and learn to incorporate the strategies and tools needed to have a happy and healthy life. I use evidence-based techniques including mindfulness, as well as incorporate creative and dynamic strategies (like art therapy) to facilitate the healing process. I believe it is an honor to be a part of someone’s healing journey and it would be an honor to join you on yours.

Pronouns: she, her, hers

*PSYPACT authorized. Licensed to provide therapy in 42 states

Therapy Approach

I have training in psychodynamic, interpersonal, CBT and Mindfulness approaches and like to use an integrated style and work collaboratively with each client to come up with the tools that fit what they need. Regardless of approach, the therapeutic relationship is the most important variable in successful therapy. Connection is key! I work to understand the client’s perspective and hold an empathic frame. I think one of the most important experiences for a person is to be heard and validated. From there, we work on the healing process using specific tools, strategies and goals or use a more of a process-oriented style depending on the fit and needs. I also have experience running an art therapy-based group for over 13 years and love to incorporate art based and experiential techniques. I am receiving training in Sensorimotor psychotherapy which is designed to help bring those embodied experiences to awareness as part of the healing process. Words are not always enough so having a range of tools to work with is important.

What would you say to someone who is considering therapy?

Get the support you need and deserve! Interview your therapists to make sure they are a good fit for you. It is important to take care of yourself: self-care is not selfish it is self-preservation. Mental health care is essential.

Education

->University of Georgia Counseling and Psychological Services, Postdoctoral Fellowship
-> Nova Southeastern University, Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) & Masters of Science (M.S.)
-> New York University Master of Arts (M.A.)
-> Purdue University Bachelor of Arts (B.A., Psychology) Magna Cum Laude
-> Certified Mindfulness Informed Clinician

Experience

Our licensed psychologists and dietitians provide online therapy as well as in person appointments for clients in Decatur, Buckhead, Brookhaven, Dunwoody, Morningside, Atlanta, or anywhere in Georgia. We are also licensed to provide therapy to clients in Arizona, Colorado, Delaware, Illinois, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Tennessee, Nevada, Oklahoma, Kentucky, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Utah, and more through PsyPact.

We welcome clients in all bodies, identities, and neurodiversities.

You can schedule a complimentary phone consultation with any of the psychologists or the registered dietitian at the practice.

Dr. Leslie is a thoughtful psychologist that brings compassion to her work. It has always been clear to me that she truly cares about her patients. She is well trained in eating-related concerns and has a wealth of knowledge to support her patients.

We had the pleasure of Rebecca presenting for our school. Not only was it so amazing to work with her on the project, but her information was also impactful and relevant to our community. We appreciate her passion for her work, it shows, and this is why we will continue to partner with her.

“Dr. Leslie’s advice is realistic, gets individuals set up for immediate and long term success and she brings a lot of clarity to what some might find complicated health topics. She has an excellent way of empowering her clients to feel good about taking action now without feeling like they have to be perfect.”

I highly recommend this psychology practice for anyone struggling with an eating disorder. The psychologists show invaluable kindness and expertise. They are compassionate and well invested in their clients. Couldn’t ask for a better experience!

Morgan is a caring and compassionate dietitian who will work with you to meet your self-identified goals. Morgan is supportive and encouraging when it comes to recovery and adapts to meet each client where they are to provide individualized care.

Dr. Laura Riss shows much concern about your issues and does whatever to help you cope with them. She is a wonderful psychologist and I highly recommend her to anyone!

Dr. Elkon is warm and compassionate. She is also a knowledgeable and ethical healthcare provider. She genuinely cares about her patients and partners with you to help bring relief and hope.

Dr. Leslie is an incredibly kind and knowledgeable professional. She is open, empathetic, and helps find and provide the best care for you. She goes above and beyond to make sure you are always supported and I would recommend her always