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We are not meant to live our lives in isolation.

Friends having a good time at a party
multigenerational family
All Hands In

Welcome

The foundation of my practice is built on the belief that all individuals possess innate worth, purpose, and talent. I am passionate about helping people create a life worth living through discovering their strengths and living in accordance with their values. It is possible to experience true contentment and joy in life, and find meaning in everyday living.

 

However, we will all inevitably face difficult times in our lives and occasionally need support and assistance to manage stressful, often unexpected, circumstances like unemployment, divorce, a move to a new city, or the death of a friend or family member.  Some need help managing issues like low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, addictions, relationship problems, spiritual conflicts and other situations.  A therapist can help provide encouragement and clarity, and teach you skills to manage feelings of being emotionally overwhelmed.

 

I don't believe in a "one size fits all" approach when it comes to therapy and counseling. We will work collaboratively to create a personalized treatment plan and apply interventions that work for you.  I find that a holistic approach serves clients well and frequently incorporate elements of Family Systems, Existential, Psychodynamic, and Cognitive and Dialectical Behavioral therapies into treatment, as well as Biblical counseling, Positive Psychology and a Trauma-Informed perspective. 

How I Can Help

Relationship Therapy
Improve interpersonal skills.

Strengthen relationships at Agape Familyworks. You will be led through the process of building stronger, healthier connections with others. Whether you're experiencing communication issues or simply want to improve your relationships, our therapy sessions are designed to help you achieve the long-lasting results you desire.


Family Therapy
Create peace in the home.
 

Work through your family’s challenges and improve communication through family counseling services at Agape Familyworks. Learn to navigate through difficult times, resolve conflicts, and strengthen family relationships. Whether you’re dealing with parenting issues, marital problems, or communication breakdowns, Agape Familyworks is here to support you every step of the way.

Lunch and Learn
Psychoeducation Seminar

Utilize the lunch hour to book a 60-minute informative mental health psychoeducation workshop. These seminars are designed to educate staff and leadership of companies, schools, churches, or other organizations, that desire to promote understanding and reduce stigma surrounding mental health issues.  Gain insight into common mental health diagnoses, symptoms, and coping strategies to be used for relationship management and self-care practices. Learn in a supportive group environment how to enhance your understanding of psychological well-being that will result in a supportive inclusive culture.



 

Existential Therapy-Purposeful Living

Discover who you were meant to be.

Learn to overcome your challenges and be empowered to live your life filled with hope, joy, and direction. With individualized counseling and support, you will be able to identify and set goals that align with your values and passions, and create a plan to achieve them.  Whether you're seeking personal growth, navigating life transitions, or looking to find fulfillment, Agape Familyworks is here to show you how to be empowered, so you can live your life with purpose and meaning. 

Group Therapy

Parents of Teens

Psychoeducation and Support Group for parents of adolescents ages 12-17.  

Monitor this page for more information on the next start date.

 coastal lighthouse shining at night harvest moon

 

Through relationship-building skills based on love, trust, respect and understanding, we can find common ground and develop an appreciation for our own and other's values and perspectives.

couple walking on white sand beach crystal clear water

Experiencing personal growth both enlarges our vision and narrows our focus, helping us prioritize what really matters.

sunset on white sand beach with blue water

With psychoeducation,

we gain insight into common mental health issues and diagnoses, coping strategies, and self-care practices.

therapist headshot photo

About

Me

"You can't go back and change the beginning, but you can start where you are and change the ending."

 

This quote from C.S. Lewis represents my belief that it is never too late for self discovery, purposeful living, and becoming our best self, and is reflective of my own life journey.  When my oldest son was diagnosed with Bipolar 1 Disorder, I began to educate myself about this mental illness and became an advocate for him. After completing the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) signature course, Family 2 Family, I became certified to teach the class in order to educate, support, and advocate for others living with mental health issues and their families.

 

 After seven years of serving my community through collaboration with local business organizations, teaching NAMI mental health education classes, and leading NAMI family support groups, I realized my next step was to return to school.  I obtained my Master's degree in Social Work from Florida State University and began my clinical focus at the Children's Advocacy Center and Emerald Coast Behavioral Hospital, where I focused on crisis intervention and trauma-informed practice.

 

I now have my own private therapy practice and am proud to be collaborating with Mirror Counseling in Panama City Beach and Clarity Mental Health in Panama City, providing high-quality, individualized mental health therapy for individuals of all ages, couples, and families, as well as educating members of the community about the truths of mental illness and how they can do their part to show compassion and eliminate the stigma that so many face on a daily basis.   

 

I have been married to my highschool sweetheart for 36 years and we have two adult sons.  In my spare time I enjoy being with family, surfing Pinterest, reading, watching the History Channel, walking on the beach, watching sunrises and sunsets, and making my house a home.

Can
Therapy
Help
Me?

 

Areas of treatment

include the following:​​​​

​​​

  • Depression 

  • Anxiety 

  • Interpersonal Relationships

  • Bipolar disorder

  • Couples Counseling 

  • Family Counseling 

  • Parenting Support 

  • Work and Career issues 

  • Stress and Anger Management 

  • Conflict Resolution 

  • Premarital Counseling 

  • Trauma 

  • Self Discovery

 

Agape Familyworks provides

a safe and supportive environment for healing.

 

A number of benefits are available from participating in therapy. Therapists can provide support, problem-solving skills, and enhanced coping strategies for issues such as depression, anxiety, relationship troubles, unresolved childhood issues, grief, stress management, body image issues and creative blocks.

Many people also find that counselors can be a tremendous asset in managing personal growth, interpersonal relationships, family concerns, marriage issues, and the hassles of daily life. Therapists can provide a fresh perspective on a difficult problem or point you in the direction of a solution. The benefits you obtain from therapy depend on how well you use the process and put into practice what you learn.

Some of the benefits available from therapy include:

  • Attaining a better understanding of yourself, your goals and values

  • Developing skills for improving your relationships

  • Finding resolution to the issues or concerns that led you to seek therapy

  • Learning new ways to cope with stress and anxiety

  • Managing anger, grief, depression, and other emotional pressures

  • Improving communications and listening skills

  • Changing old behavior patterns and developing new ones

  • Discovering new ways to solve problems in your family or marriage

  • Improving your self-esteem and boosting self-confidence

Child Psychology

Counseling

Counseling sessions at Agape Familyworks focus on helping you understand and manage mental health conditions, develop coping mechanisms, improve relationships, gain self awareness, change negative patterns and enhance resilience.  

Couples Therapy

Holistic Care

Experience holistic care at Agape Familyworks, where we integrate traditional therapy with approaches like art therapy and mindfulness practices. We believe in treating the whole person, taking into account your environment and the systems you interact with for lasting wellness. This method provides a sense of empowerment and enables individuals to live more fulfilling and meaningful lives. 

Group Therapy Session

Support Groups

Support groups at Agape Familyworks help you connect with others facing similar struggles. These groups provide a sense of community and understanding as you work towards healing and growth. They are offered on an as needed basis.

What about Insurance?

Have you ever signed in at your doctor’s office and noticed

there are two other people who have the same scheduled appointment time??  With the same doctor??

 

Agape Familyworks does not accept insurance at this time.  

Being a “private pay office” allows me the freedom to offer my clients full 60 minute sessions

with no additional charge for your initial visit. We will develop a private and confidential relationship 

with a personalized treatment plan and flexible service.  You are protected against the potential

for insurance companies to access and share your confidential information.  

Working with insurance companies is time-consuming and often complex, involving paperwork, 

claims processing, and navigating different insurance company policies  The administrative burden,

along with the restrictions imposed on treatment length, number of visits, and modality,

limit my ability to focus on providing the quality care you deserve.

 

Ask questions or request a FREE 10-minute consultation here:

https://georgena-dopyera.clientsecure.me/contact-widget

Book It!

***To book a session at 1220 Jenks Ave, Panama City, FL, 32401, call me directly at 888-77-AGAPE.

 

Individuals:  $120/60-minute session.

     Individual Life Coaching:  6-session package includes six 60-minute therapy sessions AND six 10-minute "check in calls", redeemable for up to six consecutive months after payment is received.

$600 package price for one person. 

12-session package includes twelve 60-minute therapy sessions AND twelve 10-minute "check in calls", redeemable for up to twelve consecutive months after payment is received.

$1200 package price for one person. 

Couples and Families:  $170/60-minute session. 

Payments accepted: Cash, Check, Venmo, Credit Card

BUSINESSES AND COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS:  60-minute LUNCH AND LEARN interactive psychoeducation seminar. This forum is held in a supportive group setting at a location of your choosing (Bay and surrounding counties). The presentation is designed for staff and leadership of companies, churches, schools, clinics, and other organizations that desire to promote understanding of mental health issues and eliminate stigma. Attendees gain insight into common mental health issues and diagnoses, coping strategies, and self-care practices. Time for Q&A is included.

$300 for up to 10 attendees.  Price increases based on travel costs and number of people in attendance. Take home information is included. Bookings must be at least 30 days in advance. Call me directly for more information.

What's New?

Local Resources

Salvation Army- 1824 15th Street, Panama City, FL 32401, 850-769-5259

Main Services:  Disaster response, Emergency payments, Food Pantry, Spiritual support, Youth Development, Clothing, Home goods, Help paying for Housing and Utilities, Navigating the System, one on one Support.

              *Domestic Violence support:   850-763-0706

Catholic Charities- 3128 E 11th St, Panama City, FL 32401, 850-763-0475

Main Services:  Help paying for Housing, Utilities, ​Food, Prescription Assistance.

Bayway- 920 Wilson Ave, Panama City, FL 32401, 850-769-0557
Main services: Bay County public transportation system

Healthy Start (Bay, Franklin, Gulf Counties)- 

2101 Northside Drive, Panama City, FL 32405, 850-215-1320

Main services:  Nutrition Education, Baby suppplies, Health Education, Case Management, Support Network, Nutrition Education

Social Security Disability Benefits Assistance- Call 866-993-8533.  

Web:  https://mindset.care/prequalify?eid=292

Main services:  SSI/SSDI Evaluation, Application Support, Appeals/Denial Representation, Advocacy

Honest Jobs (Background-Friendly Jobs/Resource Center for Justice- Involved People)-  

Email: Contactus@honestjobs.com, Web: https://www.honestjobs.com/about-honest-jobs Main services: Job Placement, Supported Employment, Education, Interview Training, Resume writing

SOAR (SSI/SSDI, Outreach, Access, Recovery)- Call 850-296-6923

Web:  https://soarworks.samhsa.gov/states/florida

Main services:   Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers the SOAR program to increase access to Social Security disability benefits for eligible adults who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness and have a serious mental illness, medical impairment, and/or co-occurring substance use disorder.

More Local Resources at Findhelp.org

Nationwide:

  •  988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline:

    • Call or Text: 988 

    • Chat: 988lifeline.org 

    • Availability: 24/7 

    • What it offers: Support for people in mental health, substance use, or suicide crises. 

    • NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness:                                                                   

    •      HelpLine:

      • Phone: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) 

      • Text: Text "HELPLINE" to 62640 

      • Chat: Go to NAMI.org/help 

      • Hours: Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.–10 p.m., ET 

      • What it offers: Information, resource referrals, and support to people living with a mental health condition, their family members and caregivers, mental health providers, and the public.

      •                                                    

      • Teen & Young Adult HelpLine: 

      • Text: Text Friend to 62640 

      • Chat: Click the chat bubble on the NAMI website 

      • Call: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)

Send me a message
 and I’ll get back to you shortly.

Agape Familyworks would like your consent to send text message communications from +18887724273 to your mobile number listed above, regarding account notifications.


Consent is not a condition of purchase. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. Reply 'STOP' to unsubscribe at any time. Reply 'HELP' for assistance or more information.


We do not share your mobile opt-in information with anyone. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we handle your data.

 

 

 

Privacy Policy

​​

This Privacy Policy applies exclusively to Agape Familyworks

Agape Familyworks- Relationship Therapy

1220 Jenks Ave., Panama City, FL, 32401

888-772-4273

EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS NOTICE This notice went into effect on January 1, 2025

NOTICE OF PRIVACY PRACTICES

**Agape Familyworks respects your privacy. By opting into our SMS messaging service, you agree to the following terms regarding how we handle your data:

Data Collection: We will collect your name, email address, mailing address, and mobile phone number when you sign up for SMS updates. The information will be collected via a web form in our website.

Data Usage: We use your data solely for sending appointment reminders and appointment related information.

Data Security: We protect your data with secure storage measures to prevent unauthorized access.

Data Retention: We retain your information as long as you are subscribed to our SMS service. You may request deletion at any time.

MESSAGE AND DATA RATES MAY APPLY. Your mobile carrier may charge fees for sending or receiving text messages, especially if you do not have an unlimited texting or data plan.

Messages are recurring, and message frequency varies.**
Contact Agape Familyworks at 888-772-4273
or email us at agapefamilyworks@currently.com for HELP or to STOP receiving messages.

Opt-Out: You can opt out of the SMS list at anytime by texting, emailing, or replying STOP or UNSUBSCRIBE to agapefamilyworks@currently.com
or 888-772-4273. After unsubscribing, we will remove your number from our list within 24 hours. You will receive one final text message to confirm you have unsubscribed.

Non-Sharing Clause: We do not share your data with third parties for marketing or promotional purposes. Agape Familyworks will not sell, rent, or share the collected mobile numbers.**

Data Sharing
• Customer data is not shared with 3rd parties for promotional or marketing purposes.
• Mobile opt-in and consent are never shared with anyone for any purpose. Any information sharing that may be mentioned elsewhere in this policy excludes mobile opt-in data.

Messaging Terms and Conditions

• By providing your phone number and agreeing to receive texts, you consent to receive text messages from Agape Familyworks, from 8887724273 regarding customer care. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Message frequency varies. Message & data rates may apply. You can reply STOP to unsubscribe at any time or HELP for assistance. You can also contact us at 8887724273 or agapefamilyworks@currently.com. Mobile opt-in information is never shared with third parties.

THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW HEALTH INFORMATION MAY BE USED AND DISCLOSED AND HOW YOU CAN GET ACCESS TO THIS INFORMATION. PLEASE REVIEW IT CAREFULLY.

I. MY PLEDGE REGARDING HEALTH INFORMATION:
I understand that health information about you and your health care is personal. I am committed to protecting health information about you. I create a record of the care and services you receive from me. I need this record to provide you with quality care and to comply with certain legal requirements. This notice applies to all of the records of your care generated by this mental health care practice. This notice will tell you about the ways in which I may use and disclose health information about you. I also describe your rights to the health information I keep about you, and describe certain obligations I have regarding the use and disclosure of your health information. I am required by law to:

  • Make sure that protected health information (“PHI”) that identifies you is kept private.

  • Give you this notice of my legal duties and privacy practices with respect to health information.

  • Follow the terms of the notice that is currently in effect.

  • I can change the terms of this Notice, and such changes will apply to all information I have about you. The new Notice will be available upon request, in my office, and on my website.

II. HOW I MAY USE AND DISCLOSE HEALTH INFORMATION ABOUT YOU:
The following categories describe different ways that I use and disclose health information. For each category of uses or disclosures I will explain what I mean and try to give some examples. Not every use or disclosure in a category will be listed. However, all of the ways I am permitted to use and disclose information will fall within one of the categories.

For Treatment Payment, or Health Care Operations: Federal privacy rules (regulations) allow health care providers who have direct treatment relationship with the patient/client to use or disclose the patient/client’s personal health information without the patient’s written authorization, to carry out the health care provider’s own treatment, payment or health care operations. I may also disclose your protected health information for the treatment activities of any health care provider. This too can be done without your written authorization. For example, if a clinician were to consult with another licensed health care provider about your condition, we would be permitted to use and disclose your personal health information, which is otherwise confidential, in order to assist the clinician in diagnosis and treatment of your mental health condition.

Disclosures for treatment purposes are not limited to the minimum necessary standard. Because therapists and other health care providers need access to the full record and/or full and complete information in order to provide quality care. The word “treatment” includes, among other things, the coordination and management of health care providers with a third party, consultations between health care providers and referrals of a patient for health care from one health care provider to another.

Lawsuits and Disputes: If you are involved in a lawsuit, I may disclose health information in response to a court or administrative order. I may also disclose health information about your child in response to a subpoena, discovery request, or other lawful process by someone else involved in the dispute, but only if efforts have been made to tell you about the request or to obtain an order protecting the information requested.

III. CERTAIN USES AND DISCLOSURES REQUIRE YOUR AUTHORIZATION:

  1. Psychotherapy Notes. I do keep “psychotherapy notes” as that term is defined in 45 CFR § 164.501, and any use or disclosure of such notes requires your Authorization unless the use or disclosure is:
    a. For my use in treating you.
    b. For my use in training or supervising mental health practitioners to help them improve their skills in group, joint, family, or individual counseling or therapy.
    c. For my use in defending myself in legal proceedings instituted by you.
    d. For use by the Secretary of Health and Human Services to investigate my compliance with HIPAA.
    e. Required by law and the use or disclosure is limited to the requirements of such law.
    f. Required by law for certain health oversight activities pertaining to the originator of the psychotherapy notes.
    g. Required by a coroner who is performing duties authorized by law.
    h. Required to help avert a serious threat to the health and safety of others.

  2. Marketing Purposes. As a psychotherapist, I will not use or disclose your PHI for marketing purposes.

  3. Sale of PHI. As a psychotherapist, I will not sell your PHI in the regular course of my business.

IV. CERTAIN USES AND DISCLOSURES DO NOT REQUIRE YOUR AUTHORIZATION.
Subject to certain limitations in the law, I can use and disclose your PHI without your Authorization for the following reasons:

  1. When disclosure is required by state or federal law, and the use or disclosure complies with and is limited to the relevant requirements of such law.

  2. For public health activities, including reporting suspected child, elder, or dependent adult abuse, or preventing or reducing a serious threat to anyone’s health or safety.

  3. For health oversight activities, including audits and investigations.

  4. For judicial and administrative proceedings, including responding to a court or administrative order, although my preference is to obtain an Authorization from you before doing so.

  5. For law enforcement purposes, including reporting crimes occurring on my premises.

  6. To coroners or medical examiners, when such individuals are performing duties authorized by law.

  7. For research purposes, including studying and comparing the mental health of patients who received one form of therapy versus those who received another form of therapy for the same condition.

  8. Specialized government functions, including, ensuring the proper execution of military missions; protecting the President of the United States; conducting intelligence or counter-intelligence operations; or, helping to ensure the safety of those working within or housed in correctional institutions.

  9. For workers’ compensation purposes. Although my preference is to obtain an Authorization from you, I may provide your PHI in order to comply with workers’ compensation laws.

  10.  Appointment reminders and health related benefits or services. I may use and disclose your PHI to contact you to remind you that you have an appointment with me. I may also use and disclose your PHI to tell you about treatment alternatives, or other health care services or benefits that I offer.

V. CERTAIN USES AND DISCLOSURES REQUIRE YOU TO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO OBJECT.

  1. Disclosures to family, friends, or others. I may provide your PHI to a family member, friend, or other person that you indicate is involved in your care or the payment for your health care, unless you object in whole or in part. The opportunity to consent may be obtained retroactively in emergency situations.

VI. YOU HAVE THE FOLLOWING RIGHTS WITH RESPECT TO YOUR PHI:

  1. The Right to Request Limits on Uses and Disclosures of Your PHI. You have the right to ask me not to use or disclose certain PHI for treatment, payment, or health care operations purposes. I am not required to agree to your request, and I may say “no” if I believe it would affect your health care.

  2. The Right to Request Restrictions for Out-of-Pocket Expenses Paid for In Full. You have the right to request restrictions on disclosures of your PHI to health plans for payment or health care operations purposes if the PHI pertains solely to a health care item or a health care service that you have paid for out-of-pocket in full.

  3. The Right to Choose How I Send PHI to You. You have the right to ask me to contact you in a specific way (for example, home or office phone) or to send mail to a different address, and I will agree to all reasonable requests.

  4. The Right to See and Get Copies of Your PHI. Other than “psychotherapy notes,” you have the right to get an electronic or paper copy of your medical record and other information that I have about you. I will provide you with a copy of your record, or a summary of it, if you agree to receive a summary, within 30 days of receiving your written request, and I may charge a reasonable, cost based fee for doing so.

  5. The Right to Get a List of the Disclosures I Have Made.You have the right to request a list of instances in which I have disclosed your PHI for purposes other than treatment, payment, or health care operations, or for which you provided me with an Authorization. I will respond to your request for an accounting of disclosures within 60 days of receiving your request. The list I will give you will include disclosures made in the last six years unless you request a shorter time. I will provide the list to you at no charge, but if you make more than one request in the same year, I will charge you a reasonable cost based fee for each additional request.

  6. The Right to Correct or Update Your PHI. If you believe that there is a mistake in your PHI, or that a piece of important information is missing from your PHI, you have the right to request that I correct the existing information or add the missing information. I may say “no” to your request, but I will tell you why in writing within 60 days of receiving your request.

  7. The Right to Get a Paper or Electronic Copy of this Notice. You have the right get a paper copy of this Notice, and you have the right to get a copy of this notice by e-mail. And, even if you have agreed to receive this Notice via e-mail, you also have the right to request a paper copy of it.

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